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VIP NEWS
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PREMIUM > VOLUME 226 > SEPTEMBER 2019
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
McGowan’s
Musings
Of course my Easy Jet flight back from
many gigs were sold out and if you didn’t
hopefully you can always believe a Beatle –
Hamburg to Gatwick was late, but the
get there early delegate badges and guest
although I think Ringo is a Brexiteer!
Reeperbahn
worth
lists weren’t able to get you through the
attending. This is the opinion of the whole
doors! So – careful planning, and sticking
On the subject of European politics, there
VIP team, and I’m sure many others! There
to a schedule is the thing! My own schedule
was a Brexit session at Reeperbahn which
is so much to choose from at this event
included moderating three panels, partying,
I unfortunately was unable to attend,
which grows each year, that it is difficult to
seeing and enjoying Australian, German
however I chaired an interesting session
complete your personal schedule without
and Dutch bands, and staying up too late
entitled, ‘Europe Calling’ which addressed
getting that feeling that you’re missing out
chatting in the hotel bar!....But then I never
the on-going topic of “Music Moves
on things. Panels, parties, politics, people,
really learn!
Europe’, Olaf Furniss from Scotland, Timo
Festival
was
well
producers, how can you pack them all in?
Kumpf, Germany, Ivan Milivojev, Serbia, and
However, this is how it is with this and other
I mentioned producers in my previous
Linnéa Svensson, Norway (a reasonably pan
international events of a similar ilk and you
listing, and Reeperbahn was graced by the
– European panel I think!) debated what the
just have to learn to be grateful for the
presence of two very famous practitioners
European Union will actually bring to the
extreme hard work of organisers and make
of this essential element of recorded music.
future of the music industry. Manfred Tari’s,
the most of what you can fit in. As ever
Tony Visconti, responsible for David Bowie
‘Talking Politics” interview with Member of
albums and others, was there to be a judge
the European parliament Niklas Nienaß in
at the Anchor Awards. Bob Rock, known for
this issue continues the discussion.
Metallica and Mötley Crüe hits and others
COLOPHON >
was also present, and, would you believe it,
A trip to London’s Camden Town for this
that’s his real name!
4th, sold out edition of the International Festival Forum completed a busy week. It
VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
seems that everyone who is everyone ,
make smoke come out of my ears! However
agents, promoters et al, connected with
perhaps I can take comfort from knowing
the Festival industry had made the journey
that there is now support for Remain from
to North West London.
Paul McCartney who told BBC News that
the agenda was ILMC founder Martin
he now thinks that Brexit is “probably a
Hopewell’s interview with Rock Werchter
mistake”, and like many others he’ll be
founder Herman Schueremans. One of my
“glad when it’s all over”. Also, the Supreme
few claims to fame is selling Herman his first
Court’ s declaration that Boris’ proroguing of
UK artist, Kevin Coyne, in the early 70’s!
Parliament was illegal was good to hear!
I’ve always had a great respect for him, and
A high point in
was taken by his quote in this interview,
Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Paul McCartney reckons that the UK voting
“Festivals sustain the live industry just as
to leave the European Union was “probably
the Amazon rainforest sustains the world’s
For advertising enquiries please contact:
a mistake”. So that’s his view, if you wish to
climate,” he said. “They’re the lungs of live
know. Speaking to BBC News, Macca said
music business, and we have to take care to
that the political chaos we now find ourselves
protect them.”
Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496
2
The mere mention of the word Brexit tends to
in has “been thrust upon us through the referendum, which was probably a mistake
Right! A fairly serious Musings, so that’s
... and now I don’t think anyone knows
enough for now – Ladies and Gentlemen –
quite what to do with it”. So, there you are,
The News!
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
16 Artists nominated for Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2020 From VIP-Daily News The nominees for the Music Moves Europe
An international jury will select eight
expression of Europe’s cultural diversity.
Talent Awards 2020 were announced at the
winners. From all 16 nominees, music fans
Music Moves Europe, the overarching
Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany.
across Europe will also vote for their favourite
framework for the European Commission’s
This annual EU prize for popular and
artist, the Public Choice Award winner. All
initiatives and actions in support of the
contemporary music celebrates emerging
the winners will be revealed during the
European
artists who represent the European sound of
award ceremony on 17 January 2020 at
Europe, the EU funding programme for the
today and tomorrow.
