Lives In Music: Napper Tandy

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.

Napper Tandy is the founder and director of artist management agency One House Artists. Alongside friend and fellow director Barry Davies, hes built an exciting roster of artists that cover a broad musical spectrum, including the likes of Mafalda, Amp Fiddler, Fred P, Jasper James and Tertia May. 

We meet Napper on the roof of Shoreditch House. The warm water evaporates from the pool outside as the cold November night draws in. Napper has joined us directly from another meeting on the floor below, we order a beer and get into it.

Most Iconic London Venue?

The Royal Albert Hall. At 386 shows last year I think they are officially the busiest venue in the world. Dave Gamble who is booking there is opening the venue up to new scenes, such as bringing Innervisions to the venue, alongside the long list of many of the most high profile performers and shows on the planet hosted there. 

Last gig you went to?

I went to see our newest singer Tertia May perform in central London. She’s going to take over the world. 

Last DJ set that really impressed you?

It’s a while ago but Objekt at Sonar was an eye-opener. I think he’s arguably the most dynamic and ambitious techno DJ out there at the moment.

Last meal you really enjoyed?

Brawn on Colombia Road, simple and delicious seasonal European food.

Last record you bought?

Francis Harris – Trivial Occupations.

Best bit about working in music?

Working with passionate self-motivated people. Sometimes it is easy to overlook how we lucky we are that we work in an industry where it is the norm for people to be passionate, ambitious and excited. It is very rewarding.

Toughest challenge about working in music?

Figuring out the delicate balance between the social and professional. It’s important to understand the relationships between the two. It’s a trap to think that most business gets done in the green room or at parties – the reality is most gets done at our desks on a Tuesday morning. 

Photo credit: adam__adam__adam

What was the first break in your career?

Club promotions at Uni. It was all self funded and it went really well. Earning respectable money during that period meant that when I graduated I was able to develop my own music businesses without having to worry about making enough to live. Having financial breathing space is pretty essential if you’re trying to set up a business. 

Best headline act you have seen?

This is so difficult to answer. I’ve seen lots of great live acts – none jump out at me as the all time greatest. Fred P is the artist who has most consistently blown me away at peak times at a show, so I’m going to say him. 

Last time you stayed in a club until the lights came on?

I went to Cartilus Day at Fold the other day. The club is amazing and doesn’t feel like London. I had been to Printworks in the day and Fold was basically the exact opposite in terms of numbers of people and energy. 

Best place to eat before you go out with friends?

I don’t usually like anything too heavy before I go out as it slows me down and makes me sleepy. If I am eating, maybe a pizza at home with friends.

Person that you have worked with that you found most inspiring?

Amp Fiddler. To work with him is inspiring everyday. To be collaborating with someone who recorded with J Dilla and Prince would be inspiring enough but he is one of the most interesting, kind and passionate people I have ever met. He’s played a pivotal role in a mind-boggling array of my favourite music – from Mahogani Music to Parliament Funkadelic to Jamiroquai. 

Best thing about the music scene in London?

The entrepreneurial spirit. Supersize organisations are struggling to stay relevant and engaged while excited young people with energy are doing it on their own. 

Any labels that you are enjoying at the moment?

Scissor and Thread. So many to choose from but S&T is an under-appreciated label – the music will stand the test of time.

Last thing you shazamed? 

Yeus Tumo Feat. James – Licking an Orchid

Photo credit: adam__adam__adam

Anything exciting going on professionally at the moment?

The last few weeks of the year there were a lot of ‘click’ moments. The roster on both the booking and management sides of the business feels like it’s really reaching maturity and we have so many artists who are poised for enormous success over the next few years. We’re also working with artists across so many areas of music – dance, producers, singers & songwriters, original composition and so on.

Any advice for anyone who is looking to start working in music?

Be persistent and show attention to detail. People should try to marry their creative talents with action and organisation. The prosaic side of the work is as important as the romantic side.

Follow Napper and One House Artists.