Australian export case study The Adelaide hard rock group, Tracer, has signed a long term, worldwide record deal with the Amsterdam-based Cool Green Recordings, a sub-label of Mascot Records. This is a first for the group, which recently returned from a tour in Europe. “It feels like the last six years of hard work has finally paid off,” said the band’s vocalist, Michael Brown. The Australian Trade Commission – Austrade – helped the band when they started to venture overseas and a successful introduction by Austrade Frankfurt’s music whizz, Stefan Jedele, resulted in the band signing their first international record deal. Through his expert local market knowledge and extensive network of industry contacts, Mr Jedele has assisted many Australian music artists over the past few years, including music matchmaking activities at trade shows such as Popkomm and Midem. “Tracer’s success is a further example of how Austrade’s offices across Europe have helped Australian bands and music managers break into the tough European market,” said Austrade’s Senior Advisor for Creative Industries, John Odgers. “It’s tough because the European music market is the second biggest in the world.” Mr Odgers said that Austrade can introduce bands to networks and connections, either individually or at major music fairs such as the UK’s ‘The Great Escape’, held at Brighton. “These introductions can be really helpful in making those first tentative steps to securing a record deal, or a tour date, whether artists are looking to crack Germany, the UK, or Eastern Europe,” Mr Odgers said. He added that Austrade is there to give advice about the next steps to take and to help connect any Australian musicians or managers planning to expand their business overseas. |