Rising Star is our monthly column in which we meet the industry’s brightest new talents. Here, we meet Ditto MGMT’s head of music Georgie Goldsmith…
You joined Ditto MGMT in 2020 and are now head of music. What has your music industry journey been like over the last five years?
“I feel very fortunate to be able to say that I’ve loved every step of my journey in management so far. Matt Dodds [head of Ditto MGMT] hired me back in 2020 as a day-to-day manager when we had a roster of four artists, which we’ve grown together over the last few years – we now have a roster of 20, across music as well as the digital and broadcast divisions. I always wanted to be a music manager, I just never knew how to get there, but once I did, I knew I was in the right place.”
You currently manage artists including Hybrid Minds, Niko B, Lens, Rizzle Kicks, Big Zuu, Nathan Dawe and Abigail Liddle, amongst others. What has been your proudest artist project so far and why?
“It’s so difficult to choose one, but I’d say a standout for me is Hybrid Minds selling out Alexandra Palace in 24 hours! We also achieved a No.1 dance album the same week of the show, which was very special. All my artists are achieving amazing things in their own fields, they are all at different stages of their journeys, and for me, it’s just a privilege to be beside them through it all.”
You coordinated Niko B’s debut album campaign, worked on Nathan Dawe’s track 21 Reasons, which racked up over 300 million streams, and have worked with Big Zuu, contributing to his two BAFTA wins. From your perspective, what is the key to a successful artist campaign these days?
“These days, it’s all about adapting to each artist’s motivations and needs. Niko B, for example, led his debut album campaign creatively, and I put the framework in place to bring his ideas to fruition, which made for a really smooth and exciting campaign. Off the back of that, we have just announced his UK tour! I really believe that you also have to be very reactive to the engagement of your audience nowadays, as well as where the campaign is heading and you have to let that, to an extent, steer you through it. Having said all of this though, I just think it’s paramount to trust the craft of your artist and release music that you, as a team, believe in, regardless of anything.”
The role of manager in the modern music business is constantly evolving; it seems to be becoming more and more multifaceted. How do you see it changing over the next five years?
“I see the role of a manager in the music industry becoming even more dynamic and personal. Looking ahead, managers will need to really connect with their artists, understand their visions, as well as continuously adapt to the fluctuating pressures of the industry and social media platforms, in order to help artists continue to reach their audiences. Ultimately, being a manager is all about building strong, trusting relationships and being an advocate for your artists and their well-being, while navigating this ever-changing industry together.”
What is your biggest music industry ambition?
“Seeing my artists win. If I can achieve things for each of them and grow them to their full potential, then that is ‘success’ to me.”
RECOMMENDED TRACK: Conducta – Needed U
