10 Questions with ... Andrew Gertler

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Andrew Gertler is the founder of (AG) Artists. He is responsible for building the careers of multiple major label and independent artists, including chart topping singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group's Rockie Fresh, AG Ventures, a housing tech investment and film production company AG Films.

1. What inspired you to work with musicians?

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to work in entertainment. At first, I wanted to be a screenwriter or film director, but in high school I found myself putting together concerts and working at band's merch tables. From there I started managing artists, and throughout college interned wherever I could in music to get the proper experience, at management companies, an independent radio promoter, Atlantic Records, and eventually ended up with a job at Warner for some years before leaving to run my company full time.

2. How long have you been Shawn's manager?

I've been managing Shawn since early 2014. I actually came across a video of his online one day browsing YouTube, and his talent immediately struck me. At the time, I actually didn't even know about his big Vine following, it was more so just his pure talent that struck me and caused me to reach out immediately.

3. How did you two get connected?

I spent some time convincing him and his parents to come out to New York. Finally, about 2-3 weeks late, I was able to fly them out and took him into some meetings with labels, to record, and it all just spiraled from there.

4. Did you manage other artists before him?

Yes, after college I actually signed my first artist Rockie Fresh to Atlantic Records and Rick Ross. In addition to Shawn, I still manage Rockie.

5. You are the founder of AG Artists. Tell me about that company and why you created it?

I founded the company as somewhat a necessity when I started to manage artists. I've always had side projects and have always worked towards having my own operation, and as my artists grew I had to grow with them and build infrastructure around them. Especially with Shawn now, things are growing fast and with it I have to grow my operation as well.

6. Can you take us through your typical day being Shawn's manager?

It's hard to really break down a typical day as every day there is something new to tackle. I spend about three out of four weeks each month right now flying around or on the road with Shawn. And the other one week that I'm back home running around New York City taking meetings and going into the Island offices more times than I can count. Its fun and fast paced for sure. I wake up early in the morning and go to sleep pretty late. It's a pretty nonstop job. As a manager, your phone is always on and you're always on call. I literally sleep with my cell phone next to my head. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

7. What is your favorite song by Shawn?

Either "Never Be Alone" or "Stitches"... But there's actually one unreleased song he just played me the other day that quickly might become my favorite. I'll keep the name of that one a secret for now.

8. What do you think are the traits that a person must have in order to be an artist's manager?

You have to be highly organized and detail oriented. And you also have to be able to adjust to new circumstances well, and willing to take every day as a new challenge, as there is really no routine. As the manager, a person's livelihood and career are reliant on you being there for them. It's a demanding job, but a really rewarding one when things go well.

9. What do you think are the key ingredients to really being a successful pop artist today?

I think it's a really interesting time for pop music. There really is no cookie-cutter mold at this point, people more-and-more are able to break through to the mainstream just being themselves and I think Shawn is a great example of that. The pop audience right now are buying into great artists, who make great music, no gimmicks, so I'd say the one key ingredient is authenticity.

10. Who are some of your favorite bands?

I'd say my two favorites as of right now are James Bay and Ed Sheeran. But that seems to change by the month depending on what is new and what I'm in the mood to be listening to.