Australian News 2/6

Watson’s Growing Empire

Silverchair and Missy Higgins manager John Watson’s empire continues to expand.

Independent artist Gotye entered into a licensing agreement with Watson’s record label, Eleven A Music Company.

Gotye’s longtime manager, Danny Rogers of Lunatic Entertainment, has a co-manage deal with Watson for his client.

Rogers is based in London overseeing the international push of the band The Temper Trap. After a run of North American dates last fall, The Temper Trap return to the US in March and April in support of debut album Conditions.

In further management tie-ups, blues guitarist Mia Dyson signed with Dave Stewart’s Hollywood-based firm Weapons of Mass Entertainment.

Stewart, the former Eurythmics’ guitarist, will co-manage with Tony Quinn – GM for Weapons for Mass Entertainment’s management and production division – and A&R Dyson’s next record.

Sony Music’s New Zealand managing director Mike Bradshaw left his post to manage Neil Finn, setting up new company Meniscus Media. Finn was with Alec McKinlay at London’s Ignition Management.

Short Notes

Neil Richards of Square One Entertainment and Crossroads Touring Co’s Linda Chamarette are merging their companies.

Whitney Houston had to blow out her two Perth shows because, promoter Andrew McManus said, no light/sound trucks could be hired. AC/DC and George Michael are using them all.

The long-awaited Australian version of the UK electro-dance festival Creamfields will take place May 1-8, courtesy of local dance promoters Hardware and Onelove.