Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, I’m proud to be the son of parents who immigrated from the island paradise of Mauritius. Growing up, my life was steeped in rich cultural influences, but music was the one constant that truly defined my upbringing. My dad was an unapologetic music fanatic with an eclectic taste that shaped my earliest memories. Sitting on his lap as a kid, I’d listen as he introduced me to legends like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, and Aussie greats like AC/DC and INXS. Music wasn’t just something we listened to—it was woven into the fabric of our lives.
As I grew older, my love for music deepened. In my teens, my brother and I became obsessed with building a CD collection that reflected our shared tastes. We were absolute 90s R&B and Hip Hop junkies, and I can still picture the towering wall of CDs we amassed. When we moved out together and bought a home in our early 20s, that house became a shrine to music. Between the two of us, we had a collection that felt more like a museum—a monument to our shared passion for soundtracks that defined entire eras of our lives.
During this time, my musical interests started to expand. Inspired by the albums my dad had introduced me to as a child, I dove back into classics like Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. From there, I found myself drawn to heavier sounds and eventually became a dedicated metalhead. My love for music wasn’t just about listening anymore—it felt like a calling. I’d always wanted to perform, but I lacked the confidence to take that leap.
Determined to step out of my comfort zone, I taught myself how to scream in the style of metal vocalists. It wasn’t easy, but after a lot of practice, I was ready to give it a shot. My sister’s best friend’s boyfriend happened to be starting a band, and I threw my hat in the ring. That small opportunity turned into something much bigger. A band which was eventually called BRONSON.
Our band quickly rose to prominence in Melbourne’s live music scene. The pinnacle of our early success came with the launch of our debut EP, which sold out the Espy Gershwin Room—a feat no local metal band had achieved in years. That night was exhilarating, the crowd’s energy was electric, and the experience solidified my passion for live music. It also marked the beginning of my journey into entertainment marketing, as I realised how much I loved promoting shows and connecting with audiences.
For years, we toured Australia, released several albums and EPs, and made unforgettable memories. But as life often does, priorities began to shift. We had all started older in life, and the grind of balancing music with careers and families became too much. The band didn’t officially split, but it naturally faded as we moved into new chapters of our lives.
As my time as a performer wound down, I became more invested in the industry side of music. I played a pivotal role in launching HEAVY, a media brand that gave a platform to rock and metal genres. Working alongside the founder, I helped establish HEAVY as a key voice in the scene, leading marketing efforts and event activations that further connected artists with their audiences. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to channel my love for music into something new and impactful.
On a personal note, music brought me more than just professional opportunities—it introduced me to my wife. Before we had kids, our lives revolved around gigs, festivals, and a circle of friends who shared our passion for live music. When we started a family nine years ago, things naturally changed, but music remained at the heart of our lives. We now make a point to share listening sessions with our kids, passing down the same love for music that shaped my own childhood. Whenever we can, we take them to live shows, creating new memories as a family.
Fast forward to today, and my life revolves around running Australia’s premier music festival, Bluesfest, along with our touring company, Bluesfest Tours, and our venue, The Green Room. Heading up the marketing team has been both challenging and rewarding, but it’s an incredible privilege to work in an industry I love. Music isn’t just my career—it’s my life, my passion, and my connection to the people and experiences that matter most.
As the great Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” That sentiment has carried me through every chapter of my life, and I’m endlessly grateful for the journey music has taken me on.
