Musical Chairs: Wick Studios recruits US artist manager; Laneway co-founder buys chapel; Bek Duke exits Music VIC; New CEO for AMAA

Wick Studios recruits US artist manager to team

New Melbourne entertainment complex Wick Studios hired US artist manager Lynn Robnett(pictured) as Director of Entertainment and Development. She is currently working at Panacea Entertainment in Los Angeles, which manages Paul Shaffer, Todd Rundgren, David Hasselhoff, The Blues Brothers brand and Australian blues wunderkind Shaun Kirk.

Robnett’s role is to develop Australian talent and present them with international publishing, management, and touring opportunities. She’ll continue working in LA on Wick’s behalf until her move to Melbourne.

Based in Brunswick, Wick Studios includes 15 rehearsal rooms, two recording studios, a photographic and video studio, and two live music venues, opening in May.

Nova Entertainment promotes Kat Frost

Nova Entertainment promoted Kat Frost to Sales Director for Nova 106.9 Brisbane. This follows Scott Jenson moving into the newly created role of Commercial Partnership Director at the station. Frost joined Nova in 2005.

Will Sparks gets Nova show

Major Melbourne DJ Will Sparks joined the Nova radio team, on the weekend launching a weekly Saturday night national show Let’s Bounce from 11pm. “My music has always had a home there,” he said. Avicii returns to Nova on Saturdays at 10pm with Avicii Levels.

New role for Shaun Alexander at Pandora

Music streaming company Pandora announced a promotion as it expands its Brands, Bands and Fans strategy in Australia. This followed a successful sponsorship and streaming trial with Sydney’s Taronga Zoo’s twilight concert series, which will draw 30,000 patrons until March 21. Account Director Shaun Alexander is now Director of Strategic Partnerships to liaise with agencies and brands. He joined in 2013 from Spiral Media where he headed sales.

Two for Jay Z’s new film, TV, digital management division

Three Six Zero Entertainment is a new company put together by Jay Z's Roc Nation and the UK/ US-based management company Three Six Group (Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, Frank Ocean) to represent actors, directors and writers in the film, television and digital industries. Its two CEOs are Three Six Zero CEO Mark Gillespie and agent David Unger.

Bek Duke exits Music Victoria

After five years, Bek Duke has left Music Victoria. She headed Administration and Communications and was a Project Coordinator. She will continue to work “for the betterment of the Victorian music community” in other capacities.

Colin Denovan takes redundancy from ABC

Colin Denovan took a redundancy from the ABC after a 23-year stint as afternoon news reader on 774 Melbourne, subeditor and Acting News Director. He now freelances on voice/over and subediting. Denovan’s 45-year media career included stints as News Director for 3XY, 3DB and FOX FM.

Nathan Fitzpatrick at The Explainers

Nathan Fitzpatrick, whose background is business development and sales and marketing in the music industry, joined digital communications studio The Explainers as Commercial Lead.

Another venue for Tim Condon

Sydney venue operator Tim Condon, who recently bought live music venue The Roxbury in Glebe, has purchased Le Pub Balmain, another place which showcases bands, from the Gallaghers family.

New CEO for AMAA

Former News Corp marketing and strategy executive Josanne Ryan is new CEO of the Audited Media Association of Australia, which audits print, digital, email and event audience data through its ABC and CAB brands.

Michael Price moves up North

Former 4BC Brisbane presenter Michael Price heads to Bundaberg in North Queensland, where he took over as Content Director for Hitz 93.9 and 4BU.

AFTRS graduate lands Shepparton gig

After securing a Graduate Diploma in Radio from AFTRS last year, Simon Takla is the new breakfast anchor at Star FM Shepparton in regional Victoria.

Brisbane’s Branko Cosic sets up 1000Hz Recordings

Brisbane drummer, audio engineer and community radio 4ZZZ presenter Branko Cosic set up 1000Hz Recordings as a new alternative for recording bands. He says, "The days of big recording studios are over” and quality work can be done anywhere – whether “an abandoned butter factory in rural Australia”, a gig, or in a garage.

Laneway co-founder crying in the chapel

Melbourne venue operator and Laneway festival co-founder Jerome Borazio’s latest venture is a 24-hour Las Vegas wedding chapel called The Church of the Bang Bang Boogaloo. It opens next month in the city.

New addition at Destination NSW

Destination NSW, which works closely with the music industry, tapped Allison Lee as Director of Public Relations and Media. The one time MD of PR agency Impact Communications Australia, is also Deputy President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia.

Streetwear trio add to Fremantle DJ scene

Conor Burson, Dani Polce and Jake Polce, who operate streetwear retailer Lessons Concept Store, set up pop-up laneway space Distribution Lane to operate weekends until end of April. It will feature DJs, fashion, art and food.

Purple Sneakers expanding

The Purple Sneakers EDM blog, run by national club DJs around a base of contributors, is seeking to fill the newly created role of Editor, who has to be EDM, tech and social media savvy.

Andrew Parisi exits The Railway Hotel

Melbourne entrepreneur and booker Andrew Parisi, whose resume includes managing the late “Chopper” Read, cut ties with Brunswick’s Railway Hotel.

Disney A/NZ scouting for CMO

The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand is scouting for a Chief Marketing Officer as Kylie Watson-Wheeler this week moves into a GM role within the company overseeing licensing and retail sales teams.

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