Musical Chairs: September 8

AVICII DEBUTS RADIO SHOW

After his year-long hiatus, Swedish DJ/ producer superstar Avicii has launched his own radio show Avicii FM via Facebook.

The episode, last weekend, not only had an hour’s of music but included anecdotes as his visit to Peru where he injected frog poison into his body to attack its toxins.

He’s just released a new EP, with two other EPs to follow to make up a full album.

He’s also been in the studio with Nile Rodgers working on the next Chic album, set to be released in early 2018, around the time Chic tour Australia with Lionel Richie.

PETER HALE LAUNCHES ONLINE STATION

After a break form radio, Perth broadcaster Peter Hale returns with his own online venture, Easy Rolling Radio WA. Its format of easy-listening music, comedy and trivia, is at easyrollingradiowa.com.au.

PAT CARR DEPARTS BMG

Music marketing specialist Pat Carr, who in the mid-1990s was GM of Mushroom Records UK, has left her most recent gig, as SVP of Marketing at BMG.

She joined the company when it bought out Infectious, which was part of Australian label Mushroom’s UK operations under Korda Marshall.

At Mushroom UK, she helped break Garbage, Peter Andre, Ash and Muse.

ANDREW HAJGATO HEADS TO INERTIA

Former Cooking Vinyl Australia Label Manager Andrew Hajgato joins Inertia Group as Label Services Manager in early October.

He was previously at Universal Music Australia as National Account Manager and this year set up his own digital consultant company.

GARY RICHARDS TO HEAD LIVE STYLE

Hard Events founder Gary Richards is announced as North American President of LiveStyle, which used to be known as the EDM empire SFX Entertainment until one time AEG head Randy Phillips and Chuck Ciongoli took it over.

Richards, also a DJ working as DJ Destructo, plans to introduce festivals and cruises to LiveStyle’s offerings.

Its portfolio includes React, Made Event/Electric Zoo, DDP and Beatport.

PAUL DERRICOTT JOINS SIMA BOARD

High profile Sydney jazz drummer Paul Derricott has joined the board of the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA).

Derricott also served as President of Jazzgroove, the longstanding musicians’ collective that had a great impact on Sydney jazz.

NEW AD FOR DARWIN FESTIVAL

Felix Preval is confirmed for the role of Artistic Director of Darwin Festival, working on is 2018—2010 programs.

Previously Festival Producer of the Melbourne Fringe (after stints in festivals in the UK, US and New Zealand), he joined the Darwin event last year as Head of Programming.

After the departure of Andrew Ross in November, Preval stepped into the role of Acting Artistic Director for the 2017 season.

As reported by TMN, the festival was a huge success. It posted a 70% increase on gross box office, 75% up on tickets sales to 36,500 a total draw of 85,000 attendees to free and ticketed shows, and 50% of the 183 ticketed shows sold out.

Chief Executive Officer Emily Mann will continue to lead the organisation.

TOM CALDERONE OUT AS SPOTIFY’S HEAD OF VIDEO

After 18 months at Spotify, its Head of Video Tom Calderone has departed after the Swedish streaming company changed its video strategy.

Under Calderone (who was previously Head of VH1), Spotify commissioned new series and struck deals with ESPN and Vice to stream their contents on its platform.

But recently, it has decided to focus video offerings on its playlists such as Rap Caviar and Rock This.

WARNER NASHVILLE, WARNER CHAPELL GET SYNC HEAD

Acts on Warner Nashville (which includes Australia’s Morgan Evans) and Warner/Chappell could get to see more of their music in film, TV, advertising, video games and new media.

Nashville based publisher Katie Jelen of Secret Road Music Services has been appointed to the newly created role of Creative Manager, Synchronisation.

PHIL GREY IN TASMANIA

Phil Grey is returning from South Australia to Tasmania for a gig at WayFM Launceston, from September 11. He was previously GM at Lime FM Mount Gambier.

GUNSBERG TEAMS WITH WHOOSHKAA

Radio and TV identity Osher Günsberg, an early podcaster, has teamed up with Robert Loewenthal’s podcast platform Whooshkaa.

His four year old The Osher Günsberg Podcast can now be heard on Whooshka.

“They focus on the platform and the network, which allows me to concentrate on making the most engaging show that I can each week,” Günsberg said.

CHANGES AT TRIPLE M MELBOURNE

There are two changes at Triple M Melbourne’s breakfast slot. Mick Molloy is moving from early next month to join Jane Kennedy in the new drive team.

They replace Billy Brownless and James Brayshaw.

After eight years in the breakfast Executive Producer role, Jay Mueller announced he is moving on at the end of the year.

123 AGENCY SETS UP IN SYDNEY

Melbourne-headquartered 123 Agency’s new office in Sydney will be manned by two of its current agents, Josh Lane (who joined from the Mushroom Group in 2005) and Calling All Cars band member Adam Montgomery.

21ST CENTURY FOX EXPANDS PETER RICE’S ROLE

Peter Rice, Chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, since 2012 will also take on additional duties of President of 21st Century Fox.

21st Century Fox Executive Chairman Lachlan Murdoch and CEO James Murdoch commented: “Peter has driven exceptional growth at Fox Networks

Group during a time of real transformational change in the business, expanding our audiences and innovating new distribution models, from which the company, our shareholders and our customers have benefited greatly.

“Peter’s impact on the business is immense and we are incredibly fortunate to have him with us in this expanded role during this exciting next chapter of the company.”

Stacey Snider, Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox Film, will continue to report directly to the two Murdochs.

MASHABLE AUSTRALIA GETS NEW EDITOR

Mashable Australia gets its third editor in 18 months. Shannon Connellan was with Concrete Playground for nearly 3 and a half years, most recently as its Managing Editor.

Her predecessor Jerico Mandyburis currently working as Editorial Director at Girlboss in Los Angeles.

NZ RADIO MOVE

With Tim Fookes relocating to Australia, his morning role at Newstalk ZB will be taken over by Heather du Plessis-Allan, broadcasting from Wellington effective January 22.

GLADSTONE GETS MUSIC GEAR STORE

Gladstone, Queensland, has a new music gear retailer, Willy Ed’s Music Store. It is located on on Toolooa St, at the site of the old Anthony Breed’s music store.

It is run by guitarist and one time soldier Will Rose, who saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan, and occupational therapist wife Renee Rose.

Their long time plan is to set up a recording studio in the store.