MUSIC BUSINESS: Recently returned home from a 7 year stint in NYC, Melbourne born Dan Rosen is now the CEO of ARIA Music. With his own band (Second Dan) taking out Triple J’s Unearthed in 2003, he is the perfect mix of corporate and cool. We sat down for a five minute debrief.

FRS: Run us through your job spec as CEO of ARIA Music?

DR: We represent and promote the Australian recorded music industry. We do this by providing a platform to celebrate our best talent through the ARIA Awards and ARIA Hall of Fame, as well as the weekly ARIA charts; working with Federal and State Government to ensure there is an environment for creativity to thrive and to minimise threats to the industry; and partnering with commercial and technology companies to grow the industry and develop new ways for fans to engage with music.

FRS: How did you wind up in your current role?

DR: It has been an interesting journey, and something I couldn’t have planned. I am a musician and have played in bands my whole life (my band Second Dan won Triple J Unearthed in 2003). I studied law at University but was fascinated by the internet and digital media, so worked in this area first as a lawyer, then Government Adviser and then with a tech start-up in New York. The job was an opportunity to bring my skills and passions together in the one role.

FRS: Where do you see ARIA going under your leadership?

DR: The shift to digital consumption of music is the biggest change happening in the music industry. We are working hard at ARIA to embrace digital platforms and social media in everything we do, in particular across the ARIAs and Charts. Last year we introduced a number of new digital initiatives for the ARIAs, such as “Access All ARIAs” that was a live stream of the backstage area you could watch on your phone or tablet while watching the main show on TV. We want to keep improving the fan experience and engagement.

We are also working to promote an environment in which Australian artists and record labels are able to generate enough income so they can continue to create great music. The music industry is making progress using technology to innovate and create new digital business models so Australians can access music legally – but we need to work in partnership with Government and ISPs to reduce illegal consumption of digital music. This is an ongoing challenge.

FRS: Your favourite moment in Australian Music history?

DR: There are too many great moments to mention, but I believe we are living through one at the moment. This week we had three Australian artists in the top 5 of the ARIA Album Chart, and Gotye at number 1 on the US Billboard charts. Exciting times for Aussie music.

FRS: Your ideal ARIA Awards performance?

DR: That is a long list. It would be a collaboration between great artists, to produce a moment that you have never seen before, and will never see again. Watch this space …

FRS: Your favourite item of clothing?

DS: My old Hard-Yakka t-shirt

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Category: Lifestyle, Social, Style Tags: Aria Music, Dan Rosen, Louis Vuitton