The Power 50: Sebastian Chase

Metropolitan Groove Merchants Distribution (MGM) was established by Sebastian Chase in 1998 after years of running his label Chase Records. Early on the distribution company would go on to help John Butler Trio secure the first-ever independent #1 album on the ARIA Albums Chart with Sunrise Over Sea. Chase was also the co-founder of rooArt and Black Yak Records (along with The Whitlams’ Tim Freedman), as well as a partner in Phantom Records, and was awarded the ARIA Industry Icon Award in 2016 for his contributions to the Australian music industry. 

MGM celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2019, as well as going into its fifth year in the US market. The year saw the release of Stella Donnelly’s long-awaited debut album, Beware Of The Dogs, which debuted within the top 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart. It also saw the Perth-based musician score a nomination for Breakthrough Artist at the 2019 ARIA Awards. John Butler Trio’s Home also picked up a nomination for Best Blues & Roots Album, signifying another win for the long-standing partnership between Butler’s Jarrah Records and MGM.

2019 saw Brisbane pop group Sheppard, who MGM have worked with since 2012’s self-titled album, supported on several releases, including On My Way and Die Young. The distributors also began working with Northern Territory group Mambali, through Skinnyfish Music, ahead of their breakout appearance at BIGSOUND.