Questions
Questions artists ask us.
Short, straight answers about who we are, what we do, what it costs and how to apply. If yours is not here, ask us.
About Emberlight
What is Emberlight Artists?
Emberlight Artists Ltd is an artist management company registered in London (company number 17379355), with a second office in Amsterdam. It manages a small roster of artists and runs its own platform for bookings, invoices and artist websites. It is part of Grant & Graham Holding.
Who runs Emberlight?
Emberlight was founded by Andrew Collins, who previously scaled Service Industries Ltd from $15 million to $220 million before its acquisition by NCR and founded the advisory firm Grant & Graham in 2009. The team is introduced on How we work.
Which artists do you represent?
The current roster is on the Roster page. We keep it small deliberately so every artist on it has a manager rather than a mailing list.
Where are you based?
London, with an office in Amsterdam. Visits to either are by appointment. Details are on the Contact page.
Management
What does an artist manager do?
Runs the business of an artist’s career: strategy, the team, deals, releases, live work and money, so the artist can make the work. The long version is in What does an artist manager actually do?
Which genres do you work with?
Every genre. We listen to everything we are sent, from singer-songwriters, bands and DJs to classical soloists, composers and conductors.
Do you work with artists outside the UK and the Netherlands?
Yes, where it makes sense. Most of our live work is in the UK, the Netherlands and Europe, and streaming, publishing and sync are worldwide.
Do you work with artists who are under 18?
Yes, with a parent or guardian involved from the first reply. Any agreement is signed with them and reviewed independently.
Can you get me a record deal?
If a deal is right for your career, finding and negotiating it is part of our job. Nobody honest can promise one. We will also tell you when releasing independently is the better route.
Money and contracts
How much commission do you charge?
Twenty per cent of gross income, and twenty per cent of net touring income after costs. Recording and video budgets, tour support and session fees are never commissioned. The full terms are on How we work.
How long is your management agreement?
Three years, then continuing year to year with ninety days’ notice on either side.
What happens after the agreement ends?
Commission tapers over three years, 20 then 10 then 5 per cent, only on work contracted while we were managing, and then stops.
Do you charge any fees up front?
No. Applying costs nothing, and we are paid by commission on income we help bring in. The platform and your website are included.
Who receives the money from shows and deals?
You do. Invoices carry your own bank details, and we invoice our commission afterwards.
Should I get my own lawyer to look at your contract?
Yes. We recommend every artist has our agreement reviewed independently before signing.
Applying
How do I apply for representation?
Fill in the application. It takes about ten minutes and asks about your music, your audience, your team and where you want to be in five years.
What should I send?
Links to the three tracks you most want us to hear, a live video if you have one, and your streaming and social profiles. Unreleased music is fine.
Do you reply to everyone?
Yes, including when the answer is no. If there is a fit, the next step is a conversation of about an hour with no obligation.
Do I need a certain number of followers or streams?
No. Numbers help us see the stage you are at, but they do not decide anything on their own. The music and the plan come first.
The platform
What is The Desk?
Booking and business software we built and run our roster on: enquiries, quotes, contracts, invoices, contacts, a mailing list and a shop. It is included for every artist we manage, and also sold separately to managers and self-booking artists. See The Desk.
Do I keep my data if we part ways?
Yes. Your website, contacts, dates, invoices and financial records are yours to take with you.
Still have a question? Email contact@emberlightartists.com.
For artists
Considering representation?
Tell us what you are working on and where you want to be in five years. We read every application properly and we reply to everyone, including when the answer is no.