ABOUT.
Established in 2007, The A&R Department was for many years Australia’s longest-running independent artist platform, dedicated to supporting both emerging and established Australian artists. We ensured their creative and business practices aligned with their musical ambitions. Throughout this time, we constantly sought out new ways to expand the reach of Australian independent music, and helped artists such as Harts, Meg Mac, and Safia find new audiences around the globe. Our focus was on working with passionate and innovative individuals and companies. While the dynamics of the music industry constantly changed, the art of writing a special song was always the core of our work.
Today, The A&R Department has evolved to become a highly selective partner for music catalogue management and artist development. We have moved away from a broad-based service model to a submission-only approach for established artists who demonstrate a respect for catalogue, strong songwriting, and artistic momentum. For emerging artists, our bespoke Artist Incubator program provides guidance and a pathway for growth. Our mission is to partner with artists to achieve their long-term entrepreneurial goals, providing them with the focused expertise, industry infrastructure, and network they need to build sustainable careers. We are also committed to fostering the next generation of creative professionals through our partnership with the Oxford Creative Academy.
Indie artists we’ve worked with in the past:
HARTS
After an EP, an album and multiple single releases through A&R as part of both management and release packages, Harts has played just about every Aussie festival in existence. Features from Rolling Stone, NME and The Guardian saw his singles from the Breakthrough EP reach triple j’s #1.
COG
Internationally renowned COG have an ongoing relationship with The A&R Dept. Acting as a custodial label and marketing agent, The A&R Dept helps to maintain this ARIA winning band’s audience through Label management, distribution and digital marketing.
SAFIA
“Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues” was released through the now retired Indie Release Package which saw the track climb to the top 100 on the ARIA charts. They went on to record “Take Me Over” with Peking Duk which received a 2x platinum certification. They’ve recently signed with iconic label Parlophone.
RINRIN
RinRin worked with The A&R Dept. develop a roll out for her EP via the first iteration of the Advance Package. In the process she secured Management, Triple J Unearthed features and spent weeks on the AMRAP Charts and building a great audience for EP. The EP went on to secure Editorial playlists on Spotify.
THE DREGGS
Since engaging A&R’s Indie Release Package, The Dreggs have gone on to build a reliable fanbase, secure management and booking agents and develop sustainable release-and-tour strategies.
OLY SHERMAN
Soulful indie songwriter Oly Sherman ran a successful campaign through The A&R Dept. in 2017. He has since gone on to build his independence, receiving spins on Triple J, his first international shows in Japan and his national tour of 40+ shows. He has recently joined BlackYak management to take his career to the next level.
THE BUOYS
Sydney’s fuzzy four-piece worked with The A&R Dept. in 2018 to great success across radio and online. Performing on Balcony TV and securing international radio syndication and quick support from major indie radio domestically. After The Buoys made their BigSound debut they went on sign with Spunk Records and develop a management deal.
THE MONTREALS
Adelaide Indie-rockers The Montreals found great success with their Indie Release Package with a premiere on Rolling Stone and featured on Triple J. They’ve gone on to successfully sync on Netflix series, independently run interstate tours and support The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
The A&R Department is in partnership with the following industry organisations providing global services.
Oxford Creative Academy
Embassy / WiseMusic
APRA AMCOS
AIR
FUGA
Our partners have successfully placed our artists with the following brands:
The ABC
Netflix
David Jones
Rimmel London
Fender
Subaru
Fox Sports
YouTube
