Class of 2020 - Music Managers Forum (MMF)

Ameena Badly, The Ko-Lab (Birmingham)

Management: Smuggzy Ace, Mowgli, A Class

Name:
Ameena Badly, The Ko-Lab (Birmingham)

Role:
Management: Smuggzy Ace, Mowgli, A Class

Bio:
“My niche is that I only work with Midlands talent as this is a place with a lot of creativity but not enough managers to build artists. So I started The Ko-Lab as a music management company working to build artists missed by the mainstream. My highlights so far? A Class working with Red Bull for a creative series, Smuggzy Ace doing a Nike campaign and Mowgli going on tour with superstar Popcaan. Looking forward to reaching new heights and new goals in 2020.”

Andrew Ellis, Samizdat (Liverpool)

Management: Immix Ensemble, Vessel, Rakhi Singh

Name:
Andrew Ellis, Samizdat (Liverpool)

Role:
Management: Immix Ensemble, Vessel, Rakhi Singh

Bio:
Following an early career in the live sector as a promoter and tour manager, in 2014 Ellis shifted across into creative production and development consultancy. Across these roles, he has worked with and for the likes of Crystal Fighters, Actress, Flohio, Ladytron, Neneh Cherry, Mount Kimbie, Darkstar, Michael Price, Kelly Lee Owens, and Evian Christ. Having gained a broader perspective on the needs of artists, managers and the wider industry Ellis moved into management in 2019, focusing on artists that blur the lines between artform and genre. His roster currently includes Erased Tapes’ instrumental group Immix Ensemble (collaborators of artists such as Jane Weaver, Bill Ryder-Jones and Forest Swords), electronic producer and composer – Vessel, and the acclaimed violinist and director of Manchester Collective, Rakhi Singh.

Ashley Perry, Ozone Music (Luton)

Management: Nafe Smallz (BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Hot for 2020 list), Jibsta

Name:
Ashley Perry, Ozone Music (Luton)

Role:
Management: Nafe Smallz (BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Hot for 2020 list), Jibsta

Bio:
“Growing up I was influenced by moguls such as P Diddy and Jay-Z. What they have achieved in this industry is inspiring and revolutionary. I feel like now is a great time for young aspiring managers like myself to look at that history and be able to make their mark. My goal is to take the artists on my roster to an international level whilst remaining independent and building a brand that will give the artists business longevity.”

Bobby Brown (Brighton)

Management: Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Karl Benjamin

Name:
Bobby Brown (Brighton)

Role:
Management: Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, Karl Benjamin

Bio:
With over eight years industry experience, Bobby managed the career of singer/songwriter Elli Ingram from 2011-2018 – overseeing major publishing and recording deals (with Sony ATV and Island) and collaborations with artists including Chase and Status, Will Heard & Jordan Rakei. During this period, Bobby also worked for Disturbing London, advising on projects for A2, Sasha Keable, Siobhan Bell, Wizkid and Tinie Tempah, and partnering on events with Mercedes-Benz and Disturbing Ibiza. Currently living in Brighton he looks after rap & production duo Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn (two sold-out UK tours in 2019) and Karl Benjamin who recently signed to Little Goat/Atlantic Records.

Charlie Owen (London)

Management: Joy Crookes

Name:
Charlie Owen (London)

Role:
Management: Joy Crookes

Bio:
Starting out running live music nights around Camden Town, Charlie joined global live agency UTA for a two-year period before gravitating towards management – becoming independent in January 2018, and taking on London-born soul singer Joy Crookes. After signing to Insanity Records, Joy has built a significant online audience – a performance of Mother May I Sleep With Danger? on the COLORS platform has received more than 8m YouTube views – and following a recent Jools Holland performance and a BRIT Awards Rising Star shortlisting, she secured fourth place on the BBC Sound Of 2020. Joy’s debut album is scheduled for release this year.

