The Cockatoo

In this episode, we're joined by a true icon of Australian rock: Garry Gary Beers. Best known as the founding bassist of the legendary band INXS, Garry's musical legacy spans decades and continents. These days, he's based in Southern California and rocking out with his new project, AshenMoon.From global superstardom with INXS to designing GGB bass guitars and launching new creative ventures, Garry shares his journey to the U.S., what keeps him inspired, and what's next on the horizon.

Lucy is an emerging singer and songwriter based in Canberra, who joins the Cockatoo from Los Angeles on her way to SXSW in Austin Texas. Lucy shares a bit on her story from her early years and appearing on The Voice, to how she made it on the SXSW bill and the journey so far. She also wrote the artist reviews for this Cockatoo newsletter, so she shares her thoughts on the Aussies playing SXSW this year.

On today's episode, we sit down with the brilliant songwriter and performer Ben Abraham. Known for his evocative storytelling and soulful voice, Ben has released solo albums with Secretly Canadian and Atlantic Records. His songwriting credits include massive hits like Praying by Kesha and Grow As We Go by Ben Platt, solidifying his reputation as a collaborator with some of the music industry's biggest names.With billions of streams under his belt, Ben's career is nothing short of remarkable—but the road hasn't always been smooth. Now embracing life as an independent artist, Ben opens up about his creative journey, the highs and lows of the music business, and what's next for him.

This episode, Host Adam Burke sits down with the one and only Bryce Jacobs—a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and inventor who's got a seriously impressive CV.A Sydney Conservatorium of Music grad, Bryce has worked on countless film and TV projects like Happy Feet, Australia, Gabriels, Pirates of the Caribbean, Man of Steel, and Daybreak. He's also been part of Hans Zimmer's legendary team at Remote Control Productions, and scored for blockbuster video games like Call of Duty and Medal of Honor. Oh, and after finding inspiration in the power of the piano to distill the magic of full-orchestral works down to a single instrument, Bryce invented the seven-octave guitar.Bryce joins us to talk all this and more from his home studio in the San Fernando Valley.

In this episode, Adam welcomes singer, songwriter, and musician Hayley Warner. Originally from Sydney, Hayley has penned songs for herself and an impressive roster of artists, including Tina Arena, Kelly Clarkson, and Katy Perry. A former Australian Idol runner-up, Hayley also gave a standout performance for The Australian Music Alliance's Breakers series in the Mojave Desert during the COVID era. Tune in to hear more about her rollercoaster journey and her continued impact on music in LA and the world.

As we return from the summer break, Adam sits down with Sophie Payten, known to the world as Gordi—a talented musician, singer, songwriter, and medical doctor from Canowindra, a small town 300km west of Sydney. Sophie released her debut album, Reservoir, in 2017 while still studying medicine and has been touring internationally ever since. Gordi frequently collaborates with other renowned artists like Troye Sivan, Ben Böhmer, and Bon Iver. Tune in to hear about her incredible journey and how she balances her dual careers in music and medicine.

In this episode, Adam welcomes Ben O'Connor, who performs as Benson, a DJ and producer originally from Melbourne. Benson has made his mark at major Australian festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Beyond the Valley, and Falls, and has recently moved to the US, already performing at Coachella. He continues to write, produce, remix, and perform, and has established the label Medium Rare Recordings. Tune in to get the scoop on what's happening behind the scenes of Benson's US journey.Join host Adam Burke as he brings you the latest updates on Australians making waves in the music industry in the USA, broadcasting from Hollywood, California, on Tongva and Chumash land.

 In this episode, Adam welcomes Grace Jones, a former journalist turned music publicist, who is celebrating a decade at Grandstand HQ. Grace shares her journey from journalism in Australia to representing renowned artists such as Courtney Barnett, Julia Jacklin, Royel Otis, Waxahatchee, and IDLES. Join host Adam Burke as he brings you the latest updates on Australians making waves in the music industry in the USA. Broadcasting from Hollywood, California, on Tongva and Chumash land, The Cockatoo features insightful conversations with key figures in the music scene.

