How long have you worked in Management?

Since 2023.

Who do you manage now?

HARD-Fi & Make Friends.

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

I found my first client (HARD-Fi) through my other day job, as a music publicist – I run Longevity PR. I’ve been working in the world of music PR for over 15 years and got to know Richard from the band whilst working on a side project he was developing pre-pandemic. We stayed in touch and when they were about to launch their comeback show at the Forum in 2022 (which sold out in 10 mins), I offered to assist on the PR side. The band repaid the favour and headlined the annual charity show I organise for Cancer Research UK – Stand Up To Cancer at Union Chapel. In the weeks that followed the gig, Rich asked if I’d manage the band.

Not long after I joined forces with Ignition and the rest as they say is history. HARD-Fi has an incredible catalogue of hits. I remember buying Stars Of CCTV when it was first released in 2005, before I even worked in the industry, so to be co-managing them in this new phase of their career whilst we head into the 20th anniversary of Stars is so exciting. Made even more enjoyable by the fact that they’re a fantastic bunch and incredibly hardworking.

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

A good day is when everything’s falling into place. Sales and streams are plentiful, gig tickets / merch is selling well, the band’s profile is on the up as is their social engagement, that dream tour / festival bill gets booked and there’s lots of great press. A bad day is when there’s a spanner in the works, something falls through or perhaps things aren’t going quite to plan BUT I do love a challenge and I wouldn’t be managing the artists I do if I didn’t believe in their talent and potential.

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

My dream since I was a teenager growing up during the 90’s in Ireland has always been to be a band manager. I was a HUGE Oasis fan, they were my idols. So, to have joined forces with the team at Ignition to co-manage HARD-Fi and Make Friends, is quite simply a dream come true.

Every win, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, gives me a huge thrill. And I’m so excited to see what the year ahead holds in store for both the acts I co-manage.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2024?

The speed of change and the acceleration of AI. Keeping up with the rapidly evolving music landscape and constantly changing trends in consumption and technology bring with it both massive challenges but also huge opportunities. Finding the time and bandwidth to stay up to speed with everything is a challenge when we’re all already so incredibly busy. But that said, tech can really help artists reach new realms so with every new challenge there is an advantage ready to be embraced.

Why would you recommend the MMF?

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s hugely beneficial to be part of a world class community of music managers. Every day I’m learning something new about the wonderful world of artist management and to have access to a broad range of tools, resources and events is incredibly powerful.

What music are you currently listening to?

The new HARD-Fi EP! What can I say, I’m biased. Also listening to a really exciting upcoming artist from Dublin, No-wave artist Skinner, Swedish artist Ellen Krauss, Snayx, Everything Everything (Enter The Mirror is on repeat) and another exciting developing act from Manchester, Better Joy.