EXCLUSIVE: Nick O’Byrne Resigns From Independent Labels Association

Nick O'Byrne, the long-serving and much respected General Manager of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association [AIR], has resigned from the post to focus on his management and BIGSOUND duties.

Having held the role for five years, O'Byrne notified the board of his decision this week and AIR will make an official announcement this afternoon. Through his Look Out Kid company, O'Byrne manages Melbourne singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett – who is having a breakout 12 months – as well as Milwaukee Banks and Sterling Silver. He is the sole Executive Programmer of Brisbane's BIGSOUND conference and showcase, having had a hand-over year in 2013.

During his tenure at AIR, which started in 2007 before he became GM in July 2009, O'Byrne is credited with turning the Independent Music Awards into one of the country's top ceremonies, attracting sponsors to the sector and has consistently put the Australian indie scene on the international radar.

Firing a parting shot at the music industry's multi-nationals O'Byrne says in a statement, “Working with AIR's passionate board and membership has shaped my way of thinking about the music business and I'll continue to be fascinated and enraged by the machinations of an industry where indies drive all musical innovation while fighting against a tide of multi-nationals whose approach to business is consistently short-sighted and damaging.

“Music would be boring as batshit if it wasn't for the independent sector and we need to look after its interests as a matter of priority.

“But for now, I can't wait for BIGSOUND 2014 and I'm honoured to be working in a management capacity with a small bunch of artists that I'm very proud to have an association with.”

He added, “I'm incredibly grateful and honoured to have had the opportunity to work for AIR and it's members over the last seven years.

“Also, working in partnership with Joanna Cameron for the past five years has been amazing and I'm stoked that she remains as the heart and soul of the organisation.”

O'Byrne will stay on to consult on the 2014 Carlton Dry Independent Music Awards but will finish up his GM duties 30 June. Membership & Communications Manager Joanna Cameron will oversee AIR's day-to-day business while Maria Amato will step up to the commercial and sponsorship roles. Former CEO Stu Watters will step into an advocacy spokesperson role from 1 July.

The board has also received a shake-up and this week Future Classic's Ed Sholl, Chugg Entertainment's Andrew Stone and The Orchard's Henry Compton were elected to the board, taking seats vacated by HUB's Troy Barrott, Mushroom's Matt Gudinski and Correne Wilki.

The other members of the board remain David Vodicka (Rubber Records), Jaddan Comerford (UNFD), Andrew Walker (Head Records), Philip Mortlock (Alberts), Ashley Gay (Xelon) and Basil Cook (ABC Music).