Here Are The 50 Most Influential Figures In The Australian Music Industry Right Now

The Power 50 is making its return, today announcing the full list of the most influential figures in the Australian music industry right now. 

Leading the list at #1 is Chairman & CEO Australia and New Zealand and President of Asia Sony Music, Denis Handlin AO, which comes on the back of a stellar 2017 thanks to some of the label's breakout acts such as Gang Of Youths, Amy Shark and Peking Duk, as well as household names like Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy.

Click here to listen to The Music's Producer Series podcast with Handlin following this morning's announcement. 

The list encompasses all aspects of what goes on behind the scenes of the Australian music industry, including label heads, promoters, playlisters, festival organisers, music directors, radio figures and representatives of peak music bodies. 

Specifically, the top ten features well-known and revered names in the industry including Michael Gudinski, Jessica Ducrou & Paul Piticco, George Ash and Rachel Newman.

However this year's list also includes a number of newcomers, including Rachael Comerford, Niko Nordstrom, Leanne De Souza, Joel Edmondson and Helen Marcou.

"The list unravels some of the more complex elements of the partnerships, collectives, companies and characters that work behind the scenes to deliver the songs that Australians hear every day," The Music publisher, Leigh Treweek, said.

"The list is not just a race to the top, but also an important health indicator of where we’re at as one of the country’s most progressive industries in terms of business model changes and cultural impact." 

See the full list below and be sure to get your hands on this month's magazine out today which highlights the Power 50 countdown. 

1. Denis Handlin
2. Michael Gudinski
3. Jessica Ducrou & Paul Piticco
4. Michael Coppel
5. George Ash
6. Jaddan Comerford
7. Rachel Newman
8. Matt Gudinski
9. Michael Chugg
10. Alicia Sbrugnera
11. Peter Noble
12. Millie Millgate
13. Susan Heymann
14. Colin Daniels
15. Niko Nordstrom & Mardi Caught
16. Mark Holland
17. Nick Findlay
18. Maggie Collins
19. Tim McGregor
20. Stephen Halpin/Rodney Little
21. Danny Rogers
22. Rachel Comerford
23. Paul Dainty
24. Brett Murrihy
25. Ben Turnbull
26. Stephen Wade
27. Leanne De Souza
28. Tim Janes
29. Joel Edmondson
30. Gregg Donovan & Stuart MacQueen
31. Claire Collins
32. Damian Costin
33. Ian James
34. Jaime Gough/Matt Tanner
35. Michael & Anthea Newton
36. Dan Rosen
37. Kirsty Rivers
38. Owen Orford
39. Steve Cross & Harvey Saward
40. Maria Amato
41. Paul Sloan
42. Sarah Hamilton
43. Johann Ponniah
44. Kate Duncan
45. Sebastian Chase
46. Lisa Bishop
47. Zan Rowe
48. Helen Marcou
49. Nicholas Greco & Michael Christidis
50. Evelyn Morris

Note: Due to a production issue, information relating to Michael Chugg was included in Michael Gudinksi's profile in the print version of The Music's Power 50. This has been amended online.