Veteran live music exec Glen Rowe has launched a new management company, KYOTO, along with a recording and rehearsal studio on a 22-acre farm just outside of London. London band King Nun and singer-songwriters Mercy and Sian Kelly are the first signings.

Rowe, who has spent his career touring with artists such as Muse, Manic Street Preachers, The Streets and The Thrills, aims to provide artists, especially guitar bands, a place to take time to develop. The full-service firm is designed to support all aspects of an artist’s early career and includes guidance with A&R, performance, design and digital, publishing and all areas of marketing. Its team consists of Project Manager Fleur Roberts-Hunt, Studio Engineer/A&R James Grant, Head of Touring and Legal Francoise Haralamb and Creative Director Eva Boursier.

Rowe, who launched the live venue charity NEKO after selling his touring company, CATO Music, in 2016, said, “We want to work with artists who know their sound and make you feel alive when they perform. We love acts like King Nun who buck trends, those are the ones we’re going to help to realize their massive, bold ambitions.

"The U.K. has always punched above its weight with big bands, and at KYOTO we plan to keep that tradition alive."

Other acts on the KYOTO roster include British visual artist Kazland, Dutch music photographer Hans Peter and Italian creative director Eva Boursier.