Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Chris Bellam.

How long have you worked in management? 

I started underplay in July 2017 after leaving Beggars where I had worked since 2001, having worked with some incredible people.  But got into management bits on the side, probably around 2012, helping out friends and watching other managers whilst working at the group of labels.

Who do you manage now?

APRE, Art School Girlfriend, Circe, Lynks, Piri & Tommy Villiers, Polly Money, Porij and St Jasper.

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

I first started managing Laurel in 2015 when she left her previous management company and I was the radio plugger. I thought the tracks were amazing and we naturally progressed into working together.

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

Good day, one new person supporting one of your acts and understanding the project. Bad day, could be any number of things, usually involving ego or emotions, of myself or others ;-).

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

The freedom to sign acts I love based on their music and persona and to keep a company growing completely independently.

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

The same as they have always been, maintaining belief, energy and passion in your artists whilst the landscape continually changes. Its like climbing a ladder that is always changing size and material that sometimes doesn’t want to be a ladder.

What music are you currently listening to?

I constantly listen to radio and multiple playlists across Apple and Spotify and music press, there are so many great artist finds and new music to hand. The artists I work with are also great A&R sources.

New find this week: Talk Bazaar