Duncan Steward
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Challenge: Blind
Website: platinumcre8ive.com
Duncan Steward is an inspirational and motivating role model not just within the low-vision and blind community, but with everyone who has the good fortune of knowing Duncan in their life.
Born blind, but also with many talents including music, (Duncan learnt piano from age 6 and became an accomplished musician in his own right), Duncan endured many eye surgeries in his young life which enabled him some sight to gain a partial view of the world of which he was passionately determined to challenge all barriers to turn his life dreams into reality
After 25 years working in corporate organisations, including 6 years as a Degree qualified Accountant, Duncan resigned from a successful 15-year I.T. and corporate management career to follow his dream to work in the Music Industry. Duncan completed Degrees in Information Technology, Accounting and then Entertainment Business Management with distinction at JMC Academy (2014-16), at age 49, to learn additional skills to start his dream business to work with unsigned, talented artists and bands who often find it very difficult to make headway in the Music and Arts Industry, utilising his years of corporate experience and strong contacts to give the advice and guidance needed to help acts get to the next level. And thus now renown as the Founder and Owner of Platinum Cre8ive, Management Services for the Creative Industries.
Since Platinum Cre8ive was formed in 2015, Duncan has worked with many talented individual artists and bands with EP and single launches, PR, marketing, social media branding and strategy, grant funding, radio play and plugging, national tour management including international gigs as well as extensive corporate, community and charity bookings as well as motivational speaking, career planning, music licensing, sourcing film and tv roles as well as whole of life artist career support. Duncan's philosophy; "I believe in trust and authenticity, no wild promises or guarantees, rather lets work together and see where it goes." At the same time he looks for talented that is passionate, dedicated and driven in their career to achieve their best.
Duncan's stable of amazing talent includes:
*Rachael Leahcar - Singer / Songwriter, Motivational Speaker, Actress, Comedian
(Adelaide) Pop / contemporary / classical crossover styles in 6 languages, with 5 top 10
consecutive albums in 8 years (2012-2019).
*Lara Nakhle - Singer / Songwriter, Motivational Speaker (Sydney) Pop / contemporary styles
*Tanya Lewis - Motivational speaker, author and Professional Eco Organiser
*Adam Ladell - Singer / Songwriter, Internet Sensation!
*Connor Wink - Singer, Songwriter, Motivational Speaker (Newcastle)
*Tim McCallum - Singer, Actor, Motivational Speaker (Brisbane) Classical crossover
Pepper Jane - Singer / Songwriter (Brisbane), Indie Pop
Tuva Finseras - Singer / Songwriter (Melbourne) Pop
Bethany Fisher - Singer / Songwriter, Specialist Children's Entertainer
Cameron Miller - Motivational Speaker
Wendy Steward - Speaker, Motivator, Podcaster, Blogger, Writer, Wellness Coach
Sarah C - Singer / Songwriter (Melbourne)
Clara Helms - Singer / Songwriter (Sydney)
Molly Waters - Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer (Brisbane).
*Summer Giddings - Singer, Songwriter (Sydney)
*Kirsten Busby - Singer - (Newcastle)
Danni Da Ros - Singer / Songwriter (Sydney)
*Brittany Leo / Sanctuary Accoustic Duo - Singer / Songwriter / DJ (Melbourne)
*Identify as having a disability.
Duncan's artists have also sung at national and international broadcast events, won local and national music awards, featured in national TV campaigns, performed for international artists, and rostered on Australia's most prestigious booking agencies.
An additional accolade for Duncan: Due to the Covid19 Pandemic and isolating restrictions which befell our country, organizing the annual White Cane Day Celebration Event for 15th October 2020 posed a huge challenge for Jordan Ashby – VA Volunteer and Events Coordinator. Jordan formed an idea for a White Cane Day – Broadcast Concert Event to turn into a reality. From the initial work Jordan put in contacting potential performers early in 2020 to organize the concert, Duncan Steward from Platinum Cre8ive and Jordan fast became comrades with Duncan enthusiastically co-organizing with Jordan and produced along with the amazing efforts of Vision Australia Radio team, an incredible array of over 25 local and international performances, messages of support and stories of lived experience which all came together in 180 minutes of the incredible radio White Cane Day - Broadcast Concert Event.
https://radio.visionaustralia.org/latest-news/white-cane-day-concert-2020-podcast
Duncan was also adjudged 2019 Music's Best Boss Award by The Music Network as Artist Manager of the Year.
He is also a finalist for the Performing Arts category in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2021.