 |
Features
|
|
|
| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
|
|
|
|
|
Painting the town Red! Kelly Dayus Cook & Kate Hammond on their new artist agency
Reported by Getinpublicity
/
Submitted 18-10-06 19:19
Kate Hammond and Kelly Dayus-Cook are no strangers to HarderFaster, and certainly not to the dance music fraternity on the whole. Most of us will know Kate from Vicious Circle and Kelly of course from tidy. Well, as with anything in life, certain vocations have their life spans and both Kate and Kelly have reached a point in their careers where it’s all change please, all change.
Kelly has given more than five years to the massive tidy, being only 19 years old when she joined up. Kate on the other hand ran the good ship Vicious for over three years and is hailed as solely responsible for keeping it well afloat, profitable and of course cutting edge!
The time has come for the golden girls to broaden their horizons and become their own bosses and with that in mind Red Management is born; an artist management company with a big, big difference. These pair are passionate through to the core about what they do, and shortly after they cut that red ribbon, we pin them down for a heads up about what it’s all about.
So girls, what is Red Management all about, and how did the idea blossom into becoming reality?
Kate: For me, the idea came about sat in my kitchen with Paul and Andy. We were having a deep and meaningful about where we were all at in the scene, me on behalf of Vicious Circle, and Andy and Paul about their dj careers. Then Paul just blurted out “Why don’t you start an agency!” I laughed it off at first, but then as time went on, me and Paul spoke about it more and more, I just thought, “Why the hell not?” Kelly had thought about doing the same the year before, so I knew I wouldn’t have a problem persuading her. And as it turned out, she was having the same thoughts as me.
It pretty much went from there, we kind of knew from the start who we’d like on the agency, so we contacted the guys straight away and got the ball rolling. With regards to what Red Management is all about, I like to think it’s a group of mates looking out for their own, and working damn hard in the process.
You’re roster is pretty damn impressive from the word go. You’ve bagged Andy Farley, Paul Glazby and Ben Stevens but to name a few, how did you manage this? What’s your sales pitch?
KDC: To be quite honest, there really was no ‘sales pitch’, we’re all really good friends, so when Kate and I told everyone of our plans we didn’t even need to sell it to anyone. They all know how hard we are prepared to work, our understanding and experience of the scene and trust is already firmly in place with us all. So it’s not like it’s just Kate and I heading this new venture, we’re all in it together as a team from the outset. It was just a natural step for all of us to take and one we’re all determined to make successful.
Six years ago, artists were spoilt for choice on where to go for management, these days and in particular reference to hard dance jocks, the choice is few and far between. What are you offering that’s new?
Kate: We’re not really offering anything that’s new, if anything we’re just going back to basics, moving away from the bullshit which has filled parts of the scene in recent years. Anyone can see that to be a successful management agency you just need to work hard, play fair, and be honest with your artists. And I don’t think we need to persuade anyone that we’re more than capable of sticking with all three.
Red won’t be charging any booking fees; this already puts you ahead of the rest. What’s behind this decision?
KDC: We’ve not just started Red to just make some dollar, of course that’s part of it but one of our biggest aims is to try and help the scene get back on track a little. We’ve seen so many mistakes happen over the last few years, mainly due to agents not being so understanding to promoters needs and limits. So not charging booking fees helps bring something back to the night, there are other agents also doing this now, so this can only be a good thing. We want to get rid of the ‘them and us’ situation that’s been festering because at the end of the day we’re all in this together, artists, agents, promoters and punters alike.
In this day and age where most people turn to the internet for basically everything, how will Red embrace this?
Kate: Personally it suits me down to the ground. I’ve been running Vicious Circle for the best part of three years practically entirely over the internet. I think that’s how most businesses work these days, within this industry anyway. Although I strongly believe that talking over the phone can be soooo important. That’s why it’s been my job ringing around promoters who’ve booked our artists in the past, introducing Red and basically just saying hi. Then even if we never speak over the phone again, at least that initial meet and greet has been done.
Tell us a bit about the photo shoot? Apart from the fact Ben Thomas is a master in photographic design, the imagery really does send out the ‘family’ feel. Was this intentional before you started?
