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Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Accelerator Manager Conor Ferris!

How long have you worked in Management? 
I’m entering my third year as an Artist Manager.

Who do you manage now?
I manage Captives and InVisions from the UK, Skywalker from the Czech Republic and Savage Hands from the USA

Where did you find your first client and what inspired you to take them on?
I’ve spent over ten years trying to ‘find my place’ in the music industry, working across a whole host of different roles and developing new connections as I went. I started out managing a band as a ‘favour’ with a view to handing the project off to an experienced manager once we had got the ball rolling; only to find myself enamoured with the job and all it entails. I haven’t looked back since!

What’s a good/bad day at work look like for you? 
I love when I receive an email or a phone with some progress on a project and then being able to relay that to my bands; whether it be a tour offer (remember those?), a label deal or just another little victory on the way. Knowing that you’re about to deliver good news and give everybody something else to be excited about is definitely one of my favourite parts of the job.

What has been the highlight of your management career to date?
For me, the biggest highlight of my management career to date is ending a year like 2020 with such an incredibly talented and hardworking roster that I have watched progress despite everything 2020 had thrown at them. In reflection, I can’t believe how fortunate I am that every day I get to work on the music that I love and connect with people all over the world.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2021?
The obvious challenge in 2021 is the absence of touring still. In the face of that, we are seeing a really incredible rise in people innovating and adapting their business to fit the world we have found ourselves in. It’s amazing to see so many people from all facets of the business coming together to still get new music out there and connecting people in a way that only music can.

What music are you currently listening to
A real bonus of artist management is access to music before it is released! I’ve got new music from all four of my bands that is coming out this year that I’m spending a lot of time with currently. Outside of my roster; Holding Absence – they’re sitting on a sure contender for AOTY in 2021.