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JANE.GAZZO

Music Journalist, TV Presenter,
Author, MC, Public Speaker

About.

WINNER, AWMA MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD, 2023

Jane Gazzo's broadcasting career began at Melbourne radio station 3RRR-FM in her mid-teens. She has since gone on to present nationally on Triple J and Triple M in Australia as well as BBC 6 Music, Capital FM and XFM in the UK. She is well-known as the co-host of 90s cult TV show Recovery (ABC), THE SOUND (ABC), Play Loud (BBC), and The Metal Hammer Awards (ITV).

In 2007 she joined the FOXTEL network and hosted full time for Channel [V] (2007-2012). This included reporting from the ARIA Red Carpet, Future Music Festival, Soundwave, Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass as well as interviewing some of the biggest names in the music industry.

In 2011 and 2012 she was nominated for an ASTRA Award for Favourite Female TV Personality on subscription television and in 2018 and 2019, Jane was nominated for an ACRA Award (Australian Commercial Radio Awards) for Best Syndicated Show for Triple M’s My Generation.

2019 , 2021 & 2023 also saw Jane nominated for the Music Journalist Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs)

In 2023, Jane was awarded Music Journalist of the Year.

In 2019, Jane was chosen to DJ for Hugh Jackman's 'Greatest Showman' concert spectacular at the Rod Laver Arena. In 2020, Jane hosted ABC-TV's new flagship music show THE SOUND, under the production tutelage of the late, great Michael Gudinski. THE SOUND showcased new and established artists and sharing the screen with the likes of Russell Crowe, Bryan Brown, Deborah Mailman, Kylie Minogue and Christine Anu. The Australian newspaper voted THE SOUND as the 'Best TV show of 2020'.

Jane Gazzo is also an in-demand MC and guest speaker, hosting various events and awards for an array of diverse clients. She regularly appears as a guest on 3AW, ABC local radio and The Project.

Currently Jane is a board member of Victorian youth organization The Push and is chairperson of the advisory committee for the Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Her first book, John Farnham: The Untold Story was published by Penguin/Random House in 2016 and her second 'Sound as Ever - A Celebration of the Greatest Decade in Australian Music 1990-1999' was published by Melbourne Books in 2022.

Winner of the Music Journalism Award 2023

The Australian Women in Music Award (AWMA)

for Music Journalism recognizes a female music journalist, blogger or editor who has made a creative contribution and courageous impact in truth telling and innovative reporting in the Australian music industry.

SHOWREELS.

Hamer Hall | 40 Years: Jane Gazzo

03:28

Arts Centre Melbourne

Hamer Hall | 40 Years: Jane Gazzo

We’re celebrating 40 years of remarkable experiences and treasured memories at Hamer Hall. In November 1982, Hamer Hall – previously known as the Melbourne Concert Hall – opened its doors for the first time. It quickly became the premier venue for orchestral performance in Victoria and has continued to provide cultural and memorable experiences for the community. To mark this milestone, we want to unearth and spotlight stories of Hamer Hall from those that built its memorable walls to performers on its stage. And to its audiences – to you. In episode one of the Hamer Hall | 40 Years series, Jane Gazzo shares her favourite memory of meeting the legendary Patti Smith backstage, and how important it is for young people to experience the performing arts. Learn more: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/visit/theatres-and-spaces/hamer-hall/40-years-of-hamer-hall To enable closed captions: [Desktop]: Click the CC button [Mobile]: Click the three dots in the top corner – click ‘Captions’ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arts Centre Melbourne is Australia’s largest performing arts venue, and the focal point of Melbourne’s cultural precinct. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we stand, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. Stay up to date with the latest from underneath the Spire by connecting with Arts Centre Melbourne online. Here is where you can find us ↓ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artscentremelbourne Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artscentremelbourne/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/artscentremelb TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artscentremelbourne Subscribe to Arts Centre Melbourne on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theArtsCentreMelb?sub_confirmation=1 Explore What's On: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/event-calendar

Deborah Conway | Long Play Series

01:16:14

Australian Music Vault

Deborah Conway | Long Play Series

Singer-songwriter Deborah Conway began her musical journey in the 1980s as the co-founder and lead singer of Do-Re-Mi. The band achieved critical acclaim and chart success with hits ‘Man Overboard’ and ‘Adultery’ and released two studio albums including their Top 10, Domestic Harmony (1985) before disbanding in 1989. In 1991, Conway embarked on a solo career with the release of hit single, ‘It’s Only The Beginning’ from her debut album, String of Pearls. She was awarded Best Female Artist at the 1992 ARIA Awards and her solo career continued to build with the release of her highest-charting album Bitch Epic (1993), the first of numerous studio albums to be co-written with partner and musical collaborator, Willy Zygier. Over the years, Conway has experimented with different musical traditions including acoustic and folk, and has explored her Jewish heritage through song and storytelling. With an enduring passion for her craft and deep connection to audience, Deborah Conway remains an influential figure in Australian cultural life contributing to the broader arts scene as a festival director, mentor and advocate for emerging artists. In 2020, Deborah Conway was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and recognized with the Don Banks Award for outstanding and sustained contribution to music in Australia. She was inducted into the National Live Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2019 and into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2022. In this interview with Jane Gazzo, Conway reminisces on forming Do-Re-Mi in the 1980s, being an opinionated woman in the music industry, and meeting her musical and life partner of 32 years, Willy Zygier. Interviewer: Jane Gazzo Location: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2023

