It's not often that we actually get to interview the people who spend most of their time in the background, they're the people who keep the cogs turning and support musicians and bands and keep them at the top of their game. We recently chatted to a super talented guy called Harry Pane and it wasn't long until we got in touch with his manager, Natalie Earle and posed a bunch of questions to her to ponder over, here's how we got on...

 

 

Please introduce yourself in one sentence....

I’m Natalie Earle and i’m currently managing/promoting an emerging artist called Harry Pane.

 

 

How did the two of you find each other?

In our hometown, Brackley, Northamptonshire

 

Are you able to play a musical instrument yourself, if so what song did you first learn to play on it?

I used to play Piano, flute and violin, I gave them all up at exam stage when I was young, I now wish I continued with at least one.  

 

Can you tell us the day in the life of a manager?

I am constantly emailing regarding bookings, contacting blogs, magazines, venues, promoters and looking for the next big opportunity, submitting festival applications. I scour websites such as Hype Machine to keep up with new acts & venues to approach and keep the ball rolling.  I also manage the relationships I have with the network i’ve built and keep in touch with them all, we’ve met some influential and hugely supportive people.

 

How do you go about getting gigs for your clients?

I have an eye on artists who are at the next level and sometimes contact the venues they’re playing.  In 2015 we got Harry gigs all over to learn what works best and if it’s good we repeat the process and he plays regularly there. I contact emerging artists to get a support slot for my acts to help them to build a fanbase.  Harry’s next one is at The O2 Academy Oxford for Bob Wayne, so they can be pretty decent slots to 200-300 people. We recently went to SXSW in Texas where Harry was an official Showcasing artist, that was a great experience for him and fun for me, for that I just join their mailing lists and watch for application deadlines.  

 

Are you on the look out to help other musicians, if so how would they get in touch with you?

It’s something i’m definitely considering, i’m trying to work out how to make it into a viable business. I do suggest acts to my contacts who I think are really great quite often, it’s nice to help each other out!

 

In your opinion, what is the BEST album/record ever released?

When I heard 'Every Kingdom' by Ben Howard, I fell in love with it and still feel the same. I also love 'For Emma Forever Ago' by Bon Iver.

 

When making a cup of tea do you put milk in first…or last?

Last

 

What was your first gig you ever went to and what is your favourite venue to visit?

I think it was Oasis back in the day. Wow there’s a few but my favourite venue is The Green Note or Spiritual Bar both in Camden. Islington Assembly Hall and St Pancras Old Church are also pretty special.

 

There are many good bands and musicians out there, please would you nominate one that we can approach to take part in our ‘Introducing’ section?

There are tons, we went to three or four gigs a week last year so saw a lot.  I think Dani Sylvia is awesome, she’s a great songwriter and I listen to her debut EP Monologues often. You can catch Dani, Alex Francis and Harry Pane performing at Bedroom Bar in Shoreditch on 24th May. They are all quite different but compliment each other and are all super talented.

 

What advice would you give someone who has been thinking about becoming a manager?

It takes up a lot of your time but it’s really fun and rewarding. I get ideas in my head and then I make them happen, I’m quite a determined person, I like the constant challenge. I think if you’re interested in it then go for it and make sure that you really believe in the artists you work with as it won’t work otherwise.

 

Do you think we will ever live in a world where a chicken can cross the road without having its motives questioned?

Nope

 

What song do you believe should never be covered?  

I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred

 

 

What are your plans for the remainder of 2016?

Promoting Harry’s new EP in June, lots of gigs, festivals, (Glastonbury, London Folkfest at The Bedford, Carfest, Jimmy Doherty’s Harvest Festival, VW Festival in Leeds and Big Feastival) and setting up a UK tour. I have a feeling summer will go by very quickly! You can find out more about upcoming gigs on Harry’s website (www.harrypane.com)

 

 

We did consider letting her go at this stage but as with all interviewees, we thought it best to keep her locked up for a few more minutes so that she could face the wrath of the quickfire questions....

 

 

Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead?  Walking Dead

Fry up or Sunday roast  Fry up and then a Sunday Roast will do nicely

CD or Vinyl?  Vinyl

Acoustic or electric? Acoustic

Shower or Bath? Bath

Twitter or Instagram?  Instagram, although I probably understand twitter a bit more

Tattoos or Piercings?  Tattoos on other people

Robert de Niro or Al Pacino? Robert De Niro

God or Google? Google

 

 

We'd like to thank Natalie for sparing her time to answer our questions, we wish her every success in the future. Why not spend a few minutes checking out her main man Harry Pane, you can read the interview we did with him and get all his social media contacts HERE

 

 

Interview by Mark Wincott