An Australian music industry icon is set to be recognised as such at this year’s ARIA Awards, to be held tonight in Sydney. Founder of MGM Distribution and member of the ARIA Board, Sebastian Chase, will be gifted with the 2016 ARIA Industry Icon Award for his contributions and work within the industry over the years.
Having worked with a variety of musicians including John Butler, Dragon and even Cold Chisel (in their early days), Chase is a name many know not only in distribution, but in terms of artist management and label. Since establishing Chase Records back in the 80’s, Sebastian began changing the way independent artists solicited their music to fans, offering major distribution, founding rooArt Records and Black Yak (with The Whitlams’ Tim Freedman) and eventually becoming a partner in Phantom Records too.
A beloved and well respected name in Australian music, Chase’s work and presence has inspired and he’s acted as a mentor to many in the game today so it’s no surprise he will be acknowledged and recognised in this way, tonight.
The 2016 ARIA Awards, presented by Telstra, will be broadcast on Channel Ten tonight from 7:30pm.
Photo by Amy Whitfield.
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