Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Ian Douglas Forteau!

How long have you worked in Management? 

I have worked in management for 3 years now very early days! To quote Yoda “Much to learn, I have” this is why I have joined the MMF to learn grow and make great business relationships with its members and to contribute what I can to the organisation from my own experiances.

Who do you manage now?

I currently manage 3 fantastic artists, Ru (Pop, Jazz, Funk, Soul) Sam Way (Folk, Pop, Indie, Alt) and Leia Jules (Bubblegum Pop / Trap)

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

I found my first artist performing at a showcase in Mayfair.

Ru inspired me to take her on because her music resonated with me from that first showcase performance and the fact that I could see that she is incredibly driven like myself. Ru believed in me although I was just starting out as a manager. I knew with focus belief hard work and determination I would be able to help her get to where she wanted to get to in this industry. We also have very similar tastes in music like Jamrioquai and Chris Cornell. Ru is classically trained and can perform a wide range of genres. Great to see her debut release this year take off in so many countries.

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

A good day is when I know that hard work and dedication has proved to be the winning formula and we artist and manager and see the fruits of our labour being a successful tour or single release, great reviews etc.

A bad day at work is when I come across people in the industry who try and rip others off whether it be live promoters or producers etc. it messes with the status quo.

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

To date it would be the release of Ru’s debut EP she put so much of herself into the development of the completion of the “About Time” EP made me very proud to see the music release and the reaction from her fan base supporters and media.

This and adding Sam Way to my roster he is a fantastic singer songwriter and performing artist we are excited for the future.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2020?

I think the big challenges for a manager in 2020 are being restricted from our normal day to day processes physical meetings and such and adjusting to the financial implications that the epidemic has had on artist and manager. To be honest these are only a few examples I have faced. I could wright a list lol.

What music are you currently listening to?

Currently I am listening to Tom Misch’s “What Kinda Music” maybe a little too much also “Run The Jewels” 4th Album RTJ$

Friendly Fires new music has caught my attention also.

I would like to say a big thank you to Kwame Kwaten and Penny Foster for their inspiration and guidance through out the years.