Flight Time / September 2016

22 / 132

22 SEPTEMBER
INSPIRATION TIME
“Live At Zédel’s programme features acts as diverse as Doc Brown, Grayson Perry and the
Philharmonia Orchestra, bringing a new energy to Soho’s nightlife scene…”
CONCIERGE
What’s your connection to London?
I’ve lived in London since I was the time I was
planning to study at King’s College London, but the
university of life was always my calling so I rushed
straight off to work in London’s restaurants before
starting my own music management business a
couple of years later. Home is now Finsbury Park.
What inspires you about London?
Writing this post the referendum result, I would say I
have always been inspired by the huge diversity that
London brings.There are so many people from such
different backgrounds and nationalities all striving
to a 22-year-old running a business, I’ve
never been judged and have always felt London
working with me, rather than against.
Tell us about your role as Head of Music at
United Agents.
United Music was formed in September 2015 when my
small management company was merged into United
Agents. Our mantra is to be as diverse as possible and
Alex Fane
Director of United Music,
United Agents
LONDON to approach things with a holistic such, we not
only agent, but promote, have our own record label and
now venue, too. My role is to bring all of those different
elements together, whilst constantly taking the business
further.A creative idea can only take you so far as the
next idea that it spawns.
United Agents is behind the new Live at
Zedel concept – what exactly is this?
Situated on the former site of the Regent Palace
Hotel, Brasserie Zédel has transported the style and
atmosphere of a grand Parisian brasserie to the heart
of London.Tucked away across the hall from the main
Brasserie lies one of London’s most intimate and
characterful venues,The Crazy Coqs. Live At Zédel will
make use of all the main spaces in the building, from
intimate gigs, one-man shows and late night jazz to
live quartets, acoustic sessions and full orchestras.
The aim is to bring together all art forms in a multi-
disciplinary programme for discerning and curious
culture-hungry Londoners of all ages.
What kind of acts can people expect?
Live At Zédel’s programme features acts as diverse
as Doc Brown, Grayson Perry and the Philharmonia
Orchestra, and will merge up-and-coming talent with
established acts, fusing genres and bringing a new
energy to Soho’s nightlife scene.There will be seasonal
programmes curated by well-known names from the
worlds of art, literature and fashion.
The internationally-acclaimed songwriter Scott Alan
has been appointed Artistic Director in Residence for
the Autumn season, and his programme will include
Shoshana Bean, Rachel Tucker, Mark Shenton and Julie
Atherton, amongst others.There will also be a series
of themed festival weeks to look forward to.
What three things should visitors see or do
on a trip to London?
Go to Soho – I’ve always worked in Soho and,
despite the fact that it has changed even in my five
years here, there are still plenty of gems. You’ll find
me at the counter in Bocca Di Lupo or sipping on
a negroni in Bar Termini. Secondly, for the best and
cheapest dose of culture, standing is always the
answer. I’ll often queue for the £5 Shakespeare’s
Globe or BBC Prom tickets. Finally, check out After
Hours at the V&A.
What’s your best-kept secret for London?
Kansas Smitty’s bar in Broadway Market for juleps
and foot-tapping jazz.There’s nowhere like it in the
world. Every Wednesday, their ‘Basement Tapes’ series
mix and match members of the Kansas Smitty’s House
Band with musicians from around London and further
afield to create once-in-a-lifetime intimate concerts.
You’re obviously a big music fan – what was
the first gig you went to?
Ronnie Scott’s – with the French legend Michel Legrand.
Live At Zédel is a brand new live entertainment
concept that is set to invigorate Soho. See more
information at
Crazy Coq