Kate Ceberano | Long Play Series

01:11:18

Australian Music Vault

Kate Ceberano | Long Play Series

Kate Ceberano is one of Australia’s most iconic and beloved artists. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager in the 1980s funk/pop fusion band, I’m Talking, Ceberano led the band to prominence with hits like ‘Trust Me’, ‘Holy Word’ and ‘Do You Wanna Be’. Her debut album, Brave (1990), further heralded her vocal versatility and star power, spawning four Top 40 hits including ‘Young Boys Are My Weakness’ and ‘Bedroom Eyes’ and eventually going on to be certified triple platinum. With a more than 20 albums to her name, Ceberano has been free to explore a range of musical influences and experiment with various styles including jazz, soul, pop and cabaret. Winner of four ARIA awards and multiple nominations and accolades, she has also appeared on film, television and stage, most notably as Mary Magdalene in the 1992 stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar alongside John Farnham and Jon Stevens. In 2014, Ceberano became the first woman to be inducted into the Australian Songwriters Association Hall of Fame, and in 2016 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the performing arts. Ceberano’s artistic and cultural contribution extends beyond her music using her platform to advocate for important social issues and charitable causes including the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In this interview with Jane Gazzo, Kate reminisces about the music scene in the 1980s, performing at the World Music Awards alongside Prince, Sting and Grace Jones, and evaluates her place in the ever-changing musical landscape. Interviewer: Jane Gazzo Location: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2023

Ollie Olsen | Long Play Series

01:06:47

Australian Music Vault

Ollie Olsen | Long Play Series

Composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visionary Ian ‘Ollie’ Olsen has been at the forefront of Australian electronic and experimental music innovation since the 1970s. As a teenager growing up in Blackburn, Melbourne, Olsen studied under avant-garde composer Felix Werder learning the principles of electronic music and sound synthesis. Throughout his career he has performed and recorded with many influential groups including Young Charlatans and early electronic outfit Whirlywirld where he combined synthesisers with rock-inspired guitars and drums. Olsen was at the forefront of the Melbourne ‘Little Bands’ scene which embraced artists from many different disciplines and continued this approach with subsequent endeavours including Orchestra of Skin and Bone, industrial techno band, NO, and collaborations with local and international artists such as Nick Cave, Paul Grabowsky, and U2. In the 1980s, Olsen began composing for film and television, and was the music director for Richard Lowenstein’s film Dogs in Space (1986) starring the late Michael Hutchence. Olsen and Hutchence subsequently formed the duo Max Q and released their critically acclaimed self-titled album in 1989. From the success of Max Q, Olsen established the band Third Eye and co-founded the independent electronic music label Psy-Harmonics in 1993. In this interview, Olsen discusses songwriting with Rowland S. Howard while performing with Young Charlatans in the 1970s Melbourne punk scene, paving the way for new music through building instruments with Orchestra of Skin and Bone, and collaborating with Michael Hutchence in Max Q and on the Dogs in Space hit song, ‘Rooms for the Memory’. As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music. Interviewer: Jane Gazzo Location: The Channel, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2022

Jane Gazzo interview with Johanna Nicholson on ABC Breakfast to discuss the book Sound As Ever

06:46

Sound As Ever - Australian Indie 90-99

Jane Gazzo interview with Johanna Nicholson on ABC Breakfast to discuss the book Sound As Ever

Jane Gazzo interview with Johanna Nicholson on ABC Breakfast to talk about the new book Sound As Ever: A Celebration of the Greatest Decade in Australian Music (1990-1999) Copies of the book can be ordered at https://melbournebooks.com.au/products/sound-as-ever Join the Sound As Ever community at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoundAsEver Hear and purchase Sound As Ever 90-99 releases at: https://soundaseveraustralianindie90-99.bandcamp.com/

