Project South East: Behind the Scenes - Diverse Paths to Success in the Music Industry

MusicSA and the City of Mount Gambier present Project South East: Behind the Scenes - Diverse Paths to Success.

This panel looks to the business side of the music industry. It will explore the pathways of four thriving business owners (from vastly different backgrounds) who are shaping the Australian music landscape, we will look at different pathways to success, different business structures and common issues that each practitioner have had to overcome.

If you are currently working in a venue, in a music business (including artists), in events or if you are someone who is interested in learning more about the music business and how it operates - this is a panel for you.

You'll hear from:

• Jordanne Chant, owner of AIR 2025 Label of the Year nominee, Dinosaur City Records

  Originally from Central Coast, NSW, currently based in Adelaide, Jordanne is the driving force behind 2025 AIR Award-nominated label, Dinosaur City. Her work with the label and its artist services arm has been instrumental in elevating the profile of numerous artists including Emma Russack, Wet Kiss, e4444e and SA acts like Workhorse, Twine, The Empty Threats and Swapmeet.

  Committed to expanding access and diversity across the country, Jordanne has spearheaded numerous tours, bringing acclaimed artists such as Julia Jacklin, Gut Health, and Body Type to regional and remote outposts. In 2023, she co-presented an outback tour with Half Strange that covered over 2000km South Australia.
  

• Rhett McLaren, Managing Director at The Hills Are Alive Group and RED HILL Entertainment Pty Ltd

  In 2009, Rhett and his brother Aidan started The Hills Are Alive Group (THAA) to host their first multi-day music camping festival ‘The Hills Are Alive’ on their family farm. From humble belongings, THAA grew and now promotes three major event brands; The Hills Are Alive, NYE on the Hill, Ocean Sounds, runs a record label called THAA Records promoting and supporting emerging Victorian artists and also managers notable Australian artists (through UNIFIED MUSIC GROUP Management), Boy & Bear, Pete Murray, The Dreggs, Steph Strings and Mike Waters.

  In 2014, Rhett and his brother Aidan teamed up with Jaddan Comerford CEO & Founder of UNIFIED MUSIC GROUP to create RED HILL Entertainment an event delivery company focused on delivering world class events, namely UNIFY Gathering, Gippsland Country Music Festival and Land Of Plenty. Rhett's role within RED HILL is Managing Director, overseeing all operational elements of the company, the events its hosts and the amazing team that delivers them!
  

• Sam Wright, founder of event and project management consultancy, New Day Projects

  Based in Adelaide, Sam Wright has worked in executive and programming roles across various festivals including Adelaide Festival, Dark Mofo and Illuminate Adelaide, before becoming the Placemaking Officer at the City of Port Adelaide, where he curated and produced discovery music festival "New Found Sound".

  With his new business - New Day Projects, Sam and his team provide support for large scale festivals, intimate events, activations in the public realm - creative projects of any shape or size.

  Given his work both inside and outside of a council, Sam has a unique perspective on how to best navigate the complexities of putting on events while having council on side.
  

• Liam Saunders, Senior Booking Agent at Pillar Talent Agency.

  Liam Saunders, Senior Agent at Pillar Talent Agency, boasts a career deeply rooted in regional touring. Starting his journey at 15 in Portland, he promoted his first concert out of necessity - to bring beloved bands to his hometown - being too young to travel to Melbourne or Adelaide any time a band was touring. This early initiative blossomed into a robust network across the Portland/Warrnambool/Hamilton/Mount Gambier circuit, hosting acts like Parkway Drive, In Hearts Wake, and Trophy Eyes. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for his professional career. After honing his skills at New World Artists, representing diverse talent from Frenchy to Wombat, Ocean Sleeper to JK-47, and masterminding 50+ date regional tours for his roster, Liam is now spearheading Pillar Talent Agency. Here, he continues to champion extensive regional touring, representing a broad spectrum of artists including 360, Masked Wolf, Mid Drift, Darcie Haven, and many more, cementing his reputation as a passionate advocate for bringing live music to every corner.

Be inspired by real-world, hands-on experiences, followed by a Q+A and open networking. Tickets are free, but attendance is limited by the venue's capacity. RSVP to secure your spot now!

🎤 Project South East: Behind the Scenes - Diverse Paths to Success
📍 The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre, Dress Circle, Berrin/Mount Gambier
🗓️ Thursday, June 12, 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM ACST (doors at 5:00 PM)
🤝 Free entry – RSVP via the link in our bio!

This event is proudly presented by MusicSA and the City of Mount Gambier.