UNIFIED Music Group Partners With COHORT To Support Independent Artists

UNIFIED Music Group has joined forces with fellow Australian tastemaker COHORT in a move that will support independent artists.

The companies have entered a long-term partnership, bringing together two independent organisations that continuously challenge traditional music industry expectations.

Not only will UNIFIED provide distribution for the COHORT roster via its Community Music offshoot, but it’s also teamed up with the company as a business partner and brought it into the UNIFIED ecosystem.

COHORT was founded in 2021 by producer Edvard Hakansson. With an impressive roster of independent Australian music artists, including Geography, Juice Webster, Mimi Gilbert, and RINSE, the organisation is moving on up.

One of the newest acts on the roster is Darcie Haven. Opening for Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers on their upcoming national tour, the WA farm-raised singer recently reached #2 on the ARIA Australian Album Chart and #11 on the ARIA Albums Chart with her latest EP, Angel of the Apocalypse. Meanwhile, triple j has named her a “Forecast Artist” to watch in 2026.

UNIFIED Music Group and COHORT will celebrate the announcement of their partnership tonight at Community Music’s first live event of the year. The evening will feature an intimate performance by Darcie Haven at the UNIFIED Head Office, right in the heart of Melbourne.

Something that drew UNIFIED to COHORT is Open Office, a free live music series that the former has launched at its Melbourne office. COHORT follows a “format-agnostic” approach, supporting projects whether they're records, tours, gigs, or something entirely different. And with Open Office, they’ve removed a cost barrier and prioritised real-life connection.

“At COHORT, I’m interested in creating conditions to enable artists to do their best work, without being forced into a single pathway,” explained COHORT Founder and Director, Edvard Hakansson.

Hakansson continued, “Community plays a big role in that. Working with UNIFIED Music Group means we’ll have the support to build and enrich those communities better than before while staying true to our shared values.”

UNIFIED Music Group Founder and CEO Jaddan Comerford added, “Edvard and his work through COHORT is a great example of how challenging traditional industry models can lead to stronger, more sustainable music careers.

“Initiatives like Open Office show what’s possible when you put community and creativity first, and it’s exactly the sort of approach we want to support and invest in. I’m thrilled that Edvard has chosen Community Music for his artists, and can’t wait to see the careers that grow from here.”