Interview: Todd Wagstaff
With twenty years experience in building global careers for his artists, Todd Wagstaff is a legend of the music industry. Across his career, Todd has signed, recorded, marketed or managed a list that includes The Veronicas, Bluejuice, The Vines, Empire of the Sun, You Am I, James Reyne, Pnau, Wendy Matthews, Lost Valentinos and Holly Valance.Â
Todd Wagstaff is a current Director / Artist Management of Parker & Mr. French, with a current roster of The Vines, Bluejuice, Evermore & Gypsy & the Cat.
MySchoolAct was excited when Todd was free for an informal Q&A
MySchoolAct: What are the key factors a management team look at when working with an up and coming band?
TW: It sounds obvious, but we look to find people with both talent and ambition. They are very often mutually exclusive. So it is right at the front of what we look for. Talent comes first of course. The best new artists start with adventurous ideas and have a sense from the outset of who they are.
MySchoolAct: What can a young band do to get the attention of a manager like yourself?
TW: Writing great music is the best way to attract people. There is no gimmick to it really, good music rarely goes unnoticed. To show ambition you either need to write an abundance of great material, or put a cool live band together, or generate an active and interesting suite of social media action.
MySchoolAct: When a band and a management team are looking into a record label to sign with, what are the key factors to consider before signing?
TW: You only get a few chances in this world so first up make sure you are ready to be looking for a deal. Know who you are, what you do well and where you are willing to collaborate. Dont go trying to get a label if you dont need one. Your imagination is free and that is where is all comes from first and foremost. Spend time with that and get the music and band right. The more ready you are then the more choices that will come to you. Then you need to decide if a major label if where you want to be, they are great for some artists and unnecessary now for others. If your circumstances are that you dont need the global muscle of a major then look at the indie alternatives. Now if you are ready and you really want it, just find a label that are passionate, and listen to your vision. Your manager or lawyer can address the other points of a deal.
MySchoolAct: Ok Todd, we all know about the fun rock and roll lifestyle associated with being in a band, what are some everyday things that happen in the life of a band that no one knows about?
TW: You need to work hard.
MySchoolAct: Interviews, photo shoots, grueling touring schedules can be exhausting and overwhelming for a young Act. How do you suggest bands keep some normality in their lives while in the limelight?
TW: Adjust to your circumstances first. Don’t expect life to be like it was. Don’t struggle to peg it to a place it no longer is. And then in your new world of course you go back to the old friends and family who are always the best anchors for your ego.
MySchoolAct: Bands like The Vines have proven that high school can be the perfect environment to create an Act and develop a unique sound, any suggestions for young music lovers looking to find likeminded muso’s to jam with?
TW: Great bands always find themselves. The chemistry that comes from the paths of unrelated people intersecting is what makes rock and roll special and unique. Put yourself out there!
MySchoolAct: How do you think a high school band competition like MySchoolAct can benefit a young band on the rise?
TW: Any music program needs its heros. Find and help lift the profile a great new artist in the program and you will find your greatest advocate. They will attract the best new artists moving forward.
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