Building relationships that matter

don’t know about you, but I'm not the kind of girl that has lots of friends for the sake of having lots of friends. I'm the quiet one when I feel like I don’t fit in, I'd rather be alone than be around people that I don’t like.

I have always been like this, when I moved to America for my last year of high school, I spent most of my lunches in the computer room I didn’t get them, they didn’t get me, sometimes it was lonely but I just felt like I didn’t belong.

Now that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t social, polite, and gave up trying to find out why, but I guess I just wanted to find my tribe, my people.

Fast forward to now, as an artist, musician, entrepreneur, and creator, I can tell you that when I meet a manager, or music industry person my guard is up, I don’t trust easily.

For those of us who have been in the industry for a while, you might know what I’m talking about. A lot of industry people will reach out, and for some reason love to subsequently tear down your work. "You should do this, that, you have been doing it all wrong," they say they like your music, they can make you a superstar, if only you did what they say .... blah blah blah.

With time, I learned that it is a business! Somebody wants to work with you because in a way you are giving them something. It’s an exchange, it can be that they believe you might make them lots of money(the investment) it can be that having you around makes them feel like they are important (the ego boost ), it can be that they love your music and want the world to hear it ( not everybody is all bad ) but knowing why, the purpose, makes the relationship real. Honesty always establishes trust.

Now I met very few bands and artists who really loved their managers or management company, that is why it was important for me to do my first podcast interview with Rebecca Boulton, the manager of New Order. Not only has she been in the industry for more than 25 years but managing the same band, I found this incredible! Hearing her perspective about establishing herself as a trusted manager, as well as her views on what makes an artist was really inspiring.

I invite you to create a world where you feel you can count on the people around you, a world where you don’t have to take anything less than what works for you. It will take a little time, and perhaps at times you might feel like you should settle for less, as long as your vision is clear, it will all work out ( trust your instinct).

As for me well I'm always looking to work with different mindsets, to grow, get better, when the wrong energy knocks at my door, I give it some time to really look into it, analyze it, take a breath before I make any decisions (at least I try ). Although it is difficult for me to say no to new opportunities, not every single one is the right one.

If you are interested in working together let me know., would love to hear your thoughts.

Listen to the podcast here

Andrea Dee