I grew up in South London, where music was everywhere - from pirate radio stations to local gigs. Back then, I never imagined my path would lead through the military to the entertainment industry, but life has a funny way of connecting the dots.
Military Days and Music
Joining the British Army was my first big step away from South London. During my service, I picked up an acoustic guitar to pass the time between deployments. What started as a hobby turned into something more. The military gave me discipline and leadership skills, while music gave me a creative outlet.
From Para to Tour Manager
After leaving the Parachute Regiment, I stumbled into tour management almost by accident. Turns out, the precision and discipline needed in the Paras translated perfectly to running music tours. Instead of preparing for jumps and operations, I was now coordinating crews, equipment, and artists. The high-pressure, detail-oriented mindset from my time as a Para proved invaluable in the fast-paced world of tour management.
Moving into Artist Management
Tour management led naturally to artist management. The skills matched up perfectly - organizing schedules, handling pressure, and keeping things running smoothly. Managing artists wasn't too different from leading soldiers; both need clear direction while respecting their expertise.
Entering the Business Side
Joining Three Six Zero was my entry into the bigger music business world. My background gave me a unique perspective - I understood both the practical side of touring and the creative side of music. This helped me bridge the gap between business and creativity.
Private Equity and Tech
Moving to Clearlake Capital and becoming a Venture Partner at Lakestar might seem like a big jump, but it made sense. The music industry was becoming more tech-focused, and I wanted to be part of that change. My experience in both entertainment and business helped me spot opportunities others might miss.
Coming Full Circle
Now, with roles at AWAL and Primary Wave Music, I use everything I've learned along the way. From military planning to tour management, from artist development to investment strategy - it all fits together in ways I never expected.
Looking Forward
These days, I work across private equity, entertainment, and venture capital. Each industry brings different challenges, but the basics remain the same: understand the details, see the big picture, and work with good people.
Conclusion
My journey from South London to where I am now wasn't planned, but each step made sense at the time. Whether it was learning guitar in the barracks or managing my first tour, every experience added something valuable. Sometimes the most interesting careers come from taking unexpected opportunities and making them work.