Clair Crawford (GB)

Launched in Glasgow in 2013, Clair Crawford's Hot Gem is home to Colombian psychedelic future garage act OKRAA (“Excellent” - Resident Advisor), Glasgow electro-rock adventurers Machines in Heaven (“Stunningly ethereal” - Billboard), recent signing Monkoora (“Fascinating” - The Line Of Best Fit), and Norwegian analogue experimental act Perfume (“Seductive” – XLR8R). Original, diverse, and always experimental, her signings all have two things in common – phenomenal songwriting, and a keen ear for an infectious dancefloor hook. A regular at the world-famous Optimo parties, Clair spent years venturing between Glasgow's celebrated underground clubs and it's thriving gig circuit, looking for cross-currents. She launched her first artist management, label, and events company in 2009. Initially asked to manage a band by a friend of legendary 1980s New York no-wave band Liquid Liquid, she began representing producers, DJs and bands from Glasgow and beyond. Her signings have gone on to work with iconic producer Trevor Horn, and to score fashion campaigns for Mulberry, TV adverts, festival promos, features and short films. Working in Glasgow's vibrant arts community The Hidden Lane (alongside Huntleys & Palmers label boss Auntie Flo), Clair began managing and programming the Lane's yearly festival. In 2014, she ran a twelve day festival for Glasgow's Commonwealth Games, collaborating with a who's who of Glasgow promoters including The Electric Frog, Slam, Melting Pot and Rubadub Records. In the past two years she has worked on projects such as the Havana Glasgow film festival, and curated New Year's parties with Floating Points and other high-profile artists. In 2017, Clair has expanded into app development, and is heavily involved with sync projects, always exploring new strategies to increase revenue for the acts she works with, and to continue to expand her own musical horizons. She still lives to hear music which is compelling, unique, and different. Hot Gem's demo policy is simple: “No indie guitar bands.”