POWER 50 2025: Esti Zilber (Sounds Australia)

BACKGROUND CHECK:

A veteran of the Australian music industry, Esti Zilber’s career is one that is deeply intertwined with Sounds Australia, the country’s national music export body. Joining the Chugg Entertainment team in 2008, a few years there gave way to a role as Sounds Australia’s Creative Producer. Working to provide unparalleled access and promotion for Australian artists and music professionals to the global music industry’s most influential buyers, bookers, and professional networks, Zilber’s influence is well documented.

Her efforts at the organisation during the pandemic years resulted in $1.2 million being distributed via Sounds Australia’s Export Stimulus Program, aiding 320 Australian artists, crew, and music professionals to realise “significant career-defining moments” in their professional lives. In late 2023, she was promoted to Executive Producer of Sounds Australia, a role she continues in to this day.

THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC:

Since stepping into the EP role at Sounds Australia, Esti has helped accelerate the organisation’s growth and sharpened its impact across the global music ecosystem. With strategic expansion into new markets being a hallmark of her efforts, the launch of new export programs, and kicking off initiatives across key territories in South East Asia – including India and Indonesia – Esti’s focus to elevate local artists is paramount in her professional life.

In addition to bringing in numerous international delegates for industry events, Esti has helped strengthen Sounds Australia’s role as a practical support engine for the sector. Overseeing the distribution of Music Australia grants, refreshing the organisation’s global presence through the Australia Sounds Like campaign, and achieving it all with a small, globally dispersed team, Esti has managed to change the careers of countless musicians, while garnering respect from the thousands of industry professionals who have benefited from her commitment and belief in the strength of local music.

THE MUSIC SPEAKS:

Could you imagine stepping into the shoes of Millie Millgate? Esti Zilber did and has made the job her own, taking Sounds Australia to new heights. Having been at the organisation for many years, Zilber knows the DNA of what works for export events, but has been able to bring her own experience and ideas to the role. 

New focuses in South East Asia, programs for composers (including gaming and film), along with an impressive inbound program that has brought international sync agents, festival bookers and more, show a continued evolution of the export program that has been so effective over the last few decades.