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UNIFIED Music Group Expands Into New Zealand With Hire Of Matt Harvey

Mary Varvaris

Harvey's powerhouse roster, which includes electronic stars Shapeshifter and former Shihad frontman Jon Toogood, will be integrated into the UNIFIED ecosystem.

UNIFIED Music Group with Matt Harvey
UNIFIED Music Group with Matt Harvey(Credit: Supplied)

UNIFIED Music Group is expanding into New Zealand, thanks to the new hire of industry veteran Matt Harvey.

Coming on board as the company’s Senior Artist Manager, Harvey joins UNIFIED with decades of experience on his side. And, the hire signals UNIFIED’s long-term commitment to the music industry in New Zealand, providing infrastructure and development opportunities to Kiwi artists.

After founding the award-winning drum and bass act, Concord Dawn, Harvey spent ten years based in Vienna, where he toured the global club circuit, before returning to Auckland in 2016 and taking his experience as a self-managed artist into the music industry.

Harvey then started the management company, Southeast, where he’s accompanied by day-to-day manager Mandy Keighley. The pair have built a reputation for supporting artists and championing sustainable careers.

Taking on his new role, Harvey arrives with a powerhouse roster of established talent, who will be integrated into the UNIFIED ecosystem.

Said artists include electronic stars Shapeshifter—celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Soulstice—Daily J, releasing new music this month; rising indie-rocker Mim Jensen; Māori beatmaker and DJ world champion Spell; and former Shihad frontman and kiwi rock royalty Jon Toogood.

In a statement, Harvey said of today’s announcement, “It’s incredibly exciting to join an organisation that invests in its people and embraces unconventional thinking. Managers are essential to an artist's team, and supporting managers is one of the most effective ways to support our artists. 

“This is not just an exciting step for me personally; it’s an opportunity to become part of the long-term infrastructure that supports artists in New Zealand, helping local music resonate far beyond its place of origin.”

UNIFIED Artist Management General Manager, Ash Hills, added, “At the core of why we are so excited to be working with Matt and Mandy is the shared idea that great music knows no borders. 

“UNIFIED has had a profound impact on the Australian music industry by championing great people and artist careers, and we are thrilled to connect with the team who shares those same values in New Zealand.”