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Inertia Music's co-founder and head of A&R Justin Cosby has died

Leading independent label and distributor Inertia Music's co-founder and head of A&R Justin Cosby has passed away. 

By Holley GawnePublished Jun 26, 2021
2 min read
justin cosby

Inertia Music's co-founder and head of A&R Justin Cosby has died. 

The loving partner, dedicated friend, and inquisitive music lover passed away Friday. He was 50 years old.

Justin Cosby founded the independent label and distributor alongside Ashley Sellars back in 2000.

After initially being founded with electronic acts in mind, Inertia Music expanded to work with artists of a wide range of genres including pop, hip hop, punk, rock and jazz.

Since then, the company has worked with leading Australian acts including Ben Lee, Neil and Liam Finn, Sia, Ali Barter and Hockey Dad, as well as international artists like Björk, Odesza, M83 and Asgeir.

Inertia Music recently rebranded to [PIAS] Australia after being acquired by the company in 2017. [PIAS] (or Play It Again Sam Group) was established in Belgium in 1983 by Kenny Gates and Michel Lambot and grew into one of Europe’s leading independent music groups.

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In a press statement today, [PIAS] said: "His inexhaustible, enduring love of music and the relationships he invested in, personal and professional, will be his legacy."

Our thoughts are with Cosby's family and friends during this very sad time.

Inertia Music / [PIAS] Australia has asked that you respect his family’s privacy at this time. The company has also said more information in regards to a memorial service will follow in the coming days.

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THE MUSIC NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.

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