SESSION OVERVIEW
In this fireside chat, Adam Newling and Laura Murray will explore the landscape of regional music and touring. Adam will reflect on his own experiences performing across regional Australia and highlight the vital role local venues play in supporting homegrown talent.
He has also been instrumental in creating a comprehensive contact network to help artists connect with regional communities and expand their reach. Tertiary institutions play a key part in this ecosystem—by engaging emerging Australian artists, they not only support the industry but also enrich student life through diverse events and on-campus experiences.
PRESENTERS
Raised in Cronulla by a first-generation Greek mother and Aussie father, Adam Newling blends grungy alt-rock with country-folk storytelling to craft music that’s raw, poetic, and entirely his own. After years playing guitar for Ruby Fields (and appearing on her ARIA #1 debut album) Newling broke out with his solo EP Half Cut and Dangerous, now surpassing 5 million streams. His EP Dorothy Painted Portraits followed in 2023, charting at #9 on the ARIA Albums Chart and earning national radio support.
Known for his magnetic stage presence, Adam has supported Gang of Youths, Amy Shark, King Stingray, and The Church, and toured the US with Skegss. In 2025, he joined Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners on their sold-out Australian run.
With a growing fanbase and string of acclaimed releases behind him, Newling continues to stand out as one of Australia’s most vital emerging songwriters.
Tune FM is Australia’s oldest university broadcaster and has been giving Aussie music and future media professionals a platform for almost 50 years. Along the way, the station has had the chance to chat with some incredible local acts like Illy, DZ Deathrays, Ruby Fields, Seth Sentry, Mallrat, Allday—and yep, even Adam Newling himself!
Laura Murray is an Independent Student Advocate with a background in social work—but don’t let that fool you, she also has a surprising amount of experience in the music industry. Her love of music started early: at just 14 she jumped on air to host her first show at TuneFM, UNE’s student-powered radio station, and before she’d even finished high school she was interviewing artists like Allday, Mallrat, Drapht, Illy, and Seth Sentry.
Over the years, Laura has stage managed, gained media access at major festivals, and even helped bring bands like Tired Lion and The Vanns to her local community with the support of Music NSW. She began a Bachelor of Entertainment Management in 2016 but quickly saw just how many challenges artists and crews face behind the scenes. That realisation inspired her to pivot into social work—bringing those skills back to the music world to support people in more meaningful ways.
These days, Laura is a proud champion of Australian music. You’ll usually find her in band merch, at a gig, or discovering new music. She’s passionate about the way music and the arts can connect people, especially in regional communities, and about the role they play in strengthening wellbeing.