Nick Shymansky’s journey into the music industry was influenced by his familial connections.
As the nephew of renowned music executives Sir Lucian Grainge and the late Nigel Grainge, Shymansky was exposed to the intricacies of the music business from a young age. Reflecting on his early interactions with his uncles, he noted in a 2024 interview with Music Business Worldwide, “I would hang off their every word… They had this connection, but rivalry. Both had great taste but Lucian was always about the hits… and Nigel thought everything was shit if he didn’t like it.”
Career Beginnings and Discovering Amy Winehouse
In 1996, Shymansky embarked on his professional journey as an intern at Brilliant!, a promotions company led by Nicki Chapman and Nick Godwyn. This experience paved the way for his future endeavors in artist management. His most notable early achievement was discovering and managing the late Amy Winehouse. Shymansky played a pivotal role in her signing with Island Records and the release of her debut album, Frank, in 2003. He remained her manager until shortly before the release of her critically acclaimed second album, Back to Black, in 2006.
Co-Founding Day One Music
In 2019, Shymansky co-founded Day One Music, a London-based artist management company, alongside fellow industry veteran Nick Huggett. Shymansky now runs the company alone.
One of Day One’s notable clients is British singer-songwriter Lola Young.
Managing Lola Young
Shymansky’s belief in Lola Young’s potential has been unwavering. In a 2024 interview with Music Business Worldwide, he remarked, “I’ve spent every day since I’ve known Lola believing that it was going to happen.”
Young’s breakthrough came with her performance of Messy at the 2025 BRIT Awards, a moment that solidified her status as a rising star in the UK music scene. Reflecting on this achievement in 2024, Shymansky expressed a mix of belief and disbelief, stating, “The irony is, when it blew up, I looked at it in disbelief like, ‘What’s the catch, what’s going on, is this real?'”
Philosophy and Reflections on the Music Industry
Throughout his career, Shymansky has emphasized the importance of genuine belief in an artist’s potential. He has navigated the challenges of the industry with resilience, even during financially precarious times. “I’ve literally been weeks away from losing my house… But I always felt I’m going to be alright and I can do it,” he shared in the same 2024 interview, highlighting his enduring commitment to his artists and the music industry.
Shymansky’s journey underscores the significance of intuition, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the artists he represents, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in music management.Music Business Worldwide