After more than 25 years in the music business, Lorde's former manager says he still loves the diversity of the job.

We had a quick chat with Scott Maclachlan, a nominee for the recent MMF music manager of year and the international achievement awards, about managing musicians.

Scott also reveals his all star band line up - featuring hard rockin royalty and Morrissey on vocals.

This interview is one in a series with speakers at this year’s NZ Music Month Summit, which delves deeper and throws a spotlight on music industry.

Tell us a bit about your work/role.

I’m an artist manager, which means I work with musicians and help them develop strategies to realise their goals.

How did you become a music manager, what keeps you involved?

I saw an opportunity to help a young couple of artists, so decided to move in that direction. I'm still involved as I love the diversity of the job.

How has the role of a manager changed over time? 

Managers are having to do more development of artists then ever before.

What’s your advice for emerging managers?

Only work with talent. Don’t worry about hype.

When and why should musicians consider management? What are the pros and cons compared to self-management?

As soon as you start having to do more then just concentrate on your art, you need a manager. There are no cons; a good manager should always be an asset to your career.

What do you look for when considering a band or artist?

Are they talented..?

What are the current opportunities and challenges in the music industry?

There are more ways then ever to reach your audience without the help of record companies. However, that also means theres a lot of noise out there, that you have to cut through.

What's your earliest musical memory?

My parents playing Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon & Garfunkel – I still love that song.

Who would be in your all star band line up? (living or dead)

Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, Pete Townsend and Morissey.

 What was the last gig you went to? 

Steel Panther in LA last night

What's your big idea for 2016?

Keep your ideas to yourself…..

About Scott MacLachlan

Scott Maclachlan is the co-founder and director of Saiko Management, a boutique music management company with offices in Auckland and New York City. After 20 years in the British music business, and five locally with Universal Music, Scott is responsible for unearthing and nurturing two of New Zealand’s biggest ever artists; Lorde & Sol3 Mio, the latter whom he continues to manage.

Saiko’s style of management is both developmental and disruptive; look where others don’t, do what others won’t. Being small, agile and ambitious, has allowed the current roster, including Thomston, Parson James and LEISURE, to achieve critical and commercial success in their own rights whilst having their sights firmly on global exposure.

• Scott is speaking at the Understanding Music Management session at the NZ Music Month Summit on May 28.