Independent booking agency Runway expands by hiring Louise McGovern 23 May 2024
- Formerly at Midnight Mango, Louise's roster includes Alien Chicks, KEG, Jaws The Shark, Dutch Criminal Record and Jade Helliwell
- Runway also announces a promotion for Amy Grieg (The Wytches, Babymarocco, Flat Party, King Nun and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard)
- The agency now represents over 120 artists
Runway is delighted to announce that Louise McGovern has joined our fast-expanding team.
Formerly a senior agent at Midnight Mango, Louise will bring with her an exciting roster of acts, including Alien Chicks, KEG, Jaws The Shark, Dutch Criminal Record and Jade Helliwell. In addition to being part of the LIVE Workforce and Future Forums Council, Louise was recently recognised at the 2023 Women in Live Music Awards.
Founded in 2020 during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic by Matt Hanner and Steve Backman, Runway is now firmly established as one of the UK's fastest-growing independent booking agencies, focussed on long-term artist development and committed to a more diverse and inclusive music business.
With the addition of Louise's roster, Runway now represents more than 120 artists, including A Certain Ratio, Algiers, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Blackbelt Eagle Scout, Gabriella Cilmi, Helmet, Jamie Lawson, Liela Moss, Nerina Pallot, Public Image Lrd, Rhoda Dakar, Sonique, Speedy Ortiz, Tanita Tikaram and The Boo Radleys.
Matt Hanner, Co-Founder, Runway:
"We're incredibly excited to have the opportunity to add Louise to our team. She has a real passion for her artists, works incredibly hard for her roster and is evidently a hugely talented agent. Going forward, we're looking forward to helping Louise continue to grow into the role, as well as having her contribute to Runway's broader plans around diversity and inclusion."
Louise McGovern, Runway:
"I'm thrilled to join the family at Runway. They invest a lot into grassroots artists and venues, have a people-first approach, and understand that equality, diversity and inclusion are important concepts. Fundamentally, I see my roster and my future roster fitting in well here. I've only just started, but I already feel very supported and excited for my next chapter."
Runway can also reveal today that Amy Grieg has been promoted to a full-time position, where her roster includes The Wytches, Babymarocco, Flat Party, King Nun and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard. Amy has worked with the company since 2021, while completing a degree in Arts Management at Goldsmiths University.
This development comes alongside an expansion of our footprint into Ireland and Northern Ireland with the hiring of Belfast-based Emer Marcus. A graduate of the Oh Yeah Music Centre's 'Scratch My Progress' Artist Development Programme, Emer has previously worked for organisations including Shine Promotions and Belsonic, and has experience in artist liaison, merchandising, ticketing, social media production, artist development, promotion and marketing.
Steve Backman, Co-Founder, Runway:
"Since she first got involved with Runway, Amy has been a breath of fresh air for our team. It's a real honour to give her her first full time role in the industry, and shows how small companies like ours can still create opportunities for young professionals.
"I'm really proud that Runway's freelance model is able to do this, and, to that end we're also thrilled to have Emer join our ranks. Emer has already proved her ambition and drive, and is already feeding into our new music scouting with Irish artists. We're really excited about what she and the rest of the team will achieve in the next year."
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THE HEADLINES
Music Venue Trust annual report highlights ongoing issues, and optimism (see News)
Do Spotify’s AI Playlists change how algorithmic discovery actually works? (see Features)
A&R 2026: We lost "R" (see Opinion)
Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)
Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)
Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)
Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)
Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)
Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)
Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)
Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)
Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)
Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)
