Busby Marou's Manager says he thinks the industry has finally come to grips with the digital movement.

Queensland duo Busby Marou got their break recording a track for the Finn Bros Tribute Album. 

 

Manager Josh Jones discusses their rise to No 24 in the charts.

 

Job Description…

Managing Busby Marou has so many different elements.  Essentially I am responsible of the day to day running of the business end of the band as well as the strategic direction and planning for the future direction of the band.

1st Album (bought or given)…

My first album given to me was Highwayman by The Highwaymen. They were a country music 'super group' members including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.  The first album I purchased with my own money was Nirvana Nevermind.

1st Gig…

Growing up in Rockhampton there was not too many options when it came to live shows. My first gig was actually Big Day Out 1996 Rage Against the Machine being my highlight!

Years In Industry…

I'm still very green.... only 4 years!

Early Influences (musical or other)…

Powderfinger, Nirvana Crowded House, Beach Boys.

Have you had or do you have a mentor…

I'm very lucky to have several people in 'the industry' that i can lean on for support when I need it... which is fairly regularly!

First industry experiences: recording and performing live…

Busby Marou's first EP Blueroad. Recorded at Pete Murray's house in Byron Bay.

How do you break into the Industry…

Busby Marou's big break came off the back of their inclusion on the "He will have his way" album. If it wasn't for Craig Hawker and John O'Donnell we might not be having this conversation.

Legal Advice: when is the right time to get it & what are you looking for…

Personally I think you need legal advice before signing any documents or contracts. Happy to plug Brett Oaten, not only a great music lawyer put a rugby league tragic.

Management: they find you or you find them…

We're both from Rockhampton.

Indy or Major: preference & how do you get that first recording deal…

Indy via a major, why not get the best of both worlds? Our first deal was done with Graham Ashton from Footstomp music.  Another thanks to Craig Hawker for that introduction.

Booking Agent: do it yourself or how do you get one…

At some point you need a booking agent, the timing differs for every band. My advice is make sure you get the right booking agent. We were very close to making a huge mistake until someone introduced us to Stephen Wade from Select Music. He is in it for the long term and not the quick buck.

Touring: how do you build your fan base and most memorable 'on the road' moment so far…

Grass roots touring is the only way to truly build your fan base. Work closely with your booking agent and be smart about where and when you play.

Media: how do you find your audience - traditional, social or both…

At some stage you need a good publicist to do the job properly. Obviously social media is so important these days but don’t underestimate the necessity of traditional media.

First Music Video: what should you spend & how do you find a director

We were very lucky. Tom's cousin Brendan Busby owns a production company so he does all our videos... family discount!

Publishing: biggest pro & biggest con, plus how much was your first royalty cheque…

Biggest Pro - the most obvious is we don't have access to the big buyers, so having a great publisher opens you up to a broader market and bigger dollars.

O/S: When is the right time to go & how do you fund it…

Well I'm not really sure. We are heading over to SXSW in March to dip our toes in the water. Thankfully we have funding offers to get us there.

Career High…

Busby Marou reaching #24 on the ARIA chart. And a few very proud moments at live shows this year.

Career Low…

Thankfully we havn’t been in the game long enough to experience a low point.

Rockstar Moment…

I had a really cool rock star experience at Big Sound last year hanging out with Shihad front man Johnny Toogood... very cool guy.

Top 3 Sound Advice Tips for new artist's trying to break into the industry…

1. Surround yourself with good people

2. Spend big on FOH sound for live gigs

3. Don't be a pest at industry events.

The music industry is changing rapidly. What direction do you see it heading…

I'm the eternal optimist so I think the industry has finally come to grips with the digital movement and there are good things to come. There are plenty of innovative people working in the music industry, its exciting times.

What are you currently working on…

New Busby Marou album in the pipeline later this year and as always plenty of touring.

Last recorded music bought (paid or complimentary & what delivery format)…

Dr Dog – apparently the biggest band in Philadelphia. Physical album from Graham Ashton.

Last Gig (paid or 'on the door')…

Grouplove at the Zoo in Brisbane.

Finally, what job would you be doing if it wasn't for music…

Fighter pilot.

For the record (the plug):

Busby Marou are currently touring Australia.  Check out ticket information and where to pick up their debut album at the band's links below.