For twenty-two years I have been lucky enough to do a job that I absolutely love. I need to thank my best friend, big brother, and business partners Craig. He started a job 23 years ago and after six months hired me. Two years later, I bought out his business partner and we started a journey in creating a national music media company. A special thanks to Mum and Dad for helping us do that – I wish Dad got to see what we were able to do. From humble beginnings in Port Melbourne with one masthead Inpress Magazine we embarked. Twenty-two years later, here we are - ready to start a new chapter after selling The Music to a team we know will take it to where we know it can go. 

In our time we have seen the highs and lows from one magazine, and with the help of great partner Julius Larobina, we built Australia’s first national street press, producing over 500 pages a week of music, arts and entertainment content. We developed the first independent iPad magazine - voted in the top 10 magazines in the world. We launched The Power 50, pivoted to online, and watched the rise of social marketing but remained relevant throughout. A huge thank you to Smash and Stu who when chips were down believed in Craig and I and helped is continue to do what we love.

We built something we are incredibly proud of. To be able to sit back at almost 23 years on and know that you were involved in something that helped start the careers of so many amazing people is incredibly humbling. Staff that have gone on to author books, write for major dailies, have stellar TV and radio careers and who have gone on to plying the trade in some of the biggest cities in the world or following their music, theatre or producing dream - I am truly grateful we played some part in you realising your dream. I would love to name you all but as there have been over 200 staff go through our offices. 

Read more: SGC Media Announces Acquisition Of TheMusic.com.au

To the bands, singer-songwriters, DJ’s and producers: thank you for letting us be part of your journey, for sharing your stories and trusting us to promote your works. It is your incredible creativity that allowed us to fill so many pages. I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of your universe. 

To our clients that have supported us over so many years - thank you. Many of you have become lifelong friends and that is what I love about our industry. We are a special industry with heart and passion and while our government may not show us the respect we deserve, I will always feel proud to be a part of this incredible community.

I have been able to make lifelong friends because of this media business, and I am so proud of what my brother and I have done. This journey enabled me to meet the amazing Alex Lahey and build an artist management business. Thank you Alex for trusting me to help guide your career and to give me the confidence to do it for others. 

This business also gave me the greatest ever gift: It is how I met my wife. Heidi, thank you for riding this wave with me. I love you so much and I look forward to what comes next.  

Thank you, staff, thank you to all the amazing clients, thank you music industry, I love you for what you have given me. 

And fuck it going to try and name some of you know there are many that might not be on the list but please know thank you: 

Mastie, TJ,  MG, Batty, Beech, Bec, Myf, Bonnie, Edwina, Karena, Edwina, Anthony, Moose, Katia, Glenn, Tyler, Hibbert, Goldsmith, Bill, Shane, Bryget, Hayden, Stu, Andres, Marty, Jeff, Brian, Van, Katie, Emma, Chris, Parisi,  Peters, Marty, Khalil, AJ, Sally, Bianka, Dave, Mark, Matt, Loretta, Anita, Clem, Steve, Baz, Dan, Mikey, James, Ant, Aarom, Aaron, Rachel, Sarah, Tom, Jess, Phil, Cyclone, Carew, Kane, Boyle, Jez, Henry, Annie, Mary, Gerrard, Sahara, Millie, Sophie, Frank, Morgs, Karl, Seb, Chuggi, Renee, Grant, Ant, Paul, David Matt, Susan, Johann, Johanna and so many many more.