Kate: We had said right from the outset that we would have some group shots, and me and Kelly would be in them. Most agencies tend to be faceless with regards to who’s behind it, so we thought it would be a nice change. Plus, we want Red to be as approachable as possible, to everyone in the industry, so knowing who you’re talking to on the other end of the phone or over email definitely helps us along the way to achieving that goal.
We had loads of venue ideas, but Mission just seemed too perfect. With it recently undergoing a £1million refurb, we knew the venue would look shit hot. We luckily blagged some VIPs to the official re-opening, which was the week before the shoot, so me and KDC had a good snoop around checking out the different parts of the club. In the end, we only ended up using two areas, one for the individual press shots and one for the group shots. And I really don’t think they could have turned out any better. We knew they would look good as we put the effort in, but how they turned out, they just took our breath away.
Kate, running Red is a full time job, what’s going to happen with Vicious Circle?
Kate: Vicious Circle is still going strong, the release schedule is looking healthy and we’re in talks already about next year’s event calendar. Of course it’s taken a back seat whilst Red gets off it’s feet, but I’m in the process of seriously sorting out my time management, so once that’s done I’ll hopefully be able to manage the two. I’m not shy to a bit of hard graft, and I’m currently working 10–12 hour days to try and fit it all in. But I’m confident after a few more weeks of adjusting my work day I’ll have it mastered (she says!).
Kelly, leaving tidy must have been a hard decision? Have you cut all ties with the mighty brand, or will have we not seen the last of KDC?
KDC: It was a hard decision but at the same time a natural progression. I’d been there for a long time, made some huge steps and achieved a lot on professional and personal levels. I felt it was time to move on as I’ve always been a girl with big plans and always wanting to challenge myself, so when new opportunities came along I grabbed them with both hands.
I haven’t cut all ties though; those guys have been like family to me for so long, so it would be impossible. I’ll still be working along side them in one way or another in future, and they still have my support in everything they do.
Tell us a bit about your own personal musical tastes?
KDC: My tastes are incredibly varied; I like pretty much everything and can appreciate others that aren’t quite to my own liking. Music has always played a huge part in my life, and since the birth of iTunes I’ve probably racked up over 15,000 tunes on it! So my tastes range from trance to house, hard house, electro, breaks, drum ‘n’ bass, indie, rock, alternative and the odd bit of hip hop! This means I can go to pretty much any night and enjoy it, and it also means Red will never be something I would want to pigeon hole into one sector. You never know we might take on some R ‘n’ B acts one day haha!
Kate: I’m currently being well and truly swept up by house, particularly the tough sound that Nik Denton is creating these days — loving it. And that Stash bloke… jesus he’s good! Seriously though, I like all sorts. But I’ll never forget my roots. Hard house brought me into this industry, and without it I wouldn’t be where I am today.
There was rumour that you were both starting up another business, totally non related to dance music, care to shed any light?
KDC: We certainly are. Before Red came to the table we began launching a company called Pure Boutique, which is a health food and fitness website. This is still in action, just taking a back seat while we get Red up and running, so watch this space! Not only will we be catering for your aural pleasures but your waistline and fitness too!
It’s such a big risk to go it alone, and strong personalities aside, where has your confidence come from?
KDC: Having each other to fall back on is a big part of it, knowing life is too short to rest on your laurels and not accepting failure! We also believe in our own abilities, both of us have worked our arses off for other people that it felt time to do it just for us.
What else has Red got to give us? Have you thought about events, tours, label, dare I say it?
Kate: It’s a bit early to be announcing any further plans, as we’re putting all of our concentration into our 10 fabulous artists. But I’d be lying if I said we’d not thought about it. Red as an event is going to be the next stage, as it would be a perfect way to showcase our talented roster, plus it would be a fabulous opportunity for a good old knees up, which is my books is a good enough motivation.
But as for where and when, I know this is pretty lame but all I’m going to say on this one is watch this space.
