Aussie Managers Create 1825 Records

1825 Records will be distributed worldwide through Atlantic Records/Warner Music. New York-based Comerford manages singer-songwriter Vance Joy and The Amity Affliction. Emsell, who is based in Los Angeles, reps 5 Seconds of Summer and singer-songwriter Matt Corby through his Wonder Management. Comerford and Emsell are the latest in a new generation of globally focused Aussie entrepreneurs.

The label’s name comes from the age Comerford was when he set up his first company, now blown up to multi-labels, publishing, touring and festivals under the name Unified. Emsell was aged 25 when he started out.

“We’ve been good friends for years,” Comerford told Pollstar, adding that the two already shared office space in Sydney and plan to do so in Los Angeles. “We had spoken about doing various things but nothing ever made sense until we started 1825 Records.”

The first signing to 1825 is Sydney-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Xavier Dunn. He’s done some writing in Los Angeles for himself and for other artists. Talks began with him two years ago, Comerford said.

“For 1825 the plan is to develop the acts in Australia and when the time is right bring them over here. Xavier will follow this route.”