The biz's brightest new talents tell their stories. This week it's the turn of LiveSource directors Debbie Gayle & Nick Mathius.
How did you get your start in music?
Debbie Gayle: “Both of us have created our own opportunities from the start. Even before meeting, our journeys have been pretty similar. The start point for both of us was club promoting. While at university, Nick built a club scene from the ground up that was in line with the needs of the growing student market. He grew this to other universities across England and national events. My promoting was based in London’s West End. This progressed to booking artists for club PAs, to then working on concerts. Working on Miguel’s first UK show, I discovered that was what I wanted to progress in. It’s been a grind, but we now own an independent company that can boast working with artists such as Lizzo, Lauren Daigle, Lil Tecca and Lotto Boyzz. We have worked at some of the biggest events in the world and with clients like Live Nation it is definitely a journey we are proud of.”
Sum up your story in three words...
DG: “Undeniable, organic, honourable.”
What’s been your biggest lesson so far?
Nick Mathius: “To take responsibility and ownership of your career. You need a network to make your way through the journey but you have to believe in your own power and capabilities. It’s vital to be surrounded by people whose morals align with yours, but ultimately no one can reach your goals for you.”
And your proudest moment?
DG: “We have been a part of some incredible moments. We have worked with a lot of our clients from a development stage and being a part of their first time on a Glastonbury stage or the first time they hear an audience sing back their lyrics is an amazing feeling. We have tour managed Young T & Bugsey since their first ever touring experience, and I get such an immense feeling of pride when they hit career goals like performing on stage in iconic arenas. Playing any part in someone reaching their dreams is unexplainable.”
NM: “For me, a massive moment was tour managing J Hus’ Common Sense European tour which headlined at O2 Academy Brixton. I’ve worked in a lot of venues, but being from South London, putting on a show in a venue that I grew up going to was special. Since then, we’ve been in the venue for a range of events, most recently tour managing Headie One’s Music X Road tour and it still gives me a huge sense of pride.”
What should the music business be worried about?
DG: “It’s not productive to worry, change is good! The change I’m seeing at the moment is more young people understanding the power of ownership.”
NM: “If the biz can embrace the next wave of businesses and young entrepreneurs, working alongside each other will enable huge growth industry-wide.”
DEBBIE & NICK’S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
FOLLOW 