Christopher Grey, Problem Child (London)

Management: Nyge, Gibbo, Clonez, Paige Lihya

Name:
Christopher Grey, Problem Child (London)

Role:
Management: Nyge, Gibbo, Clonez, Paige Lihya

Bio:
Starting his management career representing artists including Yxng Bane & Bonkaz, Christopher acted as consultant on XL Recordings’ seminal New Gen compilation before working for UK rapper Nines, who released his debut album through XL in 2017. Subsequently launching a management company, Problem Child, in 2018, Christopher now represents producers Nyge, Gibbo and Clonez (AJ Tracey, Stormzy, J Hus, Logic, Krept & Konan, and NBA YoungBoy) as well as upcoming singer/songwriter Paige Lihya.

Clare Wright, (London)

Management: JFDR, ESYA, Eliza Shaddad, Æ Mak,

Name:
Clare Wright, (London)

Role:
Management: JFDR, ESYA, Eliza Shaddad, Æ Mak,

Bio:
Developing a passion for DIY promotion in the early noughties, Clare joined Big Dipper Productions in 2007 and became day-to-day manager for Icelandic legends Sigur Rós for the best part of a decade. Now running her own business, she currently looks after acclaimed Icelandic artist JFDR, Sudanese Scottish ethereal grunger Eliza Shaddad, Irish artist Æ Mak and ESYA, the solo project of Savages’ bassist Ayse Hassan and a recent beneficiary of the Momentum Music Fund,

Conor Ferris, Narrative Management (Newcastle-Upon-Tyne)

Management: InVisions, Captives, IMMERSE

Name:
Conor Ferris, Narrative Management (Newcastle-Upon-Tyne)

Role:
Management: InVisions, Captives, IMMERSE

Bio:
After a decade working in live music, including roles as an international tour/production manager and promoter for bands including The Hunna and Coasts, Conor established Narrative Management in 2018 and works with a new generation of rock bands. From his current roster, both InVisions and Captives will tour the UK later this spring.

Denise Allan, 677 Management (Glasgow)

Management: Glasvegas, Freakwave, Steph Johnston

Name:
Denise Allan, 677 Management (Glasgow)

Role:
Management: Glasvegas, Freakwave, Steph Johnston

Bio:
Denise is the co-founder of Glasgow-based management company 677, and represented Glasvegas since 2006 – guiding the band to Platinum success and a Mercury nomination for their Sony-released debut album. Glasvegas will release their fourth album 2020, alongside new music from other 677 clients, indie rock band Freakwave, and Steph Johnston, a street soul singer who has supported Catfish and the Bottlemen.

Earl Bailey, Frontlinzz (Coventry)

Management: Mugun, Andrwea, Flava, Jam

Name:
Earl Bailey, Frontlinzz (Coventry)

Role:
Management: Mugun, Andrwea, Flava, Jam

Bio:
Born and raised in Coventry, Earl ran a Caribbean takeaway before entering music management – converting unused space in the upstairs of his restaurant to create a studio. This became a hub for aspiring musicians, supported by an in-house team of producers. Growing from strength to strength, Frontlinzz as offered strategic guidance, planning and mentoring to local musicians, including Jevon and now Pa Salieu – whose track Frontline, licensed to Warner Music UK, has already catapulted him onto Music Week’s one-to-watch shortlist for 2020.

Edd Avakian (London)

Management: Cass (UK) (Artist)

Name:
Edd Avakian (London)

Role:
Management: Cass (UK) (Artist)

Bio:
1Xclusive is an emerging music company based in London focusing on musicians in the UK. Founded by Edd, in 2017, the company has since acquired and developed many clients. The management company is continuing to develop the current roster successfully, with the aim of acquiring more talent in the future to support emerging or established talent to add to the UK music scene.

Gaius Mavila (London)

Management: House of Pharaohs, DamnShaq

Name:
Gaius Mavila (London)

Role:
Management: House of Pharaohs, DamnShaq

Bio:
Pausing a prospective career in law to pursue music management, Gaius has overseen the success of UK rap collective House of Pharaohs since 2015 – facilitating the release of five mixtapes/EPs, numerous singles, collaborations with Nike and sold out UK shows. The careers of several group members have blossomed since, with Bandanna taking a role on Netflix’s Topboy, BlazeYL releasing a run of underground hit singles, Danny Stern providing voice-over for FIFA20 and Sam Wise receiving critical acclaim for his debut EP.

