Craig Pearce

Written By MMF Online
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I am currently an Artist Manager for a diverse roster of New Zealand artists, including The Black Seeds, The Phoenix Foundation, Reb Fountain, and Moniker. Over the years, I’ve also helped develop artists like Lord Echo, Lawrence Arabia, Connan Mockasin, and Sola Rosa.

Additional to my role as Artist Manager, I also currently participate as:

  • Label & Royalties Manager for artist’s companies

    Live Booking Agent for various artists

  • Tour Manager for domestic and international tours

  • Act CEO, CFO, and COO for the artists’ companies

    Stage Manager at Homegrown

    Executive Committee Member at MMF

These varied roles have given me deep insights into both the creative and business sides of the industry. I’m passionate about supporting the long-term success of the artists I manage and ensuring their well-being in a constantly evolving music landscape

My career spans nearly 20 years, during which I’ve worked across multiple facets of the music industry. I’ve facilitated over 50 artist releases, acting as their label and coordinating global teams to manage royalties. I’ve also worked on live music, supporting artists at major festivals like Glastonbury, Splendour In The Grass, and Roskilde, and have toured across Europe, the US, Canada, the Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

Additionally, I’ve:

  • Served as a Board Member of Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ)

  • Provided high-level mentorship to emerging and established artists

  • Lectured at Massey University, contributing to the Degree in Music (Industry Major) programme

I’ve witnessed the industry evolve with digital streaming, touring challenges, and cultural shifts. I continue to adapt to ensure my artists succeed long-term.

Craig is a self confessed spreadsheet geek, he loves nothing more than budgeting, accounting and “finding” royalties.

Craig can mentor on (his words) 'anything they want to ask. I don't really hold anything back and if I don't know something I let them know'. 

However, his strong points are: 

  • Touring NZ/World - Logistical issues like Visas/Freight/Travel Tips/Production

  •  Finance - All aspects, including Royalties/Budgets/Accounting/IRD/Global Taxation/Importing/Exporting/Publishing

  • Promo/Marketing - Digital/Traditional

  • Festivals - How to secure festivals and be ready for offers/how to negotiate fees

  • Band Dynamics - The ins and outs of dealing with multiple personalities!

  • Recording/Production - The ins and outs of funding, recording, producing and releasing music

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