Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a new, short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email jhanley@nbmedia.com if you would like to take part or put someone forward for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with Nick Dew, MD of digital and live production specialist Really Creative Media.
What was your first job in music?
My first gig was as a crew member at the Red Hot Chilli Peppers gigs in Hyde Park in June 2004. They were brilliant, I got into the lighting side of things and everything progressed from there.
How long have been in your current role?
I set up Really Creative Media with my business partner Jack James in 2009. We were freelancing before that but wanted to create something together that looked at all the visual elements of digital and live production. He has a definite theatre edge and mine is more music so the client list now merges both of those elements and we’ve picked up a lot of agency and fashion clients too whose shows use both types of expertise.
What is your favourite thing about working in the music industry?
The energy and buzz from both the audience and backstage crews. You have to love music and have the drive to get the job done perfectly and on time. Maybe we all love a sense of danger and the challenge of it all.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the business?
Moving forward, the industry needs to place more value on keeping digital assets safe, we get many a request for song versions or show content that everybody assumes others have kept safely.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
So far its still got to be being part of the iTunes, now Apple Music Festival at the Roundhouse in London for three or so years. To see so many artists and bands play in 30 days was amazing. Each day everyone worked so hard to make it as good as the previous night’s performance.
What is the best gig you have ever been to?
The most memorable gig I can recall was Bombay Bicycle Club’s electric performance at The Forum in London. Great band, great live experience. Getting a chance to sit back and enjoy the Queen + Adam Lambert show that we worked on a couple of years ago was a rare moment I’ll cherish.
