Tell me your job title and what you do?
I’m a Junior Promoter here at Ghostwriter! I promote shows under our Pink Dot Brand and also through our venue estate!
Tell us about your background and how you came to join Ghostwriter?
I was in a few bands in uni, and very involved in the local music scene. Towards the end of my undergraduate degree I started putting on shows myself, starting with local acts and moving into touring bands across London & Birmingham. I also interned and worked at a booking agency, managed a few acts and did a lot of freelance work, and eventually that led to me getting a job here!
Walk us through a day in your life? How many coffees, calls, and crazy moments feature in your every day?
It’s a lot of emails, a lot of calls, and a lot of time in excel – a typical day is working on anything new that comes into my inbox, gathering avails and building offers for shows, and also working on making sure that the current shows I have on are moving in the right direction. The crazy moments come when the show comes together and you get to see the products of your work, or when you confirm an artist that you really want/like. Been fortunate enough to have a few moments like those in my time here!
What’s your role at Ghostwriter and how does it contribute to making events run smoothly (even when no one sees it)?
I basically work on and oversee most aspects of the shows I promote – I set the budgets for shows, do most of the negotiating with the artist/agent, work with marketing to plan our strategies for shows and settle the shows after they’ve concluded.
What skill or quality does someone in your role need to have to succeed?
I think the most valuable skill any promoter can have is the ability to understand a market/audience. That understanding informs every decision you make and is the one thing that’ll separate you from everyone else – it’s also what will determine whether you’ll be successful! The ability to network also goes a long way – it’s a people business after all! Also you have to love music, although that’s probably a given.
What’s one thing most people don’t realise about what your job actually involves?
I feel like alot of people overlook the fact that being a promoter is basically being a salesperson – you are trying to sell tickets and reach and connect an artist to their audience. Most people get promoters & bookers/cuarators confused, and whilst there is a lot of crossover – a lot of the job is figuring out marketing strategies that work for the audience you’re trying to reach.
What was the one moment when you knew you had to work in live music or events?
The day of my first show! I put on a Pride gig and it was seeing all these strangers having the best time at this show that made me realise that I actually couldn’t do anything else – I had to be a promoter after that. There was no choice for me really!
What’s your all-time favourite show or event you’ve worked on?
It’s a toss-up between Teen Suicide at Centrala, or a show I did before I joined Ghostwriter for a band called Your Arms are my Cocoon. That show had everything, crowd-surfing, mic grabbing – all the supports danced on stage for the final song. I’ve never felt quite as alive as I did watching that show.
If you could swap jobs with anyone on the team for a day, who would it be and why?
I’m inclined to say nobody as I love my job very much – but probably Ade if anyone. He works on so many cool bands and I’ve always been interested in venue programming!
What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve gained from working in live music and events?
Seems shocking but people skills. I’m very introverted and find talking to people rather tricky, but I’ve learnt how to be confident in my ability and my knowledge. Selling yourself is a skill, and it’s absolutely something I think I’ve progressed leaps and bounds in since I started working in live music.
What do you love most about your job?
I love working with cool bands, particularly bands I’ve been a fan of for years. However coming from a DIY background, I’ve always really been in it for the fans and the community. Seeing people having the best time, seeing and connecting with their favourite artist is something I’ll never get tired of. It’s the best feeling in the world.
What’s your proudest moment on the job so far?
My first sell-out show earlier this year! It was actually the first show I confirmed here, and to see it sell out was very very cool! Also helps that it was for a band I absolutely love!
If your job had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Woodpecker No1 – Merzbow. Sounds like my brain during the work day.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into your line of work?
Just start – put on your mates, get involved in your scene – go to as many shows as you can and really gain an understanding of your scene. Keep on top of what’s new, don’t be afraid to take a risk – and don’t let setbacks keep you down. The worst thing you can do is stop.