Marshall Betts has been in the Music Industry for many years. He started his career as an assistant manager and later became an agent. Since then, Marshall has enjoyed various roles at some of the largest agencies in the world and is now an agent at The Windish Agency where he represents and books artists to venues and festivals all over the world. Currently he works with Courtney Barnett, Alvvays, Viet Cong, White Lung, Veruca Salt and Cibo Matto to name a few.
What are your biggest focus areas in 2015?
First and foremost is always to develop my existing clients. I always strive to present them with the best possibilities and options to help them grow their careers in the light that they see fit. On top of that, I’d like to sign more amazing bands and find great talent. The absolute best part of this job is finding new music that you love, and then helping that artist succeed.
How does a festival like by:Larm contribute to the music industry?
I believe the best part of any conference like by:Larm, is the ability to meet like-minded peers and create personal relationships with them. For myself, in by:Larm’s specific case, it brings about the ability to meet new people in the industry in a part of the world that I might not always have the possibility to see. The Nordic/Norwegian scene is a fantastic one, and I’m looking forward to meeting some people that I’ve been speaking with via email for years – but have never met in person.
How do you see the Nordic/Norwegian music scene evolving?
The Internet has allowed every kid with a laptop or instrument to present a legitimate opportunity to become an overnight sensation and express their art to the world. It’s a very punk rock frame of mind to think that you no longer need a record label to make some impact, and I think the Nordic/Norwegian scene will continue to evolve globally because of that.
And finally, which Norwegian meal will you NOT be trying?
I’m going to try them all. The weirder the better. Just nothing with nuts, I’m allergic to nuts.