About Australian Sun Records

At Australian Sun Records we pride ourselves on taking a different approach to making and releasing music. We look for music that is of the highest quality yet offers a different and unique perspective. Whether it be a hybrid of contrasting styles and cultures or a new slant on an established sound we aim to provide the discerning listener with a rewarding experience.

Our philosophy is substantiated by a track record that dates back from Nigel Pegrum’s involvement with Steeleye Span to the more recent award winning projects we have created with the New Zealand Maori culture and the Australian Aboriginal and Islander people. Although not a uniquely ‘world music’ label, the founders of Australian Sun Records have produced over two hundred successful albums appearing on a variety of labels throughout the world.

Under the Australian Sun ‘flag’ we now have the opportunity to select, produce and distribute music which we believe in and we hope you, the listener, enjoy.


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ASR Directors - Worldwide


Nigel Pegrum
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After a misspent youth playing in rock bands in London in the 60’s, including stints with The Small Faces (later to become Rod Stewart and Faces) and heavy metal band Uriah Heap, Nigel joined the British folk rock band Steeleye Span. He recorded and toured internationally with Steeleye for seventeen years earning five gold and seven silver albums. The band also had their own television show in England. During this time Nigel created his own record label producing some thirty five jazz, blues and folk albums in addition to producing material for other labels, film ,television and radio, including Torvill and Dean’s legendary version of Ravel’s Bolero.

Since emigrating to Australia, Nigel has, in his Cairns studio, produced over one hundred CD’s. In 2004 ‘Perfect Pearl’ by Torres Strait Islander, Seaman Dan, co-produced and engineered by Nigel, won the ARIA award for best world music album. Nigel has also been recognised by the Queensland Recording Association, being awarded at various times, Best Producer, Best Engineer, Best Indigenous Album and Best Album Overall. In addition to his involvement in Australian Sun Records Nigel continues to run his own recording facility ‘Pegasus Studios’ and production company ‘Hysterical Cat Productions’ in partnership with Mark Mannock.


David Hudson
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One of the world’s leading exponents of the didgeridoo, David Hudson is also a great ambassador for Australian indigenous culture across the world. As a founding member of the internationally renowned Tjapukai Dance Theatre, David realised early in his life the power and uniqueness of his Australian aboriginal heritage. David has toured the world performing on his own and with the legendary Yanni. Concert performances in various amazing venues ranging from the Taj Mahal to the Egyptian Pyramids have inspired David’s music to new heights. As a recording artist David has achieved world wide popularity and in many parts of the globe regarded as the face of Australian indigenous music. Both David and his music were featured in the American ‘Survivor’ series filmed in the Australian outback and screened around the world. In addition to his musical abilities David is a well respected actor whose credentials include working in feature films with Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer. Just to annoy the rest of us who spend our life trying to master one skill, David is also a skilled painter whose commissioned works appear around the world.

David Hudson spends a lot of his time ‘giving back’ to his people, working with young people around Australia encouraging and inspiring them. His catchcry describing aboriginal culture as the ‘ancient voice of the future’ helps maintain a focus on ‘what is to come’ rather than to be caught up in the past. David feels that his involvement in Australian Sun Records not only gives him greater control over the innovative development of his work as an artist but also a chance to share his global experience in the promotion of unique and engaging music. David also has his own company ‘Didgeralia’, dedicated to developing live performance, aboriginal art and working with young people.


Mark Mannock
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Mark Mannock has been involved in the recording of over seventy albums world wide. He has recorded with, written for, performed with or supported artists such as Tina Turner, Joni Mitchell, Tommy Emmanuel, Shane Howard, David Hudson, Jimmy Little, Seaman Dan, The Sonic World Orchestra and Tjapukai. Having attained a music degree in composition Mark has won several awards for his work. These include Queensland Recording Association awards for ‘Song of the Year’, ‘Best Adult Contemporary Song’ and ‘Best Schools Album’. His compositions have included music for the stage for actress Diane Cilento and ‘Sleuth’ playwright Anthony Schafer in addition to numerous pieces for television including contributions to the American Survivor series.

Mark Mannock has also contributed a great deal to contemporary music education programs in schools for which he has also won several awards including for ‘Outstanding Services to Education’. As well as his involvement with Australian Sun Records Mark co-owns Hysterical Cat productions, an independent music and commercial production company with Nigel Pegrum. Their music appears on a number of world/lifestyle music labels around the world.


ASR Director - Canada/North America/Mexico


Rus Withers
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Rus Withers is a music fan, musician and successful business man within the music industry. As a director of Australian Sun Records (Canada/North America/Mexico) and a native Californian, Rus has opened up distribution opportunities for ASR throughout the U.S. His role with ASR compliments his other industry interests including his position as Managing Director for Global Journey USA. Rus’ passion for bringing new and interesting genres of music to North America adds a vital component to the Australian Sun operational culture.

Phone: 303 532 4738 (USA)
Email: rus@australiansunrecords.com