INTRODUCING STEVEN CARLESS

Photography: Brendan "Buffalo" Swift
Camera: Pentax Asahi KM
Film: Kodak 800

It’s a new chapter for the recorded music business. In its Global Music Report for 2019, the IFPI reported US$19.06bn global trade revenues for the recorded music industry in 2018. This is 9.7% growth compared to 2017 and reflects 34.0% increase in streaming revenues. With this in mind, there has never been a more important time for leadership - for us to identify and support those leaders who can help us build a more sustainable music business and navigate us through this new decade. 

On Wednesday November 20th, we held a dinner for the purpose of introducing Steven Carless to our Swan Feather community. 

Guests were treated to a menu by Oscar Humphreys, with inspiration drawn from the cooking of Steven’s grandmother - Evelyn. 

Curich Weiss’ Joe Gallo rolled up his sleeves and together with mixologist Cat Shepherd, served up delicious bespoke cocktails - a Milagro Cilantro Margarita and a Sailor Jerry Pineapple Mojito.

Brian DiMarco curated a wine pairing selection that included Finca Cayeta Cuvee 2017 and Not Reserva 2013 Tempranillo. Our favorite winemaker - Birk O’Halloran -  popped on over from the Napa Valley with a special delivery of his Heroine and Shapeshifter vintages.

Our evening was held at the South Street Seaport home of Wendy Laister - who is both a brilliant artist manager and collector of amazing artworks and artifacts.  

On the night, Rob Stevenson gave an eloquent introduction and then we were treated to a talk by Steven Carless. 

What did the night feel like? It felt like ... love really. Our guests huddled around and listened intently to Steven’s recount of 2019 and lessons learned from the passing of Nipsey Hussle. The room was a beautiful illustration of why gathering is so important - what it feels like when we come together as humans, change-makers, and champions for each other. 

Steven Carless is a creative operator, a passionate leader, a successful A&R executive, a husband, father of two, a son, an artist manager, a beloved friend and many many other things. His mind is expansive and he’s very funny - he is charisma and intelligence in a cup. 

He says: “No matter whether the context is the artist or a music executive, it’s the same journey - a journey to finding oneself.”

Thank you Steven - for sharing your stories with us on that magnificent Wednesday evening. For bringing us into your ideas on community, environment, your journey with Nipsey Hussle and Icepick Jay. For reaching out and offering us a bridge to remembering why we are here and how we can be of service. 

Special thanks to Nur Ozdamar for a stellar introduction.