Victorian Government fast-tracks indie label execs, artist managers, to global skill developing

The first recipients of the Fast Track Fellowship by the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) and the Association of Artist Managers (AAM) have been announced.

The fellowship will see two from each association spend two months from January to May at a global music company of their choice, learning about the international markets and developing contacts.

Fast Track is part of the Victorian state government’s $22.2 million Music Works strategy designed to strengthen the global reach, profile and capability of Victoria’s music industry

AIR chose Tom Fraser,director of management company and record label Pieater, and Amy Chapman, Label Manager of Indigenous/world music label and arts collective Wantok Music.

Pieater, awarded Best Label at the 2017 AIR Awards, was initially set up by Jo and Tom of Big Scary to release the band’s music.

The collective is now also home to Airling, Christopher Port, #1 Dads, No Mono and Slow Dancer.

Fraser said, “We’re so grateful to be given the resources and partnerships to spend a considerable amount of time in the US during 2018.

“We think of the Pieater family as ‘global citizens’ and are very excited to cement existing relationships, create new ones and broaden our opportunities.

“Creative Victoria has been very helpful in supporting the musicians in the past, but to see them look into supporting business growth is fantastic.

“Behind every successful artist is a passionate team, who also need support and nurturing.”

Chapman points out, “What we offer at Wantok Musik as a record label and arts organisation is unique, and I look forward to developing my skills and broadening my networks for the benefit of the artists and releases I support.”

Herbackground includes sound engineering, music performance, community media, artist management and tour promotion across Australia and the Melanesian region.

AAM chose Charlotte Abroms of Hear Hear Music (Gretta Ray, Ainslie Wills, Angie McMahon) and Guy Blackman of Chapter Music (The Goon Sax, Twerps, Laura Jean).

Abroms will spend time with Everybody’s Management in London (Mumford & Sons, Jack Garratt) and Blackman at Forth William Management/Secretly Canadian in Los Angeles (Fleet Foxes, The War on Drugs).

“Being the successful recipient of the AAM Fast Track Fellowship will quite literally change my life,” Abroms declares.

“This is a career defining moment for myself and the artists on my roster.”

Blackman agrees, “To be on the ground in the US market, working around managers at the top of their game, will be hugely instructive for me and beneficial for our artists.”