Craig Pearce

I am currently an Artist Manager for a diverse roster of New Zealand artists, including The Black Seeds, The Phoenix Foundation, Reb Fountain, and Moniker. Over the years, I’ve also helped develop artists like Lord Echo, Lawrence Arabia, Connan Mockasin, and Sola Rosa.

Additional to my role as Artist Manager, I also currently participate as:

• Label & Royalties Manager for artist’s companies

  Live Booking Agent for various artists

• Tour Manager for domestic and international tours

• Act CEO, CFO, and COO for the artists’ companies

  Stage Manager at Homegrown

  Executive Committee Member at MMF

These varied roles have given me deep insights into both the creative and business sides of the industry. I’m passionate about supporting the long-term success of the artists I manage and ensuring their well-being in a constantly evolving music landscape

My career spans nearly 20 years, during which I’ve worked across multiple facets of the music industry. I’ve facilitated over 50 artist releases, acting as their label and coordinating global teams to manage royalties. I’ve also worked on live music, supporting artists at major festivals like Glastonbury, Splendour In The Grass, and Roskilde, and have toured across Europe, the US, Canada, the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

Additionally, I’ve:

• Served as a Board Member of Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)

• Provided high-level mentorship to emerging and established artists

• Lectured at Massey University, contributing to the Degree in Music (Industry Major) programme

I’ve witnessed the industry evolve with digital streaming, touring challenges, and cultural shifts. I continue to adapt to ensure my artists succeed long-term.

Craig is a self confessed spreadsheet geek, he loves nothing more than budgeting, accounting and “finding” royalties.

Craig can mentor on (his words) 'anything they want to ask. I don't really hold anything back and if I don't know something I let them know'. 

However, his strong points are: 

• Touring NZ/World - Logistical issues like Visas/Freight/Travel Tips/Production

•  Finance - All aspects, including Royalties/Budgets/Accounting/IRD/Global Taxation/Importing/Exporting/Publishing

• Promo/Marketing - Digital/Traditional

• Festivals - How to secure festivals and be ready for offers/how to negotiate fees

• Band Dynamics - The ins and outs of dealing with multiple personalities!

• Recording/Production - The ins and outs of funding, recording, producing and releasing music

Leanda Borrett

Leanda has worked in various content, broadcast and marketing roles over her 30 year career in the music industry.

Starting her career in music television, Leanda has programmed music and produced content for some of New Zealand's best loved music channels. There she discovered her drive to support and promote the growth of emerging and established artists. After 13 years of working in television, Leanda made the transition to marketing, working in publicity roles at EMI NZ, Roadshow Films NZ and Whakaata Māori. 

Starting in 2016, Leanda has provided freelance publicity, communications and marketing support under the banner of Eleventy12. Projects include release and tour campaigns for Ed Waaka, Georgia Lines, Lou’ana, Shapeshifter and The Upbeats. Leanda is currently the Marketing and Publicity Manager for AudioCulture and NZ On Screen.

Leanda can mentor you through project planning and strategy, publicity, traditional and digital marketing, social media content and advertising.

Katie Thompson

Katie Thompson is a self-managed New Zealand alt-country artist and founder of Quirky Music, with more than 15 years' experience navigating the music industry as both an artist and music marketer.

Throughout her career, Katie has opened for artists including Sir Elton John and Don McLean, travelled to Vienna to collaborate with artists from around the world through Global Rockstar, and was a finalist for Best Country Artist in 2020 and Best Country Song in both 2020 and 2024.

Through Quirky Music, Katie works with independent artists on artist development, release strategy, social media and digital marketing. She has worked on digital marketing campaigns for artists including Jenny Mitchell, Delaney Davidson, The Warratahs, Kylie Price and Greta O'Leary, helping artists develop practical campaigns that connect their music with the right audience.

Drawing on her experience from both sides of the industry, Katie is passionate about helping artists build sustainable careers and better understand how to release and market their music.

Katie can mentor on Artist Development, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Release Plans, Social Media Management and General Music Industry Advice.