Cressida Wislocki is the founder and director of Wislocki Music, a thriving business that provides live music for corporate events, weddings and parties.

Cressida was introduced to Fetcham Park when Wislocki Music was asked to provide entertainment for a glamourous charity event at the House hosted by our client The Luxury Collective in aid of the Toni & Guy Foundation. Her singer, the hugely talented Mimi Rose, was a highlight of the evening!

Singer Mimi Rose, arranged by Wislocki Music, performing for guests of The Luxury Collective & Thrive Club at Fetcham Park. Credit: Nadine van Biljon

In this business profile, we chat to Cressida about what it takes to build a successful live music company, her inspiration, challenges and success stories, and what the future holds for Wislocki Music…

FP: Cressida, you’ve had a really interesting career, can you tell us more about it?

I began playing the violin and piano at a young age, later studying at The Royal Northern College of Music and earning a Master’s degree from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I enjoyed a varied career performing and recording with orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic and BBC Philharmonic. As well as my work in the classical music world, I played with bands like Madness and Muse at the Brit Awards, performed with Ella Eyre on the BBC Live Lounge, and collaborated with one of my favourite producers, Nithin Sawhney, at the Electric Proms. I was also in the house band for ITV’s “Popstar to Operastar” and performed in West End shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” as well as in film recording sessions at Abbey Road and Air Studios.

FP: What inspired you to start Wislocki Music?

I really cherish the opportunities and exciting memories from my time as a freelance musician. After having children though, the long hours and being away from home became less appealing, and I felt the need for a new career challenge. This led me to start the agency. With so many talented musicians at my fingertips, I saw an opportunity to offer great acts for events while helping my colleagues find work in fair conditions. It’s essential that musicians feel valued at events, and simple gestures like offering refreshments can significantly boost morale but are sometimes overlooked.

FP: What services do you offer?

At Wislocki Music, we provide musicians of all genres for private parties, weddings, and corporate events. Our roster is always evolving, with exciting and unique acts joining regularly. We collaborate with event planners and individuals, listening to their event concepts and suggesting suitable acts. We handle all logistics, including communication with musicians, payments, repertoire choices, and any other details, ensuring a stress-free experience for the planner.

FP: What sets Wislocki Music apart from other companies in the industry?

Our extensive experience as professional musicians across all genres gives us a deep understanding of music, allowing us to make informed repertoire suggestions. We maintain a high standard of talent and professionalism on our roster. Our musicians feel valued and trusted by us, which is evident when they go to perform at client events.

FP: How has Wislocki Music evolved since it was first established?

We now work with more event planners, and our roster has grown and diversified to include some truly unique and exciting acts. The number of enquiries we receive is increasing, and referrals from satisfied clients are growing, which is very gratifying.

FP: How do you ensure the quality and consistency of your services?

Communication is key. We listen carefully and avoid assumptions to prevent misunderstandings. We also seek feedback for continuous improvement and we vet all musicians joining our roster to guarantee high performance and reliability.

FP: How do you stay ahead of industry trends and adapt to changes?

We constantly learn and explore new acts and emerging trends in the music and events industry. Building strong relationships with artists, event planners, and venues allows us to exchange ideas and stay informed about new developments, leading to innovative projects and opportunities. We value client feedback to understand their needs and preferences. Personally, and professionally, I believe in staying open to change and not getting too stuck in my ways. It’s essential to have a plan and goals but also to be open to new opportunities when they arise.

FP: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your company?

Learning new skills as I transitioned from a performing musician to running a business was challenging. Gaining recognition among many other music agencies without a large advertising budget was difficult. Probably most challenging though was balancing the company’s demands with being a mother to two young children. I’ve found a balance now and become much better at prioritising. I also have some amazing colleagues now who help me to focus more on business growth rather than daily operations.

FP: Can you share a memorable success story or highlight from your career so far?

A highlight of my playing career was performing on the main stage at Glastonbury with The Lightning Seeds. The audience size and atmosphere were incredible. In classical music, performing under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle was inspirational. Since starting the company, we’ve had many small but significant wins, such as being asked to provide music for iconic London venues like The Hippodrome and The Troubadour, and collaborating with admired wedding planners. Seeing people enjoy the music at weddings or parties and letting go on the dance floor is immensely rewarding.

“Working at Fetcham Park was a joy. Not only is the venue stunning, but the team there creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere despite its grandeur. The venue looked after our musician very well, and the event was a great success.”

Cressida Wislocki, founder & director of Wislocki Music

FP: Who have been your biggest influences or mentors in your career?

I’ve had amazing mentors, and seeing how many successful female entrepreneurs there are supporting each other has been inspiring. Joining the Wedding Business Club, led by Faye Cornhill, was hugely beneficial for our growth. I also enjoy business and personal development podcasts like Denise Duffield Thomas’s and Steven Bartlett’s “Diary of a CEO.” Denise challenges the traditional way of doing business and thinking about money.

FP: What’s the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I’ve received is to be consistent and persevere. Running your own business that your passionate about can be all consuming but try and maintain a balance. Keep going out, seeing friends and having fun to prevent burnout.

FP: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business (or an artist) in the music entertainment industry?

Starting out as an artist in the music entertainment industry can be both exciting and challenging. Invest time in honing your craft and continue practicing to improve. Build relationships within the industry by attending events and collaborating with other artists to open doors to new opportunities. Understand your value and legal rights regarding recording sessions and intellectual property; speaking with experienced musicians or having a mentor can help with this. Produce high-quality content and leverage social media to share your music and build a following. Explore different revenue streams such as streaming platforms, live performances, merchandise, and licensing opportunities. While your music is your passion, aim for financial stability so you can have the freedom to focus on this passion in the future.

FP: What does the future hold for Wislocki Music?

We aim to become known as the go-to music supplier for the best events in the UK and abroad. I want to bring more innovative and unique acts onto our roster and grow the company enough to do more pro bono work for charities and support music education more, which is currently in a dire state in the UK. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn an instrument, and exposure to all genres of music in schools is essential, including classical music.

For more information visit: wislockimusic.com

Memorable events happen at Fetcham Park

Host your next event in the breathtaking setting of historic Fetcham Park. Conveniently located just 5-minutes by car from Leatherhead, the 18th-century House has so much to offer.

Stunning surroundings and glorious interiors combine with impeccable service and impressive attention to detail for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our flexibility suits any style of occasion with the freedom to create your perfect event whilst being supported by an exceptional team.

If you are looking for a truly special experience, get in touch to find out about our event spaces in Leatherhead.

Contact the team on: hello@fetchampark.co.uk