RED & BLACK MUSIC
IF YOU THOUGHT OUR WAY, YOU DID BUSINESS OUR WAY...
Red & Black Music managed and produced 4 projects - Diáspora, Fiesta Latina, Phasma & Rory - all of which started independently of one another and were brought together under the Red & Black Music banner, spanning 4 wide spectrums of music - Jazz, Latin, Soul & Brazilian.
Originally conceived out of Diaspora Collective (2009 - 2012), Red & Black Music managed artists and musicians between 2012 - 2023. Working through a network of agents and promoters, we supplied artists and programmes for private and corporate events, tours, residencies and recordings throughout London and the UK, matching the correct skills sets and attributes to the creative and artistic requirements of the engagement or project.
Our most important values were communication and accountability. Our combination of exceptional talent and a uniquely comprehensive and systematic approach ensured the success of the performances, making Red & Black Music the most reliable choice for all needs.
Red & Black Music managed and produced:
Diáspora, Fiesta Latina, Phasma & Rory.
RED & BLACK MUSIC WAS NOT AN AGENCY
Yes, we operated similar to how an 'agency' might operate. This came as a direct result of our experience since 2009. Originally, we started as a 'band'. Gradually, we came to work in the way we worked by taking on board what was requested of us and responding accordingly. We connected the dots and put into practice mechanisms to enable us to act upon requests, ultimately improving our business. However, we never purported to be an 'agency' and we never set out to be one. Existing artists looking for 'agency' representation might wish to look elsewhere.
We sat at the midpoint of the spectrum between 'band' and 'client' - whether it be an agent, venue or promoter. We responded to the need for structure and consistency. As such, our existence was defined by our experience. The music industry is a turbulent, unstable space: riddled by shifting truths, unresolved accounts, broken commitments, misunderstandings and inefficiencies. We aimed to demystify it by asking questions and answering them. We believed in freedom of access to information and the right to ask and answer questions.
As a direct result of the above requirements), we implemented a structural framework to support our projects established since 2009: by building a knowledge base of communicable, accountable and reliable professionals who shared our values and were able to deliver. In essence, these frameworks and structures were what Red & Black Music was founded upon.
We fully appreciated our uniquely prescriptive approach might be perceived as 'radical' and might put us at odds against many other businesses. However, there was a historical, traceable reason behind everything we did, which could be referenced back to solid, tangible facts. When working with us, we recommended bearing in mind our two principle values:
1) COMMUNICATION
2) ACCOUNTABILITY
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story... Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection." Max Ehrmann c.1920
Originally conceived out of Diaspora Collective (2009 - 2012), Red & Black Music managed artists and musicians between 2012 - 2023. Working through a network of agents and promoters, we supplied artists and programmes for private and corporate events, tours, residencies and recordings throughout London and the UK, matching the correct skills sets and attributes to the creative and artistic requirements of the engagement or project.
Our most important values were communication and accountability. Our combination of exceptional talent and a uniquely comprehensive and systematic approach ensured the success of the performances, making Red & Black Music the most reliable choice for all needs.
Red & Black Music managed and produced:
Diáspora, Fiesta Latina, Phasma & Rory.
- We engaged performers and producers on a microcosmic level, identifying musical possibilities and turning them into realities.
- We assessed, auditioned and assembled the highest quality teams in-house and matched them to the correct production or programme.
- We made swift decisions, and assessed / evaluated how those decisions might impact on future practice.
- We played by the rules.
- We embraced modern technology and forward-thinking.
- We believed in freedom of access to information and the right to ask and answer questions.
- Most importantly, we applied a structural framework to remove the anxieties and indecisiveness from music management and production, leaving musicians and music engagers to concentrate on the music.
RED & BLACK MUSIC WAS NOT AN AGENCY
Yes, we operated similar to how an 'agency' might operate. This came as a direct result of our experience since 2009. Originally, we started as a 'band'. Gradually, we came to work in the way we worked by taking on board what was requested of us and responding accordingly. We connected the dots and put into practice mechanisms to enable us to act upon requests, ultimately improving our business. However, we never purported to be an 'agency' and we never set out to be one. Existing artists looking for 'agency' representation might wish to look elsewhere.
