We need some 'Clive Davis' attitudes Down Under!

Here in Australia, record companies almost exclusively sign artists who write their own material. Its been a problem for non-performing writers like me for years, but thanks to Australian Idol, and the influx of non-writing artists onto the Aussie music scene, this attitude now seems to be changing, and finally, non-performing writers are starting to get a look-in.

It will take time and a lot of work, for those of us within the Australian Music Industry trying to make these changes, to maintain the momentum and place our wonderful Australian songwriters on the pedestal they deserve and have never really been given. Aussie songwriters are constantly relocating to the UK and the USA just so they can have a go at making a career for themselves, but this too will change over the next few years.

In Australia, at least, the 'Idol' phenomenon is helping to change the face of our industry, and our non-performing writers will be the ultimate winners. In themeantime, hopefully a few of our music industry executives will read the Clive Davis article!