After eight years of developing talent at Sony Music Australia, seasoned A&R executive Tommy Jackson has joined independent label Teamwrk Records in a leadership role focused on talent acquisition and development. The move represents a significant change for Jackson, who most recently served as A&R Manager at Sony, where he built a reputation for working closely with both emerging and established artists.
Jackson’s shift to Teamwrk Records stems from his desire for greater creative freedom outside the constraints of a major label structure. In an industry increasingly valuing agility and entrepreneurial approaches, he sought an environment where he could contribute more directly to artist careers without corporate limitations. This career pivot aligns with a growing trend of major label executives moving to independent companies in search of creative autonomy.
The corporate world stifles true artist development. Independence offers the creative freedom to build authentic careers without compromise.
At Teamwrk Records, Jackson will oversee project development from signing through release planning, while also serving as a strategic advisor for artist branding and positioning within the independent market. His extensive experience in talent scouting and artist development initiatives makes him well-positioned to identify breakthrough talent aligned with the label’s indie ethos.
Jackson’s professional philosophy emphasizes releasing artist potential through mentorship and personalized guidance. His transition comes at a time when Sony has been expanding its global footprint through strategic acquisitions of boutique agencies and production companies. His approach focuses on holistic artist development beyond commercial metrics, with a track record that includes fostering artists who achieved Billboard chart successes. Jackson aims to help artists build diverse income streams that extend beyond traditional recording revenues into licensing, merchandising, and live performance opportunities. He plans to leverage his expertise in streaming platforms to maximize artist visibility across major music services like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Tidal. Previously, he founded First Note Entertainment, which led to more than 175 sold-out shows and multiple Billboard Top 20 artists.
The appointment brings valuable major label experience to Teamwrk Records, enhancing the company’s A&R capabilities with insider knowledge of global industry standards. Industry observers note that Jackson’s move signals the increasing credibility of the independent music sector, potentially attracting high-profile and mid-tier artists seeking alternatives to traditional label arrangements. This transition follows similar industry leadership changes such as Sarah Gabrielli’s promotion at Sony Music Publishing UK, highlighting the fluid nature of executive talent in the music business.
His shift reflects a broader industry evolution favoring diverse routes to commercial success in today’s rapidly changing music landscape.
