music industry execs

Award-Winning Presenter Abbie McCarthy on Good Karma Club and Building a Career in Music Media

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Award-winning presenter, DJ and tastemaker Abbie McCarthy sits at the centre of the UK’s new-music ecosystem, with a career built on trust, curiosity and long-term artist development rather than hype. Best known for her work on BBC Introducing, McCarthy has been instrumental in discovering and championing emerging talent, earning a reputation as a reliable first listen for artists on the cusp of wider recognition.

Her impact has been recognised across the industry, including induction into the Roll of Honour at Music Week Women In Music Awards and a Silver ARIA for Best Music Presenter.

Alongside radio, McCarthy has become a familiar face on some of the UK’s biggest stages, making history as the first woman to host the main stage at Reading Festival and fronting coverage from Glastonbury, Abbey Road Studios and major red-carpet events. A sharp, instinctive interviewer, she brings the same depth to The Eras Podcast, where she explores the creative turning points that shape artists’ careers, with guests ranging from rising stars to established international acts.

McCarthy is also the founder of Good Karma Club, a critically respected live platform now celebrating its tenth year, known for championing artists early and pushing back against pay-to-play culture.

Beyond music, her work extends into sport and culture through presenting roles with BBC Sport, Chelsea TV and major live events, reflecting a broader approach to broadcasting rooted in personality, credibility and genuine connection. In this Q&A, McCarthy reflects on how it all began—and the values that continue to shape how she works today.

How did you first get your start in music and radio, and what helped you find your path early on?

My very first show was on student radio while I was at Warwick Uni. Presenting immediately made sense - I’m obsessed with new music, I’m a big talker and I love getting to know people. Realising I could combine all of that into one job lit a proper fire in my belly and I started applying for work experience at the BBC and volunteering at both community and hospital radio.

I got to intern at BBC Radio 6 Music for a month and loved it so much - I helped with show notes, I got to see Haim play in the Live Room and be in the studio observing some of the absolute best in the business. My cups of tea must have been top tier because when my placement came to an end, I was offered the opportunity to work as a freelance Assistant Producer across the network. Quite soon after that I was on air presenting music news and covering my local BBC Introducing show too. 

What does a typical day in your life look like?

No two days are ever the same, which is honestly one of my favourite things. There’s usually lots of listening to new music, then there’s deep research for upcoming guests on my music interview series The Eras Podcast, curating lineups for my gig night Good Karma Club, calls / meetings, going to gigs, DJ sets and of course, some real life & silliness with friends and family in between. 

BTS photos - Mercury Prize interview - Cat Burns

What’s one lesson you learned early in your career that still shapes how you work today?

I was lucky enough to work with some of my favourite broadcasters as a producer before fully pursuing presenting myself, and they showed me two things that have really stuck - the importance of being a genuinely nice person and to always be authentic.

We’re in an era now where people are constantly looking for shortcuts, quick wins and overnight virality, but as hard as it can be, be patient! You’re learning so much along the way and when that dream opportunity arrives you’ll be more than ready for it and true authenticity always wins out. 

When you’re choosing which new artists to support, what makes you stop and pay attention?

Artistry. I want to feel something - whether that’s vulnerability, escapism or joy. It’s less about polish and way more about personality and intent. If it feels like an artist really knows who they are, I’m listening. A strong song will always cut through, but great artistry, world building and true fan connection is what keeps me invested. 

What inspired you to start Good Karma Club, and what have you learned about spotting potential in new artists?

Experiencing live music is one of the best things ever and I wanted to find a way to further support the new artists I was playing on the radio. When I was breaking into the industry, there were so many nights in London where artists had to pay to play, which is so wrong! I wanted to create opportunities open to everyone. 

Intimate shows are where real artists shine. They’re not hiding on a massive stage with epic production but showing up and riding the feeling that this could be the start of something. Honing their craft, building that confidence and road testing their music. 

The nights where you spot real potential and songs connecting in real time are such a rush, wish you could bottle up that feeling! I remember Olivia Dean playing at Colours in Hoxton for us and performing ‘OK, Love You Bye’ live for the first time and everyone in the crowd just looking at each other like ‘wow’.  

This year we’re celebrating 10 years of Good Karma Club! I’m SO proud of the night and the community that we’ve built & am excited to see where it goes next… 

Tips for anyone who wants to get into your industry… 

Don’t wait for permission, start! If you want to be a presenter, launch your own online radio show or youtube channel and learn as you go. If you want to be an artist, start recording videos of you playing your songs at home. Don’t wait around for someone to give you an opportunity when you can create those first sparks yourself. 

Honestly, shoot your shot babes! Everyone remembers what it’s like to be at the very beginning, and more often than not people are happy to reply to your message, share advice and help where they can. 

The most important one - never be anything other than yourself. Trends change, platforms come and go, the industry is always chasing the next thing, but if you lead with authenticity and integrity, you’ll always win. The moment you try to mould yourself into what you think people want, you lose the thing that makes you unique. 

3 things that you can’t live without in your bag. 

Headphones (obvs)

A notebook - so my ADHD brain never forgets an idea ! 

