UNIFIED Music Group has introduced CORE, a specialized agency designed to assist independent musicians from Australia and New Zealand. The venture, led by Desiree Venuto and Michael Montgomery, provides infrastructure and industry connections to a diverse roster of emerging and established acts.
Desiree Venuto and Michael Montgomery to lead CORE
The leadership of CORE combines internal institutional knowledge with external boutique expertise. desiree Venuto, a foundational member of UNIFIED Music Group, has been appointed as the first CEO of the new agency. according to the report , Venuto intends to lead this "next iteration" of the agency by focusing on artist creativity as the primary foundation for growth.
Joining Venuto is Michael Montgomery, an industry veteran who previously led the boutique booking agency Four Tone Artists.. Montgomery's transition to CORE suggests a strategic move by UNIFIED Music Group to integrate high-level booking and talent management experience into their service ecosystem . montgomery stated that the agency is built around putting the artist at the heart of every decision.
From Budjerah to Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers: The initial roster
CORE has launched with a diverse portfolio of talent that spans various genres and career stages. The agency's current roster includes established independent names and rising stars such as Budjerah, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, The Terrys, Emma Donovan, Slowly Slowly, DEVAURA, Day We Ran, and South Summit.
By aggregating these specific artists under one services umbrella, UNIFIED Music Group is creating a centralized hub for talent that may not want a traditional recording contract but requires professional scale. As the report says, the mission is to grant these artists access to the existing infrastructure and connections that UNIFIED Music Group has cultivated over its years of operation.
The shift toward independent artist services in the AU/NZ market
The creation of CORE reflects a broader global trend where artists are increasingly wary of traditional 360-degree record deals. in the modern music economy, many independent creators in Australia and New Zealand prefer to retain ownership of their masters and publishing while "renting" the professional services—such as marketing, distribution, and booking—that were once the exclusive domain of major labels.
By positioning CORE as an "artist services agency" rather than a label, UNIFIED Music Group is adapting to a market where autonomy is a primary currency. This model allows artists like those on the CORE roster to scale their careers using professional tools without sacrificing their independent status , echoing a shift seen in other mature music markets where service-based partnerships are replacing restrictive long-term contracts.
The role of Comerford and Lethbridge in CORE's expansion
While the agency's leadership is clear, certain operational details remain vague. Michael Montgomery specifically mentioned the support of Comerford and Lethbridge in the effort to champion the CORE roster, yet the source does not explicitly define the professional relationship or the specific roles these individuals play within the UNIFIED Music Group hierarchy.
Furthermore, it remains unclear how CORE will differentiate its service offerings from the broader operations of UNIFIED Music Group. Whether CORE will operate as a completely separate legal entity or a specialized department within the parent company is a detail not addressed in the announcement. The industry will be watching to see if this model attracts more established independent acts who are looking for a middle ground between total DIY management and major label signing.
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