BIGSOUND 2019 Speaker Focus: Andrew Snape

Position/Title: Senior Manager at Raw Power Management

How did you first become involved in the music industry and how did you end up where you are today? I started doing local shows and work placements at labels/PRs etc. Then I took a job with Atticus Clothing. Alongside that, I started managing the band Young Guns in my spare time. They grew to a good place and led to me moving to management full-time at Raw Power.

What's been the biggest change in the music industry you've seen over the past 12 months? The things that spring instantly to mind are the continued growth of streaming, the continued rise of the DIY independent artists and the (long overdue) increased recognition of women in the music industry.

What do you think will be the biggest issue affecting the music industry in the next 12 months and why? I suspect very much a continuation of the growth of streaming and the battles over artist royalties. I think the balance of how many festivals each market can handle will continue to be a thing. 

What advice would you give young practitioners in your area starting out today? Honestly find an artist you believe in, almost to the point of blind belief, and work your arse off on that artist. Don't do it for money to begin with, just enjoy the process. Also find the balance between being persistent/keen/enthusiastic and not being a punisher!

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the BIGSOUND conference and what are you hoping that people will be able to learn from your panel? My talk is the heavy music session, so I think it will be a lot of chat about rock/metal bands. The other people on the panel are the wonderful Kam Haq (Live Nation) and Shaun Faulkner (Xray Touring), so I imagine there will be a focus on live music.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND and why? I honestly am going in with not much knowledge of any of the acts playing, but happy to be doing that and ready to be surprised and see some great new music!

When and where is your panel? 4 Sep, Heavy Music Specialists, Crystal Palais, Cloudland, 2pm.