Chair: Ally McRae [Development Producer/Artist Manager]
Speakers: Murray Curnow [Artist Manager - hat.], Stevie Kempner - [Lawyer - SSB], Jess Kinn [Agent - One Fiinix Live] Sam Scott - [Artist Manager -Travis Manager]
In today's fast-paced music industry, an artist’s core team is crucial to long-term success. This panel brings together key industry players who will dive into the importance of assembling a strong, collaborative team around an artist. Panelists will explore the roles each member plays, from strategy and career management to branding, marketing, and touring. They will also discuss how to identify the right people, foster productive relationships, and the common challenges artists face when building their support network. Whether you're an emerging artist or an industry professional, this panel will offer actionable insights into how to construct and nurture a core team that propels careers forward.
Speaker Information
Ally McRae [Development Producer / Artist Manager]
Ally has worked professionally at the intersection of the music and broadcasting industries for 18 years, building a career in turning ideas into reality; artist projects as a manager, creating tv and digital series for major broadcasters as a producer, or working on marketing campaigns for major label acts. Ally has managed Old Sea Brigade (Nettwerk Records) for 8 years, and previously Scottish act Prides (Island Records). He has been a presenter on BBC Radio 1, produced the prestigious 'BBC Sound Of' project, developed and won commissions for over 50 original and branded content series for Channel 4, and also developed and produced the long-running BBC Scotland music brand TUNE. Ally works with the Music Managers Forum on the podcast 'How Did You Manage That', interviewing the biggest artist managers on the planet, helping share knowledge and support for other managers.
Murray Curnow [Artist Manager - hat.]
Murray Curnow is an independent Artist Manager with coming up to 20 years experience in the industry. Currently representing Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, he previously worked for Wildlife Entertainment for 15 years, working across multiple campaigns for Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets and many more. During his tenure their he also operated as senior artist manager for Royal Blood from 2013 to 2021 before forming his own management company, hat.
Stevie Kempner [Lawyer - SSB]
Renowned for her drive, passion and encyclopedic knowledge of the industry, she has helped to launch the careers of new and emerging talent, as well as representing more established clients including Biffy Clyro and Fontaines DC.
Stevie's extensive client roster includes artists, songwriters, labels, publishers, investment funds and TV and sports personalities.
Jess Kinn [Agent - One Fiinix Live]
London born Jess Kinn's love of music began at an early age, DJing 60s/70s vinyl across the UK from age of 15. She started her career in live music at 18 at The Leighton Pope Organisation (Michael Buble, Bryan Adams etc) before joining CODA (formerly Paradigm, now Wasserman) where she worked her way up from reception to agent over 9 years. She worked across acts including Shawn Mendes, Halsey, Alan Walker and Faithless before becoming an agent in her own right. In 2018 she was named as LIVE UK's 'Backstage Star' and Music Week's 'Rising Star.' In 2020 she headed up events for LIVENow working on live streams for The Pete Tong Heritage Orchestra, Gorillaz and the record breaking Dua Lipa Studio 2054 stream. In 2021 she went back into live music as the first agent hire at One Fiinix Live and in 2022 was nominated for Music Week’s ‘Live Music Agent of the year’. In 2023 One Fiinix Live won The Booking Agency of the year award at The Live Awards and recently Jess was also nominated for ‘Best Agent’ at the Young Music Boss Awards. Her roster includes acts such as Olly Alexander (Years & Years) Moonchild Sanelly, RØRY, The Aces, Beth McCarthy, Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler, Louis Culture, Swim School, Katie Tupper, JERUB and The Veronicas
Sam Scott [Artist Manager - Travis]
Sam Scott is an independent Artist Manager with over 25 years experience within the Music Industry. Currently managing legendary Scottish rock band Travis.
Sam previously worked at Elton John's management company Rocket Music for 15 years working with artists such as Elton, Grace Jones, Lily Allen, James Blunt and many more. During her time there she developed artists such as Bastille and Anne-Marie.
After leaving Rocket, Sam joined Wildlife Entertainment where she was Senior Artist Manager for Travis, Kae Tempest and Isaac Gracie.
Almost 4 years ago Travis and Sam parted ways from Wildlife and Sam has been their solo manager ever since.