The Future of What: Tackling New Territory with Rough Trade, Look Out Kid and Amelia Artists

Vortex Music Magazine

A weekly music industry podcast for newcomers and insiders alike, The Future of What tackles important topics in the business with host Portia Sabin, president of Kill Rock Stars, and guests. On this episode, we talk with representatives of foreign artists who’ve found success in the United States.

Are you a Courtney Barnett, Arcade Fire or Adele fan? If their management teams and labels hadn’t played their cards right, you might not know about these now-huge indie acts. Bringing an artist to an international market can be expensive and risky.

“If you really want to make a career in music, and you want to make a living, you have no choice but to go overseas.” That’s Nick O’Byrne, manager at Look Out Kid in Australia, talking about his country’s small music industry. O’Byrne works with Courtney Barnett and played a big role in bringing her music to the U.S.

According to O’Byrne, as well as Tegan and Sara’s manager Nick Blasko (of Amelia Artists) and Rough Trade label manager Anna Bond, devising a successful marketing strategy in the U.S., or any foreign territory, comes with its own unique challenges and payoffs.

Hear the full episode below and listen to The Future of What on XRAY.fm every Friday at 1pm at 107.1 FM and 91.1 FM—or subscribe on iTunes.

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