Digital age helps Aussie Bands break into US Music Industry

Digital tools are helping an increasing number of Australian artists boost their profile and break into the crowded and highly competitive US market.

New technology such as aggregators, widgets, MySpace and YouTube placements allow local bands to overcome the 'tyranny of distance' and has brought about a massive influx of Australian artists into the United States music market.

The Manager of Austrade’s Australian Music Office in Los Angeles, Tony George, said that power is no longer centred around the major label groups and artists are truly in charge of their own destiny.

"Seismic shifts in the music business landscape have given more power than ever to artists looking to crack the US market making it even more important that artists understand the landscape before committing to the market."

"The digital age is allowing Australian artists to build a story about themselves and get their music out there before they arrive in the US boosting their profile and helping them to develop vital relationships with the industry and fans."

"Aussie artists avoid a myopic view of thinking the music industry means selling records, and realizing that a career in music these days is multi-faceted and includes a number of distinct revenue streams."

Bringing together over a decade of experience in the US music industry Tony will be sharing an insider's view to how to be successful in the US at a series of seminars Austrade is holding around Australia.

The seminars will cover the key developments and trends in the US music market, provide information on how Australian musicians are breaking through, tips and tricks to conquering the vast American market, and advice on how to make the major music events in the US work for bands.

More information on seminars www.austrade.gov.au/usamusicseminar

Austrade’s Australian Music Office in LA, opened in 2005, helps Australians involved in the music industry penetrate the US market with a wide range of export assistance, networks, expertise and contacts. Austrade also supported Australia’s music industry by providing around $2 million worth of export market development grants in 2004-05, already generating nearly $23 million in music exports with even more expected.

For more information on Austrade’s Australian Music Office please visit: www.australianmusicoffice.com