Lou Bennett | Long Play Series

45:29

Australian Music Vault

Lou Bennett | Long Play Series

Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung woman Dr Lou Bennett AM is a singer, songwriter, artistic and musical director, actor and educator. In 1990, Bennett joined Gunditjmara woman Amy Saunders, and friend Sally Dastey to form the Melbourne-based, female folk trio, Tiddas. Throughout the 1990s, the band became known for their unique, three-part harmony vocals that have transcended cultural boundaries around the world. In 2006, Bennett contributed to the establishment of the performing arts company Black Arm Band whose first show, murundak, was an ensemble performance about the history, survival and identity of Aboriginal people. In 2015, Bennett completed a PhD on Aboriginal language retrieval at RMIT University, and in 2019 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia. In this interview with Jane Gazzo, Lou Bennett talks about the first time she stepped on stage, her time performing with Tiddas, and her work to grow Black Arm Band from a single production into a national performing arts company. Interviewer: Jane Gazzo Location: Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017 For more Australian Music Vault stories and information visit https://www.australianmusicvault.com.au/ As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music as part of our Long Play Series.

Fifa Riccobono | Long Play Series

52:19

Australian Music Vault

Fifa Riccobono | Long Play Series

Fifa Riccobono began her career in music as a 16 year old secretary at Alberts, Australia's first independent record label devoted exclusively to recording Australian pop artists. During her time at Alberts, Fifa worked with some of Australia’s biggest acts including AC/DC, Rose Tattoo and the Angels as well as the legendary Vanda & Young writing team. In 1990, she was appointed CEO of Alberts, becoming the first woman to run a record company in Australia. Fifa is a former Board Director of the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), Australia’s peak industry body for songwriters, and in 2019 she was appointed Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to the Australian music industry. In this interview, Fifa talks to Jane Gazzo about her early career before moving into A&R at Alberts. She reflects on her time with AC/DC, her first impressions of Bon Scott, her admiration for Malcolm Young as the driving force behind AC/DC, and what it was like to be in a crowd of over one million people watching AC/DC play at the 1991 Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow. Interviewer: Jane Gazzo Location: Melbourne Room, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017 For more Australian Music Vault stories and information visit https://www.australianmusicvault.com.au/ As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music as part of our Long Play Series.

Missy Higgins | Long Play Series

47:30

Australian Music Vault

Missy Higgins | Long Play Series

Missy Higgins is an Australian singer-songwriter best known for her emotionally raw, poetic lyrics delivered with a laconic Australian inflection. Higgins grew up in a musical household playing piano from a young age before taking up guitar as a teenager. She began composing her own music while a student at Geelong Grammar School, and at the age of 15, penned the song, ‘All For Believing’ as part of a school assignment. The song was secretly entered into a triple J Unearthed competition by Higgin’s sister and the resulting win saw the song added to regular rotation at the national broadcaster. As a result of this success, Higgins was offered a contract with record label, Eleven: A Music Company, who supported her to finish school and take a longed-for gap year before releasing her multi-platinum award-winning debut album, The Sound of White. Over the past two decades Higgins has built a loyal live following, and has become well-known for her support of social causes including wildlife conservation, mental health and refugee advocacy, both as a songwriter and as performer. In this interview with Jane Gazzo, Missy Higgins discusses her early experiences learning piano via the Suzuki Method as a child, her life-changing triple J Unearthed win, and the importance of digging deep to find the material for songs that connect with audiences on a personal level. Interviewer: Jane Gazzo Location: Melbourne Room, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2017 For more Australian Music Vault stories and information visit https://www.australianmusicvault.com.au/ As part of our commitment to capturing and sharing great Australian music stories, the Australian Music Vault asked some of the country’s most influential trailblazers and unsung heroes to open up about their lives in music as part of our Long Play Series.

In February 2020, Jane Gazzo and Scott Thurling created a Facebook group called 'Sound as Ever' in order to document the Australian decade of Indie music (1990-1999). The page now boasts over 20K members! Rolling Stone called it 'one of the success stories of 2020' whilst The Age featured a full page story in Spectrum (The 90s have never sounded so good! Jan 9, 2021)

The Sound as Ever page has also released podcasts, merch and 3 compilation albums of previously unreleased Australian music. In July 2021, Sound as Ever hosted their own stage at the Leaps & Bounds Festival in Melbourne.
In Dec 2022 Universal Music Released a Sound as Ever compilation: Blind Love.

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Blind Love
(An Oz 90's compilation)

A double album featuring Powderfinger, Ratcat, Frente, Sidewinder, You Am I, Tumbleweed, Magic Dirt, The Cruel Sea etc.

Curated and conceived by Jane Gazzo and Universal Music

Purchase Album Here

Sound as ever.

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Sound as Ever - A Celebration of the Greatest Decade in Australian Music
1990- 1999
By Jane Gazzo &
Andrew P Street

"The decade was turning and we could sniff the winds of change.
It wasn’t a great smell if you were standing anywhere towards the back of the Hopetoun." — Producer Wayne Connolly

Purchase Book Here

MY PROJECTS.

