Claire took a jump into the unknown by joining MM after working for herself for years, a jump that turned into the best decision she had made for her career!
Claire, what brought you to Midnight Mango?
Back in 2017 I set up as a part-time small promoter putting on my favourite artists in a community venue; this was as a result of a new interest and enthusiasm for British traditional folk music that had really gripped me. Whilst promoting I became aware that my skills might suit the role of booking agent, and I saw this as an opportunity for a new career direction after bringing up my young children.
So I learnt the ropes of agenting whilst on the job, working with some of the wonderful artists that are still on my roster – and was entirely hooked! I went on to run my own booking agency for 5 years and got to the point where I wanted to take the next step and join a larger agency in order to further develop opportunities for my roster and I.
So after some great conversations with Matt, and an interview, I was really chuffed to join the professional and supportive team of agents and staff at Midnight Mango. It’s cliched I know but the team really is friendly, respectful and generous with their time and knowledge. It felt like quite a leap into the unknown, having worked for myself for a long time, but I can honestly say it was the best decision.
Everything is efficient and works smoothly and there is plenty of room for individual ways of doing things, as well as tons of contacts, advice on best practice and tried, tested methods. Remote working has its challenges, but we stay in touch regularly via Teams and there are opportunities for connection both online and in person at festivals and events (there’s even an online Team Christmas Quiz!).
What kind of bands do you like to work with?
I came to be an agent through my love of folk and acoustic music, and my roster continues to lean in that direction. So far the artists I work with have been within Folk, Acoustic, World and Transformational/Conscious genres, and I am open to other related artists and genres. The common denominator is music that I enjoy, music that moves me, both inside and often outside too! I’m someone who really connects with and gets inspired by meaningful and relatable lyrics, and the old and new stories brought to life in song. Vocals that are soulful, expressive, impassioned.
I like music that connects us to the shared human experience, to each other and to ourselves. I really love working closely with artists and their teams on planning and booking successful tours that will give them and their audiences those incredible experiences that only live music can provide. I still find it rewarding when every gig and festival is confirmed, and when a tour comes together and the artist is happy with it, that’s magic – I get a real buzz from that.
First festival you went to?
My first festival since getting big into traditional folk was Folk By The Oak in Hertfordshire. I went with my family in 2018 and Eliza Carthy and Billy Bragg headlined. More than a few moons ago, when I was 20, my first festival was the iconic Knebworth 1996. I remember loving Ocean Colour Scene, Manic Street Preachers and of course Oasis; The Prodigy played too but they were less my thing!
First gig you went to?
I think my first proper gig was The Boo Radleys at Reading University Student Union in 1995. Looking back, there was so much music on tap during Uni – great times!
Best gig you’ve been to (so far)
This is a tricky one. After gigs I’m pretty much always on a high from the experience, so if you talk to me then, each one is probably the best I’ve ever been to! Super-intimate concert venues are probably my favourite gig habitats.
I loved all the Faustus gigs I went to – one of my all-time favourite bands. I had a brilliant night dancing at a Bonfire Radicals gig recently. Also a recent concert in Hackney celebrating the Life & Music of Martin Carthy was a very moving and absorbing evening – and three of my artists were performing so that was special too. In terms of bigger names, Coldplay in Singapore whilst living there in the mid 2000’s, and The Feeling at The Brighton Centre in 2008 both stand out as memorable.
