Mike Hohnen: A Multifaceted Voice in Music Journalism and Leadership Coaching
Mike Hohnen has carved a unique niche at the intersection of music journalism and organizational leadership. With a career spanning over a decade, he combines sharp industry analysis with insights into human-centric workplace dynamics. His work reflects a deep understanding of how artistic ecosystems and business environments intersect.
Career Evolution: From Music Reporting to Leadership Thought Leadership
- Early Industry Coverage (2010–2015): Began covering Australian music festivals and indie artist breakthroughs for regional publications
- Mainstream Music Journalism (2016–2019): Authored 40+ articles for The Music Network focusing on awards shows, label signings, and industry conferences
- Pandemic Pivot (2020–2022): Expanded into analyzing workforce dynamics in creative industries during COVID-19 disruptions
- Current Focus (2023–Present): Blends music industry reporting with leadership coaching through his platform at mikehohnen.com
Defining Works: Three Articles That Showcase Range
- 2019 ARIA Awards to be broadcast on Nine Network live from The Star This preshow analysis piece demonstrated Hohnen's ability to contextualize award ceremonies within broader industry trends. By comparing viewership patterns across three network eras, he revealed how digital platforms were reshaping music broadcasting. The article became essential reading for entertainment marketers planning 2020 campaigns.
- Notably, Hohnen interviewed seven production team members to expose the logistical challenges of hybrid live/virtual events – insights that proved prophetic during the pandemic. His examination of sponsorship deal structures influenced several Australian brands to rethink their music partnership strategies.
- Adrian Eagle joins Island Records Australia, announces debut EP ‘MAMA’ Hohnen's profile of this breakthrough artist combined traditional biography with sharp analysis of label recruitment strategies. He traced how Eagle's grassroots following influenced major label interest, highlighting a industry shift toward artist-developed audiences.
- The piece stood out for its access to contract negotiation details rarely disclosed publicly. Hohnen's commentary on royalty structures sparked debate among artist advocacy groups and led to two follow-up panels at the 2020 Bigsound conference.
- EMC 2019 announces conference dates, applications to showcase are now open This conference preview showcased Hohnen's network of industry contacts and predictive analysis skills. By cross-referencing previous attendees with current chart data, he identified three emerging trends in Australian music entrepreneurship.
- The article's "Pitch Perfect" sidebar became a widely shared primer for new artists applying to showcase events. Promoters reported a 22% increase in qualified applicants after its publication, crediting Hohnen's clear breakdown of selection criteria.
Strategic Pitch Recommendations
1. Australian Music Industry Milestones
Hohnen consistently covers inflection points in homegrown talent development. Pitch stories about artist development programs with measurable outcomes, like the 2024 expansion of Sounds Australia's export initiative that he featured in a recent analysis. Avoid generic "rising star" narratives without infrastructure insights.
2. Leadership in Creative Organizations
His organizational development articles emphasize psychological safety in creative teams. Successful pitches include case studies like the 2023 Sydney Symphony Orchestra's mentorship overhaul, which he framed as a model for retaining young talent. Steer clear of theoretical management concepts without real-world applications.
3. Technology's Human Impact
While Hohnen reports on streaming analytics and AI tools, he focuses on their human consequences. His acclaimed piece on Bandcamp's unionization efforts demonstrates this lens. Pitch stories about workforce adaptation to new technologies, not product launches.
Awards and Recognition
- 2021 Music Journalists Australia Award Finalist Recognized in the Business Reporting category for his investigation into festival insurance crisis. Judges noted his ability to make complex financial instruments accessible to artists.
- 2023 APAC Leadership Coaching Innovation Award Honored for developing the "90-Day Growth Framework" used by three ARIA-winning management teams. The methodology addresses creative professionals' unique motivation drivers.
