Austrade media release
25 March 2010
Two-hundred of the UK’s top music industry taste-makers will sample a distinctly Australian musical flavour with the launch in London this week of the Australian line-up for Europe’s renowned Great Escape festival.
Australia has been chosen as the focus country for this year’s festival -- an event acknowledged for its role in unearthing some of the best up-and-coming bands from across the globe.
Australian High Commissioner to UK, John Dauth LVO, said Australia House was delighted to host highly respected UK music industry personalities such as Martin Elbourne (the man known as the Band Booking Don), to highlight the home grown talent that will participate at The Great Escape.
“The Australian Government is pleased to support our emerging musical talent on the international stage and it’s fantastic to be able to announce that Aussie artists including Sarah Blasko, Eskimo Joe, Art vs Science, Paul Dempsey, Philadelphia Grand Jury and Teenagers in Tokyo will be participating in the Australia showcase,” said Mr Dauth.
Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner to the UK, Kym Fullgrabe said the initiative had been secured through Sounds Australia; Australia's national music export initiative established to provide a platform to help Australian musicians and artists pursue their dreams on the global stage.
“Sounds Australia is a really powerful initiative for the Australian music industry and Austrade is thrilled to be a partner in this program to unify our brand and enhance our collective efforts to promote Australian music internationally, with an even stronger coordinated approach across government and the music industry,” said Mr Fullgrabe.
“Austrade has been working with Aussie bands and musicians to leverage their participation at The Great Escape for the last four years.
“This is a great platform for Australian musicians and has helped acts such as Gurrumul to international success, so it’s a really important event on the international calendar.
“The who’s who of the music world are there, including; A&R scouts, agents, broadcasters, colleges, composers, digital and online companies, distributors, event organisers, festival bookers, financial advisors, labels, lawyers, managers, merchandisers, media and marketing agencies, PR agencies, producers, print and online entertainment press, promoters, publishers, sponsors & brands and many more.
Sounds Australia is supported through a financial partnership between industry and government, led by the Australia Council and the Australian Performing Right Association (APRA).
Bill Cullen, Manager of Aria award-winning artist Sarah Blasko, commended Austrade and its partners for their important support of Aussie artists over the last several years, via Sounds Australia, Export Market Development Grant scheme, and the Austrade network of advisers around the world.
“We're really excited that they are getting behind The Great Escape and have managed to have Australia be the focus country in 2010,” said Mr Cullen.
“Sarah Blasko has based herself in Europe for the rest of the year, with her stunning third record "As Day Follows Night" being released all through Europe over the next few weeks by Dramatico Records, who have also done a wonderful job with Gurrumul.
“Already Sarah has performed on major TV and radio shows in the UK and France, and she has a busy summer ahead with festivals. By being based in Europe, Sarah is available for opportunities as they arise, and she won't be forgotten after a short visit as so many Australian artists are. Without the support of Austrade (via EMDG) and a great record label, this would just not be possible."
The Great Escape takes place in Brighton on 13-15th May 2010 and will showcase over 350 artists in 30 venues over 3 days in Brighton. Groove Armada is the headline act.
ENDS
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Samantha Mattila, Senior Media Adviser, Ph: +61 2 9390-2388, Mobile: +61 434 567 673
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