The ten-year plan to rebuild the music sector in NSW takes another important step forward as Sound NSW holds its first advisory board meeting of representatives from a cross-section of the industry.
Sound NSW is delivering a ten-year Contemporary Music Strategy, as well as policies and funding programs, including soundproofing of live music venues to counter some of the noise complaint issues that have dogged the sector in recent years.
To inform the strategy, Sound NSW is conducting research into NSW’s live music ecosystem with insights due by the middle of the year.
Emily Collins has been appointed as Head of Sound NSW following a competitive recruitment process by the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade to drive and deliver this music agenda. Collins and her team will be supported by an artist and industry Advisory Board.
The 12-strong Advisory Board is now complete following the final appointments of three new members – Jane Slingo, Kristy Peters (KLP), and Tanya Ali.
The board will consider initiatives to support the contemporary music sector and encourage collaboration and innovation, and identify investment opportunities.
The full Sound NSW Advisory Board is:
- Vyvienne Abla, Director, 4E Hip Hop Festival
- Tanya Ali, Managing Director, FBi Radio
- Tyla Dombroski, Director, Crowbar Sydney
- Jessica Ducrou (Chair), co-CEO, Secret Sounds
- Annabelle Herd, CEO ARIA and PPCA
- Matthew Jeffrey, Delegate, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
- Lucy Joseph, Live and Local Program Manager, Live Music Office
- Tim Leha, Independent Indigenous media specialist
- Dean Ormston, CEO, APRA AMCOS
- Kristy Lee Peters, Musician/DJ, KLP
- Jane Slingo, Executive Producer, Electronic Music Conference
- John Watson (Deputy Chair), founder and president of John Watson Management and Eleven: A Music Company
See the full list of members and biographies
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said:
“Through Sound NSW, the music industry has a dedicated Government office committed to the development and promotion of contemporary music in NSW.
“Working together with industry, Sound NSW will help the government to move the dial on our commitment to support the venues that sustain and grow our music industry.
“With a board full of nationally significant leaders from across the music industry and Emily Collins heading up the team at Sound NSW, work is underway to deliver on our election commitment to double live music venues and support contemporary music in NSW.
“Sound NSW has been given the direction to champion and invest in the contemporary music sector to deliver positive outcomes for artists and audiences alike through targeted programs and advocacy.”
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins, said:
“It is an exciting time for Sound NSW as we really start to break our stride and deliver on our
priorities to nurture creative careers, encourage innovation, enhance export opportunities, and
create positive outcomes for artists, industry professionals, music businesses, and audiences.
“With a new Sound NSW team in place, an Advisory Board of music experts and the support of
Government, NSW is on track to become a global music powerhouse and a thriving heartland for our national industry.”
