As Management Assistant at 37 degrees, what are your primary roles and responsibilities?
My main responsibilities include day to day management of our clients’ diaries, basic invoicing and bookkeeping tasks, general admin tasks like updating our website and social media pages or tidying up and filing documents/demo files/etc., registering our client’s works on PRS/PPL/etc., as well as drafting producer agreements and also assisting with more creative tasks such as A&R, marketing and roll out plans, and putting together folders of beats/instrumentals or available songs to pitch out (which we’ve doing a lot lately, because of sessions not happening and many artists, writers and producers looking for ideas to play with during this time). Oh and keeping up with emails, of course!
What inspired you to pursue a career in Artist management?
I’ve always wanted to be part of the behind-the-scenes involved with music, which is what led me to the music industry in the first place. And I feel like Artist management not only encompasses every aspect of the business – to a greater or lesser extent obviously – but also lets you be an integral part of an artist’s career. And the idea of being an artist manager appealed to me more than anything else because of how comprehensive the role is in terms of responsibilities, incorporating both business/strategic-led tasks and creative ones. I honestly believe it’s so exciting to be part of an artist/producer/writer’s team and to have the privilege to build something with them and help them achieve their goals!
What are the biggest challenges currently facing independent artists and their management teams?
Commercial sustainability is probably the biggest challenge for independent artists and their managers. Trying to get people’s attention is also a substantial obstacle for them more than it is for everyone else. Because of the insane amount of content (not only music, but also videos, podcasts, TV series, videogames, etc.) that’s being produced every day and that people spend their limited time consuming, independent artists with small marketing budgets and resources find it harder to reach consumers. But at the same time great music always finds a way to build an audience, and in today’s time it only really takes a 15-second clip on Tik Tok to get the world’s attention!
What music/artists are you enjoying at the moment and where do you find new music? (Feel free to drop a link to your go to playlist)
At the moment I’m really enjoying listening to Rosalía, FARR, Rei Ami, Oliver Malcolm, Lous and The Yakuza, Gracey, aboutagirl, Eddie Benjamin and Mimi Webb to name a few. I’m always listening to a lot of different artists and with all the new music that’s being released every week, I’m always listening to a different selection of 10/15 songs every week basically. Not to mention all the sick unreleased tracks/demos from our clients that are always on repeat!
As for where I find new music, it’s pretty much a mix of Spotify (I regularly enter the vortex of the ‘Fans also like’ section) and its playlists, Instagram (mainly through people I follow, who often share or repost videos, songs, etc. of artists I don’t know yet) and sometimes YouTube. And gigs! But most of the time, the gigs I go to are of artists I already know of.
What considerations do you make when considering a new signing to the management roster?
First of all, whether it’s financially sustainable for the company. Then, obviously the music plays a significant role in the decision. Commercial viability (to a certain extent) and branding are also some key elements, I would say.
What is on your bucket list? What do you hope to achieve/do in future?
Travelling a lot and working with Beyoncé at some point and in some capacity are at the top of my bucket list. More generally, over time I hope to build my own roster of clients and help them take over the world – no matter how many Tik Tok videos it might take!
How is the lockdown changing the way you’re working?
I’m quite used to working remotely, so it hasn’t been completely drastic for me. In fact, I feel very grateful and lucky that I’m able to work from home during these uncertain times. The lockdown did bring some changes, though – it’s all about Zoom meetings now. As for our clients, obviously all of their sessions have been cancelled and the DJ’s on the roster have also had their shows cancelled or postponed. However, they’re all keeping productive and either working on and finishing off tracks on their own or working and writing remotely with other artists/writers/producers. This also means that we’ve been a lot busier pitching out instrumentals/songs to other artists, writers and producers, as well as listening to songs/toplines we have been sent from other artists.
What film would you recommend?
Sister Act. Everyone knows it (I would hope), but it’s always worth watching again!
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my 11-year-old self not to quit guitar lessons after just 3 months, as all that theoretical and practical knowledge might come in handy one day. And that should tell you all about my current musical knowledge…
What do you get up to when you’re not working?
I’m always listening to music and then often going to gigs, reading, watching movies, documentaries and TV series, working out, hanging out with friends and sometimes baking. Nothing too exciting really!
What is something you have worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m still very new to the industry and haven’t really worked on much to be honest, or at least not extensively. However, every suggestion I make or feedback I give that turns out being helpful, or any session I help set up that ends up being productive and possibly in a song being cut and released – all those little things are a big win for me! Mostly because they show me that I’m not completely clueless about this music business thing… (only partly clueless haha)
What’s next for Davide Venti?
I’m really just getting started both in the industry and with my job at 37° (which is my first proper job in the music business and which I am loving!) so I guess I’ll keep grinding and try and make great things happen – and hopefully I’ll be able to help make a difference in some way!
