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NZ Music Month is once again in full swing. Behind the lighting and speaker stacks are passionate musicans and managers who make it happen.

Home after playing in the UK and US, Paul Martin from platinum selling metal band Devilskin and MMF Award winning manager James Southgate tell us about working together.

NZ Music Month is once again in full swing. Behind the lighting and speaker stacks are passionate musicans and managers who make it happen.

Home after playing in the UK and US, Paul Martin from platinum selling metal band Devilskin and MMF Award winning manager James Southgate tell us about working together.

James was recognised at the 2015 Music Managers Awards with an Independent Tour Award for the Devilskin We Rise album release tour, which sold out all 20 dates of the five week tour last July.

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What makes a successful manager/band?

Devilskin manager - James Southgate: To be a successful manager you need to be prepared to do anything for your artist, you need to have a great understanding of sales, marketing, promotion, industry, live performance, and not take no for an answer!

Devilskin bassist/co-writer - Paul Martin: A band that is living up to its full potential, is always busy and always at the top of their game, are all indicators of success and/or a successful manager.

What are some of the more challenging problems you've come across?

James: The most challenging problem is exporting success, it's one thing to have success in your own country, it's a whole new ball game trying to get it away internationally.

Paul: Visa issues, health issues, travel logistics. Many different types of curve balls that can challenge a bands day to day activities.

How do you decide whether to pick up an artist/manager?

James: It's all about the music, the songs and the live performance, if it moves me I am interested.

Paul: We had a definite plan for our band and needed someone with the expertise in the field to take our band to the next level. It was a no-brainer for us.

What got you in to management/music?

James: I have been involved in music for 30 years, once it's in your blood it's very hard to ignore!

Paul: A passion for great music/songs and a desire to write and perform. Personally Louis Armstrong moved me with his playing when I was 5 years old.

Share some success stories

James: The success stories are the artists I have signed, Devilskin, Blacklistt, The Feelers, Anika Moa, The Exponents, Evermore, Fur Patrol, Shihad and The Earlybirds.

Paul: Our album's debut at #1 on the NZ charts. Gold status after two weeks. Platinum status after six months. Opening slots for Slash and Motley Crue!! US/UK tour.

Do you make music or manage yourself?

James: I am not a musician and have never tried to play music.

Paul: Yes I have been self managed most of my life.

What's the number one turn off for you for managing an act/choosing a manager?

James: Attitude

Paul: Anyone in management interfering with the creative side of a band.

How has the industry changed for you and for musicians?

James: Massive change in revenue channels, everything changes while everything remains the same, the artists want to make music for a living it's your responsibility to find opportunities for them to do so.

Paul: The industry has probably got a lot more compressed than it used to be, meaning that if you're not in the right place at the right time you miss out. Networking on a global scale has got easier but the level of competition has also increased.

What’s your big idea for 2015?

James: Global Domination and to buy a helicopter, I am over driving.

Paul: Write a new album and start pre production. Film a new video. Dominate Music Awards. Get back overseas.