Power 50 - #30: Gregg Donovan & Stuart MacQueen

Gregg Donovan and Stuart MacQueen at Wonderlick Entertainment – the umbrella under which sits management, publishing and record label arms of the company – have their eyes set on global domination, led by breakthrough artist Amy Shark who, with her debut EP, picked up an ARIA Award for Best Breakthrough Artist among seven total nominations. It was the second year running that the label picked up the prize, with Montaigne claiming it the year previous. Shark also picked up Best Pop Release for the Night Thinker EP.

Signed to Wonderlick’s label, Shark was the first Australian artist to be featured in the Apple Music Up Next campaign with billboards across the globe, so it’s fitting the Donovan and MacQueen have expanded the company and opened an office in New York.

Wonderlick also contributed to the resurgence of pub rock icons Grinspoon after a two-year hiatus. The band’s Guide To Better Living 20 Year Anniversary Tour saw their biggest shows to-date in support of a re-issue of the classic album (the first time on vinyl) that cracked #5 on the Aussie Charts - higher than the initial release which peaked at #11. Also celebrating an anniversary, Josh Pyke dropped a Best Of, signifying 10 years of Memories & Dust, while Pete Murray burst back onto the scene after six years to claim #3 on the ARIA Charts and Holy Holy’s Paint charted at #7. Wonderlick also assisted in Aussie rockers Airbourne breaking new international touring territory, hitting South America for the first time amidst a heavy European festival circuit, UK dates and a nomination for Best Hard Rock Album at the ARIAs. Vocalist Joel O’Keeffe also won the Dimebag Darrell Shredder from Metal Hammer. You can expect more advances for the team in 2018 with Montaigne currently working on her new album after sold out headline tours and a slew of well-received festival appearances.