Throughout the first half of 2021, The Push launched our first ever Push Records program - a youth-led record label delivered in partnership with the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR).

Made not only to bring light to an array of young artists, Push Records also gave 30 young industry professionals the chance to gain practical experience in their chosen field.

Tasked with signing five artists that represent a diverse range of artists that accurately reflect the Victorian music scene, the team struck gold with their choices and have been proven right every step of the way.

JIM - ‘Santorini’

In 2021, the Push Records team worked with Benjamin Trillado, MADI LEEDS, Private Mountain, JIM and Espresso Depresso, who each got to record and release a new single.

We’ve asked young people from the Push Records team to share their experiences working within the Label Management team.

Jesse Lane

“It was incredible to not only work with but get to know these artists as the Push Records team helped all five through the varying stages of releasing a single through a record label.

During this process every member interning for the program was lucky enough to be mentored by a wide range of experienced industry professionals to help guide us and give us key insights into what is required to participate successfully within the music industry.”

“Due to this mentoring, I gained a huge confidence boost. Being able to have free flowing conversations with experts in their fields was hugely beneficial and no matter how stressful the work became I felt that I had a solid backing of people who were willing to support me and help.”

Madi Leeds - ‘Identity’

Veda Varcoe

“I would describe my experience being part of the Media & Communications stream in the Push Records team as a once in a lifetime opportunity.

To be given the chance to jump right in the deep end and work directly with five incredible acts in the real world to release five singles, learning not only from industry professionals but also my peers has been completely invaluable to me and I am truly, truly grateful.”

Benjamin Trillado - ‘Nuisance’

“The professional relationships and friendships I have formed over the last six months will, I hope, last a lifetime and I am moving forward into my career in the music industry not only with practical experience, references and connections but with an entirely new wheelhouse of knowledge and skills.”

“Of so many beautiful moments over the last six months, a highlight for me has been attending the single launch shows for the Push Records artists. Witnessing the journey of a song from the demo stage all the way through recording and the development of the campaign to its release and performance on stage in front of a crowd knowing that we had a hand in making it all happen is a truly incredible and humbling feeling.”

Espresso Depresso - ‘Self Control’

“Working as part of the Push Records team has helped me realise even more dreams of mine and what I want to accomplish moving forward.

I would love to continue to work in publicity, a profession in the music industry I’d always been curious about that has now been solidified to me as a path I’d love to explore alongside pursuing my own career as an artist.

In conclusion, I could not recommend this program enough to young people wanting to pursue and develop their careers within the music industry and I adore The Push and their incredible team wholeheartedly. Thank you endlessly!”

Private Mountain - ‘22’

Push Records by the numbers:

Five signed artists, and over 32 performers involved in recording their five combined singles
More than 40 music industry practitioners involved in behind the scenes label work and release campaigns across the five tracks
Radio plays and premieres for each signed artist, including being played on triple j’s Home and Hosed, Roots & All, and SYN Media’s The Hoist
Partnerships with five music organisations, including the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), Ditto Music, triple j Unearthed, Remote Control Records, and Sanicki Lawyers
200+ tickets sold for single launches for Espresso Depresso and Private Mountain. Each artist also performed as part of the live music showcase at The Push’s Music Careers Expo to 300+ attendees.