Emily Rhodes - scenestr of the day

Our eclectic team of writers from around Australia – and a couple beyond – with decades of combined experience and interest in all fields.
What do you do? I recently graduated with a degree in Entertainment Business Management. After graduation, I decided to independently pursue artist management while exploring my options within the industry and working other jobs on the side, such as with Live Nation VIP.

Why do you do it? Growing up, I loved the movement and excitement of the entertainment and music industry. I've been obsessed with music, admired musical talent, and felt inspired by collaboration.

My appreciation for and curiosity about the talent behind the scenes – such as management, production, audio, and other areas – motivated me to engage in the collaborative projects that initially captured my interest.

What do you love about the city you live in? Sydney is a beautiful place, the beaches are gorgeous and I love the atmosphere of the city. I'm close to everyone I love, and everything is within arm's reach. However, what truly captivates me is the rich but often overlooked talent within Sydney's music scene and the opportunities it offers.

While it may not enjoy the same level of recognition as Melbourne when it comes to music, Sydney has incredible, untapped, creative potential. Unfortunately, it seems there hasn't been enough effort to nurture and promote this talent in recent years. However, I remain hopeful with the right focus and support, Sydney's music scene can thrive and showcase its talent.

Where did you go for your last holiday? In August, I went on a two-month adventure through Europe with my boyfriend, his family and friends. We began in Italy, exploring Naples, Rome, Florence, Calabria, and Pompeii.

After Italy, we travelled to Nice, Albania, Prague, Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, and Paris. It was the quickest, most exciting and memorable two months of my life, and I can't wait until I'm able to do it again.


What's your favourite item of clothing? I have a really oversized t-shirt that fits me like a dress, featuring Tupac Shakur's face on it. Since I was very young, I've been in love with 2Pac and his music, so my sister bought this t-shirt as a gift from Oz-Comic Con. I style it with other pieces to create outfits to wear out of the house, but I usually end up wearing it as a bed shirt instead.

What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? When I was little, my two favourite shows were 'The Fairies' and 'Blue's Clues'. I was so obsessed with them that I wore fairy dresses every day and had the 'Blue's Clues' mailbox sitting at my bedroom door.

If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? Without a doubt, if I could travel back in time for a day, I would choose to attend one of the shows from Michael Jackson's 1987 Bad tour. The chance to witness firsthand the choreography, the costumes, and the sheer artistry that went into each performance would be amazing. There is no other tour in the world that I wish I could have experienced more.

If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us? It may sound boring, but on a nice winter night, I'd make my Nana's chicken and vegetable soup. I swear it's the best chicken soup ever!

What's the best lesson you've ever learned? The best lesson I've ever learned is the importance of creating boundaries – not just for my work but for my well-being. As an artist manager, it's easy to get swept up in the demands of the job and put everyone else's needs first, but I've learned that you can't pour from an empty cup. Being there for others is important, but it's just as important to take the time to step back and recharge so that you can show up as your best self.

Another key lesson is patience – both with others and with myself. Everyone is figuring things out in their own way, and sometimes people forget that it's their first time living their own life, too. We all have our own timelines, and I try to approach each situation with understanding, whether it's with an artist, a colleague, or myself.

We're all navigating this journey at our own pace, and giving each other grace along the way is a vital part of building strong, lasting relationships. So, I guess the overall lesson is to find balance: be kind and patient with others, set healthy boundaries, and remember that growth takes time—for everyone.

Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows... This message is mainly for my mum. When I was really young, I figured out that the Tooth Fairy wasn't real. I had written a letter to her, but she didn't sign it when she put the money under my pillow.

I knew my mum always put effort into maintaining this little white lie until we were old enough to understand. So, instead of confronting her, I threw away the note and pretended to believe in the Tooth Fairy until, naturally, the lie faded away.

Are you happy with your work/ life balance? I genuinely feel fortunate to have found a fulfilling work/ life balance right now, allowing me to keep these two aspects of my life separate. I'm very lucky and I understand how challenging it can be for many.

How do you define success? To me, success isn't just about money or professional achievements – though those are important in their own right. True success is about balance. It's about having a career where you're able to grow, create, and make an impact, but it's equally about the people you surround yourself with

Success means having a solid support system of family, friends, and colleagues—those who lift you up, challenge you, and share in both the triumphs and the tough moments. Beyond that, it’s about being present and appreciating the journey, not just the destination.

Life moves fast, and I think real success comes from the ability to savour the moments, experience life fully, and find joy in the small things. For me, success is a holistic thing. It's about growth, connection, and being mindful of the present, rather than constantly chasing the next thing.

What's your spirit animal? My spirit animal is a raccoon. The raccoon symbolises the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Its spiritual energy encourages us to nurture our natural curiosity, remain open to new experiences, and approach life with a sense of wonder.

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