Oscar Badman Is 2025 Recipient of the Justin Cosby Scholarship

Oscar Badman is the second annual recipient of The Justin Cosby Scholarship, established in the memory of Justin Cosby, the late A&R director and co-founder of Inertia Music.

First announced in October 2023, The Justin Cosby Scholarship is jointly funded by the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) and an endowment made possible by the late executive’s friends, family and colleagues.

As the winner, Badman will be supported on his pursuit of AIM’s Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management degree – a tertiary commitment that “honours Justin’s profound impact on the Australian music scene and his unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talents,” reads a statement.

Based in Sydney, Badman is a passionate music and business enthusiast, with a goal to contribute to the industry both as a musician and a marketeer, and to launch his own business.

“I am beyond thankful to the organisers, donors and affiliates of the Justin Cosby Scholarship for presenting me with this immense opportunity,” Badman comments in a statement.

“I hope to live up to the standard of work that Justin was known for and help contribute to his legacy throughout the duration of my studies and beyond. I can’t wait to see what the future brings. Thank you all. “

Oscar Badman

Badman follows in the footsteps of Bonnie Rose Stoyanof, the inaugural winner of The Justin Cosby Scholarship, in 2024.

Tim Kelly, a former colleague of Justin Cosby who now runs AIM’s Arts & Entertainment Management degree, adds: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Oscar. He is a passionate and driven music person who will make a positive impact on the music industries in future years. The Justin Cosby Scholarship is making a real difference to people’s lives and career aspirations. With thanks to Katja, Melissa, Ashley and all those who helped make this happen in the memory of Justin.”

Inertia, Musica Copa, One Louder, Future Classic, JB Hi-Fi, Remote Control, MGM, So Frenchy So Chic, Proper Productions, and Sweat it Out made “generous financial contributions” towards The Justin Cosby Scholarship.

With his infectious enthusiasm for music and engaging personality, Cosby formed Inertia Music with Sellers back in 2000.

In those early days, Inertia operated out of a living room in Sydney, but it would grow to become one of the leading independent music companies in Australia.
Cosby worked with the likes of Sia, Bjork, Bon Iver, Ben Lee, Asgeir, M83, Grizzly Bear, Robyn and Big Scary, and was “highly regarded by the Australian independent community,” reads a tribute from AIM following his passing.

The music-loved music professional died in June 2021, aged 50.