Lloyd: I've been managing for about 1 and half years and I've managed two bands in their early stage, with one still ongoing.
2. Describe the management techniques and influencing styles you use?
Lloyd: To be honest, this is something I haven't thought about, since management wasn't my initial intention. But I think it's important to have a mixture of paternalistic and democratic management styles. One thing I noticed is it can vary from artist to artist, it's not necessary down to who the manager is.
3. How has your management style changed as you gained more experience?
Lloyd: I think I've come to act more like a parent figure of the group, chasing up things, dealing with issues etc. I think I've learnt when to take a back seat on things. For example, with Hunter, I'm not as involved with content development as much, as I know the guys have a strong sense of their brand and really creative. But then I take a more active role in social media and admin. I don't think it's changed that much to be honest due to where Hunter are at the moment, with a lack of content to gain attraction from. Saying that, I think I've had to become a lot more assertive and pushy to get stuff done.
4. How important is creativity in your opinion?
Lloyd: Creativity is vital. I believe its the biggest stepping stone in an artist's brand.
5. As an artist manager, how much control do you have over the creative side?
Lloyd: In terms of music, I sort of take a back seat, get a recording in my email and I'll give my feedback, then the boys may act upon it and then rinse and repeat. I think it's important for everyone to have a say. I have more of an active role in content development. I work with our photographer and the boys. So it's a bit more democratic on that side. I would say we all have equal control in the creative side, but it's early days whether this will change is too be seen.
6. How do you handle stress that comes with being a manager?
Lloyd: I take some me-time, I know it's quite common answer. But taking an hour or two to do a hobby which just takes you away from the real world for five minutes it helps you forget everything and calm down. And i believe that certain activities can encourage creativity so its win-win really. But there's time where you get caught at a gig or a meeting and you get stressed. Just taking a five-minute breather helps me, a lot actually. Never bottle yourself uo though as you will explode eventually, just take yourself away from situation and then come back, nothing is too urgent.
7. What does your daily routine look like?
Lloyd: Every day is different, i work full-time as well, so my day has to revolve around that really. But I'll always have a read of the e-mails in the morning, on my break and if I've had quite a bit of emails, in the evening. I try to do at least two hours a week of research, looking for new artists, gigs, promoters to work with etc. That's the average things I do on a daily basis, others can include strategy design and content development. So I wouldn't say there's such thing as a daily routine for a manager.
8. How do you prioritise creativity, politics and commercialism?
Lloyd: All are vital especially as an artist manager. Politics are important especially with Brexit and Article 13 all having a potential huge impact on our industry. It's so important to be regularly reading news outlets like Music Week.
9. What got you into music management?
Lloyd: I was in bands as a kid, and realised I was rubbish at writing. So i decide to go to uni, but I couldn't get on a bass course, so went for the business side things. The aim was to get into sync. But I was asked to manage Bronwyn Leonard with a friend of mine. And then my friend, Joe (from Hunter From Fremonte) asked to help with the band and then about a year later I did and now I'm stuck with them
