The management team at Metallica asked me a while back if I’d give a presentation to a bunch of music execs about ‘artist strategy’.
They said they wanted me to explain how I work with them, how I approach my job and what some of the work we have done together has manifested itself into.
So I pulled a presentation together, took them through it – got their nods of approval – and prepared for the talk.
When the time came, I found myself on zoom at 12am Auckland time … presenting to 200 odd record/band executives in London, NY and Nashville.
Despite looking so tired I probably resembled a Zombie, all went very well and I was happy to answer questions.
One of the people in attendance asked how much ‘power’ I have over the artists actions and decisions.
Despite the reality being absolute zero – and, nor should I have any – I replied that I had a hidden slide that could best explain my influence, to which I showed them this …
At least I found it funny.
And – to be fair to me – it’s a fair reflection of the actual power I have over the band.
Though I appreciate I probably have just sent myself to the ‘where are they now’ dungeon … even though I’m going to try and justify it by saying nothing is more rock n’ roll that smashing up your career. Ahem.
Thank you Q and M for not just putting up with me, but still involving me in this stuff.
My wife has ‘had words’ with me regarding my professionalism. Ahem.