Australian music industry Archives

UNIFIED Music Group has expanded into New Zealand, appointing veteran manager Matt Harvey to lead its long-term investment into Aotearoa artists and infrastructure.

The ARIA Hall Of Fame is under scrutiny again, with critics arguing that the 2026 inductees overlook the pioneers who shaped Australian music before 1985.

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston has been appointed to the Australian Government’s Policy Advisory Group to help guide the development of the country’s next National Cultural Policy.

The nominees for the 2026 APRA Music Awards have been revealed with Amyl And The Sniffers, Paul Kelly, Tame Impala and Ninajirachi competing for Song Of The Year at the centenary ceremony in Sydney.

The AAM Awards 2026 nominees have been announced, recognising Australia’s leading artist managers, with Matt Okine confirmed as host.

APRA AMCOS launches the 2026 Resonate initiative, bringing leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists together in Brisbane for an intensive creative exchange

Australia’s leading creator organisations have متحد against proposed copyright changes, warning they could significantly impact artist income.

Teenage guitar prodigy Taj Farrant is reorganising his Australian plans after the sudden cancellation of Bluesfest while continuing an extensive global touring schedule.

Australian rock label XMusic celebrates its fifth anniversary with live shows in Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane plus a limited-edition whisky and vodka collaboration.

The 2026 Lighthouse Award is now open, offering a $5,000 grant to support women and gender diverse artist managers in Australian music.

Amanda Pelman’s autobiography Four Weddings And An Encore offers a candid, intelligent and deeply personal account of four decades inside the Australian and international music industry.

APRA AMCOS has revealed the 61 finalists for the 2026 Professional Development Awards, recognising outstanding Australian songwriters and composers across 13 genres.

SXSW Sydney will not return in 2026 or beyond after the NSW Government withdrew funding, bringing the Asia-Pacific edition of South By Southwest to an abrupt end.

People in the live music and entertainment industries are being severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of jobs have been lost in recent weeks as a result of the cancellation of concerts, festivals, tours and shows. Reported losses across the sector amount to well over $100 million and are rising daily.

In times of crisis it is imperative that we stick together and help each other out in whatever ways we can. At present there are countless people across Australia that have fallen on hard times due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic and the immense loss of income that has ensued, is rising every day.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will hold a public hearing in Sydney on Friday, 2 November 2018 for its inquiry into the Australian music industry.