Cushla Aston

Cushla Aston (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Pikiao, Pākehā) is an artist manager, educator, mentor, and creative strategist with more than 15 years’ experience in Aotearoa’s music industry.

Founder of Aston Rd and current manager of Louis Baker, Cushla has worked alongside artists including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Trinity Roots, Julia Deans, Tama Waipara, Estère, Lord Echo, Brockaflower, and Cornerstone Roots. Her expertise spans artist management, release strategy, touring, marketing, funding, and long-term career development.

Alongside her management work, Cushla teaches Artist Development at Massey University’s School of Music and Creative Media Production. She has extensive mentoring experience, supporting artists independently, through MMF Aotearoa mentoring programmes, and previously mentoring Te Māngai Pāho-funded artists through the planning and delivery of their release campaigns.

Cushla has also contributed to the wider sector through leadership and governance roles, previously serving as Chair of MMF Aotearoa, a long-serving Executive Committee member, and a Board Member of Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ). Her wider experience includes producing for arts festivals, designing professional development initiatives, and facilitating workshops that support artists and the creative sector.

As a mentor, Cushla brings strategic insight, practical industry knowledge, and a strong commitment to helping artists gain clarity, make informed decisions, and build sustainable careers on their own terms. She is passionate about demystifying the music industry and helping artists develop the knowledge, confidence, and business skills.