PRODUCTION TEAM
Michael Romeo, Co-founder
Michael is the principle songwriter of The Happy Tradies concept and co founder. His approach has always been to produce dynamic children’s music that brings joy and laughter to young hearts. With a knack of crafting catchy songs and engaging melodies he creates lyrics in which everybody of all ages can relate to, especially children. With an educational music platform the songs spark imagination, a love of learning and promote the trades as a wonderful career path. Music storytelling, and making a positive impact on young people is at the centre of everything Michael does. His motto is: It takes a team to build a dream! “Welcome everybody!… we look forward to putting The Happy Tradies together with you all very soon!
Daniel Paul Calvo, Co-founder
Having formed The Happy Tradies concept with Michael in May 2021, Daniel has worked across all aspects of the project’s creative, legal and commercial developments. Former Managing Director of The Australian Institute of Music (AIM), Company Director and lecturer in songwriting, arts management and politics; he is a co writer & executive producer of the group - centrally responsible for the final mixes & other matters affecting the direction of the project. He has worked previously with many different producers including Phil McKellar (Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel) and James Cadsky (Peter Gabriel). Like Michael he is passionate in creating a children’s entertainment platform which, through song, dance, animation & film, promotes tradie life and career opportunities in the trades for all people, particularly children. He has a Graduate Diploma in Arts Management, MA (UTS)
Dario Bortolin, Musical Director
Apart from being one of the most sort after musicians in the world having recorded and toured on multiple occasions with INXS, Jimmy Barnes, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, The Screaming Jets, Andrew Farris, Barry Gibb, Olivia Newton-John; the list goes on and on, currently he is the bass player for the Baby Animals. Dario is an experienced audio engineer, writer and producer. As Musical Director of The Happy Tradies his role is critical in shaping everything we do and the compilation of the sound for the upcoming auditions through to 2025 as well as the editing requirements for the animation series and audiobooks. He is further vital in the performance of and programming of the tracks, manages the production schedules and helps with the overall coordination of artistic development. He is a co writer and producer of the project.
Melinda Jackson, Vocalist
Best known for her role as lead singer for award winning Australian Pop band The Rogue Traders, Melinda has gone from strength to strength in the music industry wowing Australian audiences with her unique live energy. Her first big break was with globally charting hit 'Everywhere', a collaboration with Moustache which hit #1 on the ARIA Club charts and remained in the top 20 charts for several weeks.
Mel’s participation with The Happy Tradies started from the very beginning of the recording process. Instrumental in the pre production phase, brought into the project by Dario, she is the sole female vocalist on all the tracks and plays a significant role in the delivery and completion of The Happy Tradies sound. As female tradie numbers on building and mine sites swell across the country in so many different construction strands Mel’s sound and character takes on further relevance in the promotion of that movement. Her role and contribution in the team is extremely important.
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Website design and construction, Cameron Usher. Graphic Design, Zach Richard Flook at Drip Candy
Accounting, Joshua Barnard, Silver & Young.
Legal, Brett Oaten.
The Happy Tradies Music Group (c) ABN: 15 678 297 052
Registered Partnership with the Australian Securities & Investment Commission, (ASIC) and NSW Department of Fair Trading. (The Happy Tradies Music Group trademark and copyright extends to all forms of theatre production, pantomime, musicals, merchandise and music).
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and respect their continuing connection to land, waters and community. It is our intention as an artistic initiative to work and engage with indigenous arts movements in an effort to promote tradie opportunities, employment and rural culture. We embrace & promote the nation’s heritage & multiculturalism, past and present.
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All songs written by Michael Romeo, Dario Bortolin, Daniel Paul Calvo (c) Steve Smith, co writer “Chippy”. John Holland, Consultant.
In association with Keynote Studios, Balmoral Studios.
Produced by Daniel Paul Calvo & Dario Bortolin. Mastered by Steve Smart, Studios 301.