Welcome to our Member Spotlight series, where we proudly showcase the businesses and individuals making a difference in our Strive community and beyond. Today we have the pleasure of highlighting Anna Lisle, artist manager with Alternate Side, a boutique artist and music managegement company based in New York, with branch operations in Strive Denver LoHi. Join us to learn more about how and why Anna started her business, what she’s learned along the way, and what she finds most rewarding about her work!
Tell us a little about Alternate Side
Alternate Side is an artist management company that manages artists across the globe. We have an array of artists across many genres including indie rock, punk rock, emo rock, pop and punk.
What led you to start Alternate Side?
I did not start my company, but here is a statment on how I became a manager:] I started my work in the music industry working in the booking world, assisting agents with contracts and routing coordination for artist’s tours. I craved more hands-on work, so spent a few years working at Red Rocks running their social media pages + touring with bands in various tour crew roles. Eventually, I landed in artist management and haven’t looked back since! I love getting to bring a project to life from start to finish and witness how the release of an album, launch of a tour, etc., affects fans in their day to day lives.
What sets your business apart from your competitors?
We create personalized marketing and promotional strategies for each and every artist we manage. We support all of our artists wishes whether they choose to sign with a major label, indie label, distributor or remain independent and we have the resources to support our independent artists.
What is something you wish you’d known when you were just starting your business?
I wish I had been less afraid to ask questions. Everyone in this industry learns as we go. Very few folks in this industry went to school for music or entertainment.
What is one unexpected way your business has changed so far in your journey?
The ever-changing digital landscape has drastically changed our business over the past 10 years. An increasing number of DSPs (spotify, apple music, tidal) and decreasing percentage of digital royalties has had a substantial impact on how our artist’s release music. We will see how AI will continue to impact our artists as well.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love being at a show and seeing a fan scream the lyrics to a song I helped release while wearing a t-shirt from the merch line I helped coordinate. It is extremely gratifying to see the joy we are able to help bring folks through music.
What is something you have learned about yourself/the industry since starting your business?
I have learned to prioritize mental health – whether it is my own, my artist’s, my teammember’s, etc. This industry comes with many late night work hours, weekends on the road and unexpected plot twists. We can’t do our jobs well without caring for our own health along the way.
How has being a part of the Strive Denver LoHI community affected you and your business?
My company has taught me so much about being a successful manager. They empower our independence while simultaneously providing resources, brainstorming sessions and support for the full roster. My bosses and coworkers have empowered me to be the best manager I can be to my artists. I am able to support my artists as well as I can because of how they support me, and I’ve seen the direct impact this has on my artists and their own growth and success.
If you could have a conversation over coffee with yourself from 5 years ago, what would you say to him/her?
I would tell myself to not give up! This industry has many ups and downs and unexpected forks in the road. I would tell myself to continue to trust my gut, surround myself with wise and ethically sound mentors and partners and that the long hours will prove fruitful.
If you had a friend in town, and you could take them to one of your favorite restaurants or spots in your community, where would you take them?
I would take them to brunch at Stowaway, up to Golden for a stroll along the river and coffee from Cafe 13, then to Red Rocks to watch the magic of whichever world-class artist is loading in for that night’s show, back down to Denver for dinner and cocktails at Kawa Ni and then to the Mission Ballroom for a concert at my favorite local venue.
To get in touch with Anna, follow her on Instagram: @a_lizzzle
We want to thank Anna for her willingness to participate in our Member Spotlight series and to share about her journey. If you are interested in spotlighting your business with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your community manager; we’re here to help elevate your business in any way we can!
