Chris Grayston is currently head of A&R at Future Music Management.

With a music career that spans over two decades , Chris has undoubtedly seen more unsigned and original acts than any one else in the industry and his eye for under the radar talent in the UK is undeniable.

Chris began his career as a music promoter, organising tours and events for some of the UK’s most recognised acts including Darren Styles, Carl Cox, Andy C, Radio 1’s DJ Judge Jules, Spoony, Fabio and Grooverider. His sell out events, including a packed Wembley Arena with over 12,000 music fans, secured Chris’ reputation as one the best promoters in the country.

After such a successful and credible run in the events industry, Chris’ inevitable eye for new talent resulted in him being approached by an act to release their tracks, instigating the creation of his own record label Hectic Records. Rapidly evolving into four labels, Hectic Records quickly became known as one of the biggest dance labels in the country; boasting in excess of 100 single over a million sales across the group and releasing over ten compilations and albums, including releases from artists such as Darren Styles, DJ Unknown and Krafty Kuts until finally being taken over in a buyout.

Chris has also written and co-produced his own music, signing with major labels across the globe including Sony, Elap, Central Station Records – who boast mega recording artists including DJ Sammy, Ian Van Dahl and Coolio. Producing his own music eventually developed into the formation of a new band Cynical Blend, who were signed in America with New York based label Pacific Time. The band went on to release their debut album Inverse Catch 22, which culminated in chart success around the world and a soundtrack deal for the comedy Blockbuster Grown Ups.

Chris' CV also boasts collaborations with influential acts and producers all over the UK from SL2 (On a Ragga Tip) to The Wide Boys (who recently remixed Sugababes and Rhianna).

Nowadays, Chris is busy running Future Music, working with some of the winners of Live and Unsigned and spotting fresh talent. Recent credits include signing Urban duo B-Kay and Kazz and achieving top 30 chart success and working with Kiddo360 who took home the Vodafone Live Award for the Best Unsigned Act live on Channel 4.

Seeing over 40,000 acts perform all over the UK means Chris’ knowledge, insight and enthusiasm in live music is second to none. Chris is now one of the most intuitive and experience talent scouts in the country.