From Aspiring Artist to Music Industry Mogul: The Journey of Ron Haryanto
With over 20 years in the music industry, Ron Haryanto's journey has taken him from collaborating with renowned artists as a songwriter and performer, and into his current role as the leader of Australia's largest creative community at Studios 301 and Abbey Road Institute.
"When I was a kid, my Nan used to tape RAGE, a show that played non-stop music videos, and she would record them on old VHS cassettes. I watched those tapes over and over and fell in love with every song and music video. At a young age, one thing was clear: I wanted to be an artist."
Whilst completing a Bachelor of Business at the University of Newcastle in 2002, Ron also pursued sports & music at the same time.
“I always thought that I would naturally move to the business side of the music industry. I never stopped being an artist this whole time though, I’ve just found ways to have a creative outlet and release music under different aliases.”
In 2015, Ron received an opportunity to join the team at Studios 301 - the largest recording space in the Southern Hemisphere and the only Tier One recording studio in Australia. After gaining valuable experience over the course of a few years, Ron became the General Manager. Soon thereafter, he also assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Abbey Road Institute. In this capacity, Ron oversees both businesses within Australia's largest music facility and community.
The Abbey Road Institute aims to produce graduates who are musical, technologically proficient and able to operate professionally in a diversity of audio production roles and environments.
"When COVID-19 restrictions hit in 2020, we initiated this amazing collaboration with Abbey Road Institute, relocating their campus from Melbourne to Studios 301 in Sydney. I knew that I would be working closely with the school and managing the overall facility, facilitating synergies between the two brands. However, I was genuinely honoured when I was asked to take on the role of CEO at Abbey Road Institute."
Working in the music industry has taken Ron all over the world, from a performing artist career in Malaysia and Indonesia, to releasing music in Australia and Europe.
"I've written for and collaborated with people such as Marcia Hines, Russell Crowe, Danni Minogue, Shannon Noll, and even Lil Jon. In the realm of house music, I've had releases on prominent labels like Defected and Ministry of Sound..."
Recently transitioning to the role of Head of New Business & Strategic Partnerships at Studios 301, Ron believes having a ‘Portfolio Career’ is essential for people working in the creative industries. In Ron’s words, a portfolio career is a consolidation of all your life’s experience, and finding ways to put those skills into action.
"Music industry people are naturally resourceful. If they strategically apply and fully embrace that, they will be successful."
When looking back at his career and the lessons he has learnt, Ron has some great advice for those who want to chase their dreams.
“…you have to seize opportunities as they come your way. Sometimes, great opportunities are right in front of us, and we may overlook them. However, learning how to recognise them allows us to build our own path to success.”
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.