If you think our way, do business our way...
Red & Black Music manages 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" in 2009, Red & Black Music has been managing artists and musicians since 2012. Working through a network of agents and promoters, we have 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 are communication and accountability. Our combination of exceptional talent and a uniquely comprehensive and systematic approach ensures the success of the performance, making Red & Black Music the most reliable choice for all needs.
Red & Black Music Label manages:
Diáspora, Fiesta Latina, Phasma & Rory.
Originally conceived out of "Diaspora Collective" in 2009, Red & Black Music has been managing artists and musicians since 2012. Working through a network of agents and promoters, we have 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 are communication and accountability. Our combination of exceptional talent and a uniquely comprehensive and systematic approach ensures the success of the performance, making Red & Black Music the most reliable choice for all needs.
Red & Black Music Label manages:
Diáspora, Fiesta Latina, Phasma & Rory.
- We engage performers and producers on a microcosmic level, identifying musical possibilities and turning them into realities.
- We assess, audition and assemble the highest quality teams in-house and match them to the correct production or programme.
- We make swift decisions, and assess / evaluate how those decisions might impact on future practice.
- We play by the rules.
- We embrace modern technology and forward-thinking.
- We believe in freedom of access to information and the right to ask and answer questions.
- Most importantly, we apply 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 is not an agency.
Yes, we operate similar to how an 'agency' might operate. This has come as a direct result of our experience since 2009. Originally, we started as a 'band'. Gradually, we came to work in the way we work 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 purport to be an 'agency' and we never set out to be one. Existing artists looking for 'agency' representation might wish to look elsewhere.
We sit at the midpoint of the spectrum between 'band' and 'client' - whether it be an agent, venue or promoter. We have responded to the need for structure and consistency. As such, our existence is defined by our experience. The music industry is a turbulent, unstable space: riddled by shifting truths, unresolved accounts, broken commitments, misunderstandings and inefficiencies. We aim to demystify it by asking questions and answering them. We believe in freedom of access to information and the right to ask and answer questions.
As a direct result of the above requirements), we have implemented a structural framework to support our projects established since 2009: by building a knowledge base of communicable, accountable and reliable professionals who share our values and are able to deliver. In essence, these frameworks and structures are what Red & Black Music is founded upon.
We fully appreciate our uniquely prescriptive approach might be perceived as 'radical' and might put us at odds against many other businesses. However, there is a historical, traceable reason behind everything that we do, which can be referenced back to solid, tangible facts. When working with us, we recommend bearing in mind the following:
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
We sit at the midpoint of the spectrum between 'band' and 'client' - whether it be an agent, venue or promoter. We have responded to the need for structure and consistency. As such, our existence is defined by our experience. The music industry is a turbulent, unstable space: riddled by shifting truths, unresolved accounts, broken commitments, misunderstandings and inefficiencies. We aim to demystify it by asking questions and answering them. We believe in freedom of access to information and the right to ask and answer questions.
As a direct result of the above requirements), we have implemented a structural framework to support our projects established since 2009: by building a knowledge base of communicable, accountable and reliable professionals who share our values and are able to deliver. In essence, these frameworks and structures are what Red & Black Music is founded upon.
We fully appreciate our uniquely prescriptive approach might be perceived as 'radical' and might put us at odds against many other businesses. However, there is a historical, traceable reason behind everything that we do, which can be referenced back to solid, tangible facts. When working with us, we recommend bearing in mind the following:
1) Communication
- It is company policy to conduct all communications in written format, via e-mail, WhatsApp and other messaging channels. This is to ensure that all agreements and arrangements can be traced back and that all roles and responsibilities are clear and known to all parties. We make sure we are constantly available via this medium so no delays will occur.
- E-mails are the preferred method of communication in Red & Black Music for ease of traceability, archiving and auditing. To make it easier for everyone; we have set up an additional failsafe: any e-mail requiring a response/action will be accompanied by an automated text message highlighting that an action is required and the deadline for this. This is an optional service. Please help us keep conversations / agreements on e-mail so that they are easily traceable, archivable, and allow for fewer misunderstandings.
- To ensure all agreements are clear and traceable, all conversations about contracts and such arrangements are made via e-mail, WhatsApp and other messaging channels. We ensure that the relevant parties are cc'ed into all communications. We are more than happy to explain these communications to the client / artist as part of our duties.
- Red & Black Music is GDPR compliant. We do not share personal contact details to third parties without consent. However, if contact details are provided to us as part of our contractual obligation or made readily available to us via the public domain, we retain the right to pursue all unresolved queries that fall within our remit until they are resolved.
- There is nothing wrong or illegal about asking neutrally for a Yes / No. We differentiate between a 'mailing list' versus following up on an existing query. An issue occurs when data is used or transferred without consent. Therefore, as long as we are already in correspondence, we are entitled to ask a question and follow up on it if an answer is not received, as long as a 'No' has not been specified. A non-response is not taken to mean 'No'.
2) Accountability
- Unfortunately, we cannot accept on-the-night cash payments – we can only accept BACS transfers. This is due to various security and legal requirements. In the past, we have seen cash payments go missing in part or entirely, and it is more difficult to ensure that they are adequately accounted for in our books for tax / accounting purposes.
- Nothing is 'too complicated', and we do not believe in 'too much information'. In response to the need for simplicity, we proceed from a 'worst case scenario'. This is purely to minimise detail and effectively manage expectations. However, we encourage detailed negotiation from all parties and at all levels because we believe this to be a vital form of communication.
- Flexible vs. complicated. If it is deemed 'too complicated', it is most likely because we have taken onboard similar requests previously and responded accordingly by incorporating these into our business structure, yet the reasons for this have not been read / understood. If it is deemed 'inflexible', it is most likely because we attribute value to something that requires additional time, resources and expertise: we are 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 avoid 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 are not interested, we will say so, and provide reasons if necessary.
- Planning ahead is encouraged. We reserve our best deals for those who plan ahead and enquire in advance - both financially and musically. We prioritise accuracy over speed. No account is 'urgent', unless there is a deadline attached to it, which would prevent it from becoming 'urgent' in the first place. If an eventuality is not arranged in advance, or arranged at the last minute, we cannot be expected to act in 'urgency'. In particular, phone communications are taken to be 'urgent' and only used in situations where an arrangement / agreement is already set out.
- Why do we include this information on our website? To be clear, transparent and establish an expectation, so that there are no unwanted surprises or misunderstandings further down the line. Are we not concerned about the message that the above might send across? Certainly, but we are more concerned about accuracy of information. We strive 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
