Tom Granger Interview - Do What You Believe In
Meet Tom Granger, the man behind some of Australia’s biggest electronic acts and the general manager at Audiopaxx. We caught up with Tom to chat about his experiences within the industry, and his forthcoming appearance at QMusic’s Industry Connect program. QMusic's Industry Connect program is series of free workshops set to commence in early April in Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Cairns, with the aim to connect establishing talent with industry and resources.
Futuremag Music: Hey Tom, what's good in your stretch of the woods?
Tom Granger: I wish I lived in the woods; I’d be a modern day Robin Hood. Alas, my life isn’t that exciting; its mainly just replying to emails.
Futuremag Music: Could you talk us through your role within the music industry and the process of how you made it to where you are?
Tom Granger: Well, this is a long story, I’ll try to keep it short and save the Hans Christian Anderson moment. I currently earn my bread as the General Manager of Audiopaxx agency, which is a music management and touring company. My main focus is artist management. I never planned for this to be my career, it was an amalgamation of different jobs and luck, but the one thing that was consistent was my love for music. I started out picking up glasses at a pub called the Mean Fiddler, I quickly realised that picking up glasses sucked and I somehow weaselled my way into booking entertainment and running events at the venue, this lead to me running events and booking entertainment at various venues in the city. I then opened my own bar in Surry Hills, due to my poor lack of business experience, I was taken advantage of by an investor who changed the locks on the venue. After bouncing around various ventures within the industry, trying to find my feet, I eventually walked into the Swerve Group office with my tail between my legs and asked for a job. Thankfully they had a job opening in an assistant admin position, I started the next day and the rest is history.
Futuremag Music: You'll be partaking in QMusic's Industry Connect program. Can you outline what you'll be covering in your session?
Tom Granger: I'll mainly be talking about how the manager facilitates their artists during the creative process of finishing a song, from inception to release. I'll be there to chat with aspiring and upcoming artists and give feedback on their records.
Futuremag Music: How important are industry development programs such as those run by QMusic?
Tom Granger: I think these workshops are very important and integral to the growth and development of the music industry. It helps people the chance to connect, learn and have access to opportunities that they may not have had.
Futuremag Music: To wrap it up, what is a piece of advice you'd give to those starting a career in the music as an artist or industry?
Tom Granger: Create and do what you believe in. Don't let other peoples success or certain radio stations and labels dictate or sway your end goal. At the end of the day, if you stay true to your self, likeminded people will find you and success will come.