Jade Richardson, Jade-Inc (London)

Management: Khloe Anna, DameDame, Madara Beatz, Digital Mozart

Name:
Jade Richardson, Jade-Inc (London)

Role:
Management: Khloe Anna, DameDame, Madara Beatz, Digital Mozart

Bio:
A BRIT School alumni, Jade has enjoyed a highly successful and storied career in the music business – starting out at Famous Music Publishing, before joining Polydor Records for Ms Dynamite’s Mercury-winning campaign and running the P Records imprint with friend Seb Chew. Taking a sidestep, Jade then worked at hugely respected music charity Urban Development, launched the pioneering ILUVLIVE, trained as a NLP life coach and flower essence therapist, helped Rinse FM gain a community licence and dipped toes into management with MPHO. Returning to A&R for a 5-year spell at Virgin/EMI (Gorgon City, Kali Uchis, Sinead Harnett, Kiesza) and then ATM (Chase & Status, Alesso, Swedish House Mafia, DJ Snake), Jade currently consults for Alex Boateng at Island Records – working on projects for Ray BLK and Miraa May – and has cemented her experiences to launch a new management company aiming to support new and emerging artists and producers.

Jasmine Srih, Obscura Artists (London)

Management: KEYAH/BLU, BBZ, Martha, Sippin’ T, AZADI.mp3

Name:
Jasmine Srih, Obscura Artists (London)

Role:
Management: KEYAH/BLU, BBZ, Martha, Sippin’ T, AZADI.mp3

Bio:
With previous roles at Ninja Tune and Universal Music Group, Jasmine currently works as international events curator for online music broadcaster Boiler Room. She represents five acts at Obscura Artists: AZADI.mp3, BBZ, KEYAH/BLU, Martha and Sippin’ T.

Jazz Rocket, 67 Artists (London)

Management: Yo Preston, Tinx, Tylr Rydr, Hakon, Xandr Fox & O.X.X.

Name:
Jazz Rocket, 67 Artists (London)

Role:
Management: Yo Preston, Tinx, Tylr Rydr, Hakon, Xandr Fox & O.X.X.

Bio:
Jazz is a manager of artists, producers and songwriters as well as an A&R consultant. Originally from Birmingham, he started out in music as a performer and scored two Top 40 singles when part of a band in the early 10’s, he ventured into management by cutting his teeth at ATC & Prolifica Management and founded 67 Artists in late 2018.

Kaiya Milan, Off Balance, (London)

Management: Afronaut Zu, Steam Down, Ahnansé

Name:
Kaiya Milan, Off Balance, (London)

Role:
Management: Afronaut Zu, Steam Down, Ahnansé

Bio:
Currently manages solo artist AFRONAUT ZU, artist collective STEAM DOWN and its founder AHNANSÉ, Kaiya has worked with a great deal of other notable artists throughout her career also and has worked with many brands and companies including Adidas, Apple, Beats, Puma, Ellesse, Dr. Martens + many more. In 2017, London’s Young Music Boss Awards honoured her work in the music industry by awarding her ‘Manager of the Year’. In addition to artist management, after observing the amount of women being overlooked within the business side of Music, Kaiya Milan started her own all female creative collective called The Sorority House & Co. established in 2015, which aims to connect, empower, celebrate and inform women in the creative industries and construct a shared sisterhood mentality. The Sorority House & Co. runs weekly Sorority Circles for female creative as well as monthly events, which aim to act as networking hubs for women in the creative industries. In addition to these events, The Sorority House & Co. also independently powers Goddess Fest, an annual event under The Sorority House & Co. brand, and London’s first music festival with an all female lineup.

