Pictured: Brodie Metcalfe (middle) with Snotty Nose Rez Kids

Brodie Metcalfe has been a key behind-the-scenes figure in the rise of Snotty Nose Rez Kids, who he started managing in 2018. The Haisla Nation duo have since achieved a series of historic firsts for an Indigenous hip-hop act, including the first to win rap album of the year at the Junos this year (where they also performed) and the first to sign a major label deal with Sony Music Canada. The subsequent album, 2024’s widescreen and ambitious RED FUTURE, has hit over 5 million streams and over 50 million on their music videos. They’ve since expanded into fashion with the Savage Kids clothing brand and TV with an in-development scripted series.

Metcalfe comes from a background of activism and organizing for queer and trans rights, which brings a values-driven approach to artist development. After producing concerts with acts like Nas, Miguel and Marianas Trench as the events manager at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Students’ Union, he transitioned to artist management with the all-women hip-hop group The Sorority, and has kept working with MC Lex Leosis after their disbandment.

Coming from a live music background, he puts a big focus on developing impactful live shows and taking them to an international audience – an approach that has paid off with SNRK, who proudly blend contemporary influences with their Haisla traditions. His advice to up-and-coming managers is to be aware there won't be a lot of personal glory, but to celebrate the successes of the artists you work with. “Managers are the unsung heroes of artists, the behind-the-scenes framework for the front-facing musician,” he says. “It's important to be comfortable with playing that behind-the-scenes role, understanding that your wins are inextricably linked to the wins of others, but that the losses or missteps fall on you. Take your time finding artists to work with and make sure that you could conceivably see yourself working with them for the rest of your life.”