How Did You Manage That?

Oli, the main man behind This Is Music, a management company mostly specialising in the electronic world, leads a team of managers and oversees a formidable roster which includes some of the most innovative artists and producers around, not least the mighty BICEP, who have surely dominated his time over the last few years. With a collection of Mercury Awards, BRITS and Grammys across the roster, not to mention James Ford, the super-producer behind Simian Mobile Disco and having worked on some of the biggest records in the last decade - Oli has a fascinating story to tell in how he keeps it all together and helps steer his clients to long-term business and creative success. With This Is Music receiving the Innovation Award at the MMF Artist and Manager Awards recently, we thought getting this pod back on the go was, long overdue. Enjoy! Find out more about Oli’s company on their site: thisismusicltd.com or Instagram: @thisismusicltd If you enjoyed this listen let us know @managethatpod on Insta and Twitter, or if you wanted to be really excellent, you could fire us a review on Apple Podcasts, ya big legend. Also check out our HDYMT "Supertracks" playlist on Spotify to listen to some of our guests fave tracks -https://tinyurl.com/HDYMTSupertracks

Manager of the Grammy-winning , highest paid DJ's in the world (according to Forbes), The Chainsmokers, CEO of Disruptor Management / Records and Selector Songs, their publishing arm, Adam Alpert has grown a bit of an empire alongside growing The Chainsmokers into one of the biggest pop acts in the planet. He talks us through how he got there (including a very rocky start when signing the original pair who made up the act) while he was successfully running bars and clubs in New York, how 2020 has been and what they collectively did to help out their pandemic-striken NYC. Adam talks about the pressures on developing acts and his newer acts like Lost Kings, Gashi, Vonic and Gia Woods, discusses how dance music itself is changing off the back of this year and talks us through how some of those monster Chainsmokers collaborations and features came about, including an excellent tale of persistence which lead to that Coldplay collab! As well as that we have our regular new music tip from the office stereo of the brilliant Small Green Shoots startup in London, and (attempted new feature klaxon) Adam gives us his one track that he's worked on that he thinks SHOULD have been a hit, but didn't quite make it (I mean, relatively, he manages the bloody Chainsmokers after all). Thanks as always to the Music Managers Forum, for supporting us in getting this podcast out, and to you, for listening, subscribing and / or getting in touch - which you can do @managethatpod on socials. Ally & Sophie x

Recorded in peak-lockdown during May 2020, co-founder of Push Music Management, (looking after Jack Savoretti, Gizmo Varillas and more) Danielle's was a ray of positivity and common sense discussing the challenges facing her acts and the industry this year. From the very start of lockdown, her biggest act Jack (with a huge Italian following) jumped into action, engaging and creating for his fans, some who were hurting the most, which inspired a lockdown release, and a host of online conversations.  We get an insight into her totally unique route into music management, the early days with Jack, and a really interesting chat about getting into management as someone who had already had a totally different career before hand, and the benefits of that experience vs the sometimes blind faith of a younger new manager.  Big thanks to Danielle for coming on back in May when we recorded, there are of course some conversations that have dated very quickly, but we wanted to leave those in, as this year is going to be one not forgotten in a hurry for anyone, so it felt right to capture those conversations as they were being had, as anyone in the industry knows, in live especially, it's changing daily. We have another new music tip from our excellent charity partners on the podcast this week Small Green Shoots, thanks to Nicole for that, listen out for it half way through the episode.  If you enjoyed or had thoughts about this episode, hit us up on social media @managethatpod is the one, and Ally / Sophie will always hit you back!  If this is your first time, we've got a whole back catalogue of conversations with some of the best and brightest talents in music management to go back on, from our start in 2019.  Big thanks to the MMF (Music Managers Forum) who support us in the making and promotion of this podcast, for the good of the music management community.  Cheers 

We return! In the year that has already caused seismic changes to life, let alone the music industry, we (Sophie and Ally) are back with a new series of conversation with the best and the brightest music managers operating right now around the world. We start with a biggie - Ben Mawson, co-CEO of Tap Management, who look after Dua Lipa, Lana Del Ray and an impressive roster of global talent. Ben gives us the intel on Dua Lipa’s 2020 album campaign, one of the first big acts to release (a globally chart topping) album in a pandemic world, to great success, but with a lot of big decisions to be made. The former lawyer also tells the story of meeting Lana in New York, long before Video Games, and how they’ve grown together. So many insights, so many stories, it’s good to be back in your feed.  How Did You Manage That? Is a podcast made by Ally Mccrae and Sophie Paluch, in partnership with the Music Managers Forum, for the good of managers, musicians and aspiring industry pros of the future. https://themmf.net/ We also bring you a new feature this series thanks to an excellent music and media startup Small Green Shoots, who will be tipping us with a new act we should know about right now from their office stereo. Check them out at https://www.smallgreenshoots.co.uk/ Hit us up on socials @managethatpod

