Billy Bianchini

If you’re a part of the Australian Music Industry, chances are you’ve already heard of William “Billy” Bianchini - an Artist Manager, Producer, Economist, and Campaign Specialist from the ACT who has since built a sterling reputation for developing emerging artists and taking them to the bright lights of the national stage.

After founding the record label and artist services company warm water. at the age of 21, and developing artists like Sputnik Sweetheart and Groovy Daughter, the pandemic turned Billy’s attention towards industry support as the Program Manager of MusicACT, where he developed and implemented a suite of economic industry strategies alongside government, businesses, artists, and audiences to strengthen the ACT music scene. With sights now set on the US market, we sat down with Billy to give BMA readers an exclusive peek behind the curtain.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Thanks for asking! My name is William Bianchini, but everyone calls me Billy.

I started out in music back in 2018 here in Canberra as a uni student who just wanted to get more involved in the local scene. Since then, it’s been a wild ride as an independent Artist Manager. I’ve worked as a producer in some of Australia’s top recording studios.

And I’ve traveled to all corners of the country managing Sputnik Sweetheart, in this time designing and implementing numerous release campaign strategies that have put Canberra music on the map. This has been achieved via frequent major radio and television station rotation both in Australia and internationally. It’s all come from living and working here in the cool little Capital!

Who are your influences, musical or otherwise?

Gosh, there’s tonnes.

The whole industry continues to be a great source of inspiration for me both professionally and personally, but that doesn’t stop at the musicians.

Poppy Tohill’s management of BENEE has been a big one in my mind lately, and I’d say the same of Andrew Stone’s management of Lime Cordiale.

Both seem to have a well-calibrated antenna for culture and how it’s reflected through music. They’ve both achieved significant success, and throughout it all have been able to champion their artists in ways that are honest to the art and the people behind it.

I’m always curious and excited when those two in pop up in the headlines.

What are some memorable experiences you’ve had as a manager?

Either breaking big news, or getting hit by an absolute catastrophe.

When Sputnik Sweetheart’s lead singer Nette broke her hand on tour with The Grogans, I ended up having a pretty memorable late night at the ER waiting for Nette’s X-rays and trying to learn her guitar parts for the gig the next night.

She’s punk, though, so when we left the hospital she just strapped a pick to her broken hand and played the gig anyway.

What do you love about the scene?

The Canberra scene is wholesome. It welcomed me with open arms when I didn’t really have anything more to offer than a can-do attitude and a couple of bad ideas.

So in that way I love our scene’s faith in one another. We’re all on the same team and want to make each other better at what we’re passionate about.

I love the artist management scene in Australia in particular, for much the same reason!

Tell us about one of your proudest moments?

This is a tough one! For better or worse, I tend to get a little more career-obsessive rather than feel pride when these big milestones happen.

Just the other night, Sputnik Sweetheart played a great set at an industry-focused gig we’d be working towards for ages. It all turned out great for us, so after the show I took full advantage of the VIP area and free bar by drinking fizzy water and refining the band’s live-sound documentation.

That said, it’s hard not to feel something special at shows you’ve worked hard to make happen. Something about all that work behind the scenes culminating in 40 mins of joy and euphoria is always going to put a smile on your face.

What are your plans for the future?

There’s actually quite a big one on the horizon.

After seven years here in Canberra, I’m moving to Los Angeles. It’s a city I’ve always admired for its unapologetic embrace of the creative industries, so despite how much I know I’ll miss Canberra’s great people, places, and performances, I’m excited to live and work in a new environment.

What makes you laugh?

Lately, a Comedy Central series that Joe from Sputnik put me onto, by an Aussie band called These New South Whales (also the name of the show). It’s a similar vibe to The Office, but instead of Michael Scott or David Brent, it’s a punk band making countless egotistical mistakes and industry faux pas in their attempts to make it.

Essential viewing for those working in Aus music - utter gold. What pisses you off?

People who think less of one another because of their taste in music. Grow up, nerds.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Can’t head off without thanking MusicACT for taking a chance on me when I started as their Program Manager back in 2021.

When I was exploring the idea of a career in music, heading to their professional development events gave me the leg-up I’d been craving.

It’s been a blessing working alongside Director Daniel Ballantyne for the past two years. The MusicACT Committee continues to move mountains to protect and amplify Canberra music. We’re all very lucky to have them on our side.

Where can people follow along with all the great things you’re doing?

I’m not much of a social media sharer. But for those looking for the occasional sunset pic or my amatuer cooking accomplishments, you can follow me on instagram at @billy_final.zip