Words by Keane Fletcher

It can be a jungle out there. Between the pressure of streaming services, record deals, and the cost of producing an album, its no wonder a lot of artists are in the dark when it comes to the ins-and-outs of the music biz. Well never fear, Eamon O'Kane of Sydney-based independent label Antipodes Music Group is here and he's ready to answer some of your most burning questions.

Getting their start as Bondi Records way back in 2015, AMG has since been going from strength to strength, building up their catalogue of incredible artists as well as releasing some killer new music including the latest tracks from Jon Kane, Darkness & The Light, funkbeatlove, G.Anthony, My Silent Prayer, as well as the upcoming debut single from alt-folk/country artist Chuck Solo.

And they're not stopping there. 

We are looking for our next artist. You could be an electro artist/duo...or a songwriter, or a band. We have artists that range from heavy rock (Blood Dirt & Bone) to funk electro (funkbeatlove) to instrumental soundscapes (Darkness & The Light). So, if you are seeking a label, drop us a line. We will listen to your music!

You heard him folks! Time to start sending in your demos! Until then, check out our interview below to get a better idea of what a label actually does, as well as some insider info into how to stand out from the crowd. In the words of O'Kane himself: 'It can take 20 years to become an overnight sensation’. So hop to it!

Check it out our interview with Eamon O'Kane below!

1- Tell us a bit about Antipodes Music Group. How did it get started? Have you always wanted to run your own label?

We started as ‘Bondi Records’ in 2015 (myself and Gerard Presland). We renamed as Antipodes Music Group in 2019. I started the label firstly as an artist wanting to have control of my music releases and catalogue. This followed on to collecting like-minded acts and artists who were wanting the same.

I have been involved in studio production since the early 90’s (first in NZ then in the US). My main focus as an artist has always been the creative & production side and I am fortunate to be able to help develop new artists with our label and recording studio.

2- What kind of services does AMG provide?

We are a very small label. Totally self funded and self driven. We are not a ‘full service’ label in the old sense. We offer (to our in-house artists) recording and song development as well as a pathway to releasing music to a worldwide audience. We usually license music from our artists (on a completed release basis) leaving room for the artists to move on to bigger labels if the opportunity arises.

3- What do you usually look for in the artists you represent?

Our mantra is ‘indie always’ So, with this in mind we look not only for commercial viability but also for those who bring an individual or eclectic musical view.

4- How hands on are you with the label? Do you give your artists creative free rein or do you view it more like a collaboration?

Music is all about communication. You cannot create or collaborate without communication. As we put our name to the music we release we do have final say on certain things (most labels do): song order on EPs & albums, final say on art work, as well as scheduling of releases and press. We like to involve the artists at all stages. A lot of artists struggle with the business side of creativity, this is where we can help.

Making a record can be a sprint but the marketing & selling is always a marathon. And something I like to say aloud is 'it can take 20 years to become an overnight sensation’ so stick with it.

5- In this era of streaming services, how important is a reputable label in helping artists stand out from the pack?

More important than ever. All artists can now upload and distribute their music online, worldwide. This in itself seems incredible compared to 20 years ago. But there are now approximately 60,000 tracks released to Spotify EVERY DAY! Think about it! Only the top 1 or 2% make any impact. Any tool an artist can use to gather and inform an audience has to be worth looking at. Having a label can be the difference between no exposure/no audience and building an audience for the long term. This is what we hope to do for our artists.

6- What are some of your upcoming releases?

Our next release is singer-songwriter ‘Chuck Solo’ coming out in late September (Debut 2-track double-single). In October we have ‘under a distant sun’ by ‘Darkness & The Light’ and our yearly label compilation, ’Songs from the edge of the empire’ VOL 2. All available through: https://antipodesmusicgroup.bandcamp.com/

7- The music industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications. How has it affected the label? What would you say to artists who are really struggling at the moment?

Art flourishes during periods of adversity. Times are tough for all of us and artists are no exception. My advice is to hang in, write & craft your music. Get ready for live music to return in 2022. As a label we have survived this time by doing remote recording sessions and preparing our releases. As an artist if you are doing it tough and feeling lost...use that as inspiration and WRITE!

8- Whats next for the Antipodes Music Group?

We are looking for our next artist. You could be an electro artist/duo...or a songwriter, or a band. We have artists that range from heavy rock (Blood Dirt & Bone) to funk electro (funkbeatlove) to instrumental soundscapes (Darkness & The Light). So, if you are seeking a label, drop us a line. We will listen to your music!

Our website: www.antipodesmusicgroup.com

Email: antipodesmusic@icloud.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntipodesMusicGroup

Thanks for stopping by Hipland!