Episode 20: November 24

Petro caught up with Australia's top A&R record executive Michael Parisi.

They spoke extensively about the role of A&R, the relationship between artists and their record labels, the attitude of the Australian record buying public, the current state of the music industry and the artists Michael has minded such as Regurgitator, Kylie and Gabriella Cilmi.

Here's a brief timeline of Michael's career in the music industry.

1987-1989: Co-Founded "In Press" Magazine
1990-1992: General Manager of IMAGO Records (Baby Animals, Henry Rollins)
1993-1995: Artist Development Manager for Warner Music, looking after the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, REM, Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Marilyn Manson
1995-1999: A&R Director at Warner Music Australia. Signed Regurgitator, The SuperJesus and The Whitlams
1999-2002: Formed own label SPUTNIK Records through Festival Mushroom and signed and had #1 albums with the likes of 28 Days, George, Motor Ace and MUSE

Michael signed Gabriella Cilmi at the age of 13. Her debut single "Sweet About Me", from the album Lessons to be Learned, reached #1 in Australia and was a Top 10 hit all over Europe. She won six ARIA Awards in 2008, and is preparing the release of her second album.

2002-2008: Managing Director of Festival/Mushroom Records; signed Eskimo Joe, Gabriella Cilmi, Scribe, re-signed Kylie Minogue and worked with the likes of ONJ, AC DC, Garbage, Tom Jones etc
2009: Formed new company Michael Parisi Management. Signed three new artists. Caterina Torres, Mark Sholtez and METALS. Continues to provide consultation to Warner Music.

Former Killing Heidi members Ella and Jesse Hooper are back with their new band The Verses. Michael is the A&R of their debut EP.

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PART 1 // PART 2