POWER 50 2025: David Vodicka (Media Arts Lawyers)

BACKGROUND CHECK:

For more than three decades now, David Vodicka has been one of the most influential and respected figures in the Australian music industry, blending legal expertise, policy leadership, and industry stewardship. As founding partner of Media Arts Lawyers, he has built one of the country’s premier entertainment law firms, advising generations of artists (including Tame Impala, Kylie Minogue, Ruel, Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers, and more), labels, managers, festivals, promoters, and start-ups across Australia and internationally.

With key board roles at ARIA, AIR, PPCA and MIFF on his CV, David has been central to policy reform, rights advocacy, and the strengthening of creative-sector governance. He’s helped advance equitable remuneration frameworks, modernise rights-collection systems, and improve transparency for independent artists and labels in the streaming era. A trusted strategist, and mentor, he’s a prominent voice across government and industry, forever championing policies that support a stronger, fairer, and internationally competitive Australian music ecosystem.

THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC:

The past decade – and particularly the past two years – have seen David lead several landmark transactions that have helped reshape the Australian music business. He’s a lawyer right, so you don’t always see the deals or even know he’s involved, but suffice to say there’s been some big ones and there’s probably not too much going on in this industry that he doesn’t know. 

Additionally, he’s asserted himself even further as an advocate and policymaker, contributing directly to national discussions around copyright reform, streaming remuneration, and sustainable local-content policy. Alongside playing a critical role in the strengthening of Australia’s rights bodies, he also continues to mentor emerging executives, lawyers, and artists, ensuring the next generation is equipped with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing global industry. 

THE MUSIC SPEAKS:

Quite simply, Vodicka knows where all the skeletons are buried and there’s not too many tricks he hasn’t seen. He knows how to negotiate and he knows all the key players. He knows copyright inside and out and as an ARIA board member of a few decades standing, he has had a hand in shaping the industry that we see today. 

But he’s a lawyer right? So he’s the one sitting back in his nondescript hat, taking in the bluster and the egos and storing up the information for later. And when he decides to talk, the industry listens.