The biz's brightest new talents tell their stories. This week it's the turn of Ruby Wasmuth, composer manager at Manners McDade.
What word sums up your career so far?
“Empowerment! I was incredibly lucky to get a job at Manners McDade as soon as I left university six years ago. It’s a company with an empowering spirit at its core. I was trained by Catherine Manners [CEO], who not only passed on her brilliant knowledge and expertise, but is also incredibly supportive and encouraging with my ambitions, as are our co-director Bob McDade and managing director Harriet Moss. As an agent with this training and support behind me, I’m in a position to empower composers, which is so incredibly satisfying, and the reason I wanted to work in this industry in the first place.”
Does the biz value composers enough?
“Interesting question. Previously, perhaps not, but recently film composition has become a more exciting part of our industry. The lines are becoming blurred – composers are releasing records and touring their film scores, and recording artists are scoring film and television projects. I think this creates a space for more experimental and interesting film and TV scores coming through.”
What’s your dream for the industry?
“I live in a bit of a bubble of support and positivity at Manners McDade, but am all too aware of negative and manipulative behaviour in the wider industry. In our sub-industry of film music, I really hope for more collaboration and nurturing between composers, who often work in isolation and are subject to direct criticism of their work. There are a number of support networks for composers (including the brilliant Women Composers’ Forum), and I hope that this movement of support and promotion of wellbeing will continue to increase.”
What’s been the toughest moment of your career so far?
“My toughest moment was a couple of years ago, when Catherine suddenly became ill. Continuing to manage our composers without her was daunting, particularly combined with worrying about her health (thankfully she recovered!). While this was a scary and upsetting situation, I had to push on for the sake of our composers as well as Catherine’s business – this made me realise my own capabilities and helped to alleviate some of my imposter’s syndrome. Catherine continues to be a brilliant force within the industry, particularly as a board member of the Music Publishers Association, and a truly wonderful, inspiring and empowering mentor, to whom I will always be grateful.”
What’s your vision for the future?
“I love supporting and working with composers. The dynamic in our industry is improving to become more supportive and positive. I like to think I will be a part of this movement and continue to support composers on an industry level as well as in my job. As for my professional future, it is without a doubt to continue progressing at Manners McDade. I’m very proud and excited to be working with and developing the amazing talent on our roster and hope to improve my expertise to support our clients.”
RUBY’S RECOMMENDED TRACK:
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