Independent music company Troubadour Presents is celebrating a huge milestone in 2025 – 20 years of unforgettable experiences connecting diverse musical acts to global audiences.
Troubadour’s primary focus is on Australia. It has spent two decades following a framework of authenticity, passion and resilience, as it reflects on its history and looks to its future to continue to expand.
To date, Troubadour has toured more than 100 acts – including the late, great Sinead O’Connor, Paul Weller, Alabama 3 and Damien Dempsey. . . To US punks Superchunk, and metal legend Devin Townsend. The company’s 20 years is marked with significant milestones, defining its evolution. It was founded by Fran Daly, while running Sydney’s Gaelic Theatre, in 2005. Since, Daly’s passion and dedication have helped Troubadour to carve out a vital space in the music scene.
“We have always celebrated diversity here at Troubadour, and push well beyond many typical music boundaries,” Daly tells scenestr. “Many other companies wouldn't be interested in, or be prepared to take those risks, until of course they reach a certain commercial level and peoples ears prick up.”
Initially, Troubadour specialised in Irish acts – but its roster has evolved to include a wide range of genres spanning traditional folk, contemporary rock, protest music and metal. This all goes back to Troubadour’s dedication to diversity.
“The metal community has always had that [cultural footprint], and we work in that area as well,” Daly explains. “We also work with UK and Irish acts in the folk, protest, rebel music areas. Some larger companies aren't interested until acts reach a certain level, and we lose a few artists to them when that happens. But that’s the nature of the business.”
Daly is optimistic about Troubadour’s future: “The love for independent music and alternative culture runs deep, and we’re excited to bring more of that magic to fans around the world. We may be a small team, but we’re passionate, and we’ve got big dreams for the future.”
Part of its plans going forward is the launch of an independent record label, allowing Troubadour to support artists in brand-new ways.
“With the launch of a new record label arm for the business, we feel that we can add extra value to artists and the development in all stages of their career,” Daly reveals to us. “We strive to have long-term, sustainable relationships with our acts that go well beyond a flash in the pan moment.”
The company will also be expanding its artist management services, providing comprehensive support to its clients and ensuring they can continue to reach audiences worldwide.
Happy 20 years, Troubadour Presents!
