MusicNSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Muller as our new Managing Director, replacing Emily Collins, who vacated the position in July to take up the role of Interim Head at Sound NSW. Joe will steer the state music body in an exciting new phase at a time of expanding recognition of the economic, social and cultural value of contemporary music in NSW.
In announcing the appointment, the MusicNSW Board cited Joe’s considerable experience and commitment to connecting and empowering artists and industry as important factors in his suitability.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joe Muller to MusicNSW,” said Julian Knowles, Chairperson. “He brings extensive experience across festivals, venues, and artist services, and has strong relationships across the breadth of the industry. This, combined with his direct experience as a musician, give him a deep understanding of the importance of contemporary music to NSW communities. Joe is the ideal leader for MusicNSW at this exciting time in the development of contemporary music in the state.”
Joe joins MusicNSW with over 15 years experience as a festival curator, creative producer, venue programmer, artist manager, independent label owner and artist. Since 2021, he has been the Music Curator for Vivid Sydney and has considerably grown Vivid’s music footprint with a core focus on free public programming. He has also curated music programs for Queensland Music Festival, Taste of Tasmania, Newtown Festival and Melbourne’s CHANGES festival and iconic Sydney venues including The Basement and The Lansdowne. Previously, he was Co-Director of artist management company and independent label Wondercore Island and the General Manager of artist management and venue programming company NFE, along with acting as a contemporary music consultant to the NSW Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner. Joe has also worked as a live and studio musician, playing electric and double bass with a diverse range of groups for over 20 years.
In accepting this appointment, Joe shared his enthusiasm for the new role.
“I am delighted to be joining the wonderful team at MusicNSW to continue their extraordinary work in a period fertile with opportunity. I join colleagues industry-wide in welcoming the NSW Government’s continued commitment to the renewal and growth of contemporary music, reflected in the recent announcement of the Vibrancy Reforms and $31.2 million investment in the sector. MusicNSW looks forward to supporting this package and delivering a suite of programs aimed at elevating and developing artists, audiences and industry, contributing to the immense economic and cultural value of music for communities across NSW. In an incredibly fractured world, placing artists and truthtellers at the centre of our communities - to share stories, connect us to place and each other - is more important than ever.”
Joe will officially commence in the role on 13 November.
