Kristie McCarthy
Roster: The Cat Empire, Riebl Tedesco McGill, Felix Riebl, Ollie McGill
Location: WA
Listen: Kristie’s Manager Of The Month Playlist
How My Artists Make Me Proud
Their attitude is just phenomenal. They are understanding, open and just roll with the punches (sometimes there are punches!) that this industry throws our way. They are truly there for the love of music and will always put the show and the fans first. And once they get off stage they keep playing music well into the night - you can't fake that level of passion.
Inspiration and Motivation
After working in live music I realised I really wanted to be part of the entire strategy - the music, the merch, the branding - rather than just part of the puzzle. Perhaps I am a controlling monster or perhaps I just like to see things done right. The good people I work with, the music and the fans keep me motivated. Ultimately I want my artists to have the space and financial freedom to make incredible art that has real meaning to people. I want people who come to a gig to have the best night of their lives, to find connection. I want people listening to records instead of doom scrolling. I want to keep having the best job in the world.
Recent Challenge
Becoming a mother - one of the world's great challenges and delights all at once. I don't think of it so much as a challenge to overcome, more as something to always be mindful of. If anything, it's given me a better perspective on what real problems are and forced me to become more effective in my work. And when your artist is playing for a week on an island in the Maldives...there's no reason not to bring the baby.
Key Achievements
Winning APRA's Lighthouse Award for 2026
The Cat Empire's sold out 2024 national orchestra tour and 2026's encore run
Joining The Cat Empire on tour in Europe in 2024 and watching them perform a huge set at Glastonbury Festival
AAM’s Impact on My Journey
The AAM has been a huge support to me both early in my career and today. The Music Passport program in 2022 was a pivotal moment in my career where I was able to really see how far you can go as a manager under the guidance of my mentor Jess Keeley and my new sounding board Ben Pierpoint. That trip opened my eyes to true 'scale' outside of Australia and I'll be forever thankful for it. This was the same year I signed The Cat Empire - so it couldn't have come at a better time.