A lil snack - must keep the hanger at bay… 

Abbie McCarthy on Instagram

Good Karma Club | LinkedIn

Amanda Barker, Day-to-Day Manager for Becky Hill, on Building Global Tours and Life Behind the Scenes

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Amanda Barker is a tour and operations manager with over a decade of experience working with some of the biggest names in music. She began at Ibiza Rocks Group, where she was Chief Artist Liaison before becoming Operations Manager, overseeing shows for artists like Ed Sheeran, Biffy Clyro, and David Guetta.

From there, she moved into touring full-time, taking on roles such as Tour Manager for Alison Wonderland, Production Assistant on Bastille’s Wild Wild World tour, and Tour Coordinator for Harry Styles’ Treat People With Kindness tour.

She currently works as the Day-to-Day and A-Party Tour Manager for Becky Hill, where she manages tour logistics, artist schedules, marketing timelines, and on-site support.

Amanda has also worked with Il Divo, Jess Glynne, Jason Derulo, Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding, Noah & the Whale, Peter Andre, and The Specials. Known for her sharp logistical skills and calm approach under pressure, she’s become a trusted presence in live music operations.

How did you get your start in music?

When I was 22, I was living in Mallorca and heard that Ibiza Rocks Group were opening a hotel there. They were looking for an Artist Liaison to look after their booked talent. I didn’t even know what that role really meant at the time, but I knew I loved working with people and I had a driver’s license, so I went for it, and got the job! After a couple of years, I was promoted to Production Manager, which meant I was pretty much running the entire event. That role introduced me to loads of Tour and Production Managers, and those connections eventually led me to life on the road.

Describe a day in your life as tour manager.

These days, my role has evolved more into day-to-day management, but I still take on a tour management role for Becky, specifically looking after her and the artist party, while our lead Tour Manager, Emily Holt, oversees the wider tour operation.

A typical day on the road starts early. If we’re not heading to an airport, Becky and I usually try to fit in some exercise, a run or a gym session, depending on where we are. From there, I’m making sure everyone’s where they need to be, that Becky’s got everything she needs, and that the day runs smoothly from soundcheck to showtime. I’m the main point of contact for the artist side of things, so I’m juggling logistics, energy, and wellbeing all at once.

No two days are ever the same, but that’s what keeps it exciting. It can be full-on, but it’s such a privilege to be part of making live shows happen from behind the scenes.

Outside of touring, as a day-to-day manager, I’m across everything from scheduling and travel to brand partnerships, releases, and long-term planning. It’s about making sure every piece of the puzzle fits together so the artist can focus on the creative. It’s definitely a juggling act, but I love being that steady presence behind the scenes.

Amanda Barker & Becky Hill

What’s the most exciting part of managing Becky Hill’s live operation right now — any moments or milestones you're especially proud of?

When I first started Tour Managing Becky in 2019, it was just the two of us, a DJ, and two backing vocalists, traveling around in a splitter van. To think about how far we've come since then is honestly surreal.

We've played Glastonbury, toured Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S., and recently sold out a UK arena tour with a team of 70 people, it’s been such an exciting ride. Every milestone feels like a huge achievement, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth, not just in the live shows but in the entire operation.

Off the stage, Becky’s had two top 10 albums, countless hit records, and won two BRIT Awards, which really shows how impactful the management side has been too. The rewards of being part of her team go far beyond the live shows, it’s about seeing her artistry and success flourish across the board. The most exciting part is watching how both sides of her career, live performance and music, continue to intersect and elevate each other.

And of course, building a solid, dynamic team that supports all of that along the way is something I’m especially proud of.

What’s one lesson from your early days in the industry that still shapes how you run a tour today?

One of the biggest lessons I learned early on is the importance of flexibility and staying calm under pressure. When I started in the industry, I didn’t have the big team or the resources we have now, so it was all about making do with what we had and being resourceful. Things rarely go according to plan on the road, and learning to adapt quickly while keeping a level head was crucial.

Now, I approach every tour with the mindset that no matter how well you plan, something unexpected will come up. It’s about finding solutions fast, keeping the vibe positive, and remembering that at the end of the day, it’s all about the music and the experience for the fans. That lesson of staying adaptable, keeping calm in chaotic moments, and managing the energy of the team is something that’s shaped how I run tours today.

You’ve gone from artist liaison to managing major global tours — what’s the key to building trust with artists and their teams? 

Building trust with artists and their teams is all about consistency, clear communication, and respect. When I first started in the industry, I quickly learned that you can’t just be the "person in charge" you need to build relationships based on understanding and reliability.

Artists are incredibly busy and often under a lot of pressure, so knowing they can trust me to handle things behind the scenes allows them to focus on their craft. It’s not just about managing logistics, it’s about understanding their needs, personalities, and creative processes. Being a steady presence who is proactive and responsive, especially in high-stress moments, helps build that trust.

Over time, as I’ve worked on bigger tours and with more complex teams, I've found that it's also key to be a good listener and to foster a positive, supportive atmosphere. People perform better when they feel understood, valued, and supported - whether it’s the artist or the crew. Trust grows when everyone feels like they’re part of a team working towards the same goal.