Louis Curran, From Concentrate Music (London)

Management: Quiet Man, Joy Anonymous, MEI

Name:
Louis Curran, From Concentrate Music (London)

Role:
Management: Quiet Man, Joy Anonymous, MEI

Bio:
With over a decade’s experience as a DJ, which took him to countries including Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Cuba and performances everywhere from the London Eye (as part of Red Bull’s Revolutions In Sound) to Bestival, Louis founded From Concentrate in 2017 with growing success. Last year, Joy Anonymous completed a debut tour of Spain and Portugal, performed shows in Iceland and featured on the FIFA 19 soundtrack alongside MEI who, in turn, secured PRS Foundation Women In Music funding to produce a series of EPs. Meanwhile, Louis’s third client, Quiet Man, announced himself with a debut EP and festival bookings at The Great Escape, El Dorado, Shindig and Smoked & Uncut. Louis’ favourite artists are Madlib, Alex Turner, Sleaford Mods and Burial.

Lyle Scougall, Mañana Music Management (Glasgow)

Management: Joesef, t e s t p r e s s

Name:
Lyle Scougall, Mañana Music Management (Glasgow)

Role:
Management: Joesef, t e s t p r e s s

Bio:
Alongside business partner Nathan Dunphy, Lyle currently represents two clients: Glasgow soul-pop singer Joesef, who was added to the coveted BBC Sound of 2020 longlist, and DJ/production duo t e s t p r e s s, a permanent fixture on Scotland’s underground dance scene. Outside of business, Lyle has gained an MA: Music Industries with distinction from the University of the West of Scotland for his research dissertation titled ‘The Modern Music Manager: How has the rise in independent and digital technology influenced the role of the music manager?’

Megan Burns, Tone Management (Liverpool)

Management: Palm Reader, T.A.R.L.D

Name:
Megan Burns, Tone Management (Liverpool)

Role:
Management: Palm Reader, T.A.R.L.D

Bio:
Born in Liverpool, Megan began her career in cinema – winning the Venice Film Festival’s Marcello Mastroianni Award for her role in Stephen Frears’ Liam and landing a prominent role in Danny Boyle’s cult classic 28 Days Later. Under the pseudonym Betty Curse, she later pursued a musical career, signing to Island Records and releasing her debut album Hear Lies in 2006. Now firmly on the management side of the business, Megan has nurtured a roster of UK and international artists, securing them tours with the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Katatonia as well as bookings at major festivals.

Pip Newby, Friends vs Music (London)

Management: Honeyvale, Cherry Cherry, Al Groves, Ben Mclusky, Darren Lawson, Henry Brill, Rocky O’Reilly, Owen Lewis, Sean Oakley, Simon Byrt, St£fan, Steven A Griffiths

Name:
Pip Newby, Friends vs Music (London)

Role:
Management: Honeyvale, Cherry Cherry, Al Groves, Ben Mclusky, Darren Lawson, Henry Brill, Rocky O’Reilly, Owen Lewis, Sean Oakley, Simon Byrt, St£fan, Steven A Griffiths

Bio:
Previously holding A&R positions at Play It Again Sam/[PIAS] UK Ltd and Atlantic Records, and running his own independent label, Pip has more than a decade’s experience working with artists including Enter Shikari, Ghostpoet, Lucius, Crystal Fighters, Keaton Henson and Editors. Now focussed predominantly on producer and songwriter management, Friends Vs Music’s client base have worked with everyone from Selena Gomez to Bring Me The Horizon, Michael Kiwanuka and Lady Gaga.

Tim Hampson, Cannibal Management (Brighton)

Management: Dream Wife, Our Girl, Willie J Healey, Dry Cleaning

Name:
Tim Hampson, Cannibal Management (Brighton)

Role:
Management: Dream Wife, Our Girl, Willie J Healey, Dry Cleaning

Bio:
Founded in late 2016, the goal of Cannibal is to build a complementary roster of shared artistic values. Since launch, Our Girl and Dream Wife have released critically acclaimed debut albums and toured the world. Both acts are now hard at work on their second records. Heading into 2020, Tim now also manages singer/songwriter Willie J Healey and the much talked about alt rock band Dry Cleaning

Resources

THE MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM (MMF) AND YOUTUBE MUSIC HAVE TODAY ANNOUNCED THE SECOND WAVE OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR THE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME FOR MUSIC MANAGERS.

List of participants