Each week, Music Week profiles the brightest new talents in the business. This week, Isaac Kyerematen of House Of Forever tells his story...
How did you break into the music industry?
I started from the bottom to gain experience of working with artists. I was Tinie Tempah’s driver in the early days; before the chart success of Pass Out. I was driving Tinie up and down the country in my Renault Megane, just to get my foot in the door. As Tinie’s career took off, I went from driver to road manager, then tour manager with Disturbing London. This gave me an invaluable insight and international experience. I landed a role as Naughty Boy’s tour manager, and then decided to pursue A&R and management. With my first client, producer Rymez, we charted two singles at No.1 and No.3, and I stepped fully into management.
What’s your proudest achievement so far?
Yungen’s Top 10 for Bestie. It was the pinnacle of all the hard work we’ve been doing for the past five years, since I first discovered him on SBTV. RCA helped us to establish Yungen within a broader audience.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Setting the goal, planning the route, then attaining the result. Managers facilitate the day-to-day lives of our artists, whilst sourcing new opportunities. I also enjoy learning, whether from the artist or the fans. The game is constantly changing, you have to be able to adapt, you can’t ignore the complex demands of the environment that you work within. To be part of the creative process and listen to music every day... I really couldn’t ask for a better job.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Keeping everyone focused. Keeping everyone on the same page and motivated towards the same goal. When you get into a wider circle and your team expands, everybody has an opinion or a strategy (which is great), but it’s easy to divert from your original methods and beliefs. Remember how you got to where you are, trust in that process, and evolve.
What advice would you give to those looking to break into the biz?
Humble yourself and don’t feel entitled. It’s not easy getting in then actually staying in, so be willing to work extremely hard. In the early stages, read a lot and do extensive research about who’swho and what’s what. Don’t let your life get in the way of music. Lastly, find your angle, what do you bring to the table? If you bring nothing you become dispensable.
What’s your greatest ambition?
My core ambition is to create an infrastructure that enables me to acquire and develop great talent, to release music regardless of climate or technological changes.
ISAAC'S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
Hudson East - Take Care
FOLLOW 
