Lives In Music - Caroline Hayes

Music

In this series we shine a light on the people that make the wheels turn behind the scenes in London’s music underground. From venue owners and agents, to record label managers and bouncers, we chat to these individuals about their tastes and motivations.

Caroline Hayes is the Founder of Spun Out, an artist booking agency who represent a diverse roster of acts, from Andrew Weatherall, Optimo and Psychmagik to Fantastic Twins, Mehmet Aslan and Manfredas. Alongside Spun Out she runs Black Door, an agency that works with DJs hailing from the world of art, literature and film, including the likes of Tim Burgess, Fat White Family, Miranda Sawyer and Baxter Dury.

After speaking to Caroline on many occasions and a few near misses, we finally get to catch up with her at the start of festival season. She is obviously very busy and no wonder with the amazing artists she looks after. We catch her post Kala festival and she clearly seems relaxed in her office environment, a space just off Brick Lane. She welcomes us with a smile and we get into it…..

Most Iconic London Venue?

Fabric

Last gig you went to?

Jarvis Cocker at EartH

Last DJ set that really impressed you?

Mehmet Aslan at Else, Berlin

Last meal you really enjoyed?

Dinner at Padella in London Bridge

Last record you bought?

These Foolish Things LP by Bryan Ferry from 1973

Best bit about working in music?

That my daily work revolves around one of the most important things in my life

Photo credit: adam__adam__adam

Toughest challenge about working in music?

Late nights!

What was the first break in your career?

Leaving a well paid “proper job” to take a very junior position in an artist management company. Everything good that’s happened in my career stemmed from that risky life move!