Chris brings 25 years of music industry experience covering both creative and business sides, with relationships at the heart of everything he does.
His specialty is career building through three key areas: getting your rights and income streams set up properly, strategic team building to identify your next steps and the right people to work with, and expectation management - knowing who to approach when and in what order to protect your mental health and avoid unnecessary disappointment.
Chris co-founded and runs Karousel Music, a not-for-profit management company, boutique label, and music publisher offering artist-friendly short-term deals with world-class admin through Wixen Music (The Black Keys, The Doors, George Harrison). Karousel runs London's longest-running industry showcase with SESAC and the MMF, where acts keep 100% of ticket proceeds. Over 14 years, these showcases have provided 580+ opportunities for artists across London venues and at The Great Escape. He also runs the UK's longest-running export showcase at Reeperbahn Festival.
Beyond showcases, Chris organizes industry networking events including Industry Speed Dating and the legendary Music Biz #QuizWAR! sponsored by Amazon Music. He consults for Big Group on major events like the Brit Awards and Mercury Music Prize, sourcing artists for corporate sponsors including MasterCard and Hyundai.
As a manager, Chris currently handles Ruby Duff, Matt Deighton, and Charlie Wood, with previous clients including Ren Harvieu and Pat Dam Smyth. In 2021, he oversaw Matt Deighton's campaign that earned press acclaim for the Sky Arts documentary 'Overshadowed' and a feature in Music Business Worldwide.
Chris spent 9 years as Music Industry Liaison for Help Musicians, connecting industry professionals with the charity and raising awareness of support available to artists in crisis. He's judged PRSF and Help Musicians grant panels and remains involved in their fundraising.
Before industry work, Chris was an artist and songwriter for 17 years, recording solo albums and collaborating with Mark E Brydon (Moloko) and Matt Deighton, including a top 20 record with Marti Pellow. He ran 50:50 Studios in North London from 2005-2020, working with artists from unsigned acts to Chris Difford, Yungblud, and Dennis Bovell.
Chris served on the board of IAFAR (International Association of Artists and Rightsholders) and was a member of Help Musicians Creative Advisory.