What advice would you give to women who want to break into tour management or live production?

My advice would be to jump in and gain as much hands-on experience as possible, don’t be afraid to start from the ground up and work your way up.

The live production world can be daunting, but the best way to prove yourself is by being reliable, proactive, and willing to learn at every level. Whether it's working as a production assistant or volunteering at shows, those early experiences will give you the foundation to understand what’s involved in running a tour.

Equally important is building confidence in your own abilities. The industry can sometimes feel like a male-dominated space, but the skills we bring to the table; attention to detail, multitasking, communication and the rest, are unrivalled and completely invaluable.

Don’t second-guess yourself, and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Lean on people, finding a mentor or a supportive community of women in the industry can be a game-changer. There are so many opportunities out there, and having women who support each other makes the journey a lot more rewarding.

Lastly, stay passionate and persistent. The road isn’t always easy, but the sense of accomplishment you get at the end of the day, standing back, watching an audience light up and knowing you’ve helped bring that show to life, is something else. 

What’s one item you never go on tour without?

Definitely my noise-canceling headphones. Whether it’s on the plane, on a tour bus, taking a call or just trying to block out the chaos , they’re my lifeline. Touring can get hectic, so having that little bit of peace and quiet is essential for staying grounded. Plus, they help me zone into music or whichever meditation i’m listening to, which is always a great way to reset during the madness.

After a long run on the road, what’s your go-to ritual to reset and recharge?

After a long stretch on the road, my ideal ritual is to head out to the countryside with my partner. There’s something incredibly refreshing about being surrounded by nature, away from the chaos. It’s super easy to get caught up in the intensity of tour-life so I find it’s the perfect way to reconnect, reset, and put things into perspective a little bit. It’s only ‘rock n roll’ after all. 

Sleep is definitely a priority too, I catch up on rest and let my body fully recharge. I also focus on getting back into a routine, whether it’s a good workout or just cooking at home. It’s all about finding that balance and grounding myself after the intensity of life on the road.

Olivia Shalhoup: From Assistant to CEO, Helping Artists to Grow

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As an early believer in the power of social media for artists, Olivia Shalhoup is the Founder and CEO of Amethyst Collab, one of the music industry's most cutting edge social media marketing agencies. There, she has led digital marketing and PR campaigns for chart-topping artists such as Ashanti, Trippie Redd, DaniLeigh, and more, as well as working alongside label clients Interscope, Universal Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, Warner Music, Sony Music, 300 Ent, and others.

Going from assistant to renowned CEO in just 2 years, Olivia began her journey in music as a concerts assistant at ICM Partners in Los Angeles. After experiencing the corporate world of music, Olivia decided to create a company that challenged the norms of how business and rising through the ranks of the music industry occurred. Since, Olivia has been an outspoken advocate of entrepreneurship in the music industry, especially for young women.

How did you get your start in music?

I began interning at Carpark Records in Washington DC. I cold emailed the founder and offered to intern, met them for an interview, and a few weeks later I was part of the team. I really enjoyed working with Carpark, it definitely sparked my love of the music industry and my appreciation for independent record labels. 

Describe a day in your life as the founder of Amethyst Collab.

A lot of computer time! Ha. It’s a lot less fancy shoot days and a lot more time spent emailing, editing, and scouring the internet. The less glamorous side is what leads to results though. 

Not every artist has a big budget for marketing. What are some of the most effective ways independent artists can grow their audience online without a big budget?

Social media is the best resource we have - and it just so happens to be free! Consistency will get you far. 

What advice would you give to young professionals who want to start their own business in music?

Make sure you’re as excited and prepared for the business side of things as you are for the music side.

There will be days when you’ll have to chase down payments from big record labels while fronting your employees the money out of your own pocket. There are countless uncomfortable conversations that you’ll need to have on a daily basis.

Entrepreneurship is highly glamorized without acknowledging all the hardships we face. If you’re doing this because you don’t want a 9-5, you’re going to hate a 24/7. 

A lot of artists blow up on TikTok but struggle to turn that into long-term success. What do you think makes the difference between a viral moment and a sustainable music career?

The ability to create great music, first and foremost. Your marketing can only take you as far as your music goes. 

Running a company in such a fast-moving industry must come with a lot of challenges. What’s been the hardest part of growing Amethyst Collab?

That’s hard to say, because I truly enjoy every aspect of running Amethyst Collab. Probably attempting to have a personal life balance, lol. 

Tips for anyone who wants to get into your industry

Be overly passionate! Be a little crazy! Use too many exclamation points! Pitch that big idea! 

3 things you can’t live without in your bag 

  1. Ami Cole lip gloss

  2. A portable phone battery, as every social media professional knows 

  3. Sunglasses that double as prescription glasses, cause sometimes a girl’s gotta see  

What are you listening to right now?

Bad Bunny’s DTmF album on repeat, my favorite songs right now are WELTiTA and VeLDÁ but they tend to change every week. 

Connect with Olivia Shalhoup on Instagram | Amethyst Collab