Adam Wilkinson

Adam Wilkinson is an Australian businessperson, A&R manager and producer manager from Sydney. He has worked with Coldplay, George Michael, Iron Maiden and INXS, and is responsible for the discovery and development of Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer.^[1]

Producer Management

Adam Wilkinson joined Scott Horcroft's (EMI Australia) iconic BJB Studios as a manager in 2008. During his time at BJB Studios, Wilkinson worked with artists such as Silverchair, Empire of the Sun, Brian McFadden, Swedish House Mafia, Delta Goodrem, The Presets, Jet, and Birds of Tokyo.^[1] Within a year, Wilkinson was promoted to Assistant Manager at Horscroft's producer and artist management company, Archangelsky Music,^[1] where he worked alongside artists Goldfields and Bleeding Knees Club, and world-renowned music producers Robert Conley and Eric J.^[1]

In April 2011, Wilkinson became the manager of Studios 301, Australia's largest recording studio complex.^[1] During Wilkinson's time at Studios 301, he secured the contract for The Voice (Australia), one of the highest rating television shows in Australian history.^[1][2] During his time at Studios 301, Wilkinson worked with many major artists, including Coldplay, Lana Del Rey, George Michael, Jason Derulo, Taio Cruz, Duran Duran, INXS, Kylie Minogue, Kenny Rogers, Gotye, New Kids on The Block, Iron Maiden & Swedish House Mafia. Wilkinson also managed music producer Tim Carr, working closely with him to produce Matt Corby's Into The Flame EP,^[3] which went on to achieve five times platinum sales and become one of the most successful music releases of 2012.^[4][5]

Artist Management

Wilkinson began his artist management career when he signed Bree de Rome, a finalist from season five of Australia's Got Talent. In April 2011, Wilkinson met the as yet unsigned Sydney band 5 Seconds of Summer while they were visiting Studios 301.^[6] Wilkinson recognised potential in the young band, and endeavoured to contact them, doing so via Facebook.^[7] In February 2012, Wilkinson set up his own band management company, AWM Management.^[8] He did a co-management deal with Matt Emsell from UK based Wonder Management,^[7] and under Wilkinson's and Emsell's management, 5 Seconds of Summer grew in popularity, amassing over 1000,000 fans across social media networks.^[7] Wilkinson worked to secure the support slots for the Australian leg of Hot Chelle Rae's Whatever world tour^[9] as well as One Direction's Take Me Home Tour^[10] Wilkinson was involved in the signing of 5 Seconds of Summer to EMI and Capital Records in the USA.^[7] 5 Seconds of Summer have since gone on to be one of the most successful bands in Australian history, the first one to debut at number one on the UK charts in Australian music history.^[11] They also made the highest debut on the USA charts by an Australian band in history, and scored the MTV Award for Breakthrough Artist of 2013.^[12]

After 5SOS

In late 2013, Wilkinson turned over direct management of 5SOS to Emsell.^[7] 5SOS was subsequently signed to Modest Management out of London – the same management group for One Direction.^[6] Wilkinson joined Optus RockCorps, a non-profit group helping organise volunteers for civic and charitable work, the volunteers to be rewarded by getting free concert tickets.^[13] In 2015, Wilkinson joined one of Sydney's largest Real Estate firms, Highland Property Agents as a sales executive.^[14]

References