Finally girls, it’s been a pleasure to put these questions to you, and we’d like to wish you every success with your venture.
www.red-management.com
Pictures by Ben Thomas and are used courtesy of Red Management. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Share this ::  :  :  : 
Follow HarderFaster :: 
Other Features By Getinpublicity:
Come and meet the world’s number 4 DJ — Christopher Lawrence
Harderfaster exclusive: Marco V on ‘Combi:Nations: II’ & much more
Paul Glazby — 8 hours & a lot more
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
|
|
|
Comments:
|
From: Matt Smallwood on 18th Oct 2006 19:36.30
All the best with this girls! Wicked pics too 
From: Danny Gilligan on 19th Oct 2006 08:21.22
Great pics! all the best!
From: Simon_Vegas on 19th Oct 2006 09:37.54
Hope it goes off, sure it will! 
From: Dj Brad Lee on 19th Oct 2006 10:45.05
Wicked Interview Girls..All the best.
From: Frenzy Marc on 19th Oct 2006 12:38.22
Nice work.. hopefully some of the artists will come down to Frenzy in Bournemouth in the new year.
From: Mike Harris on 19th Oct 2006 14:43.46
Nice read, hope it all goes great!
From: ajay on 19th Oct 2006 16:41.41
Go on girls!! Great to see someone actually looking to strengthen the scene and get things moving again!
From: karl davis on 19th Oct 2006 17:02.02
great stuff all the best
kd
From: Jennie B on 19th Oct 2006 21:19.44
Red is def a fresh of breath air in the scene and a fantastic addition to the dj agencies that the scene has!!!!
Wish you all the luck (not that you need luck with a rosster like that )
Congrates to the djs as well
jenxx
From: Tara Reynolds on 19th Oct 2006 22:16.34
Kate and Kel - my wonderful friends! I am so proud of you two! Good on you for having the guts to do this. I really hope its a huge success for you both - how could it not be with you two talented birds at the helm! Love Tara xx
From: JP and Jukesy on 20th Oct 2006 08:28.36
ive said it before and ill say it again, very best of luck to you all. Not that you need it of course with tight brand values like that !
Jukesy x
From: Devo on 20th Oct 2006 10:10.29
Good stuff & best of luck. I look forward to using Red's services in the future.
From: MR_S on 20th Oct 2006 14:05.13
Does that mean Mr Farley has to go out with a red hanky in his right pocket???
Best of luck guys!!!
From: SAMSON on 21st Oct 2006 03:01.57
Looking good.
From: Steve Twist on 21st Oct 2006 20:41.31
Great news and I'm sure it will be a much deserved success.
What a roster!!!
From: Disco Diva on 22nd Oct 2006 16:08.26
Fab interview ladies You have a got a fab selection of djs on your roster & im sure you'll do really well, good luck with both ventures x
From: mattpickup on 23rd Oct 2006 09:37.02
Great interview Good luck with the Agency !!!!!!!!!
From: Euphoria on 23rd Oct 2006 09:41.13
Good luck girls, need more artists to help you get it off
Love the sitting room, see you soon!
From: Red Kate on 23rd Oct 2006 14:23.50
Thanks for your kind words folks, they're much appreciated x ;-)
From: Mike Harris on 23rd Oct 2006 20:35.35
Nice read, good luck with this!
From: Mizz_behavin on 23rd Oct 2006 20:59.15
Good luck with the business, god help you keeping all those DJ's in line though!!  Wicked photo's as well, have never seen Andy looking so smart!!
From: Clare Mclaren on 25th Oct 2006 16:07.45
good luck for the future ladies
From: LittleBoyLost on 25th Oct 2006 21:24.06
Mmmmmmm, bet thats gonna taste good!
From: Jason Blayde on 26th Oct 2006 14:36.03
Hope all goes well girls, and will be doing a few things with you for Summit I'm sure.
From: Lady Bianca on 26th Oct 2006 17:36.06
Oi Birds!! Congratulations and all the best with Red, I'm sure it will be a HUGE success!!! See you soon xxx
From: Tina Martin on 30th Oct 2006 19:19.51
All the best girls with your new venture! Kate - hope ur well honey! 
|
|
|
![[HarderFaster] - Work Hard, Play Harder!](/images/mainbanner_top1-xmas.gif)
