Lorrae McKenna

In a career spanning over two decades, Lorrae McKenna has emerged as a pioneering force in the Australian music industry. As the Owner/Director of Melbourne-based record label and artist management collective Our Golden Friend, Lorrae's journey is characterised by a relentless passion for music, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to nurturing artistic talent.

Lorrae's career trajectory began with roles at iconic establishments like Allans/Billy Hyde Music and Crucial Music, where she honed her skills in marketing and publicity, as well as assiting in the day-to-day management of artists like The Living End, 360, Gyroscope, and Children Collide. Her journey continued at 774 ABC Melbourne, working as the local radio PR and Marketing Coordinator.

In 2013, Lorrae took on the role of Promotions and Marketing Manager at Remote Control Records. Her impact was transformative as she reinvigorated the label's Australian roster, signing and developing acts that have become synonymous with the contemporary Australian music scene including Courtney Barnett, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Orb, Methyl Ethel, The Murlocs, Saskwatch, Dorsal Fins, The Babe Rainbow, Pearls, Lost Animal, Client Liaison, Teeth & Tongue, Leah Senior, Jess Riberio, Jim Lawrie, Total Giovanni, Milwaukee Banks, Oh Pep!, Big Smoke, Jarrow, Jeremy Neale, Velociraptor, Sui Zhen, Banoffee, Sunbeam Sound Machine, Gabriella Cohen & friendships.

As well as undertaking this A&R function, Lorrae planned and implemented PR & Marketing strategies for international artists including Adele, Radiohead, Anohni, Queens of The Stone Age, The National, Kim Gordon, Sigur Ros, Cat Power, Future Islands, Beirut, FKA Twigs, Mac Demarco, The National, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Grimes, Vampire Weekend, Jack White, Thom York, Jungle, The xx, Jamie xx, Kurt Vile, Deerhunter, Parquet Courts, Purity Ring, Thurston Moore, Warpaint, and Yo La Tengo (among many others).

In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Lorrae received the APRA AMCOS Lighthouse Award in 2019 for being a female Victorian music manager who exemplifies passion, creativity, and integrity. Her commitment extends to fostering inclusivity within the musical community, advocating for non-male and queer artists.

In April 2024 Lorrae was awarded the Association of Artists Managers Patron’s Gift Award a prize given to a manager to assist them in building their career and was conceived by the beloved, late Hoodoo Gurus manager Michael McMartin. Lorrae currently sits on the board of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) and assists in in the programming of AIR’s annual conference Indie Con held in Adelaide in July each year in Adelaide.

In September 2023 Lorrae launched Golden Grants under the umbrella of Our Golden Friend, a grant funding consultancy service which demystifies, streamlines and educates creatives from all fields in sourcing potential funding opportunities for their projects.

Our Golden Friend’s current management roster includes Bonnie Knight (Producer), Coldwave, Good Morning & RVG.