The Music Network

The winners of the 2026 APRA Awards have been revealed during a star-studded centenary celebration at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday night (April 29th). "It’s a privilege to look back at 100 years of service to our members and the incredible breadth and diversity of Australian talent. As a nation we derive so much, socially, culturally and economically, from our music creators, it’s imperative that we recognise and celebrate that contribution." Dean Ormston APRA AMCOS Check out the full winners list: https://lnkd.in/gV3vRerH

The 2026 Association of Artist Managers (AAM) Australia Award winners have been revealed. The winners were announced at Crowbar in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, some of which represent some of Australia best and brightest talent like Amyl and the Sniffers, Kasey Chambers, Ngaiire, SPEED and more. "Our winners set the benchmark for modern management: forward-thinking, resilient, and deeply invested in their artists’ success. But they’re also part of a broader ecosystem of managers who are all shaping the future of Australian music. These awards are about celebrating that impact, and making sure the people behind the progress are seen." Maggie Collins See the full winners list: https://lnkd.in/gQxh9Gmb

Yours & Owls Festival 2026 has unveiled a new event format. Following its debut at the spot last year, the festival will return to Flagstaff Hill on Wollongong’s foreshore for day one of this year’s edition. "The current festival model, in the current insane climate, isn’t working, so we gotta mix it up a little." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmr-49bR

Dashville has announced a new creative co-operative. The new label, Dashville Community Records, opens a new chapter for Dashville, the regional creative team behind long-running festivals The Gum Ball, Dashville Skyline, and Thrashville. "The music has always been the vessel that gets us through. And the people making the music, well they’re driving the boat. That’s where it all comes from, that’s the inspiration to do what we do.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gr--sSBd

Australian music legend Kylie Minogue is getting the Netflix documentary treatment. In the three-part show, “Minogue opens her personal archives and reflects on a life that captivates, inspires and soundtracks multiple generations". A number of big name cameos have also been confirmed for the series, including Nick Cave, Pete Waterman, Jason Donovan and her sister, Dannii Minogue. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gvpD6eEE

Ticketek Entertainment Group (TEG) has appointed Heath Mawson as Head of Client Service – Brand Partnerships. Mawson steps into the role with experience spanning global music, culture and brand innovation, bringing a focus on connecting brands with audiences through live experiences. He previously served as the director of strategic partnerships (APAC) for INVNT. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8rghNty

Production has begun on the Gold Coast for the live-action adaptation of “Gundam,” starring Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo. The Legendary Pictures project marks the latest major international shoot to land in Queensland, following the studio’s recent work on “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova” and the second season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” “During filming at Village Roadshow Studios, ‘Gundam’ will inject an estimated $110 million directly into Queensland’s economy by employing more than 350 local cast and crew and engaging a supply chain of small businesses across a range of connected industries." Hon. John-Paul Langbroek MP Screen Queensland Read more: https://lnkd.in/gp8Qs4rk

Ahead of the 2026 AAM Awards, The Music Network asked this year’s Manager of the Year finalists about the opportunities and challenges facing managers today, memorable moments from the road, and what excites them most about the future of Australian talent. "The most challenging part of being an artist manager is navigating the attention economy with integrity. It’s hard to feel good about the new frontiers of music marketing, where fan culture has been co-opted by labels to help game the algorithm, and you can no longer trust the comments section." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gRVKwdmv Andy Parisi Dan Nascimento Caleb Williams Alastair Burns Joe M. Association of Artist Managers (AAM) Australia

The winner of Keith Urban’s Rising Star Scholarship has been revealed. Launched in partnership with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Urban’s scholarship was created for artists who have already built momentum and are ready for a meaningful push forward. The prize offers career-defining access to Nashville, including performance opportunities, songwriting sessions, industry introductions, and recording time at Urban’s studio, The Sound. Read more about the inaugural recipient: https://lnkd.in/gTjSvjQU

QMusic has today announced the appointment of an interim CEO just weeks after Kris Stewart confirmed he will be departing the industry body. In a statement on Friday, QMusic revealed that Kristy Ellis will take on the interim position starting this Monday. “Kristy brings more than 20 years of experience across major events, the creative industries, and the commercial sector – and a genuine track record of leading organisations through change with clarity and purpose." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gJDs9XzJ