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How long have you worked in Management?

I started my company (Klang Machine Music) in 2016. Before that I dabbled in management for a couple of years while being a full time touring sound engineer.

Who do you manage now? 

We manage a Swiss progressive folk rock band called Cellar Darling, Bristol based rap-meal NO:IR, another super fun Bristol band called gürl, progressive death metal from Switzerland called Kassogtha and doom band called Tar Pond, also from Switzerland.

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

Cellar Darling were the first band I properly took on as a manager. I met all the members on tour doing sound for another band they all used to play with. When they formed Cellar Darling i naturally took over management. The band were motivated and I immediately got interest from Nuclear Blast Records, getting them signed and on a world tour within a year which was pretty exciting

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

I guess a good day is that type where there’s a lot of emails flying in with all sorts of opportunities, interest in my artists, meetings, things being moved forward. It really makes you feel great when others start noticing and championing your bands – and not just you!

As for bad days I guess it’s when people try to take advantage of my artists and we have to spend time and energy to stand up to that.

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

Cellar Darling received a Prog Award for with their last album – that was a pretty memorable moment! Also Kassogtha have recently completed the best album ever and I’m so immensely proud of them for a whole tonne of sacrifice and discomfort they put themselves through to arrive at this result. This album isn’t even out yet, but it’s already gearing up to be an awesome accomplishment.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2022? 

Excellent question. There’s regrouping after the pandemic, of course. But perhaps more importantly, and to some extent paradoxically, it’s navigating an overwhelming set of opportunities and choice. The recorded music industry is not just back to growth but booming, the future looks bright, there has never been more power in the hands of artists to build their business and take charge of their career. But at the same time, there is a lot of noise and distraction, and strong partners are as important as ever (and maybe more). Making sense of this world on behalf of the artist is what I see as our core challenge as managers today.

What music are you currently listening to? 

I’m currently addicted to gürl and Kassogtha since they both have new music out at the moment. And from outside my roster I’m constantly stuck on my “most played” playlist with everything from Dolly Parton through Clutch to Black Label Society. Heavy and groovy does it.