Opening lines at interviews, albeit for a job or in our circumstances trying to warm to those of a higher importance then ourselves is vital. The first sentence must reflect on how much we admire ones talents and appreciate their time for allowing us into their inner sanctum. So, because of this it's only right to start our interview on a positive, uplifting question. Unfortunately that doesn't happen as a certain celebrity at Sony has his own office empire in this very same building paving the way for our ice breaking few words which are...
How does Simon Cowell's office compare to yours?
I actually don't have an office; we work in an open plan environment here. But I feel Simon Cowell should have his own space. The X factor is the best light entertainment programme in the UK and it sells music around the globe.
Describe your job.
I manage a team to find talent and make records. I make sure my artists are in the right direction for great media coverage and to sell as many records as they can.
You were responsible for signing Jay Z, how difficult was that?
It was actually one of the easiest things which I have done. At the time I was working with Christian Tattersfield (Now MD at Warner Music) at Northside Records. At the time nobody would sign Jay Z and we were the only guys who were interested in him. We released his first record Reasonable Doubt from Damon Dash's kitchen a year later!
Do you think the music industry could do more for disabled people?
Personally I hire people to work in the record company who can do their job. I am aware that out of two hundred and fifty of the staff at Sony only one has a disability which I know of. I also think there are not enough women at senior roles in the music industry.
Going back to the stats for disabled people at Sony, don't you think that is pretty poor?
Yes and no as I would never judge somebody on their disability. The thing is disabled people are not applying for the jobs which I advertise so how can I consider giving somebody with a disability a role if they don't sign up in the first place?
Your boss is Ged Doherty - what are his strengths and weaknesses?
I have been fortunate to have many good bosses. Ged's strengths are that he lets us get on with it and only intervenes when it is necessary. He has very few weaknesses and if he does have any they do not affect me. He likes to take a back seat and allows you to dictate.
We have just interviewed Paul Morrison over at Universal music. He would like to know how you keep so young and your devilish good looks?
Ha-ha. Well it's down to two things. I am still quite young for my kind of role in this industry; I'm38 and according to my wife, its more brains than beauty. I'm glad he finds me attractive!
It's the Brit Awards soon, how are you going to spend the evening?
I will be with JLS who are performing as well as being nominated and hopefully celebrating a good year at the Sony party after the awards. I hope that the band have s good night.
Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the awards?
There's some great performers, such as Florence + The Machine, Jay Z and Lady GaGa.
Finally Nick, if you were able2 do anything what would it be?
To carry on running a record company and leave a legacy to the world.
During our interview Nick's latest signing, Paloma Faith makes an appearance in the Sony office. The working environment itself is more busy then Piccadilly Circus at rush hour. Phones ring, albums need to be sent and contracts need to be signed, but for young and devilish good-looking Nick a much more important meeting need to be met; his teeth have an appointment with their dentist. Good looking, professional and a charming gentleman to meet Nick has defiantly already made his legacy in the music industry and by the sounds of it, he has many more musical years to come.
The Brit Awards are shown at 8pm, ITV, Tuesday February 16th.
