NIKKI ACUTE with ROBERT LUIS : MAPS, ADVICE & STORIES
Nikki joins Robert to discuss her journey into music management and working with Flowdan via setting up a DJ agency. From growing up on a council estate in South London to dealing with major labels and brands and Flowdan winning a Grammy. Nikki gives some really brilliant advice whilst telling her story about her experience to date within the music industry.
Nikki Acute
https://nikkis.space
/ nikkiacute
/ nikkiacute
/ nikkiacuteuk
0.00 Intro
1.50 Interest in music and background. Pirate radio / UK Garage fan and being a 16 year old raver.
3.50 Setting up a booking agency aged 21/22.
5.00 The Dubstep era when Grime events were getting shut down by the police.
6.20 Flowdan asking Nikki to manage him.
7.20 Passionate about music and wanting to contribute to the scene.
9.50 Be humble when asking questions. Do not be embarrassed about not knowing everything.
14.00 Management is different depending on manager and artist. There are some bullet points that are the same but be adaptable.
16.00 Collaboration style in management is good in general but sometimes you require a more firm approach.
18.00 The plan when Nikki initially started working with Flowdan. The Hyperdub release.
21.00 The creativity within management roles.
22.00 Where and when Nikki and Rob first met. Intentions with meetings are important.
25.00 Importance of correcting incorrect information.
26.00 Consistency in being persistent is a good skill.
30.40 Shared values.
33.30 How Nikki was initially more convinced that release with Tru Thoughts than Flowdan but Flowdan trusted Nikki (btw he did soon come round to the idea).
35.00 Trust between artist and a manager is important.
37.00 You will always be learning.
39.00 Working with Tru Thoughts as a manager was a good way to learn another part of the industry.
40.20 Imposter syndrome and getting over it.
44.00 Imposter syndrome as a female in a male dominated industry / scene. Experiences as a female in these spaces.
45.50 The need to be strong willed.
46.30 Resilience is key.
49.00 Discussing if the music industry is improving from a female perspective.
51.20 Working part-time whilst initially managing Flowdan. Dealing with burnout through too much multi-tasking. Having a break from managing Flowdan due to this.
53.00 Getting a “proper” job away from the music industry and Flowdan asking Nikki to help him out again with his Spentshell label.
55.20 Needing to discuss work and time boundaries when working in the music industries.
58.30 Prioritise your own mental health and have personal time.
1.01.00 Initially being a manager can be lonely. Importance of a team.
1.06.00 The benefit of having had a break from the industry. Importance of “check in” meetings.
1.10.00 Artists trusting the manager.
1.11.40 Having good communication with an artist.
1.16.30 Being from a council estate in South London.
1.18.00 Lockdown times. Helping on Flowdan’s label.
1.19.00 Flowdan doing features during lockdown.
1.22.00 Launching a booking agency 6 months before lockdown. Diversifying and doing press campaigns during lockdown.
1.26.00 Not giving up.
1.27.30 Desperation and creativity can cause issues. No shame in having a “proper” job and can be beneficial when building something up.
1.32.00 Discussion on artists / industry people having support financially and the difference between people who come from less financially well off backgrounds.
1.35.00 Striving is important. Shout out about what you have achieved.
1.37.00 The story of Rumble behind the scenes.
1.41.00 The big jump to now working with major labels due to the buzz of Rumble. Learning the language of major labels and working with an artist with a big hit.
1.43.30 Self reflection and self work has helped.
1.45.30 Being able to strategize and be more creative with success.
1.49.00 Summary of discussion. Drive and passion is important. The possible benefit of doing work experience.
1.52.00 Importance of reflection and celebration.
1.55.40 “Don’t be a d***”
1.57.00 Ways to check out what Nikki is up to on socials.
1.58.40 Working with Tru Thoughts
2.00.36 Celebrating growing up on a council estate and the importance of Flowdan’s Grammy win.
Robert Luis online:
/ robertluis
/ robert.luis.5203
/ robertluis
/ robertluisdj
www.robertluis.com
Tru Thoughts Online:
/ truthoughts
/ tru_thoughts
/ tru-thoughts
/ tru_thoughts