Matt Greer, based in London is one of the team at ATC Management, starting out as a scout then building his own roster, he has managed Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes through thick and thin through their three albums, the last of which, released this year hit the top five in the UK album charts, no mean feat for a proudly independent artist. Matt also manages the UK affairs of Half Moon Run, as well as being a key part of the ATC family. With as much passion for music, and specifically live music as the acts themselves, Matt has learnt a heck of a lot in his relatively short time in the industry, and along with his day-job, he actively helps other managers in their journeys on the regular, making him a brilliant guest for our last episode in this season.  We will be back with a few special episodes over the next few months, from some events, so keep an eye on your feed for that, before we come back with season two in 2020. A huge thanks to our sponsors AWAL for having the balls to support us in this first series, and the the Music Managers Forum who made the whole thing possible (an extra shout to the brilliant Fiona McGugan, now former GM of the MMF, who has recently moved on for a career in law, all the best Fiona you star!).  Finally, a huge thanks for checking us out, we hope you got a lot from these conversations, and will continue to.  Say hey @managethatpod on socials.  Ally & Sophie x 

This episode’s guest Vicky Dowdall, has a management story like no other. A manager with limitless belief in what their artist can achieve no matter what’s going on, and someone who’s loyalty to her acts over the years has really paid off. Covering everything from the merits of indie campaigns lessons from the life of girlbands you really need this episode in your life. Vicky manages the brilliant Nina Nesbitt and Olivia Sebastianelli and writer Robbie Jay, not to mention consulting on the forthcoming Ella Henderson campaign. She understands the world and pressure of big pop, but ultimately loves it, and as you’ll hear, right gives a crap. Enjoy. Give us a shout on socials (@managethatpod), feel free to review us where you listen to your audio, and as ever a massive thanks to AWAL, our sponsors and fav distributor babes, and the Music Managers Forum for their support.

This episode Sophie and Ally hit up the newly formed Ditto Management offices in London (so new, there wasn’t even desks in there) we met up with Matt Dodds, manager of UK rap artist Big Zuu. Recorded in May 2019, only three months since Matt has left his friend and mentor who brought him into the industry and taught him the ropes - so what better time to sit down with a manager in the absolute thick of it, to find out how he’s managing. If this is your first time with us, bare in mind, this isn’t a series about dishing out unsolicited advice, more a series where we hear how music managers, some of the boldest and most interesting people we know, are making it work and working it out for their artists and themselves. Enjoy.  As ever How Did You Manage That? Is sponsored by AWAL, who we thank immensely for their support, commitment to new artists and this fancy new landing page they made us - https://www.awal.com/mmf-hdymt

This episode, Sophie sat down with writer/artist manager Danny Desai, who manages Dyo, Ay Em and the writer/producer Maestro. He’s a manager, like so many, obsessed with learning the intricacies of every area in the business, but his wide and varied experiences before getting into management are what’s pushing him forward these days.  As ever, give us a shout about anything that jumps out at you mid-listen on Twitter or Instagram @managethatpod  Big love x 

Director of Renowned Management (Wretch 32, Hamzaa, Knox Brown), not only has this episode's guest been alongside one of the most influential and well respected rappers since day one of his career, Zeon Richards is also the Head of A&R for Ministry of Sound, after several years as A&R consultant for Polydor, signing Stefflon Don, Steel Banglez and Ramz. Discussing everything in management from platinum selling records, gut belief in songs, to anxiety, grief and the power of going in with a plan.  During the episode Zeon wanted to shout out the Richard Antwi Scholarship, a fund set up in memory of his friend, to continue the well-loved music lawyers legacy with a full scholarship covering fees and living expenses for one aspiring music business practitioner to the University of Westminster's MA in Music Business Management, each year. The applications for 2019 close on the 31st July, if this sounds like it's for you... DO IT! You can apply here: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/richard-antwi-scholarship  Big thanks to Zeon for the time, advice and wisdom. Say hey on socials @managethatpod / follow Zeon @zeonrichards New Ep in another fortnight.  Ally and Sophie. x 