In this episode of the Cockatoo, Host Adam Burke sits down with renowned Artist Manager, Jacob Snell. Jacob founded Monster Management back in 2011, which he moved to the US with his life and business partner, Apple Baggios, managing bands including Hatchi, Methyl Ethel, The Beths, and Cloud Nothings. In 2023, Monster merged with Lookout Kid, another Australian-owned management company here in LA, which represents artists including Courtney Barnett and Faye Webster.

In this episode of The Cockatoo, your host Adam Burke dives deep into the musical journey of Chris O'Ryan, better known as TEK - a highly respected sound engineer, mixer, and producer. Originally hailing from Melbourne and now based in Los Angeles, Tek's story is one of perseverance and talent. Since arriving in the US in 2002 as an unpaid intern, he has risen to become one of the world's foremost vocal producers.Tek's impressive portfolio and work ethic earned him a Grammy for engineering Mary J Blige's Groundbreaking R&B album, Growing Pains, with six further Grammy nominations soon to follow. Boasting collaborations with music legends such as Justin Bieber, Alan Walker, Usher, Katy Perry, Ciara, David Guetta, Mariah Carey, Frank Ocean, Mary J. Blige, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Celine Dion, TEK shows no signs of slowing down. 

Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Campbell Burns, the creative force behind Vacations, a band that has been turning heads since its inception in 2015 in the coastal city of Newcastle, NSW.With over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone and their latest studio album, "No Place Like Home," hitting the airwaves, Vacations is a force to be reckoned with. Join us as we embark on a journey through the stories behind the music as Campbell offers insights into the band's evolution and the challenges they faced as they carved out a space in the competitive landscape of a global music scene.

Host Adam Burke chats with singer, songwriter Zoe Randall, who together with Steve Hassett make up the folk duo Luluc.  We learn how the duo managed to keep their connections to Australia, while forging a successful US career that has included signing to Sub Pop, sharing stages and studios with American folk rock royalty, and participating in some uniquely American traditions such as playing NPR's Tiny Desk and performing at the Lincoln Center.

In today's installment of The Cockatoo, host Adam Burke chats with singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and all-around music industry powerhouse Darren Cordeux. From leading the iconic band Kisschasy to his latest LA venture, Daz & the Demons, Darren's musical journey is a tale of resilience and reinvention.Join us as we uncover the twists and turns of Darren's trans-Pacific adventure, from the early hits of the 2000s to the exciting challenges of forging a new path in LA.

In today's installment, your host Adam Burke engages in a lively conversation with another phenomenal homegrown artist manager, the incomparable Kate Cudbertson. They delve into Kate's daring leap from her hometown of Adelaide to the bustling streets of New York City, where she embarked on her journey in the music industry. From managing FKJ's whirlwind career to navigating the vibrant music scenes on both coasts of the United States, Kate shares her remarkable experiences and insights. Tune in as she recounts the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected moments that have shaped her path from hospitality worker to managing the careers of internationally acclaimed musicians.

In our third episode,  host Adam Burke chats with Indigenous Australian producer Sam Cook. They get into Sam's beginnings as a Nyikina woman growing up in Broome and working as an arts professional in Australia before moving to LA, where she now produces via her company Kiss My Blak Arts, is the APRA-AMCOS LA rep, and is yet to see a burning palm tree.

It's Episode Cocka-Two! In this episode,  host Adam Burke chats with the one-and-only Ben Lee. They talk about Ben's move to the states at the age of 18, how LA-based Australians look after the touring Aussies that coming through town, and how a bathroom interaction with Russell Crowe became a defining moment in his life.Click here for the full transcript, as well as up to date information on all things Aus in the USA.

In this inaugural episode of The Cockatoo, host Adam Burke chats with Australian artist manager and Fremantle legend, Jodie Regan (Spinning Top Management).Best known for her work as manager of artists including Tame Impala, POND, Haiku Hands and Automatic, Jodie walks us through what it was like to move to the bright lights of Los Angeles, and the lessons she learned along the way.