The biz's brightest talents tell their stories. This week it's the turn of Alexandra Ampofo, junior booker, Metropolis Music/ERG leader, Live Nation UK.
What’s your happiest moment in music so far...
“My happiest moment in music was co-founding my company Women Connect alongside my friends at Metropolis and Sony Music UK. Women Connect is a female-focused collective creating safer, all-inclusive spaces, good fortune and equal opportunities for women in the creative industries. We have hosted three events to highlight issues such as period poverty, mental health and International Women’s Day. It feels very surreal to have created a safe space for women in music and to see it grow into something that has the capability of being so monumental.”
How did you get where you are?
“Despite studying business at university, I started working in music at 18, programming acoustic events every Sunday for around five years, the most popular being at Boxpark in Shoreditch and Croydon. Since then, I have hosted hundreds of events, including Brick Lane Festival. I’ve been trying to make my mark and, in 2013, I founded Acoustic Live, an award-winning events company dedicated to developing acoustic talent. I have built a dedicated community, providing a powerful platform that offers artists a chance to flourish. I have always set my sights on ways I can contribute to the spaces I’m working in, so alongside my colleagues, I started Embrace Nation at Live Nation UK. It’s a cultural hub working towards racial equality in and outside the workplace, and is a learning hub for all employees. Improving the working experience for everyone is something I feel very passionate about.”
What’s your one wish for the live sector?
“For it to continue flourishing as beautifully as it always has. I also hope venues diversify their line-ups as much as possible. It’s about time we saw more under-represented groups at the forefront of live music. ‘One size fits all’ doesn’t exist.”
What’s the key to a great gig?
“When I first started booking shows, I was told, despite not being a technician, to consider lighting just as much as my line-up. The key to a great gig is to be meticulous with every single detail. Everything matters, from the bill all the way through to ticketing. Stage height is also an important one, if you have an artist who is only 5ft tall, it’s not the best idea to put them on a low stage! Try to create an unforgettable experience for your audience.”
Tell us your favourite music story...
“Unexpectedly bumping in to Anderson Paak at Lovebox in 2018. I can’t remember the context, but I know we ended up having a really random 20-minute conversation. I shamelessly have the pictures to prove it too!”
ALEXANDRA’S FAVOURITE TRACK:
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