Astral People is one of Sydney’s most influential independent music companies, whose multi-faceted approach to the music industry is matched only by their eclectic taste. 

Formed after a late night dinner at Dimitri’s Pizza in 2011 between directors Tom Huggett and Vichara Edirisinghe (alongside Lee Danilewitz), Astral People now finds itself a team of many across their distinct management, touring, events, publishing, and label arms: all of which stay true to the company’s original philosophy of community investment and trust in the Astral People vision.

Artist-focused at its core, Astral People’s management roster covers some of the most forward-thinking in Australian music. With a family of local artists including multi-instrumentalists Cosmo’s Midnight, Winston Surfshirt, Wave Racer, GL, Milan Ring, and Collarbones, DJs & producers Ayebatonye, Basenji, Memphis LK, moktar, Sam Alfred, Tseba, and Willo, rapper Arno Faraji, and audio engineers George Nicholas and Doug Wright, Astral People’s management net is cast wide: and looks to be cast wider in time.

Astral People’s taste is emphasised in their touring roster, a melting pot of subcultures from across the world. First finding footing bringing grime to Australian and New Zealand shores in the mid-2010s, the company continues to push boundaries and is now a touring staple of the region.

In 2015, Astral People merged with Handsome Tours to build one of the largest independent rosters in Australia, covering pioneering electronic producers Ross From Friends, Fred again.., and Bicep, the cutting-edge experimenters 100 gecs and Injury Reserve, soul adventurers Arlo Parks and Masego, stadium grime acts Stormzy, AJ Tracey, and Dave, UK jazz artists Yussef Dayes, Kokoroko, and Alfa Mist, underground kings Freddie Gibbs and Yung Lean, and world-class DJs like Jyoty, Shanti Celeste, Folamour, John Talabot, Moxie, and Yung Singh: lists far from exhaustive. 

Staying curious curatorially, Astral People’s boutique events arm have shown off a multitude of international and local talent. From their own festival endeavours including OutsideIn Festival, Last Dance NYE and Summer Dance, to curating stages for Red Bull, Splendour in the Grass, Strawberry Fields, and Vivid LIVE for the company’s 10th birthday party, Astral People have been partymakers for well over a decade now.

2017 saw Astral People launch their own publishing arm with the world’s largest independent publisher BMG, harbouring artists such as CLYPSO, moktar, Winston Surfshirt, and Young Franco. Soon after, Astral People Recordings began in collaboration with [PIAS], becoming the first Australia co-op label under their wide international umbrella, releasing disparate music from Stevan, Wave Racer, Bumpy, Milan Ring, Skeleten, and Club Angel, with more in the pipeline.

Astral People stay leaders in the Australian and New Zealand music scene, with a twelve year history dedicated to community investment and staying true to their vision. Every member of the team a fan of music first, Tom and Vichara find opportunities in untouched corners.

Putting on the first shows for management act Cosmo’s Midnight (who now sell venues across the world), debuting Stormzy to Australia in 2015 to less than 500 early-adopters, bringing New York to Sydney with a Belmore Park day party for Mister Sunday (notwithstanding some torrential downpour)... their attention to and fandom of niche, up-and-coming scenes globally and locally, with potential often only they can hear, has made them one of the most trusted voices across their music industry disciplines. 

Today, Astral People’s unique touch can be felt in virtually every space imaginable. From clubbing institutions to cherished festivals, the prestigious Sydney Opera House to local DIY spots, calendars are filled across the country with Astral People’s curative taste. 

With an eye to genuine growth and more creative output, Astral People remain multi-hyphenate and curious, staying leaders for the years to come.