Dawson Morris
‘Manager Spotlight’ is a recurring feature on Rollo & Grady in which we speak with rising stars in the music management business. This week we caught up with Dawson Morris of DC mgmt based in Athens, Georgia. Dawson currently manages Dead Confederate.
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R&G: How did you get your start in the music business?
Dawson: Well, I was shot with a handgun at an Allman Brothers concert in Atlanta, GA in 1994, and I’ve been hooked on the drama ever since….While that is true, the real story is that being involved in the music business was something I wanted to do, and I was fortunate enough to know some guys who were really good at making music. I had always been into music – played violin for 11 or so years, promoted band parties in high school, sang and played in bands in and after college, and went to countless concerts – but the career I’m working on now I owe completely to the trust of the 5 guys I currently represent. They were succeeding at a rapid pace and I stepped in to offer help. Then, when things really escalated for them, and the rubber met the road, they trusted the decisions I was making and it’s just naturally grown from there.
R&G: What advice would you give to aspiring managers?
Dawson: Obviously, you should try to work with artists who are really talented and who are good people too. And don’t be impatient. Things happen really slowly in this business…everything has a process. It’s also good to listen to more experienced people who are willing to help you out.
R&G: If I had known then what I know now, I would….
Dawson: I would have taken steps to be involved in the business side of music at a much younger age…Really, what that means is I would’ve caught on that I wasn’t cut out for performing much sooner!
R&G: How important are social media sites like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and music blogs in promoting Dead Confederate?
Dawson: I think they’re very important. It was really strange this year at SXSW with Twitter. I was really just learning about it, and they told me that Dead Confederate was the most “Twittered” band one day. I was like, “What the hell does that mean!?” and then Dave Allen from Gang of Four told me it was a good thing, so I went along with him on that one.
R&G: Most interesting or humorous situation you’ve dealt with as a manager?
Dawson: Irish mob. Nuff said.
R&G: Blackberry or iPhone?
Dawson: I’m way too cutting edge for either.
Dead Confederate – The Rat
Dead Confederate – Is It A Rose (Live on MOKB radio)
Download:
Dead Confederate – Wrecking Ball (iTunes)
