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Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Lauren Roth de Wolf.

How long have you worked in management? 

Ten years… do i get a prize?

Who do you manage now?

Africa Express, Moonchild Sanelly, The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians

Where did you find your first client and what inspired you to take them on? 

I got talked into Africa Express backstage at the Barbican over a shared tub of humous. I almost didn’t go to that show, and it’s the main reason I love being in London. You never know what’s around the next corner.

What’s a good/bad day at work look like for you?

A good day is listening to great new music from artists I work with and knowing deep down how well it’s going do. A bad day is visas getting refused or another covid cancellation – the resilience of artists and managers during the pandemic has genuinely been inspiring, especially as performing live is so central to the mental health of musicians and industry professionals.

What has been the highlight of your management career to date?

Tough one! The biggest project I’ve done with Africa Express (the train tour) – will always have a very special (and wildly stressful) place in my heart. Moonchild Sanelly fulfilling her dream of collaborating with Beyonce was pretty great too!

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2021?

Boundaries!! Most of the managers I know (apart from the predominantly male, white, older owners of management companies) are doing the job of a manager, business strategist, live agent, rights management service, sync team, artistic director, accountant and record label. It’s an incredible amount of unseen, unpaid work so if it’s not appreciated it can be pretty overwhelming. It’s imperative to set realistic expectations on both sides so that when the magic happens, you can all enjoy it!

What music are you currently listening to?

The amazing ‘Month of Sundays’ project by 2 inch punch, Pink Pantheress, Gorillaz (COMPLETELY unbiased fave = “with love to an ex”), Porridge Radio – our MMF Accelerator group shares music a lot and it’s such a great way to discover new stuff. I also just found an old hard drive of music that I took on a long trip in the naughties… K’naan’s ‘Dusty foot philosopher’ (still one of the best records ever), youngblood brass band, early Akala… the memories!