!["Navigating the industry through digital disruption has been a huge challenge": ARIA's Dan Rosen is grappling with the ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912131620/http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/d/b/n/x/image.related.afrArticleLead.620x350.gyag6u.png/1505171296722.jpg)
Dan Rosen, the CEO of ARIA – the Australian Recording Industry Association – is just as passionate about music today as he was growing up.
What's your idea of luxury today? Has that changed over the years?
My grandfather use to say to me, “I’m too poor to buy cheap things.” So I was always taught to buy less, but buy quality.
Of course, my greatest luxury today is time – whether that’s time to travel to a new place, learn a new skill, or even having an extra 15 minutes of sleep on a Sunday morning. I have a one-year-old baby, and she doesn’t care what day of the week it is!
![A1962 J-160E Gibson acoustic guitar.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912131620/http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/e/y/6/3/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1505100983580.jpg)
Do you remember your first luxury purchase?
I’ve never been an overly materialistic person, but probably the thing I covet most is a 1960s Gibson acoustic guitar that I bought in New York. That’s what I’d want to save if there was a fire.
Even growing up, musical equipment was the one thing I used to save up for.
Are you a nostalgic kind of person?
I am, yes. I keep old diaries and notebooks, and I still have the first vinyl record I ever bought, which was Synchronicity by The Police.
!["Synchronicity" by The Police: the first album Rosen bought.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912131620/http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/e/y/6/g/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1505100953881.jpg)
What instruments do you play?
Piano and guitar are my two main ones. I’ll have a bash at the drums if I’m allowed.
Do you still play?
I have a music room set up at home. I have much less time than I used to, but I still try to invite some people over for a jam every now and then. I was able to sneak in a show with my old band in New York a few years ago. I’ll still get up and belt out a song if I’m asked.
![Dan Rosen at his Bondi apartment.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170912131620/http://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/y/d/b/n/l/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1504831848680.jpg)
What’s your trademark tune?
Lately, anything from The Rolling Stones. I used to do my original songs, but these days it’s more crowd pleasers.
Best thing about your job?
Working in an industry I’m passionate about and dealing with a wide range of stakeholders, from artists to politicians to technology companies, to try to grow Australian music here and overseas.
What skills come in handy there?
Having an understanding of both the creative and business sides, and trying to understand where technology is moving the business.
Hardest thing about your job?
Navigating the industry through digital disruption has been a huge challenge. The positive view is that we’ve come out the other side and starting to grow again as a business.
What gets you up out of bed every morning?
My baby daughter crying! I’m passionate about creativity, whether through music or technology. Trying to harness and grow that and take it around the world inspires me.
Favourite fashion designer?
I like to keep it local. Jac + Jack is casual and classic, and P Johnson made me look good on my wedding day.
Favourite watch?
I don’t wear one these days, but my favourite watch is the Rolex my parents bought me when I was admitted as a lawyer.
Favourite car?
I’m driving my current car into the ground until I can afford a Tesla.
Favourite destination to relax?
Byron Bay: it’s the perfect mix of good surf, good people, good coffee.
Favourite destination to work?
New York. I lived there for nearly seven years, but you never feel like you’ve seen enough. Inspiration is around every corner.
Favourite drink?
Negroni.
The 31st ARIA Awards will be held in Sydney on November 28.