Upcoming Rhythm and Blues artists are concerned about management in the UK

Upcoming Rhythm and Blues (R&B) artists are concerned managers are stunting the development of R&B artists despite the current progression of R&B music in the UK.

Concerns regarding the exposure of R&B artists in the UK has been recognised by the Brit Awards as they have announced that R&B will be a stand-alone genre at the 2024 Brit Awards to ensure visibility for UK R&B artists.

Photo of Haydon Perrineau (Chainz) by Samuel Gentles

A highly driven upcoming R&B artist, Haydon Perrineau (Chainz), 22, said: “The labels are exciting artists and telling them to continue making the same sound, because the artists have achieved success with that sound. They are creaming the money out, oversaturating the market and leaving them there.”

He added: “A lot of people lose their creative direction when they become signed, most often they’re young and don’t understand the importance of a contract and being signed to a label.”

Chainz said despite his concerns he would be able to sign to the correct label if a good opportunity arose as he does not believe he can be manipulated into abandoning his creativity.

Photo of Alanya Renzullo by Samuel Gentles

Another independent R&B artist, Alanya Renzullo, 23, said she left her management as she was doing a lot of the management role side of work by herself.

Renzullo said: “I felt very behind in music, I felt like I was dropping down and not focusing on the right things such as releasing music and marketing myself more.”

She added: “If the management predominantly has more artists of a different genre on their roster and R&B is limited, there’s a big difference compared to management that has a roster of only R&B artists in how they use certain platforms and engagement strategies to promote R&B music.”

There remain some upcoming R&B artists that have remained in management and have seen positive effects on their exposure as an artist.

Photo of Latricia Lunkulu by Samuel Gentles

 Aspiring R&B artist Latricia Lunkulu, 22, recently signed with Just For the Arts (JFA) Music Group and said she has recognised progression in her R&B artistry.

She said: “Management has helped because I don’t have much knowledge of marketing, only the creative side. I can make the music, but I don’t know how to publicise it.

“We have a plan in place, the marketing side is under control. They are reaching out to blog pages by sending my EPK file, which contains things like my artist biography, fact sheets, images and press releases.”

 AUTHOR

SAMUEL GENTLES