We sat at the midpoint of the spectrum between 'band' and 'client' - whether it be an agent, venue or promoter. We responded to the need for structure and consistency. As such, our existence was defined by our experience. The music industry is a turbulent, unstable space: riddled by shifting truths, unresolved accounts, broken commitments, misunderstandings and inefficiencies. We aimed to demystify it by asking questions and answering them. We believed in freedom of access to information and the right to ask and answer questions.
As a direct result of the above requirements), we implemented a structural framework to support our projects established since 2009: by building a knowledge base of communicable, accountable and reliable professionals who shared our values and were able to deliver. In essence, these frameworks and structures were what Red & Black Music was founded upon.
We fully appreciated our uniquely prescriptive approach might be perceived as 'radical' and might put us at odds against many other businesses. However, there was a historical, traceable reason behind everything we did, which could be referenced back to solid, tangible facts. When working with us, we recommended bearing in mind our two principle values:
1) COMMUNICATION
- It was company policy to conduct all communications in written format, via e-mail, WhatsApp and other messaging channels. This was to ensure that all agreements and arrangements could be traced back and that all roles and responsibilities were clear and known to all parties. We made sure we were constantly available via this medium so no delays would occur.
- E-mails were the preferred method of communication in Red & Black Music for ease of traceability, archiving and auditing. To make it easier for everyone; we set up an additional failsafe: any e-mail requiring a response/action would be accompanied by an automated text message highlighting that an action was required and the deadline for this. This was an optional service. We kept conversations / agreements on e-mail so that they were easily traceable, archivable, and allowed for fewer misunderstandings.
- To ensure all agreements were clear and traceable, all conversations about contracts and such arrangements were made via e-mail, WhatsApp and other messaging channels. We ensured that the relevant parties were cc'ed into all communications. We were more than happy to explain these communications to the client / artist as part of our duties.
- Red & Black Music was GDPR compliant. We did not share personal contact details to third parties without consent. However, if contact details were provided to us as part of our contractual obligation or made readily available to us via the public domain, we retained the right to pursue all unresolved queries that fall within our remit until they were resolved.
- There is nothing wrong or illegal about asking neutrally for a Yes / No. We differentiated between a 'mailing list' versus following up on an existing, solicited query. An issue only occurs when data is used or transferred without consent. Therefore, as long as we were already in correspondence, we were entitled to ask a question and follow up on it if an answer is not received, as long as a 'No' had not been specified. A non-response was not taken to mean 'No'.
2) ACCOUNTABILITY
- Unfortunately, we could not accept on-the-night cash payments – we could only accept BACS transfers. This was due to various security and legal requirements. In the past, we had seen cash payments go missing in part or entirely, and it was more difficult to ensure that they were adequately accounted for in our books for tax / accounting purposes.
- Nothing was 'too complicated', and we did not believe in 'too much information'. In response to the need for simplicity, we proceeded from a 'worst case scenario'. This was purely to minimise detail and effectively manage expectations. However, we encouraged detailed negotiation from all parties and at all levels because we believed this to be a vital form of communication.
- Flexible vs. complicated. If it were deemed 'too complicated', it was most likely because we had taken onboard similar requests previously and responded accordingly by incorporating these into our business structure, yet the reasons for this had not been read / understood. If it was deemed 'inflexible', it is most likely because we attributed value to something that required additional time, resources and expertise: we were not refusing to do it at all.
- Busy = disorganised, and/or lacking the availability / time / capacity / cost to perform at the required standard. For this reason, we avoided using the word at all costs and/or being drawn into situations where the word might be used. The industry is saturated by disorganised people who use the word 'busy' as a polite way of withdrawing interest, such that the word has become a meaningless excuse for inefficiency. If we were not interested, we would say so, and provide reasons if necessary.
- Planning ahead was encouraged. We reserved our best deals for those who planned ahead and enquired in advance - both financially and musically. We prioritised accuracy over speed. No account was 'urgent', unless there was a deadline attached to it, which would prevent it from becoming 'urgent' in the first place. If an eventuality was not arranged in advance, or arranged at the last minute, we cannot be expected to act in 'urgency'. In particular, phone communications were taken to be 'urgent' and only used in situations where an arrangement / agreement was already set out.
- Why did we include this information on our website? To be clear, transparent and establish an expectation, so that there were no unwanted surprises or misunderstandings further down the line. Were we not concerned about the message that the above might send across? Certainly, but we were more concerned about accuracy of information. We strived to be polite, yet firm.
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story... Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection." Max Ehrmann c.1920