Countdown to the Arthurs 2019: Natasha Bent

He might look as if he’s been around the block a few times, but 2019 marks Arthur’s 25th birthday, so to celebrate his landmark silver anniversary, we contacted some past winners of the coveted statuette, awarded annually at the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London.

As well as learning what the arrival of Arthur meant to their professional lives (and where he resides in their homes and offices), we asked our alumni to share their hopes and dreams for the future; their most memorable ILMC and Gala Dinner moments; and what new Arthur category they might like to see in our annual awards show.

Following yesterday’s contribution by tour manager Andy Franks, it’s the turn of Coda’s Natasha Bent – who won agent of the year (aka the Second Least Offensive Agent) last year, after being named Tomorrow’s New Boss at ILMC 22 in 2010…

Winning the Second Least Offensive Agent award meant the world. It’s a vote, support and recognition from your peers and I will never take it for granted. Being a mother, I feel a responsibility to lead and show what’s possible.

I keep Arthur in my home office. Being a mum of two, I have a great set-up at home, as well as at Coda.

My most memorable moment from the Gala Dinner and Arthur Awards over the years was winning Tomorrow’s New Boss and the celebrations that happened after…

I would say my biggest achievement and memory from ILMC is hosting the gender panel – an issue incredibly important and close to my heart. Those that were on the panel I hold in high regard and I was so pleased with how it went. The women that spoke to me after the session, thanking me for hosting the panel and explaining the effect it had on them, shows just how powerful it was.

“I’m hoping for … there to be actual positive change within companies and at live events. It’s our problem to solve”

If there were to be a new Arthur category, it should be a personal one… something that credits respect, relationships, ethics and making positive change to the industry.

I’m excited by the future. I think it will bring faster changes to the industry across records, streaming, technology, live experiences and so forth. ILMC needs to keep being at the forefront of this. I’m hoping for equality to continue to be an open and important discussion and for there to be actual positive change within companies and at live events. It’s our problem to solve.

My greatest hope for the future would be equality, kindness, respect, good mentoring, fairness, giving back and incredible shows!

Other previous Second Least Offensive Agent award winners include Steve Strange, John Giddings, Geoff Meall, Rob Challice, Emma Banks, Steve Zapp, Mike Greek, Barry Dickins, Dave Chumbley, Ian Huffam, Paul Franklin, Carl Leighton-Pope, Ben Winchester and Martin Hopewell.

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