If you manage Nile Rodgers, one of, if not the greatest songwriters of all time, do you really need an introduction by a wee podcast like ours? No, you probably don't, even less so when you've managed Elton John, Guns n' Roses and ran the management company that looked after actual Beyonce, to name but a few over a glittering career in the business. Much like his artist Nile, Merck Mercuriadis is a man of many talents, starting off in A&R, getting out and becoming wildly successful manager, while at the same time now entering the 'song management' game - something he fills us in on, along with some amazing insights, some utterly massive names and some great stories.  As ever thanks to our podcast sponsors AWAL, one of the biggest innovators in the distribution space, empowering artists to reach new heights, while still owning all their rights, and our supporters the Music Managers Forum.  Say hey @managethatpod on Instagram or Twitter, we'd love to know what you think, or even better, rate and review! Enjoy!  Oh, and P.S. Ally went off on one about his love of Scottish act The Blue Nile, who Merck used to manage, but there was so so so much more in the episode we wanted to get in, that slightly gushy section was dropped, we'll maybe save that embarrassment for a bonus episode. Bless him. 

This episode we bring you the manager (and story behind) one of 2019's real breakout successes from the UK.  Simon King manages Brit Award winning, number one album, gold-record-selling artist Tom Walker, but it's been a long road to get there with his company Covert Management. It's a story that, tested this managers charisma, determination, and ability to consistently juggle many things (and sometimes jobs), and it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. A balanced, calm and super engaging guest, Simon's episode is one you don't want to miss, and one to definitely Leave A Light On for.... (sorry! - AM) 

Sarah Gallagher brings us yet another totally different perspective on managing the careers (and sometimes more) of supremely talented musicians, in this, episode four of our first series. Sarah's biggest client is a real pop star, coming second on a UK reality TV show but took that and ran all the way with it... Olly Murs, platinum-selling, multi-number one smashing artist and TV star Olly Murs. Sophie and Sarah discuss Olly's career, her career, including her journey to working for over a decade with Modest Management (also home to One Direction and Little Mix) and all that entails, new motherhood, the day-to-day, and the future of management - a brilliant story of belief in herself and hard work.  Thanks so much for the support on the podcast so far, the listens, the messages, the ratings, we both really appriciate it.  Thanks to our sponsors AWAL, who empower artists with their unique distribution service, and The MMF, the Music Managers Forum for all their support.  Twitter / Instagram: @managethatpod Ally & Sophie

This episode on HDYMT? Sophie and Ally sit down with Josh Edwards or “manager Josh” as he is known to the fan army of his sole management client Dodie. Josh has been with the YouTuber and top-5-charting artist since she was playing friends gigs in cafes, and although she already had one kind of audience, it took a whole lot of nurturing to grow the singer as a serious pop proposition. For this ep we pitched up to the ever excellent Great Escape Festival, and decided to record right in the heart of the action. Thanks for checking out another episode, and feel free to say hey on Insta/Twitter @managethatpod

Charlie Murdoch founded Highfield Music, her bespoke management company in 2014, as an independent force managing the careers of a growing roster of emerging artist and producers from her London base. Her first act, Jordan MacKampa’s (AWAL/Kobalt) career has been flourishing under Charlie’s guidance and belief, fiercely fighting for his rights and growing his audience independently and with patience, heart and common sense. Charlie’s perspective as a young indie manager was one we were very keen to share on the podcast as she speaks so honestly and passionately of the realities of being a manager in the streaming era. Charlie was recently awarded a place on the MMF Accelerator scheme along with 23 other future management execs.  Enjoy! Don’t forget you can tweet / insta us @managethatpod and if you wanted to leave us a positive review we would <3 you very much.

