UNIFIED Music Group, the Melbourne-headquartered independent multi-service music company, has expanded into New Zealand.
The Australian indie has appointed Matt Harvey to the role of Senior Artist Manager, in a move that brings his existing roster — including Shapeshifter, Daily J, Mim Jensen, Spell and former Shihad frontman Jon Toogood — under the UNIFIED umbrella. Harvey‘s day-to-day manager Mandy Keighley joins UNIFIED alongside him.
The hire, announced on Thursday (May 7), marks UNIFIED‘s first formal foothold in the New Zealand market. The company, led by founder and CEO Jaddan Comerford, said in a statement that the appointment “signals a long-term commitment to the New Zealand music industry.”
Auckland-based Harvey first rose to international attention as a founding member of New Zealand drum and bass act Concord Dawn, which he co-founded with Evan Short in 1999.
“It’s incredibly exciting to join an organisation that invests in its people and embraces unconventional thinking.”
Matt Harvey
He spent 10 years based in Vienna touring the global club circuit before returning to Auckland in 2016, where he transitioned from self-managed artist into management through his own company, Southeast.
“It’s incredibly exciting to join an organisation that invests in its people and embraces unconventional thinking,” said Harvey.
“Managers are essential to an artist’s team, and supporting managers is one of the most effective ways to support our artists.”
“This is not just an exciting step for me personally; it’s an opportunity to become part of the long-term infrastructure that supports artists in New Zealand, helping local music resonate far beyond its place of origin.”
The integration of Harvey‘s clients into UNIFIED brings a roster of established New Zealand acts into the company’s trans-Tasman network.
Drum and bass group Shapeshifter are currently marking the 20th anniversary of their album Soulstice with a reissue and live shows. Indie act Daily J are set to release new single Space Cowboy on Friday (May 15) via UNIFIED’s distribution arm Community Music, ahead of dates in Western Australia and a tour through Canada, the UK and Europe in September.
Indie-rock artist Mim Jensen will tour New Zealand following the release of her new EP, The Muse.
Māori producer and DJ Spell is preparing to release new music, while ex-Shihad frontman Jon Toogood — whose Wellington-formed rock band concluded its 36-year run with the Loud Forever farewell tour earlier this year — has further projects planned for later in 2026.
“UNIFIED has had a profound impact on the Australian music industry by championing great people and artist careers.”
Ash Hills
Ash Hills, General Manager of UNIFIED Artist Management AU/NZ, said: “At the core of why we are so excited to be working with Matt and Mandy is the shared idea that great music knows no borders.”
“UNIFIED has had a profound impact on the Australian music industry by championing great people and artist careers, and we are thrilled to connect with the team who shares those same values in New Zealand.”
Founded by Comerford in 2011, UNIFIED spans artist management, recorded music, publishing, live events and merchandise, with offices across Melbourne, Sydney, Los Angeles and London.
Its broader management roster includes Vance Joy, Ocean Alley, The Amity Affliction, Dan Sultan and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.
The New Zealand expansion follows a sequence of international moves by the Melbourne firm. In August 2025, UNIFIED formed a joint venture with India-based 7Entertainment and STARtist Management, operating across live touring, artist management and recorded music between the two markets.
In October 2024, UNIFIED relaunched its distribution arm Community Music with an AUD $10 million (USD $6.8m) commitment to support Australian artists building global careers, alongside a services partnership with Downtown-owned FUGA.
UNIFIED said it would continue to “explore further opportunities to engage with the New Zealand industry” through Harvey‘s leadership, with further investment expected across the territory.Music Business Worldwide
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.musicbusinessworldwide.com ’
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