POWER 50 2025: Matt Gudinski (Mushroom Group)

BACKGROUND CHECK: 

Matt Gudinski is the Chief Executive of the Mushroom Group, Australia's largest independent music and entertainment company. Immersed in the industry from birth as the son of legendary founder Michael Gudinski, Matt officially joined the family business in 2003 at the age of 17. He quickly established his own reputation by launching successful imprints like Illusive Sounds and Illusive Presents, demonstrating a keen eye for new talent and driving the company's evolution in the label and touring divisions. In 2013, he was appointed Executive Director, working side-by-side with his father to oversee the operations of the group's two dozen companies.

Following the sudden passing of his father in March 2021, Matt stepped into the role of CEO, a succession that had been planned for years. Now at the helm, he is responsible for the Mushroom Group's entire portfolio, which spans touring, record labels, artist management, publishing, and film production. He is committed to continuing the company's "artist-first" mentality and honouring his father's legacy while also focusing on the group's global expansion and diversification, ensuring its position as a dominant force in the entertainment industry for the next generation.

THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC: 

While Mushroom has many fingers in many pies, to Australian musicians, their recording and publishing company is still a national treasure. Well and truly out of the shadow of his legendary father, Gudunski Jr has made a serious mark on the family business, combining its publishing and recording assets to form Mushroom Music, ramping up MG Live (a live business separate to the company’s joint venture with AEG in Frontier) and increased investments into neighbouring rights, merch and influencer marketing. 

For its Australian artists, it’s hard to look beyond Premier Artists and MBA for a strong roster of local talent. Mushroom Music has the highest number of charting Australian albums for the year over any other label (and that’s before we count the publishing clients). MG Live and Frontier are creating live opportunities. There are podcasts, films, and brand opportunities, and Australian music remains at the heart of what they do. 

THE MUSIC SPEAKS:

In the six years since our last Power 50, a lot has changed with the passing of Michael Gudinski. Mushroom’s leadership role in the Australian industry is not one of those things, however. Matt has modernised the company while retaining the Mushroom ethos. This is Matt’s world now, and ably assisted by some very well-chosen lieutenants, the company continues to be the first in line to wave the flag for local artists. He’s quieter and might not be the first to hit the media, but his method is no less powerful.

Our last Power 50 had his old man in the top spot, and while we’re not numbering the boxes this time around, in the time the Power 50 has been on hiatus, it’s clear that if we were, it wouldn’t be hard to argue that the baton has been passed. Not just because of legacy, but because of 2025 runs on the board. Mushroom isn’t resting on the laurels of its history; it’s investing in recording artists, songwriters and executive talent to keep Australian music on the radar.