Industry Heavyweights Back New Country Music Agency

Australia’s country music scene just got a mind-blowing rush of new energy, with the masterful minds behind Chugg Music and Select Music – in tandem with renowned country music figure Dan Biddle – launching the newly minted Wheelhouse Agency.

In a press release, it’s said the booking agency will be focussed on Australia’s “growing country and Americana music sector”. It’s the brainchild of Chugg Music’s Michael Chugg AM and Andrew Stone, Select Music’s Stephen Wade and Rob Giovannoni, and Biddle (who himself runs the titular Dan Biddle Management agency, in addition to a role at Chugg Music as a special projects manager).

Chugg vouched in a statement that Wheelhouse fills a gap created in the local industry by virtue of “the growth of country music in Australia over the last few years”. He said of the company’s origin story: “It was clear that the market needed a new agency to service the many great new artists coming through along with the established artists who are kicking major goals. 

“With our many decades of experience across all facets of live touring, combined with our knowledge of the country music industry, there is no better team in Australia to help artists develop their live careers and grow their audiences.” 

Giovannoni and Biddle will steer the ship at Wheelhouse as its joint co-heads, though it’s noted that both will remain involved in their existing roles elsewhere. Select Music’s Kate Krollig will also join the team, managing its sprawling roster in the role of lead agent.

That roster, announced alongside the company itself today (June 7), spans a mighty 19 names and includes some of Australia’s most revered acts in country music and Americana. The list is as follows:

Amy Sheppard
Andrew Farriss
Bud Rokesky
Casey Barnes
Henry Wagons
James Blundell
Kingswood
Lane Pittman
Leroy Macqueen
Loren Ryan
McAlister Kemp
Sara Berki
Sara Storer
Shannon Noll
Sweet Talk
Taylor Moss
The Paper Kites
Travis Collins
Wagons

In a statement of his own, Henry Wagons said he was “excited to be in the sublime twangy company Wheelhouse have corralled”. He added: “What a great broad ranging stable for live country music of all shapes and sizes.”

More information on Wheelhouse Agency can be found on the company’s website, as well as Facebook and Instagram.