Music Industry Insights is our exclusive interview series featuring the heavyweights and thought leaders of Australian music. Hosted by music industry veteran and AIM Chair Ed St John, the series is filmed on Tuesday nights at AIM's Sydney campus before a live audience and live streamed on the AIMTv YouTube channel. In 2021, the deep dive interviews will also be available as a podcast.

Our first series for 2021 will take place over six weeks from February 2nd. Guests include the music managers of some of Australia’s most exciting artists, major label heads and those leading the way in the Australian music media. An author responsible for a new book exploring addiction, mental health and the dark side of the industry round out what is sure to be an entertaining and thought-provoking series of interviews.

AIM students, alumni and the music industry are invited to attend the 2021 series of AIM Industry Insights, which is filmed at the Australian Institute of Music’s Sydney campus. Light refreshments provided.

This week's guest: Regan Lethbridge, co-manager Tones and I

Regan Lethbridge is one of the most successful young entrepreneurs working in the Australian music industry today. His story should serve as inspiration for any young musician or manager wanting to build a sustainable long-term career.

Regan is perhaps best-known as the co-manager of Tones & I – whose single Dance Monkey has become one of the biggest songs in the history of the music business. The song went #1 in 30 countries, has been streamed seven billion times, with a further one billion views on YouTube. Regan also co-manages Tash Sultana, a Melbourne-based artist who now commands such a loyal global audience that they can headline US arenas and festivals such as Coachella.

Regan started his career as a member of New Zealand band Bonjah. Interestingly, the band made their money largely through busking. Many of the artists he chooses to now manage (including Tones and Tash) made their name as buskers.

Today, Regan heads up a business empire that includes Lemontree Music (artist management) Lemontree Records (record label) and Lonely Lands booking agency.

AIM Industry Insights 2021 season #1 guests:

Feb 2 : John O’Donnell – Managing Director EMI, Co-Manager Cold Chisel

Feb 9: Regan Lethbridge – Manager of Tones and I and Tash Sultana; MD of Lemontree Music

Feb 23: Heath Johns – CEO, BMG Music

March 2: Poppy Reid – Editor, Rolling Stone Australia

March 9: Paul Saintilan – Author, Musicians and Addiction

Note: Our events adhere to COVID-safe guidelines for Sydney. More details here.