The biz’s brightest new talents tell their stories - this week it's the turn of The Great Escape events executive Nathalie Von Rotz.
How did you break into the industry?
I began working for Swiss Music Export in 2013, advising and promoting Swiss artists on business expansion and planning events at international music festivals, including The Great Escape. This was the first time I had attended a showcase festival and I was bowled over by the array of new artists, which I am really passionate about. When I moved to London a year later, I saw a job advertised at TGE and immediately applied. In 2015 I joined The Great Escape team as bookings assistant and was quickly promoted to the role of event executive. I now manage all of The Great Escape’s international and UK based trade partnerships including PRS For Music, Sounds Australia, CIMA and AIM.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
Helping navigate over 70 partnerships across TGE each year and staying sane! Also, bringing in partnerships that give international artists that have never been to the UK the opportunity to perform in front of the global music industry. One of my highlights has been Amyl And The Sniffers playing in 2018 as part of our partnership with Sounds Australia, who are our lead country partner for 2019. Also, Zeal & Ardor who played in 2017 as part of our partnership with Swiss Music Export. Both artists have gained great success since playing, which is great to see.
Who are your music business role models?
A key role model for me has been Kevin Moore, now at Vision Nine, who was general manager at The Great Escape when I joined. He taught me so much about the industry, but he also has a great work ethic and lots of determination, which have definitely rubbed off on me. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have to date.
What is the best thing about your job?
I liaise with so many different partners, which I absolutely love. I communicate closely with all of them regularly and it’s great to see the things develop from ideas, to planning, to events coming to life at the festival. I also get to travel a lot, and attend numerous international music conferences around the globe scouting both artists and potential partners for the festival.
What is your one wish for the music industry?
That the top tier industry management listens to the younger voices – there are so many talented people with fresh ideas that need to be heard.
NATHALIE’S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
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