HE manages some of Australian country music’s biggest names and his industry experience spans more than two decades.
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So it was only fitting that Dan Biddle was named the new chairman of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA).
Mr Biddle is joined by Natalie Waller as vice chair. They replace outgoing chairman Dobe Newton and vice chair Roger Corbett.
“To be entrusted with chairing the CMAA, an organisation that has worked for the interests of country music artists and industry for over 25 years is a huge honour for me.” Mr Biddle said.
“Country music has been an important sector of the wider Australian music industry for many decades, back to the days of Slim Dusty or Tex Morton before him.
“When you look at the amount of high quality emerging artists right now, the amount of artists and songwriters working professionally in international markets and the success of the festival and touring market, it is fair to say that Australian and New Zealand country music is in an incredibly healthy place.
“I want to do my part in ensuring that this time in country music is regarded as a golden era in the history of Australian country music.”
He isn’t wasting any time either with plans to increase the profile of the industry.
“Primarily we will be working to increase the profile of the CMAA and Australian and New Zealand country music to the wider music industry both locally and internationally which in turn will boost the confidence of the membership which will assist in creating the best possible platform from which the artists can springboard their careers,” he said.
“Both Tamworth Regional Council and the city of Tamworth as the ‘home of country music’ in Australia play a vital role not only in the CMAA but country music in general.
“We work closely together to present the Golden Guitar Awards and ensure the ongoing integrity and stature of the Golden Guitar Awards as the pinnacle awards in Australian and New Zealand country music.”
Mr Biddle said building the profile and profitability of the bi-annual Academy of Country Music was also a goal for the board.
