Australia’s Top Artist Managers Launch New Independent Music Company, Weird Fishes
A major shift in the Australian music industry has landed with the launch of Weird Fishes, a new independent artist management company formed by longtime music industry leaders Aidan McLaren, Joe Miles, and Rhett McLaren.
After over a decade working in strategic partnership with UNIFIED Music Group, the trio is striking out on their own, bringing with them a powerhouse roster of some of Australia’s most celebrated and fast-rising talent.
The Weird Fishes lineup already includes:
- Boy & Bear – Multiple ARIA chart-toppers now selling more headline tickets than ever.
- The Dreggs – Currently triple j’s Feature Album and holding the most-played Like A Version of any Australian act in 2025.
- Pete Murray – An Australian icon with 1.2 million albums sold and a 57-date national tour underway.
- Steph Strings – A global indie-folk sensation with 1M+ social followers and a debut album on the way.
- Tim Hart – Boy & Bear founding member and acclaimed solo artist, just dropped his new EP Parasol.
- Mike Waters – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter with 500M+ streams across his own music and co-writes.
In a joint statement, McLaren, Miles and McLaren said:
“We are incredibly excited to launch Weird Fishes and for this next chapter in our journey. We wholeheartedly believe in the unique talent, audience-connection and growth-potential of each of the acts we represent, both locally and internationally, and are excited for what the future holds.”
Beyond management, the Weird Fishes founders are also the team behind The Hills Are Alive Group, curating beloved festivals NYE on the Hill and Ocean Sounds — both known for showcasing some of Australia’s most in-demand live acts.
The trio also co-founded Red Hill Entertainment, and were instrumental in the creation of landmark events like UNIFY Gathering and Gippsland Country Music Festival.
With years of experience, a stacked roster, and a proven track record across music management and festival creation, Weird Fishes is poised to make waves across the Australian and international music landscapes.