Nando MX

In June 2019, I teamed up with the wonderful folk at Nando's for their 2nd Music Exchange in Sydney and Melbourne. Music students from both cities were invited to attend panels and workshops to aid their pathway into the music industry.

The amv

Since 2015, I have been involved in the Australian Music Vault at the Arts Centre Melbourne (incorporating the ARIA Hall of Fame). It is such a privilege to be the Chair of the music industry advisory committee and in March 2019 we celebrated our 1 millionth visitor!

Much of my work for the AMV involves legacy interviews, liaising with music industry and promoting this wonderful institution.

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Rooms for memory

In 2023, Adalita and I and a cast of other talented musicians including Mick Harvey (The Bad Seeds) and Andrew Duffeild (The Models) recorded an updated version of the Michael Hutchence single 'Rooms for the Memory 2023' with all proceeds from sales going to the song's composer Ollie Olsen who was diagnosed with MSA in 2022.

The song went to #1 on the Independent Singles chart.

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John farnahm

the untold story

Released in Sept 2015 and reissued in November 2022, the John Farnham biography 'The Untold Story' charts John's rise from apprentice plumber to Australian superstar with interviews from Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Tim Wheatley, Ross Wilson and Colleen Hewitt. The book was used as a blueprint for the recent Farnham documentary released in cinemas.

Supporting hugh

In 2019, I was fortunate to support Hugh Jackman on the Melbourne leg of his Australian 'Greatest Showman' tour. I was his guest DJ, playing tunes at all 6 Rod Laver Arena shows to sold out audiences. Hugh truly is the 'greatest showman!'

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The sound

During lockdown in 2020, ABC TV screened the wonderful show The Sound. Created by the talented team at Mushroom Productions, and produced by the late, great Michael Gudinski, The Sound showcased a whose who of Australian music including Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Tones and I, Ngaiire, The Rubens, Vera Blue, Bliss N Eso, Baker Boy, Birds of Tokyo et al.

I was delighted to host two seasons of The Sound. You can catch past episodes on ABC iView.

GALLERY.

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TESTiMONIALS.

Over the years we had the likes of Bloc Party, The Foals, Cut Copy and The Presets come to the Purple Sneakers and DJ but by far our absolute favourite guest was Jane Gazzo. She knew what our crowd wanted and her impressive music knowledge meant they were treated to a wild ride of some amazing tracks every time she played

Timothy Poulton

Purple Sneakers Promoter

We have loved working with Jane as the host of Nando’s Music Exchange. Jane joined us in our first year and did such an amazing job we asked her to be our carry over champion again this year. Her extensive knowledge of the music industry, and ability to engage both panelists and audience through thoughtful questioning has ensured our events are highly engaging and entertaining, while also offering practical and relevant information to all the early career musos who participated. Jane is a brilliant moderator. From her years as a journalist it’s clear she understands the intricacies of what makes a great interview while keeping the audience engaged and the tone light-hearted and fun

Cath Palfreyman

Head of Marketing, Nando’s Australia

Jane Gazzo MC’d Visit Victoria’s annual Melbourne Insights media event in December 2018. Jane demonstrated true professionalism throughout and was prepared and organised for the day. Jane’s insightful moderating and engaging personality on stage helped make the event a resounding success. Visit Victoria wouldn’t hesitate to work with Jane again

Chris Gottaas

Media and Communications Manager Visit Victoria

Jane was contracted as our MC for the 2022 Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC). Jane engaged well with our audience by facilitating contributions, asking probing questions and proactively stimulating further discussion amongst AFIC’s attendees. She also made a great effort to interact with our delegates wherever possible during the breaks and networking sessions.

She was a pleasure to work with.

Carlina Ericson

Founder,
Australia Federal Industry Conference

The Prince engaged Jane as MC for a recent corporate event which encompassed interviewing major Australian artists and chatting to the audience. Jane was fantastic in keeping the event rolling while also engaging both the audience and the artists - we wouldn't hesitate to engage Jane again and we highly recommend Jane for future events

James Power

Live Bookings Director
The Prince Hotel

Blog.

Music Industry Mums

Music Industry Mums

MOTHER'S DAY EDITION Last year broadcaster and mother Jane Gazzo asked various women to describe their triumphs and challenges as working...

Voice of an era - Tina Arena

Voice of an era - Tina Arena

One of the greatest Australian voices of all time, the iconic and inspirational Tina Arena AM, brings her Enchanté tour to the Sidney...

Kate Ceberano - Tryst Journeywoman

Kate Ceberano - Tryst Journeywoman

On one of the walls in Kate Ceberano’s Melbourne home hangs a portrait of herself as a 17-year-old. Painted by renowned Australian artist...

Contact.

Empire Talent Mgt

1/210 Riversdale Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122

Kristen Mahar

03 9810 7111

kmahar@empiretalent.com.au

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