Cat's Mother of the Month - Laura Lukanz

Laura Lukanz, Head of Music at First Access Entertainment - AKA the powerhouse behind so many successful artists, producers and writers and our #catsmotherofthemonth.

A DJ and true lover of music, Laura wanted to delve deeper into the creative process of record-making and play an integral role in artist development - and boy, has she been doing JUST that. While we anticipate the release of our favourite artist’s/producer’s single or album, Laura and her team work tirelessly to ensure everything is in order for us to enjoy.

What was your route into the music industry?

Music was always a massive part of my life growing up, but it really began in my early teens when I started DJ’ing on pirate radio in my hometown of Manchester. My journey hasn’t been traditional; I left school at 15 with no formal qualifications and didn’t have many options, so I joined a government youth training scheme. It paid me just enough to be able to fund my record buying! I remember one day going to visit a friend who was at college and finding out that I could study music without any specific entry requirements. I enrolled at night school literally the next day and studied music technology and sound recording; it was a group of 15 guys in the class and me! I learnt about mic’ing up drum kits, mixing down records and tried to master Cubase! That then led me to music and marketing. I worked full time for a few years, studied in the evenings, and DJ’d on radio and in clubs at the weekend. All the juggling and hard work paid off when I landed my dream job, joining the launch team for the BBC’s first national black music radio station, BBC 1Xtra. I started as the Music Assistant and worked my way up to Head of Music. I led the music team, developing and implementing the music strategy for the network for over ten years.

What was it that drew you to talent development?

After working in radio from a young age, I wanted to get a step closer to the creative process of record making and have the opportunity to play an integral role in artist development. My time on pirate radio and at the BBC was my foundation. I always enjoyed going to studios, meeting writers, producers, and artists, and hearing music in its early stages. I was extremely fortunate to work with an incredible set of Producers when I joined FAE - The Invisible Men. I then managed and signed several more Producers, Writers, and Artists. My happiest times are still when I get the opportunity to be in a studio bouncing ideas, finding references samples, and listening to new songs. The DJ in me has never left!

What does an average day look like for you at First Access Entertainment?

Not one day has ever been the same. I work across three divisions; Management, Label, and Publishing so that entails pretty much every part of the business, from scouting, signing talent, making records to helping bring creative visions to life. I work with the team to produce compelling campaigns and secure exciting opportunities and partnerships. I spend a significant amount of time communicating with my team and artists, asking lots of questions and goal setting. I attend internal and external label planning meetings to discuss single and album campaigns, there are also lots of calls with artists and directors ahead of brand campaigns or video shoots. Sometimes I’m in the granular detail discussing a contract, or approving mixes and artwork. Aside from the creative, my time is spent forward planning, managing the team, and budgets.

Tell us about some of your proudest career achievements to date?

Being part of the team that launched BBC 1Xtra, it was momentous, the first UK black music national radio station at the BBC! Then becoming the head of music for the network. I held that role for over 10 years, helping to drive 1M plus diverse young audiences to the network through the music strategy and on-air talent. I created many firsts and championed lots of talent over the years; artists, producers, broadcasters, and young execs. Another highlight for me was devising and leading a significant social action project - U Takeover, which aimed to inspire 21 young people from across the UK classed as NEET (not in employment, education, or training) to get back on track and develop a new skill set through a three-month radio training programme. On completion of their training, the young people took over the airwaves of BBC 1Xtra, programming the music, presenting shows, interviewing guests and driving the radio desks; it was a great success and personally hugely rewarding. Gaining my Masters was also a proud moment, it’s something I never imagined I would achieve.

Are there any obstacles/challenges that come up quite a lot and if so, how do you get around them?

Yes, daily. In management you are constantly fire-fighting and problem solving! Whether you are representing an artist, writer or producer it feels like your always pulling up your sleeves and wading in! You become very protective of your talent so sometimes it can feel like it’s you and them against the world! There is always a way to find a solution, you go through, around, above, but you have to keep the faith! Passion and resilience are key characteristics required. A great artist, a great song, and great people, that’s why I get up every day and go hard again!