Power 50 - #29: Paul Sloan

BACKGROUND CHECK

After drumming in Perth bands Thrombus, Valvolux and Bikini Atoll, Paul Sloan decided to try his hand at putting on gigs and founded Supersonic Enterprises, an independent music agency, management and promotion business, in 1993. Since then, Sloan has delivered more than 5000 live events as a promoter, agent, producer and event director. He was also a "pioneer of the independent ticketing revolution", according to the Billions website, thanks to his West Australian ticket company Heatseeker (which was eventually sold to Oztix). In 2015, Sloan was inducted into the WA Music Hall Of Fame. He also continues to perform in Sunshine Brothers and Huge Magnet.

THE YEAR THAT WAS

The 'About' tab on the Billions website – which represents about 40 clients for Australia/NZ – reads, "We take on new clients infrequently and only after careful consideration," and when you look at their roster you'll marvel at the quality. If you've ever seen Amyl & The Sniffers live, you'll understand why they were welcomed into the Billions fold, touring relentlessly both locally and abroad throughout 2018. Ditto King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Also on the Billions roster, Shihad's massive 30th anniversary tour went down in 2018 and fans scored a chance to talk at/ask a question of Nick Cave during his in conversation shows this year as well. Plus, 2018 also saw Sloan producing Falls Festival Fremantle on behalf of Secret Sounds, as well as the 13th annual Wave Rock Weekender, which Sloan founded with the intention of putting on a festival that leaves no trace – single-use cups are the enemy. Add to those aforementioned tours potential life highlight shows by Lee Fields & The Expressions, Angel Olsen, Mazzy Star's first ever Australian tour and a visit by Car Seat Headrest and it soon becomes apparent why Sloan landed firmly in 2018's Power 50. 

2018'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT?