Singer-Songwriter Leah Flanagan has stepped into the newly created role of National Manager of APRA AMCOS’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office
Leah will work closely with APRA AMCOS and stakeholders in the Indigenous music community out of our Northern Territory office
APRA AMCOS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership grew by 10% in the least year
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, arts manager and APRA AMCOS Ambassador Leah Flanagan will bring her wealth of industry knowledge and passion for advocacy to the newly created role of National Manager of APRA AMCOS’ National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office.
Leah is an Alyawarre woman from Darwin and will be relocating there from Sydney in early 2020, and will work out of our Northern Territory office.
As the National Manager, Leah will be an essential representative for the music rights organisation and its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwriter and composers members, and will be working closely with associated stakeholders in the Indigenous music community.
Leah's appointment comes at a time of growth in the sector. APRA AMCOS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership grew by 10% in the previous year to 1,581 songwriters and composers nationally. Service to members, advocacy, community engagement and pursuing export opportunities in collaboration with Sounds Australia will all be areas that she focuses on.
“I’m passionate about advancing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music sector by helping members to understand the value of their work—all of this in addition to supporting songwriters and composers in creating great music,” said Leah.
"We’re extremely excited to have Leah head up the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office. Leah’s experience as a songwriter, coupled with her background as an Arts professional, provides a perfect combination of skills to take the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office to the next level.
"I’m looking forward to seeing our service and engagement with our First Nations writers grow and evolve," said Chris O'Neill, Senior Manager – National Engagement at APRA AMCOS.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office was created in 2012 to support and recognise songwriters and composers and ensure they receive remuneration for the usage of their musical work. Working with Leah is National Representative Donna Woods, who is based in Brisbane and has facilitated the Starting Ground music workshop and a range of member and industry events.
Leah is also a previous APRA Professional Development Award recipient, and has worked with Sydney Festival, Sydney Opera House, Campbelltown Arts Centre and Arts Law. She also has just released a new single, ‘Love Like Water.'