Davis: There are two things I look for when signing an act and gender isn't one of them: Is their talent undeniable and are they willing to work harder than I do? And I work pretty hard. Females in country music tend to have less representation on terrestrial radio, but I know the right three minutes from the right artist can change the tide and songs that move people -- that speak honestly -- will win.
Kraft: Absolutely. Under the guidance of Crystal Dishmon, who is a manager at my company, we recently signed a young singer-songwriter, Tenille Townes. I look at the upside here: Since there are not that many women out there right now, that means there is opportunity.
Edelblute: Yes, absolutely. When female country artists break, it’s often in a big way.
What advice would you give to a young female manager starting out today?
Davis: I wish I had known that my biological clock was not gonna run in parallel to my manager trajectory. The advice I would give to younger women is to know what your options are if you want to start a family. The other thing I would say is get a great business manager.
Edelblute: It’s critical for young managers to put the client’s interest first and that everything that you do is in their best interest. The decisions that you have to make might not always make you the most well-liked or the most popular person, but if you do right by them, you can make it.
Harrington: I wish somebody had told me to take really good care of yourself along the way because that’s really important for you to have energy and a clear head and all of those things. You’re so busy taking care of other people. Be fearless. Be very vocal. Go for it.
