Panel and masterclass
// 6pm: Artist management panel with Montaigne, Si Jay Gould, Katie Rynne and Oli Goeldner
// 7.30pm: Masterclass on how to pitch yourself with Rob Carroll
So you want a manager? Come along to find the secret sauce - what is it that managers are looking for in an artist? What can you do to get yourself ready for a manager? And how do you find the right one for you?
From 6pm, join our panel to get answers to these questions and more:
- ARIA Award-winning artist Montaigne
- Artist manager, label owner & festival curator Si Jay Gould (Hiatus Kaiyote)
- Booking agent extraordinaire Katie Rynne (Wheelhouse Agency, Select Music, BIGSOUND)
This panel will be hosted by journalist Oli Goeldner (Newcastle Weekly, Meet Music Magazine, Newcastle Music Show).
From 7.30pm, join Good Intent Managing Director Rob Carroll for a masterclass in pitching. Get practical guidance on how you can pitch yourself effectively to managers, as well as agents, labels and venues. Rob has worked with the likes of Yungblud (UK), Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale, Dune Rats, Trophy Eyes, Escape the Fate (USA), Newton Faulkner (UK), Washington, Jinja Safari, Astral People, BMG, Sony, Warner, EMI and Universal.
This is also a great chance to meet MusicNSW local Coordinator Maeve Grant and share how MusicNSW can support you and music in Newcastle more broadly.
Montaigne
Artist
Since emerging in 2012, Montaigne has become one of Australia’s most eclectic performers. Their debut album Glorious Heights (2016), featuring the ARIA Platinum-certified single Because I Love You, reached #4 on the ARIA charts and won them the 2016 ARIA Award for Best Breakthrough Artist. Montaigne represented Australia at Eurovision 2021 with the single Technicolour after winning the Eurovision: Australia Decides competition. Their third album, making it! (2022), included collaborations with Talking Heads' David Byrne. In 2023, their viral hit ‘Red Flags’ with Tom Cardy garnered over 140 million streams. Refusing to be boxed in, Montaigne has also worked in theatre, musical comedy, podcasts and video games with an ever-diversifying portfolio. They are currently working on their fourth album.
Si Jay Gould
Manager, Hiatus Kaiyote
Si Jay Gould has been Hiatus Kaiyote’s full time manager since 2011, guiding them to become one of the most successful and innovative RnB groups Australia has produced. Since independently releasing their debut album Tawk Tomahawk in 2012, Si has guided the band through becoming a word of mouth global phenomenon, including early support from LA station KCRW and BBC6 and endorsements by artists including Prince, Questlove, Erykah Badu and Chance the Rapper. Over 10+ years, Si has supported the band’s financial management, global touring, marketing campaigns, social media and more. As Director of Wondercore Island, Si has also released records as an imprint of Warner Music Australia for artists such as Jaala and Sampa the Great.
Katie Rynne
Senior Booking Agent, Wheelhouse Agency, Select Music
Katie Rynne is currently heading Wheelhouse Agency, Australia’s leading Country & Americana music booking agency. She represents talent such as Lane Pittman, Shannon Noll, and Amy Sheppard. Katie also serves as a Senior Booking Agent at Select Music Agency, with a roster including Wafia, The Preatures, and Drapht. Previously, she worked with Village Sounds Agency, representing acts like Something For Kate and Ziggy Alberts. In 2024, Katie was named BIGSOUND Music Co-Programmer. She has spoken at industry conferences like Iceland Airwaves, Bigsound, and VIVID Ideas and previously worked in tour and artist management for Lior and Passenger (UK).
Oli Goeldner (host)
Journalist
Oli Goeldner is a journalist with Newcastle Weekly and co-writer for Meet Music Magazine. Her insightful coverage of the Newcastle music and cultural scene has resonated across the region. With a deep passion for storytelling, Oli is dedicated to amplifying the voices of local artists, helping them gain the recognition they deserve in the industry. Starting her career as a volunteer at 2NURFM, Oli has quickly established herself as a passionate and influential young voice in local journalism. As a co-host of Newcastle Music Show, her multi-platform journalism highlights the exceptional talent emerging from the Hunter and beyond.
Rob Carroll
Managing Director, Good Intent
Rob Carroll has 20 years of experience in the Australian music industry, transitioning from artist to behind-the-scenes roles in artist management, PR, marketing, touring, and more. He is currently the Managing Director of Eora/Sydney-based agency Good Intent, managing artists like Bootleg Rascal and FANGZ, and handling PR for acts such as Bryan Ferry (UK), Chromeo (CAN), and Crowded House. Rob also oversees Good Loco, a photography and videography suite with clients including ABC, SBS, and Cirque du Soleil. Throughout his career, Rob has worked with artists like Yungblud (UK), Ocean Alley, and Lime Cordiale, and contributed to festivals including Laneway and Lost Paradise. He has also spoken at industry events like BIGSOUND and Abbey Road Institute’s Industry Access Open Day.
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