Americana Music Association Sets Up Aussie Committee

Nashville-based Americana Music Association set up an Australian advisory group. It will meet every six weeks to discuss ways to increase the profile of the style in Australia, help Aussie acts find opportunities Stateside and set up collaborations with American acts.

The group comprises artist manager Dan Biddle, Brian Taranto of merchandising firm Love Police, Rhythms roots magazine editor Marty Jones, filmmaker Jeremy Dylan and Country Music Association of Australia president Dobe Newton.

The AMA’s newly appointed president, Aussie expat Mark Moffatt, told Pollstar, “The most practical way we can help is by shining a light on Australian talent in general, which we do a lot, and to reinforce Nashville’s affordability and current importance as a touring hub for indie artists.”

Since 2010, the AMA has showcased 70 Aussie acts at the Americana Music Festival in Nashville in September.

These included Tommy Emmanuel, Kasey Chambers, Paul Kelly, Troy Cassar-Daley, Catherine Britt, Mia Dyson, James Blundell and O’Shea. Through their exposure primarily at the event, Kristy Cox landed a deal with Pisgah Ridge and relocated to Nashville and Henry Wagons with Six Shooter Records.

Chris Altman moved to Toronto to write and perform with Canada’s Tim Hicks.