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Gary McIntosh - Interview
Straight from a promoters perspective...
1. Tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m Gary mcintosh, I’m a 32 year old father of 3 munchkins, and the owner of McIntosh Inc Promotions. I am running the majority of my events at The Talbot In Blackpool.
2. Do you have a day to day job aside from being a promoter?
By day, I am a support worker and I also help out on a social committee for Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company, which is Blackpool’s longest running amateur dramatics company and being a dad to my 3 beautiful children.
3. How did you first get into being a promoter?
I got into promotions back in 2009/2010 in Middlesbrough, working in a music shop running Saturday and Sunday afternoon gigs, which sadly ended in the middle of 2011, as the shop closed down
4. Do you promote just for the love of music or do you hope to gain financially from it?
Of course any financial gain is gratefully appreciated, but Mainly for the love of live music. I want to give bands a platform to play in new areas. The amount of bands that have been in touch with me about playing Blackpool is insane.
5. How do you build relationships with artists and labels?
Im a person that’s willing to help anyone on their journey. Everyone deserves a chance.
6. What is your experience with social media?
We try and put everything on social media-be it Facebook, instagram and even TikTok. We’ve found it is the easiest way to get the word out there and to reach as many people as possible. We have also ran a few competitions in order to engage and entice new people to join us.
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7. Provide an example of a time when you successfully promoted an artist/band and increased their exposure.
Back in 2012, I ran a festival called Feel The Steel, in Middlesbrough, aimed more for North East based bands. We had 15 bands/artists playing to an audience of around 250 people-the place was rammed! We also invited promoters from all over the country, like Birmingham and London! I think one of the bands even got signed!!
8. If an artist was having difficulty selling tickets for an event what would you do to help?
I would post about it in all our social media platforms and promote all the bands on the same gig and also word of mouth. I’d suggest early bird tickets and possibly run a competition in order to draw people in.
9. Which music genres do you enjoy working with the most?
Mainly rock and metal, however I’m an open book with genres-I’m happy working with almost anyone
10. What do you think is the most important aspect of your job as a promoter?
Building a relationship with the bands and making sure everyone has a good time.
11. Have you any plans to take on other venues other than the talbot?
Yeah I’m in a the process of securing another venue within Blackpool town centre-fingers crossed!! (What j this space)
12. In your life, what experiences have been most important to you that related to Music promoter?
Getting bands to where they wanna be, giving the exposure they deserve and helping them increase their fan bases.
13. What's been your greatest professional disappointment?
People not coming to gig and supporting live music-putting in a lot of effort for only 10 people to turn up-these artists and bands deserve to play to a big crowd! The atmosphere is so much different with a full venue.
14. What's been your greatest professional achievement?
Forming a business and some of the partnerships I have formed with other promotion companies.
15. How did you find working with the Heads Up North team earlier this month?
Amazing people, super friendly and very professional.
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