Rising Star is our monthly column in which we meet the industry’s brightest new talents. Here, we chat to Jamie Slaughter, sales manager, Breed Media
INTERVIEW: Charlotte Krol
What drew you to working in record sales at Breed, and how did you get started?
“I’ve always enjoyed connecting people and creating conversations that bring the right individuals together. Music has been that ‘connector’. Growing up in a music-obsessed family, along with a stint as an artist, shaped my life long before it crossed into my professional world. When the Breed Media job came up, it felt like an extension of what I really cared about.”
Looking back, what would have made a big difference to your career early on?
“I’d have saved myself a lot of stress by accepting earlier that not every deal, relationship or conversation is meant to land. In such a people-driven industry, chemistry matters just as much as competence. You can be prepared, genuine and good at what you do and still not be the right fit for someone. The industry moves fast, and the relationships that truly matter are the ones built on mutual respect and momentum.”
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
“The way it’s undervalued on a national scale. Music breeds culture and community, and has a huge economic impact, yet the investment rarely reflects the gravity of the role it plays. The system also doesn’t give enough support to the people driving it: the independents. They’re the ones who nurture new talent, keep the scene innovative, take more risks. If we want future generations to inherit an industry that’s creative rather than cautious, we need to recognise music as essential – not optional.”
Do you have any mentors at Breed?
“I’m fortunate to have a team around me with 30+ years’ experience across sales, repro, production, marketing and more. It’s rare to be surrounded by that level of expertise in one place, and it’s shaped how quickly I’ve been able to grow. I’m also lucky to work in a company with mostly women in key leadership roles. The environment they’ve created is one where confidence is encouraged. That’s made me more grounded, self-assured and clearer about the type of leader I want to become.”
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
“Helping people navigate the realities of physical manufacturing in an industry that’s used to digital speed is the biggest challenge. Everyone wants something unique, high-quality and delivered in time for a campaign window, but creating physical products involves timelines, materials and processes that don’t magically adjust themselves overnight. My role is often about bringing clarity [to those constraints], setting realistic expectations, discussing options and ensuring the final product reflects the care put into the music. When it goes well – and it usually does – it’s incredibly rewarding.”
It’s early days for you at Breed – what are you liking so far?
“Seeing it get the recognition it genuinely deserves. It’s a silent powerhouse in this industry, helping careers grow from the ground up and giving indie creatives access to tools and expertise they often don’t realise they can tap into.”
