Music Industry Experts Top Ten Tips For Success — #5 Steven Braines

In the fifth interview of this series, which shares insights from successful music business professionals, we’re honoured to be joined by artist manager and promoter, Steven Braines.

Steven epitomises the hard-working artist manager. His relentless work ethic took him from aspiring music stalwart, who was for a time homeless, to managing some of the biggest and most credible names in electronic music like Maya Jane Coles, Barely Legal, and Emanuel Satie.

Together with his business partner Sophia Kearney, Steven co-founded The Weird & The Wonderful agency which is home to these artists and many more.

From this creative pool of top drew talent and innovative ideas came the club night HE. SHE. THEY. This now global events brand embodies the diversity and inclusivity which are the cultural heart of house, techno and disco.

Since first meeting Steven in 2013 at Ushuaia, Ibiza, I’ve seen his career skyrocket. Despite the international success of his agency and club nights, plus board positions with the likes of Music Managers Forum, Steven remains firmly grounded. In an interview we did together at Paris Electronic week 2018 on the topic of mental health (on which he is an outspoken advocate), it was clear how much Steven cares not just for the artists he manages, but for people as a whole.

It’s not always easy staying true to your roots amidst great success. Not only has Steven done this but he’s remained the kindest and most down to earth of human beings. Spoken in his ever honest, unvarnished style, here are some gems from Steven to help you on your road to success in the music industry.

Name: Steven Braines

Nationality: British

Current role: Joint MD

Company: The Weird & The Wonderful // HE. SHE. THEY.

Music Industry Sector: Label / Event Management

Past roles: Crown Talent, Kiss FM, Ministry of Sound

Years in the biz: 15

1. How did you start work in the music business?

Originally working for Kiss organising their brand Peach In Sunderland and working as a music journalist.

2. How do you define success?

Working on projects I love. When I have chased the money it’s never brought me satisfaction. Awards and number 1’s flatter the ego but, whilst it’s nice, making great art happen and culture change is a better feeling.

3. What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

Being nice, sticking to my word, probably making people laugh and having a good ear. Also stepping back and letting the artist make art and not overly A&R unless asked by them.

4. What was the hardest decision you ever had to make?

Walking away from money at a time when I needed it but because the situation wasn’t making me happy to say the least.

5. What is your ‘why’? (your life’s purpose / why do you do what you do?)

It’s like a compulsion, honestly. I’m qualified to do things that would make me more money but the music pulls me back. Even in the midst of corona, where the money is non-existent, the creative process has got me through it.

6. If you could start all over again, what would you do differently and why?

Probably have not gone out on my own with a parachute because I stubbornly wanted to work with who I wanted to work with. It’s also in other ways probably got me to where I am. I also probably would have spent money a little bit more wisely for a rainy day / giant global pandemic!

7. What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

I had been homeless at one point so getting keys to an office was insane because I didn’t even have house keys a few years before it!

8. Describe your morning routine?

I don’t do mornings. I work from about noon to 4am!

9. How do you prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed?

I’m less hard of myself for making a mistake as I used to be. I say “no” to things though I’m not great at that, and my business partner Sophia is better often at being objective. Sophia is a big reason as to why I’m not overwhelmed.

10. What piece of advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

You’re actually queer and you should just move to London now and not spend your money on that master's degree!

Bonus tip — anything you’d like to add?

Just stay true to yourself and don’t care what other people think. The only person you can ever please is yourself. Keep your own standards high and others will notice it. And be kind. In life, it’s the most important thing. X

Warmest thanks to Steven Braines for taking the time to give this interview.

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