Artist manager Nuno Miguel Silva has worked with an extensive number of high-profile and independent artists and projects over the years. We caught an interview with the Portugal-based music pro, to find out more about his journey throughout this realm. Here’s how it went.
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Hi Nuno – thank you for the interview, I hope you’re well! To introduce things, how would you define your role within the music industry?
I did a little bit of everything, I started in sound and light companies, I went on to be an agent, manager and event producer. I’ve been a road manager, theatre programming director, music producer for TV shows, record editor.
What first made you want to work in the music business, and finally as an artist manager?
Passion for music.
You’ve worked with a large number of different artists over time – what qualities stand out in certain creatives that make you want to manage and support them?
The talent, the will to win, the creativity and, very important, being good people.
There are big names in you repertoire, and various genres – from Pearl Jam to Tom Jones, Lloyd Cole to Fish. Does the genre or style play a role for you, or do you keep things strictly about the business and building the right audience and network?
I’ve always been passionate about rock, I vibrate more when I have rock concerts – although I also work with the same commitment with other styles of music. Since about 10 years ago gothic rock / metal is my passion.
What are the key ways the industry has changed over the years, and how different is your current approach to helping artists move forward?
Since the advent of music sharing sites, the way of being in the industry has changed a lot. I think we are still learning to deal with that today. In the old days, a cd/vinyl was taken to the radio. Currently it’s a flash drive with music.
Tell me about the festivals you’ve worked with and what does that side of the process bring to you?
In Portugal, Festivals are evolving more and more. Better artists, better installations, better technology, in short, more professionalism. On the downside, they are not dedicated to specific musical styles.
On the contrary, in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Nordic countries the festivals are more specific. The gothic festivals were the ones that marked me the most, not only for the music but also for the atmosphere.
In Portugal, Vagos Open Air was for me the most remarkable. I learned a lot at these festivals outside of Portugal.
The pandemic posed a notable challenge to the music industry at large, and indeed to its own workflow. What are you currently busy with now or offering to artists and bands, and what’s the best advice you could give to those who are struggling to find their footing again after lockdowns?
It was an authentic drama that ended up with many event companies, sound companies and structures. I’ve seen a lot of artists and roadies having to leave the industry to go work in supermarkets etc. Financially it was a tragedy for the whole industry. It still has reflections today.
My advice is to be silent and never forget that something like this could happen again.
Currently I’m working in another area and in my free time I help a new Portuguese band, Casinos in Heaven, which I hope will go far.
How can young music fans with an interest in management and business get started?
I honestly don’t know how to answer.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences so far?
As a spectator at Glastonbury. Working on a UK secret tour with the Portuguese Secret Lie.
In terms of artists, Roger Hodgson was the one who struck me the most not only for the music but also for the excellent human being he is. Phish for his madness. Eddie Vedder for his simplicity and energy.
What is your most ambitious aspiration right now?
To help my country be great again. I would like to serve my country in the area of culture.
What’s the best way for people to get in touch with you?
By e-mail: nuno@espantaespiritos.com or nuno.espantaespiritos@gmail.com
And Facebook.
