Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Accelerator Manager Ben Price. 

How long have you worked in Management? 

I’ve been managing artists for around seven years. I was originally working as a tour manager whilst managing a few people on the side, but I’ve been in full-time management for about three years now.

Who do you manage now?

Right now I am looking after Viktoria Modesta, Lachi and Lucy May Walker – quite a varied roster so no one day is ever the same!

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

I took the route many do by originally managing a friend and developing it into a professional situation. I think just having unwavering belief in their ability was the deciding factor. From there with a bit of success it just grew into a situation where I had a few clients.

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

I’m obsessed with being on top of things so a good day is that feeling when you’ve got a grip of everything, and your artists are all busy on creative projects. A bad day is being stuck in Zoom meetings all day! I think everyone’s excited for real meetings again.

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

I actually think it’s been setting up the new business this year and seeing the reaction to establishing a company working deeply in the disability arts scene. It’s opened up so many relationships and been backed by so many key organisations. I am really grateful for the response and there is so much more to come from us this year.

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

I think establishing and maintaining a business model for our artists not based on live income is still the biggest challenge. We’ve all had to pivot pretty quickly and find new income streams. Whether that’s with brand partnerships or NFTs, we’ve always found a way. Also, networking and developing relationships is still a big challenge – online conferences are great, but not the same.

What music are you currently listening to?

My taste is so broad, but right now I am enjoying records by Ethan Gruska, Sorry, Eli Smart, NewDad and Shakey Graves to name a few. I like music that sits in the background nicely while I’m working. I can’t listen to the hits, I’m too easily distracted!

Any project you are working on at the moment you would like to highlight?

Yes! I am currently consulting on the Future of Disability in the Music Industry. I am publishing a report commissioned by Arts Council England in the summer, so I am calling on all music industry workers with disabilities to take my survey.

You can find it here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SMWPTHB