The US has Music Trades, the UK has MI Pro and soon, Australasia will have its own dedicated publication for the music trade – musicBiz.The AMA is happy to announce its endorsement of a new online publication, to be launched in June for businesses in the music supply chain. musicBiz will be produced by ‘talking business’, a communication consultancy led by veteran business journalist Allan Leibowitz.Allan has edited a regional business newspaper, various business to business trade titles and currently publishes digitalDrummer, an online global magazine for the electronic percussion sector.A gigging musician, Allan will combine his publishing expertise, business journalism skills and music knowledge to produce a magazine tailored to the needs of operators in the Australasian music trade.The AMA is happy to throw its support behind a publication that shares its mission of professionalising the music industry and providing its members with access to leading-edge information, advice and expertise.AMA CEO Rob Walker welcomes the launch of the new publication, which he says is a perfect companion to the relaunched Australian Musician online. “A trade-only title will allow us all to target our messages and make sure we don’t confuse our trade and consumer messaging,” he says.

musicBiz will be published quarterly, starting in June, and distributed to businesses in the music industry – wholesalers, retailers, hire operators, production companies, studios, teachers – in short, anyone who sells musical products or services to the public or their suppliers.

To assist with planning, the editor and publisher is calling for expressions of interest from businesses eager to communicate with his target audience. He is particularly interested in hearing from potential advertisers (with special AMA member rates). He is also keen to start collecting editorial material, and anyone who currently distributes product announcements is asked to add musicBiz to its database.

The magazine will include business profiles, and anyone interested in sharing their experience with our audience is also asked to make contact with the magazine.

The door is open, and Allan welcomes any questions, comments or suggestions which will help ensure that we get the magazine which the industry needs.

The AMA is happy to be working with the professional and dedicated publisher and asks its members to throw their weight behind this venture to ensure its success. We want to talk about all that is good about our industry and our people.

Allan Leibowitz can be contacted at editor@digitaldrummermag.com or by calling 0411 238 456.