1) Hello, Angela! You've managed Arch Enemy for 2 years, since your departure of the band. It was quite surprising at the time, as there seemed to be a great chemistry between you and the rest of the band. Could you please explain us what led you to do this? Were you tired of Arch Enemy? Or were you disappointed by the former manager?
I actually took over management for Arch Enemy in 2008 already, so thats a total of 8+ years now. Back then we split with our old manager from Sanctuary Mgmt as we figured out he was making all the money and we didnt. There was mismanagement with touring as well, resulting in great debts the band owed to the management company and bank. It was time to turn things around, before dying an untimely death due to poverty.
2) There's a huge difference between singing in a band and managing it. Were you trained or was it only on-the-job training?
I have proper education and training in management and economies. I used to be head of marketing for a large e-commerce company before I joined Arch Enemy.
3) Could you please explain us your daily tasks? What does your job consist of?
I connect the dots. Finances, budgets, pre-production, tour booking, schedules, album recordings, promotion – I oversee and coordinate everything that needs to be organized, executed and paid for. My most important task is to meet deadlines, make sure tours aren’t getting cancelled and everybody gets paid in the end, most importantly - including the band.
4) The fact of having been part of Arch Enemy for 13 years must have helped you a lot, right? You know exactly what the band expects...
I know exactly the challenges and chores this lifestyle, passion and business puts on people. If chaos, health problems and financial problems become too much, it kills the artist. My job is to juggle it all and protect my band.
5) Times are hard for bands and artists trying to make a living. Do you see this model of management being followed by more artists in a near future?
Most artists have no clue about the business side of things. That is why they are struggling so hard, they always have to rely on other people, they trust too much and know too little. My advice – get some sort of basic education how to run a company. Because that is what you are doing in the end of the day. You are running a business entity with litttle money to begin with. A Start Up basically. Dont have it ruined by getting into all kinds of financial and legal trouble.
6) Finally, you're faithful to your convictions with this “do it yourself” attitude...
Yes, of course. Knowledge is power. You can not trust anybody but yourself.
7) Now back to Arch Enemy. Could you please tell us how you came to choose Alissa White-Gluz to replace you?
We have been friends for some time, I noticed how talented and disciplined she is. She is the perfect fit for Arch Enemy.
7) Given the huge artistic and commercial success of « War Eternal » we can say you've made the good choice. More than a great manager, you seem to be a terrific A&R too...
I know business and I know musical talent. I am well educated when it comes to the world of heavy metal. I know who is out there, I know what everybody is doing, I got my ear firmly glued to underground as well as it is open to the mainstream. I have been active and in bands since 1991. Thats 25 years of experience and ‚living it’. I guess I would do well working in all kinds of music business entities, but thats not my side of the ship to sail on. I am the band, I actually put the band first, then me second, because at heart, I am still the artist who knows how fucking shitty it feels to be used, lied to and taken advantage of.
8) It seems like 2017 is going to be a very busy year for Arch Enemy and Alissa, with a new DVD for the first and a solo project for the latter. Since you manage both of them, you're going to plenty of work too...
I am excited about 2017. It is def not going to be boring. New Arch Enemy DVD, new AE album, new headline tours, ALISSA will shine as well, Jeff Loomis will release a solo album.. Being busy is a great thing ☺
9) What's the future of Angela Gossow? You told me the other day that you might resurface one day...
Yes, I want to do a new extreme metal project, but that will happen when everything Arch Enemy and Alissa is sorted and sailing in calmer waters.. I assume I will have that time in 2018, when we have mastered the first wave of headline tours et all. I will do it when the time is right.
Thanks a lot for your time, Angela! Hope to hear from you very soon!
found on:
https://www.facebook.com/angelagossowofficial/posts/1556308457731690
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