Coming soon - How Did You Manage That? A podcast where Ally McCrae & Sophie Paluch chat to music managers about their journeys - the highs, the lows and everything in between.  In association with the the Music Managers Forum & sponsored by AWAL.  Follow us at @managethatpod

Andy Musgrave, manager of AJ Tracey, Sega Bodega and Conducta, as well as leading his own mgmt / artist services company Supernature joins us this episode to talk us through his 13 years in the management game, from the early days putting on raves at the height of the UK Garage movement, and his first label setup Crazylegs to meeting a young AJ through Radar Radio and being there for every step of the journey as he went on to become one of the most important UK artists of his generation.  We loved this episode, Andy's approach is all about a genuine passion for his artists, and their artistic output, and doing things on their own terms - no matter how long that takes, there is so much wisdom to devour from this chat, so enjoy.  Top find out more about Andy’s company give @suprnature a follow or for the real insight, the man himself on twitter @mvsgrave. If you enjoyed this listen let us know @managethatpod on Insta and Twitter, or if you wanted to be really excellent, you could fire us a review on Apple Podcasts, ya big legend. Also check out our HDYMT "Supertracks" playlist on Spotify to listen to some of our guests fave tracks -https://tinyurl.com/HDYMTSupertracks

“She plugged in zoom and just got on with it, we tried to find ways to keep her relevant and keep her music going” - Ali Raymond, MD of label and management company Beatnik Creative, has had, in many ways, the best year of his professional life, and he is appreciating every second of it, as the route there has of course, been anything but easy. Ali tells us how he and the phenomenally talented Arlo Parks have grown her career over the past three years, valuing her music, ethos and attitude above anything else in the decision making process. We also discuss release schedules, courting major labels, running his own indie label, releasing music with all of his management clients, how tough it is for bands, and key things he thinks any act could do right now to improve their online content and engage with audiences. We have another new music tip from our friends at Small Green Shoots and as ever the podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Music Managers Forum. If you want to say hey, ask a question or suggest a future guest we should feature find us on socials @managethatpod

Sophie Bloggs (YMU Group), looks after the careers and manages Hannah Wants, Danny Howard, Kurupt FM, Krystal Klear, Pvblic Xccess, and is one of the most important voices in electronic music management today. Sophie won the Breakthrough Manager Of The Year at the 2019 after being in management for the best part of a decade, itself an interesting and empowering point she brings up.  Recorded in July 2020, we talk her approach to the pandemic with her artists, her scepticism on the proliferation of live streams, as well as promoting some of the positive outcomes. We discuss her moves through various company partnerships where she has brought and build her roster over the years, Sophie talks us through the specific partying and mental health pressures on electronic artists and DJ's  and both Sophie's explore experiences in, what is still an extremely male-dominated area of the music industry.   There's conversations about taking on an act (Kurupt FM) who might seem right out of your comfort zone (on paper) and approching that with confidence. We talk the remix business, gaming partnerships and how she fell into management by forging connections and getting a start on the label side of the legendary Fabric venue and business.  We loved this episode, and hope you do too.  Thanks, as always to the MMF, the Music Managers Forum for their support in promoting this podcast, and to Small Green Shoots, our ace charity partner who we like to highlight by letting one of their 'shoots' tell us what they've been blasting on the office stereo lately, check them out.  Hit us up on @managethatpod on Instagram or Twitter to say hey, and if you haven't hitting subscribe would be great.  Ally & Sophie 

This episode we delve into the mind and motivations of manager called Charlie Owen. She looks after one of the UK’s breakout stars of the last 18 months, Brit Rising Star Award and, BBC Sound of 2020 nominated pop / Neo-Soul SENSATION Joy Crookes. Taking us through the ride that is Joy's career to date, the record deals, the media hype, and how together they are turning that into a growing fanbase and a lasting career. There's some excellent insights into how they work together, a great story about how an artist can survive one of those industry gigs (when nobody is paying attention), and a look into how prioritising authenticity on all parts of the project has led to Joy finding her best, confident self.  Thanks as always to the MMF for their support, and to you, for checking us out and subscribing.  Hit us up on Instagram or Twitter @managethatpod 🤝

*BONUS EPISODE* In our most star / management-star studded podcast yet, we bring you this episode from backstage at the Artist and Manager Awards 2019 (sponsored by Selina). We chat the winners of the night including the likes of Team Achievement winners Team Merky (Stormzy and Tobie), the Artist’s Artist award recipient Nile Rodgers, Entrepreneur of the Year Andy Varley, Breakthru Manager winner Sophie Bloggs and so much more. So sit back have a beer (Sophie def did) and enjoy some really special words of wisdom from the people behind the biggest names in music, given their night to shine. The Artist and Manager Awards are co-hosted, co-organised by the MMF and the FAC (Featured Artists Coalition).