Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Darius Williams from Slow Dance.

How long have you worked in management?

Since 2018

Who do you manage now?

PVA, Fran Lobo, Khazali

And on our label I’m Saint Jude and Uma‘s project manager.

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

I’ve been working with PVA the longest, and it was actually Marco who I run Slow Dance Recordings with who found the band from their club nights they had started putting on. Maddy (who I currently manage the band with) was their sole day 2 day manager for the first year, then as things got busier I basically got stuck in.

But to answer the question, the parties and vibe around what they were doing felt really different and fresh especially when in the context of punk heavy windmill / south London scene at the time.

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

Great question – yes my weeks are filled with either really great or horrifically bad days, without going in to any particulars. Taking on new partners is always exciting; there’s that pre-deal buzz, delays and complications suck. On a personal level I love hearing new demos, and have never stopped finding that exciting.

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

The Grammys 2024

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

Ensuring long term impact for artists and releases in the current climate and culture of new new new.

What music are you currently listening to?

Sam Akpro, JoJo, Elsas, Jayla Kai