Export expansion for Music World

Press, 21 May 1979, Page 12

Export expansion for Music World

In what is in fact a “First” for the record industry in New Zealand, Christchurch-based Music World, Ltd, has announced the formation of a whollyowned Australian Division, “Trans Tasman Productions, Pty, Ltd.” An Australian operation has long been the dream of Music World’s 35 year-old managing director (Houghton Hughes) who sees the venture as a complete reversal of the usual trend — international companies setting up in New Zealand, for example W.E.A., C. 8.5., R.C.A., etc. “Naturally, Music World is proud to be the first inde-

prendent New Zealand company to set up a complete distribution operation in Australia. Our local artists will benefit greatly from this exposure, and the country will of course benefit from the added 6verseas funds” said Mr Hughes, adding that his company had increased export sales 50 per cent yearly, over the last five years. All recordings sold by the new company, Trans Tasman Productions, will be manufactured in New Zealand, and exported to the Australian office for distribution. Although initially the enterprise will be low-key, Music World has proven there is a demand in Australia for their locally recorded product. In fact, two of their albums, “Golden Saxophones” and “Forever and Ever,” topped the official Aussie best-seller chart — the Kent Report. Both were advertised nationally on Australian television, and earned coveted Gold Discs. Marketing of Music World product in Australia to date has been handled by distributors. Heading the new operation is Mr Roger Curry, aged 22, an employee of Music World 'for the oast i”W voars.