Artist Development & Management | ICAM S02E3
This is the second series of 'In Conversations & Masterclasses' (ICAM), our four-part podcast designed to ignite and elevate creative careers in the Creative Industries. The episodes feature a carefully curated lineup of GM based contributors and industry experts, who share their experiences, offer insight and wisdom for aspiring creatives.
Episode Three: Artist Development & Management - A Greater Manchester Music Commission Special - with Karen Boardman Karen Gabay, Damian Morgan and Via Culpan.
Karen Boardman started her music career at the age of nineteen when she decided to make her constant attendance at The Hacienda official,persuading the management to give her a job. Over the next couple of years, she helped looked after a host of visiting bands including Depeche Mode, Echo and The Bunnymen and Madonna.
She eventually moved to London after landing a job at London Records working with the likes of Salt n Pepper, Voice of the Beehive and Fine Young Cannibals. She has also been contracted to Arts Council England as a Music Relationship Manager since 2018 and has experience of fund raising across the private, public and commercial sector for music clients and organisations.
Karen is currently a Director of Crisis Music Management, a music management company based in Manchester. Crisis represented and managed the careers of several artists including Karima Francis (Vertigo Records), Rae Morris (Atlantic Records) and JP Cooper (Island Records) to name a few. Recent signings, Loose Articles, a female punk band from Manchester, who have supported the likes of New Order, Gang of Four, The Lovely Eggs and The Foo Fighters.
Karen Gabay is an award-winning TV producer, radio & podcast, presenter and producer. Throughout her career she has spotlighted both emerging and established artists and producers for BBC radio. She has produced groundbreaking music content programming encouraging children to embrace music, working with leading musicians including Nile Rodgers, Gregory Porter, and Daniel Pemberton.
Damian Morgan is an experienced music industry professional with over 30 years of experience in music management, artist development, and music education. His career has seen him work with some of the most iconic names in British music, including members of The Smiths, New Order, The Specials, Oasis, and Happy Mondays. Currently, Damian serves as the Industry & Employability Lead [North] at dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies under Manchester’s New Century Hall. In this role, he continues to highlight and nurture talent, showcasing the outstanding work happening at dBs.
Via Culpan is a Artist Manager with Manchester-based 360 talent and entertainment company, NQ, as a General Assistant & PA to creative entrepreneur Michael Adex. She travels all over the globe working with two major award winning and multi-platinum-selling music artists.
This episode covers:
1. Artist Management vs. Artist Development Representing artists, managing their business affairs, negotiating contracts, booking shows, and being a strategic advisor. Managers work on the overall business strategy for an artist's career.
2. The Role of an Artist Manager
What an artist manager typically does, coordinating with agents, publicists, record labels, and helping the artist maintain a public profile and the importance of creating strong industry connections to secure opportunities for artists (collaborations, festival slots, etc.).
3. The Artist Development Process Creative growth with sound, songwriting, and production skills. Shaping an artist's public persona social media strategies, visual identity, style, coaching in live performance skills, press interactions, and how to handle the media spotlight.
4. Balancing Artistic Integrity and Commercial Success The sweet spot between staying true to their artistic vision and achieving commercial success.
5. The Evolution of Artist Development Handling artist development to artists and managers taking control of their growth, how to assist independent musicians who might not have label backing.
6. Artist Development in the Digital Age Streaming platforms, social media, and digital marketing. Helping artists build income streams from different platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Patreon, etc.) and diversifying revenue streams (merch, sync deals, partnerships).
7. Challenges and Ethical Considerations Navigating contracts, balancing the best interests of the artist with the business side, developing long-term strategies versus quick fame and avoiding short-lived stardom.
8. The Future of Artist Management and Development Predictions for the future, especially with the growing role of AI, virtual concerts, and how the industry will continue to change in the next decade, New opportunities for artist development in emerging markets and niches.
Executive Producer - Rebecca Swarray
Production Team - JC Monaghan, Warren Croft, Joe Saxton
Editor - Tom Quaye
Music - SCAPA