Since founder and CEO Craig Jennings launched the company 10 years ago, Raw Power Management has established itself as one of the most respected and best-loved management firms in the industry. The company has helped deliver major international success for a raft of iconic rock outfits during that time, including the likes of Bullet For My Valentine, Young Guns, Gallows, Mallory Knox, You Me At Six and Bring Me The Horizon. They have also been championed for their innovative campaigns and fiercely independent spirit.
To mark this landmark anniversary, a host of artists and industry executives have spoken to Music Week to pay tribute to Jennings and co for their work over the past 10 years.
“Before we met Craig and the Raw Power team, we were at a bit of a loose end,” Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes tells Music Week. “It was just before we were to release [2008 second album] Suicide Season, and we had no idea how we were going to promote it, how we were going to tour it, anything really.
“Raw Power made us do things we wouldn’t have done otherwise, always pushing us to do gigs bigger than we thought we were capable of filling. Each time we would argue with them, but each time they proved us wrong, and now we just go with it. I really don’t believe any other management team know how to work a campaign like Raw Power, and their genuine care for the bands they work with makes them feel more a family than management.”
Bullet For My Valentine frontman Matt Tuck echoed Sykes’ sentiments.
“Craig Jennings and all the team at Raw Power are incredible to work with,” Tuck said. “There’s so much vision, trust and positivity from the whole team that we know that they will always go the extra mile for us, no matter what. We’ve been with Craig J for over 10 years now and our relationship goes way beyond artist and manager, we’re a family, and we all want what’s best for the band’s career and longevity. We’ve been through and achieved so many amazing milestones together and couldn’t imagine working with anyone else.“
Meanwhile, Paul Ryan, music agent, UTA, said: “The Raw Power team are, without doubt, experts in career management from the ground up, and a pleasure to work with. When it comes to their artists, it’s the team’s vision, dedication and attention to detail that ensures the delivery of countless success stories. We at UTA have had the pleasure of working together with them on numerous acts over the years, building from small clubs to arenas and beyond.”
“Hard to believe it’s already been 10 years,” added Jaison John, senior director of A&R, Bravado International Group. “We couldn’t be happier for Craig and the gang at Raw Power, and are proud to call them partners. Looking forward to what the next 10 years bring!”
Alexi Cory-Smith, EVP at BMG UK, commented: "A great philosopher (Lemmy) once said: "You can never be too rich or too loud." Thank you, Raw Power, for making our lives louder."
Alan Day, promoter, Kilimanjaro, added: "Matt Ash was always a tidy freak when we shared a flat. Looks like these organisational skills have paid off, getting Bring Me The Horizon into arenas. Ha! Love working with the team at Raw Power, as it's so important to develop new rock bands. Proud to work with such a passionate team on the likes of Don Broco, Mallory Knox, Of Mice & Men, While She Sleeps and more."
You can read our 10 year anniversary special on Raw Power Management here.
