Name:
lulu
Profile:
Lulu Le Vay started out as deputy editor of mouthy fanzine Sleazenation in the mid-90s which propelled to her to become a freelance feature writer for publications such as The Face, i-D, Jockey Slut and Xray through to the Guardian Guide, The Independent on Sunday, The Evening Standard and the Observer. More about Lulu at www.lululevay.com
Music: Calling the shots
It dawned on me recently that in my career I play the role of 'bad cop' most of the time.
Being an artist manager, I have to call the shots and bring people into line, whether it be restraining scrapping band members, sorting out slack communication skills and improper behavior or shaping up shoddy musicianship - I'm the one who has to crack the whip and steer them onto the right track.
This is also the case with the YPs (young people) that I work with, if not more so. To be a good teacher and mentor, one has to set the boundaries and use discipline to reap the best results, especially with those from less advantaged backgrounds. I mentor YPs of this kind placed in record labels, such as Sony BMG UK. I have to slam down the law on a regular basis, from when they have tantrums in mid-lesson through to handing in shoddy course work. Many other mentors in this field take a much softer approach, sensitive to the YPs upbringing - but sod that. If you've crossed the line, you need to shape up or ship out, pronto, regardless of where you've come from.
But to get away with the Bad Cop routine and make it work for you, you have to make sure you sprinkle in some good stuff also. Call it rewards. If my artists do well, I treat them to a bottle of bubbly or a dinner out. To keep my students inspired and engaged, I occasionally tear up the lesson plan and take them to a friend's recording studio to make a tune or I buy them a book. They key is all about finding a balance.
And you know what? I kind of wish there was someone out there doing that for me...
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