POWER 50 2025: Nathan McLay (Virgin Music / Future Classic)

BACKGROUND CHECK:

An influential figure in the world of contemporary local music, Nathan McLay has more than two decades experience at the frontline of the Australian industry. Having served as the founder and CEO of Future Classic back in 2004, he’s spent this time building one of Australia’s most respected independent music companies, with its talented roster becoming globally recognised for its role in discovering, developing, and exporting Australian acts.

In 2023, Nathan came on board as the Managing Director for Virgin Music Australia & New Zealand, helping to grow their local roster to include names such as Peking Duk, Larissa Lambert, Stand Atlantic, dust., and Ruel. Alongside his work on the label side, Nathan also serves as part of the Music Australia Council at Creative Australia, helping to inform its strategy and direction.

THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC:

When it comes to the Australian music scene of the past 12 months, it often feels easier to look at the acts that Nathan hasn't been involved in. While he's helped to deepen Future Classic and Virgin Music's cultural and financial contributions to the Australian industry over the past year, the impressive achievements from acts such as G Flip, Flight Facilities, Sycco, Touch Sensitive and others on the Future Classic roster speak for themselves. 

Alongside showcasing acts on a global scale at the likes of SXSW in Sydney and Austin, the Netherlands' Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), and the UK's Great Escape, the Future Classic side has boasted chart-topping success for the likes of G Flip, a massive year for Sycco, co-management for R&B newcomer Dean Brady, and a debut EP from Ayesha Madon. Then there's the Virgin side, which has seen exceptional global movements from Amyl And The Sniffers, an international breakthrough for dust., a top ten release from Ruel, and plenty more. 

THE MUSIC SPEAKS:

Nathan’s history with Future Classic is a true Australian success story, but it’s the breadth of pies his fingers are in that is impressive in 2025. He has an eye for talent and a track record of what to do with it. 

How he juggles the largest global record company’s artist services arm with one of Australia’s biggest indie labels and still has time for management and other things on the side is anyone’s guess, but the proof is in the pudding as Virgin brand pushes forward and Future Classic continues to release great tunes.