InDo InSiders: How InDo Became a Creative Home Base for Global Songwriters — Featuring APRA AMCOS
Welcome back to InDo InSiders, our weekly series highlighting the entrepreneurs, creatives, and organizations shaping InDo Nashville into a global hub for music, innovation, and connection.
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on an organization that bridges continents and careers—APRA AMCOS, the performance rights organization representing songwriters and publishers from Australia and New Zealand. With a satellite office based right here at InDo, APRA AMCOS has turned our building into a home away from home for international songwriters working and creating in Nashville.
We sat down with Isabella Kearney-Nurse, the APRA AMCOS US Representative Nashville who manages their office at InDo, to talk about their mission, their community, and how InDo has helped expand their reach in Music City.
What Is APRA AMCOS?
APRA AMCOS stands for the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society, and it represents more than 100,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe.
Their mission? To license music use, collect royalties, and, most importantly—empower their members through industry support, education, and advocacy.
The Nashville office is a key part of APRA AMCOS’s global strategy to support artists internationally, especially those pursuing creative opportunities in Music City. From licensing to export initiatives, writing camps to awards programs, APRA AMCOS has become a leader in the global music rights and creative development space.
Meet Isabella Kearney-Nurse: From Songwriter to Industry Advocate
Originally from Sydney, Isabella moved to Nashville four years ago to pursue her career as a songwriter. Along the way, she found herself helping fellow Australians and New Zealanders make the most of their time in the States.
“Nashville is such a collaborative, inspiring place for songwriters. I came here for the same reasons our members do—to create. Now I get to help guide and support others doing the same.”
Inside the APRA AMCOS Office at InDo
Located on the main floor of InDo, the APRA AMCOS writing room is a free, fully equipped creative space available to all APRA AMCOS members visiting or living in Nashville.
“It’s a beautiful, cozy space with speakers, a keyboard, and all the essentials for producers and writers,” says Isabella. “It’s one of the only places in town where our members can drop in and immediately have a professional space to write for free.”
The office also serves as a meeting point and creative anchor—many members stop in on their first day in Nashville, and Isabella often helps them connect with co-writers, find housing, or even navigate the Nashville industry for the first time.
A Hub for Events, Awards & Community
InDo has become the go-to venue for APRA AMCOS’s community events in Nashville, including:
#1 Parties – Celebrating chart-topping songs written by members
Songwriter Showcases – Introducing new talent to the local scene
Global APRA Music Awards – Nashville
“A lot of our members work behind the scenes crafting songs every day. These events help shine a light on their artistry and their role in Nashville’s music ecosystem,” said APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston.
Why InDo Feels Like Home for International Songwriters
InDo isn’t just a space—it’s a community, and Isabella says that’s what makes it so special for members far from home.
“There’s this family feeling at InDo. From the staff—shout out to Hank and Victoria—to the fellow businesses and artists in the building, it’s warm, welcoming, and always buzzing with creativity.”
Being just steps from downtown, with free parking and easy access to meetings, showcases, and co-writing sessions, InDo has become the first stop for many APRA AMCOS members arriving in Nashville.
Should Other International Music Organizations Consider InDo?
“100%—InDo is like a home away from home.”
Isabella strongly recommends the space for other international music organizations looking to set up shop in Nashville. With flexible offices, event space, and creative resources, InDo offers a unique blend of functionality and community that’s hard to find anywhere else.
In addition to APRA AMCOS events, InDo has welcomed international music organizations such as Sounds Australia, Americana UK, and CIMA (Canadian Independent Music Association), and has hosted a series of Music Industry Mixers supporting Latin artists. Swedish duo Thyra (Karin Thyr & Goran Eriksson) used InDo has a home base when they were writing the music for their EP Stockholm Nashville. This growing list of global collaborators highlights InDo’s role as a true creative crossroads for the international music community.
Want to Jumpstart Your Members' Success in Nashville?
If you're an international entertainment or music-focused organization looking to expand your reach into Nashville, InDo offers a turnkey launchpad that can make an immediate impact for your members.
From beautiful, fully equipped songwriting rooms to dynamic meeting spaces and performance-ready event venues, InDo is where creative work and real industry connections happen. It’s not just a space—it’s a community where artists, songwriters, and entrepreneurs are already collaborating, creating, and thriving.
Organizations like APRA AMCOS have used InDo to give their members a head start in networking, writing, and finding their place in the Nashville music scene.
Ready to give your members the ultimate home base in Music City?
Contact us to learn how InDo can elevate your presence and provide unforgettable opportunities for your community.
Thinking about joining the InDo community yourself? Whether you’re a local startup or an international music org—we’d love to welcome you. Contact us to schedule a tour.
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