Sound States 2025 First Speaker Announcement

For the free WA-based music management mentorship program

APPLICATION FORM

Applications close at 11.59PM AWST on Saturday 26th April, 2025.

Pictured from top left; Kylie Thompson, Gawain Davies, Amber Jean Hatton / from middle left; Jimmy Moretta, Ali Kavanagh, Skinny O’Leary / from bottom left; Emma Adams, Mark Neal, Phaedra Watts. 

West Australian-based music management mentorship program Sound States, presented by 360 Artist Logistics, announces the first nine speakers for their three-day free-to-attend program, open to Artist Managers and Self-Manager Artists looking to grow their careers, confidence, and skill sets.

Taking place across three immersive days – Wednesday 30th July, Thursday 31st July, and Friday 1st August 2025 – at the State Library of Western Australia, Sound States provides a hands-on approach to navigating the music industry without relying on traditional gatekeepers. Back for its fifth season, Sound States applications for 2025 are now open until 11.59PM AWST on Saturday 26th April. 

The program features an inspiring lineup of mentors who have carved out their own success stories, building their audiences and careers from the ground up. Through in-depth sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain practical insights from independent managers, self-managed artists, publicists, booking agents, tax specialists, radio producers, and more. 

The first nine speakers are: 

• Kylie Thompson (Sorrento Strategic) Taxation Preparation & Financial Advisor

• Gawain Davies (Mellen Events) Event Manager 

• Amber Jean Hatton Head of Music Programming & Marketing at Honky Tonk Blues, Artist Manager (Siobhan Cotchin)

• Jimmy Moretta (Affix With Purpose) Co-Founder & Director

• Ali Kavanagh (Port Fairy Folk Festival) Artist Liaison and Operations Assistant

• Skinny O’Leary (SIDEQUEST / Hyperfest) Festival Coordinator, Artist Manager (Sly Withers, Smol Fish and Ursula), Bookings, Record Label Manager

• Emma Adams (Chipped Polish Mgmt) Venue Bookings at Mojo’s and The Bird, Management and Bookings (Anesu, Big Orange, Gia Como)

• Mark Neal (Blue Grey Pink) Record Label Founder & Director, Manager (Noah Dillon and Angie Colman)

• Phaedra Watts (Nannup Music Festival) Festival Director

With a strong emphasis on fostering confidence and career autonomy, Sound States has earned widespread praise from past participants and industry professionals alike. The program offers 15 successful applicants the opportunity to attend at no cost, with at least three positions reserved for regionally based participants. The program will cover transport, accommodation, and ground transfers for regional attendees.

APPLICATION FORM

Applications close at 11.59PM AWST on Saturday 26th April, 2025.

Sound States: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM