How long have you worked in Management?

17 years.

Who do you manage now?

Valtos, HEISK, Evie Waddell.

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

My first client was Unicorn Kid, I found him on Myspace and he was based in Edinburgh and I was in Glasgow. I like to find music that sounds like nothing else and look for ways to bring it to the mainstream. He was 15 years old and making chiptune music in his bedroom. I was working as a promoter for DF Concerts at the time and thought I could book him a couple of shows and develop the live side of things. I still work by the same principles 17 years later, it can often be a bit of a challenge selling music to people they didn’t know existed or they needed in their ears.

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

Receiving more emails than you send – good and bad! This can be brilliant if they bring in new opportunities and terrible if they give you more work than you have time to complete. I still get a buzz from getting an email that is a small or a big win – it makes you feel like you really achieved something that day.

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

My highlights usually come during live shows. Seeing your artists getting a massive room of people going. Whether that was Unicorn Kid getting thousands of young people jumping at Shepherds Bush Empire or Valtos selling out SWG3 Galvanizers and having the whole show filmed by the BBC. Being in a room of people getting so much joy out of something you worked on is an incredible feeling.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2024?

Spinning so many plates. You have to be able to do everything until you bring in a team to work with you. I’m the manager and agent for all my acts and often dealing with all releases, promo, marketing and more – this is even more so in a niche genre.

Why would you recommend the MMF?

They are one of the best trade bodies in the music industry. They provide so much guidance and support alongside a super strong and helpful community.

What music are you currently listening to?

Valtos – A’ Chuthag ft. Julie Fowlis.