Leanne de Souza leaves AAM for Nightlife Music

Leanne de Souza has stepped down as executive director of the Association of Artist Managers, a role she had for 2 ½ years.

She is taking on the role of director and board advisor to Queensland-based music technology and content provider company Nightlife Music as it undertakes a strategic marketplace shift.

She joins her husband Tim and co-founders Mark and Vicki Brownlee in the family business, as it celebrates its 30-year anniversary.

Nightlife Music is best known for its world-first interactive, in-venue technology crowdDJ, which now has 4,000 clients.

Mark Brownlee said de Souza’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as she takes a hands-on role to help drive the business’ new direction.

“Leanne will take strategic lead for Nightlife’s local and global market repositioning based on the explosion of screen-based culture worldwide,” he said.

“We are a music company at heart, but our ongoing research and technology has presented enormous opportunities beyond our core that Leanne’s expertise in arts and culture will help us capitalize on, both here at home and offshore.”

Leanne de Souza had a 20-year career as an artist manager for acts as Thelma Plum, The Medics, The Painted Ladies, Liam Gerner, Kate Miller-Heidke, Stringmansassy, george, Katie Noonan, Misinterprotato, Transport and Miles From Nowhere.

During this time, she was a foundation board member of QMusic, executive programmed BIGSOUND in 2006, and was a lecturer in music business at Griffith University, TAFE and JMC Academy.

After a hiatus from the music industry, she returned in October 2016 when invited to formulate a three-year strategic plan for the AAM.

The AAM, when announcing her departure today, stated, “Leanne has been an incredible force in her role as the organisation's ED, instrumental in developing programs such as the Manager's Sanctuary at BIGSOUND and Fairgrounds, Music Passport, Fast Track and Gimme Shelter, proving to be an effective lobbyist and working tirelessly to increase the value of AAM membership for Australian managers of all levels.

“We are so grateful for Leanne's hard work, dedication, leadership and friendship over the past three years and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

“A replacement will be announced in due course.”

Leanne de Souza will retain her consultancy and curatorial roles with Riverstage 30 and the Museum of Brisbane.

She said, “I have been proud to forge a multi-faceted career in the music industry for over 25 years and have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of where those paths have taken me.

“But the time is right now for me and I’m excited to refocus my energy, skills and knowledge to the family business and the next stage of its growth.”