Power 50 - #45: Damian Slevison

BACKGROUND CHECK

Damian Slevison joined Liberation in a label management role in 2004 before moving into A&R. Since then he has signed and been instrumental to the success of artists such as The Temper Trap, Vance Joy, Dan Sultan, Emma Louise, DD Dumbo and Gordi.

THE YEAR THAT WAS

As Liberation Records’ first full year as a standalone imprint, 2018 provided some impressive highlights including five nominations at the ARIA Awards (three for Vance Joy and two for Dan Sultan), Gordi taking out the Songwriter Award at the inaugural Women In Music Awards, and new label signing Emerson Snowe winning the Levi’s Music Prize at BIGSOUND. Joy collected the ARIA for Best Adult Contemporary Album for his second album Nation Of Two, which was the second highest-selling Australian album of 2018. It was also a great year for Liberation in terms of lining the office walls with records thanks to Joy's second record (Gold), debut album Dream Your Life Away (two times Platinum) and four singles: Lay It On Me (three times Platinum), I’m With You (Gold), We’re Going Home and Saturday Sun (both Platinum). Mansionair’s Astronaut single was also certified Gold.

2018'S CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT?

"Vance Joy’s #1 ARIA album was certified Gold and finished 2018 as the second highest-selling Australian album of the year."