Please tell us your story! How did you get to where you are today?
I got my start in community radio and at 2SER in Sydney, which I always thought of as my unofficial student society. If I wasn’t at uni, working or interning, I basically spent all my free time there, first in the newsroom, then producing and presenting the morning show. It was where I fell in love with the ecosystem around music, and not only the songs, but the storytelling, the community, and the responsibility that comes with championing artists. After graduating, I moved to New York and worked across a label, record store and in radio. When I returned to Australia in 2016, I joined Dew Process, where I helped roll out debut projects from artists like Mallrat, Tkay Maidza and Ecca Vandal. I later returned to 2SER in a full time capacity as Music Director, made even more meaningful by being the first woman in the role, and leading the station through the challenges of broadcasting during a pandemic. From there, I moved into streaming at Moodagent, then to APRA AMCOS working closely with songwriters and composers.
“I returned to 2SER as Music Director, made even more meaningful by being the first woman in the role, and leading the station through the challenges of broadcasting during a pandemic.“
Tell us about your current role and professional life, what does your day-to-day entail?
I’m a Senior Editor for Spotify Australia & New Zealand and I’ve been in the role for almost two years. I sit within the Music team which is made up of Editorial and Artist & Label Partnerships, a group of people who are thoroughly music-obsessed in the best possible way, and some of the most brilliant, kindest, and funniest brains in the biz.
My role is shaping music discovery which on the surface looks like new music listening and playlisting. In practice, it involves identifying cultural shifts early, and contributing to and reacting to cultural conversations so that our editorial is live and authentic. A major part of my role is also championing Australian music on a global stage, and I’m in regular conversations with editors around the world about emerging scenes, subgenres, and the artists making an impact.
I’m also the local Editorial lead for two important Spotify equity programs called EQUAL and GLOW, the former supporting artists and creators who are women, and the latter for those part of the LGBTQIA+ communities. These global programs go beyond playlisting and create education, mentorship and visibility opportunities that can have real career impact. It’s deeply personal work and especially rewarding as it directly impacts who feels seen and who believes they belong in the industry.
Why did you want to get into the music industry?
Let me submit this photo of me yelling into a pink microphone. Around that time, I discovered the Spice Girls and I didn’t have the words for it yet but I remember being immediately obsessed. I had a VHS with the music video for “Wannabe” on it, along with Aqua and Britney Spears. I memorised the lyrics, learned choreography, collected the merch, and passionately debated with my friends which Spice Girl was who. What I was experiencing was discovery, that feeling of a new world opening up and being a fan. I didn’t know anyone who worked in music, but that feeling was powerful and formative, and I knew I wanted to eventually help create it for other people.
“What I was experiencing was discovery, that feeling of a new world opening up and being a fan. I didn’t know anyone who worked in music, but that feeling was powerful and formative, and I knew I wanted to eventually help create it for other people.”
How did you get your start in the industry? Any advice for people wanting to work in your field?
The common theme in my career has been staying close to the moment of music discovery and helping create that for others. I started as a fan and that would be my advice for anyone wanting to work in this space. Be a fan and share the music you love, pay attention and understand why it moves you (the references, production, lyrics, and cultural context). That, and always listen to the music your friends recommend to you. I grew up in an era of handmade, mixed CDs and if a friend made one for you, it was an invitation to connect. Treat it like a doorway and you might be surprised by what you discover.
What would you tell your younger self if you could tell them anything?
Keep going.
How do you unwind when you’re stressed?
It’s true what they say about endorphins and I’ve come to learn that moving my body and exercise is non-negotiable. I also try to swim every week and being in the water usually does the trick.
What is the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Two come to mind. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And stay curious.
“After our Masterclass session at BIGSOUND last year, two separate people approached me to say how significant it was for them to see another woman of Asian descent speaking in that space.”
Let’s talk about the highs vs the lows of your career. What is your greatest achievement? And are there any moments you would like to share that you learnt greatly from?
The highlights involve being able to create moments for music discovery and anytime I’ve helped introduce someone to their new favourite artist or song. Advocating for Australian music, which is world class and deserves to be celebrated on a global stage, and the privilege of now being able to do that scale. On a personal level, after our Masterclass session at BIGSOUND last year, two separate people approached me to say how significant it was for them to see another woman of Asian descent speaking in that space. Representation is important and can change what you believe is possible. In terms of lows, I worked somewhere that went insolvent and I lost my job very suddenly. It was confronting and uncertain but what I learned during that time was the importance of community and building genuine relationships. Careers aren’t built alone, and the support I received reminded me of that.
What does the rest of the year hold for you? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
There’s a lot I’m excited about! We’re continuing our essential piece of work with Turn Up Aus which is our long-term commitment to championing Australian artists through a dedicated editorial hub, new visual identity, fan experiences, community meet-ups, youth education programs and more. We’re launching a new visual identity for the playlist Heaps Country, which is the exciting home of new country music from Australia and New Zealand. There’s also our ARIA partnership in its second year running, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can build on that.
“Representation is important and can change what you believe is possible.”
What is your go-to Karaoke song? (please include this one!)
For the past few years, I’ve celebrated my birthday at karaoke and my friendship group takes it very seriously with playlists being made in the lead up. Always in the queue is “Love At First Sight” by Kylie Minogue, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears, or “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Sometimes all three, in one evening.