Red Light's Elyse Young

Managers do it all. Things they have a hand in include—but are not limited to—shopping for deals, advising on records, approving syncs, strategizing TV looks, scoping out tours and festivals, pondering brand extensions… we get exhausted just thinking about it. That’s why our next live special, due in October, will focus on these tireless champions of their clients’ needs, wants and whims.

In order to get to know the managers better, we asked them to fill out our farkakteh questionnaire. Because they really needed to add another task to the pile.

ELYSE YOUNG

Red Light Management

What was the first concert you ever attended?
I grew up in a small farm town, so it wasn’t until a few years after moving to New York City, post–high school, that I experienced live music. My first concert was Lady Gaga on her Monster Ball Tour at Madison Square Garden. I had never stepped foot in a music venue before, let alone one as iconic as MSG, so it set the bar high.

What’s the biggest change in a manager’s responsibilities since you started in the biz?
Social media and digital marketing are constantly changing. Attention spans are shrinking and content formats evolve by the week. To market effectively, you have to stay ahead of every trend, platform shift and algorithm update. Yes, you can hire specialists, but I believe it's crucial for managers to stay informed. No one understands your client and their audience better than you.

Name a manager not in your company whom you admire.
A nod to Louise Scruggs, one of the first women to step into the spotlight as a manager in the music industry during the 1950s. Can’t imagine the challenges she faced. Present day, I have to say everyone over at Metatone. They’re living the dream and are a great group of people.

Please describe your favorite all-time photo, memento or tchotchke from your job.
Sonya (LEVEL UP) and Jesse (Subtronics) adopted a sloth for me. It’s hands down the best gift I’ve ever received. His name is Mango. I haven’t had the chance to visit him yet in Costa Rica... but I hope you’re doing well, little buddy!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My dad always said “proper planning prevents poor performance,” and it stuck with me from a young age. I’m a planner through and through.

Name a mistake you’ve made in the biz, and what you learned from it.
Years ago, I accidentally attached a video of a friend eating corn on the cob to a business email, instead of the actual attachment, and it still keeps me up at night.