Welcome to the next installment of BTM, a place where we get to shine a spotlight on some of the hard-working people “Behind The Music”; the artists managers, booking agents, publicists, indie label owners, music website editors and so on.
This week’s spotlight is shining on Rob Carroll of management, label & publicity agency Good Intent. Rob manages a few upcoming artists such as Bootleg Rascal, AKA Lui and Down For Tomorrow, and he’s also worked with a stack of other great talents across the agency’s label and publicity services – an agency that he kicked off all on his own!
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Tell us who you are, what you do, and who you represent?
My name is Rob Carroll and I’m a Sydney-based Manager and Publicist who runs artist services agency ‘Good Intent’. I currently manage Bootleg Rascal, AKA Lui and Down For Tomorrow. The agency’s current PR and Label Services clientele includes the likes of Bag Raiders, Gyroscope, Kim Churchill, RedHook, A.GIRL, Wolfjay, Astral People, BMG, Handsome Tours and Universal.
How did you get into this line of work?
I’ve been making music and playing in bands since I was in high school. I initially came from a punk-rock background and with its strong DIY ethos, it led me to be booking and running shows. Growing up on the Central Coast also forced my hand to be active, as there wasn’t really anyone else putting on events in the area. From there on, one thing led to another. I bought a recording / rehearsal studio, started booking venues, throwing parties, touring bands from the US… and all of a sudden it became a full time gig.
What are some of your biggest achievements?
Some recent ones – going back into business for myself a year ago (it takes balls to take that leap). Ever since I’ve had the ability to make my own calls again, everything has just been incredible. I have a clear vision of what I want to do and achieve, so being my own boss makes the most sense. Also, Bootleg Rascal selling out their first ever Australian tour on pre-sale, which was their first tour under our management.
Tell us one thing that you would love to see change or happen that you feel would help make the music industry a better place?
More people encouraging each other. I love seeing other people pick up wins and congratulating them on their achievements. It’s important to stick together and support one another – it’s a bloody tough job and often one of the most thankless. I love that I have really healthy relationships with a lot of my competitors. I often ask them for advice or contacts and I gladly do the same back for them. We also bounce work in between each other, which is also rad!
What is your favourite thing about the industry or what you do?
The wins! After working so hard, nothing feels better than getting a significant run on the board for your artist. I also love that I get to choose who I work with; everyone we work with truly are legends. The most exciting part of the industry for me is working with emerging artists and being an integral part of their development.
What is your least favourite thing about the industry or what you do?
Accounting lol. I rather spend as much time as possible on the creative side, but those numbers need to be crunched.
Where do you see the future of the industry heading?
Continually seeing more power sway back to the artist. My business partner Rick and myself are currently helping Bootleg Rascal setup their own record label, which is really exciting for them. I think it’s important to help artists think about long term career options and to leverage their current status into that.
What do you do to unwind outside of the industry/work?
I love lounging around being a complete sloth watching Netflix and the footy. I also like to keep active and have been going to the gym lately (for those who know me – weird huh!). I’m also partial to cooking, as I find it very therapeutic.
Connect with Good Intent:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram