Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is MMF board member Liza Buddie!

How long have you worked in Management? 
To be honest not sure I can put an exact number on that probably 10 years, I have been lucky to have been in the early days mentored by the likes of Peter Jenner who convinced me to sign up to the MMF & Jazz Summers, I have fond memories of Jazz 🙂 and the lovely Safta Jerries taught me a lot about Publishing

Who do you manage now?
I manage TOVA an alternative rock band, and I’ve just secured ACE funding for them. I also consult as well as advise labels, managers and artists on applying for funding/grants

Where did you find your first client and what inspired you to take them on?
Wow, my first client was a band who’s myspace link was sent to me via a friend, I was working in PR at the time. I loved their music and eventually they signed to a label that sat inside EMI at the time.

What’s a good/bad day at work look like for you? 
A bad day is when all the plans you have start unravelling & falling apart haha – A good day is when all your plans fall into place 🙂 I think as a manager having a trait where you’re good at solution finding really helps

What has been the highlight of your management career to date?
I really love hearing my artists’ music on a radio show or reading a lovely review. It’s a highlight for them but also it’s a reward for all the blood, sweat & tears it takes to get there.

Highlights are Great funding award results & being part of their journey 🙂

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2020?
Covid19 was everyone’s challenge 2020 & to be in 2021, I think we’re still all going to feel the strain next year and the financial hardship alot of our industry has to face. Losing the live side has reduced artist income considerably and the manager is always at the bottom of the money chain. Our challenges are to find ways and ideas for our artists to continue to be creative, release music and keep their careers moving forward.

What music are you currently listening to?
Architects, Bring me The Horizon, TOVA, Nova Twins & Linkin Park – it was 20 years last week the incredible ‘Hybrid Theory’ was originally released 🙂