Sydney, Thursday 27 June 2024

Universal Music Australia, a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, last night hosted its second international artist showcase, spotlighting emerging UMG artists, Good Neighbours, ROLE MODEL and Towa Bird.

The IGNITE showcase series, a UMG initiative where priority breaking artists are introduced to new markets across the globe, was held at Beta Events, a two-level venue in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, with guests including global label executives and local industry figures and hosted by media personality Bridget Hustwaite.

This year's event follows the wildly successful 2023 showcase, which featured Stephen Sanchez, d4vd & Dylan, and was the first time Towa Bird and ROLE MODEL graced an Australian stage, with Good Neighbours having performed their first ever Australian headline show the night before.

Speaking of the importance of the Australian IGNITE series, UMANZ President and CEO, Sean Warner said, “As a global organisation, we are fortunate to have multiple markets with the same goal - to discover, develop and promote artists, and we were thrilled to welcome the next generation of international artists to the Australian market for IGNITE for the second year in a row.

“Through our global labels we work with a broad and diverse range of talent, and by having these international partners, we are also able to successfully introduce homegrown artists to the US and other markets around the world. With offices in more than 60 territories, we all work together to invest in our artists and introduce them to new audiences, so it is exciting to officially present them to the Australian market so that we can help them fulfil their full potential and become global stars,” added Sean.

UMG’s Senior Vice President, Global Artist Development, JJ Corsini, who has been an integral part of IGNITE’s creation and this year’s artist selection, said “Australia has always been an important

market for our breaking international artists, acting as a tastemaker for developing acts due to the enthusiasm and passion of local music fans for new releases.

“Good Neighbours, ROLE MODEL and Towa Bird are all at the earlier stages of their careers, and we are committed to supporting them break into new markets, particularly in those where we’ve had previous success. Stephen Sanchez was part of IGNITE in 2023, and he is currently performing sell out shows across the US, having already performed a suite of headline dates across Europe & Australia earlier in the year,” added JJ.

Performing at the Australian IGNITE showcase was one of many global performances currently lined up for these artists over the coming months, with Towa Bird to open for Reneé Rapp across the US, ROLE MODEL supporting Gracie Abrams on her US tour in September as well as performing his own set of headline shows, and Good Neighbours appearing at several European music festivals.