Rachel Kelly Joins Community Music, Leading Publishing and Sync
Rachel Kelly has a new gig.
The veteran Australian music executive resurfaces at UNIFIED Music Group-owned Community Music, where she leads the expanding business’ activities in publishing and synchronisation.
“When it comes to making career moves, my philosophy is simple: surround yourself with good people and great music,” Kelly comments in a statement announcing her new role as Head of Publishing and Sync.
Jaddan Comerford, founder and CEO of UNIFIED Music Group, and his team at the independent music company, “are inherently good people, doing great things,” adds Kelly.
“A community inspired by music and powered by tech brings the best of both worlds. I’m excited to be working at the frontline for independent artists and songwriters as part of the team at UNIFIED and within the broader music community.”
Jaddan Comerford
Kelly joins the company with an impressive CV, having most recently served as VP of commercial at Proper Music Group (formerly Utopia Music), and before that as creative director and head of sync at Downtown Music Publishing, creative director and VP of creative at BMG Rights Management, and head of licensing at Alberts.
Also, she’s served as a Women in Music Mentor for the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) and APRA AMCOS, and as a board member for the Australasian Music Publishers Association (AMPAL).
Kelly “has long been a force in championing Australia’s independent music community — someone we’ve admired and respected for many years,” comments Comerford. “As we mapped out the next evolution of Community Music, expanding into publishing and sync is a natural and necessary step. There was no question: Rachel was the obvious choice to lead this new chapter and continue our mission to create a global distribution and artist services alternative that exists to enhance independence.”
UNIFIED Music Group launched Community Music in October 2024 as a global distribution and services alternative for independent and DIY artists, designed and built by artist-turned-developer and tech entrepreneur Will Cuming (aka LANKS).
In the six months since its launch, Community Music has supported artists including Ocean Alley, The Rions, The Stamps and Sarah Saint James, and released new music from the likes of Pete Murray, Azure Ryder, Maddy Jane, and Mulga Bore Hard Rock, and forged label partnerships with international partners including Mantra Roots.