MELBOURNE, AUS (CelebrityAccess) – Mushroom Music Publishing this week announced that longtime managing director Ian James will be stepping down effective January 1, 2019.
James, who has worked for the Michael Gudinsiki founded Mushroom Group for 32-years, will transition into a senior consultant role as MMP’s head of A&R, Linda Bosidis, takes over as the company’s new MD.
Commenting on the news, James said in a statement issued Wednesday (Oct. 3): “When I started with Mushroom Music in 1986 it was a fantastic environment. The three exceptional albums that year were the first Crowded House album, Paul Kelly’s Gossip and Hunters and Collectors’ Human Frailty. They’re still iconic.
“Michael was a unique character then and always will be. He has been my mentor, my professor. It’s been an honor to work with the extended Mushroom family and Linda has been a valued member since she started. She will be great. I’m pleased to continue this adventure in a new role.”
Gudinski added: “Ian has made such an incredible contribution to not only Mushroom Music but the music industry as a whole. Together we have put Mushroom Music on the world map. He is one of the true characters of the industry and we look forward to drawing upon his great knowledge, experience and contacts in the years to come.”
Since starting with Mushroom, James has helped to sign some of the world’s foremost music catalogs including Chrysalis, Kobalt, BMG, Reservoir, Big Deal and Downtown, as well as publishing deals in Australia and New Zealand for global acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, the White Stripes and others.
Going forward, James will continue to provide strategic advice to MMP and serve as the company’s representative on the boards of APRA, AMCOS, the International Confederation of Music Publishers and the Independent Music Publishers Forum.
MMP’s incoming MD Bosidis has been with Mushroom Music Publishing since 1996, and has signed artists as diverse as Violent Soho, Julia Jacklin, Gordi, Jack River, Chet Faker, The Temper Trap and King Gizzard.
Of her new post, Bosidis said: “It will be a privilege to lead the team at Mushroom Music – an inspiring group of proactive, creative thinkers who listen to the individual needs of our writers and encourage meaningful change to enhance the art.”
Bosidis will work out of MMP’s Melbourne office and report to Mushroom Labels and Publishing COO, Chris Maund.