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) Groningen,
culture and audiovisual sectors, aim to help
The Netherlands.
the music sector flourish by, among other
The 16 artists nominated for the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2020 are:
music
sector,
and
Creative
things, supporting the annual Music Moves Each winner selected by the jury will receive
Europe Talent Awards.
a prize worth 10.000,- to be spent towards 5K HD (AT)
promoting
careers.
The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are
Anna Leone (SE)
Moreover, the winner of the Public Choice
organised by ESNS and Reeperbahn Festival
AU/RA (DE)
Award 2020 will also receive a prize of
in partnership with Yourope, Independent
Beast in Black (FI)
5.000,-.
Music Companies Association (IMPALA),
their
international
Charlotte Adigéry (BE)
International Music Managers Forum (IMMF),
Flohio (UK)
Celebrating European Talent
Liveurope, Live DMA, European Music
Fontaines D.C. (IE)
Compared to Anglo-American music, the
Exporters Exchange (EMEE), Digital Music
girl in red (NO)
total percentage of music originating from
Europe (DME) and media partner European
Harmed (HU)
continental Europe is relatively small. The
Broadcasting Union (EBU), with support from
Hugo Helmig (DK)
Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are
the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and
Kimberose (FR)
designed to accelerate the international
Science, Province of Groningen and the City
Meduza (IT)
careers of upcoming European artists.
of Groningen.
Perfect Son (PL)
Music Moves Europe
The awards are implemented in close
Pongo (PT)
Music is one of the most popular forms
cooperation with the European Commission
Tribade (ES)
of art, widely consumed, and a vibrant
and financially supported by Creative Europe.
Naaz (NL)
3
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
Jetty sets new standards for Event Management systems for festivals and large venues From VIP-Daily News Swedish based Jetty AB and Danish company
sharing and modern digital tools to support
principle, making it useful for any type of
VIP-Booking.com have entered into an affiliate
their workflow. They turned their frustration
event and in the way that the client wants it to
partnership in order to deliver a full schedule
into creativity and by 2010 decided to
be set up. A modular approach makes it very
solution for Live Music Industry Professionals.
build an event management system that
easy to add, adjust, or remove functionality in
The partnership will include joint sales efforts,
could assist the production of live music
real time, making sure Jetty always suits the
marketing and knowledge exchange.
events - for bookers and for those working
current need of our users.
within
communication
(Marketing
and
Jetty AB has developed a business system for
PR), production, safety, and hospitality.
VIP News: Your ambition is to sell Jetty
Event Management. Jetty is a so-called SaaS,
Jetty already had customers before the
to the International Live Industry. Do you
software-as-a-service-system, that is used to
system was launched who played a big
plan to open offices in other European
plan and execute operations within the event
part in development. Some of them remain
countries?
industry. Examples of Jetty’s target group
customers today and are invaluable on the
include festivals, sporting events, meetings
journey we are taking right now.
Dan Sonesson: I wouldn’t rule that out, but initially we will work through close
and conferences. VIP News: Who is using Jetty today and
partnerships, like the one between VIP-
VIP-News asked CEO Dan Sonesson to tell
which is the main segment your users
Booking.com and Jetty.
us more about the company and the new
come from? VIP News: Jetty AB is listed on the
generation of Jetty. Dan Sonesson: Festivals and Venues, our old
Swedish Spotlight Stock Market. What
VIP News: Please tell us about the
core businesses, are still the largest segments
are the advantages and disadvantages of
background of Jetty AB and the idea
using Jetty. Since the launch of the new
being listed?
behind your tool?
generation of Jetty we are signing on new customers within B2B Events, Conferences
Dan Sonesson: One large advantage is that
Dan Sonesson: Jetty was born when a
& Congresses, Sports and E-sports. The
it will help us with the expansion into the
number of professionals from various fields
Nordic countries are our biggest geographical
International Live Industry. Being publicly
within the event and live music industries
markets today. We recently launched Jetty in
traded also helps us to operate on a more long
became frustrated by the lack of information
The United States, based out of Austin, Texas,
term basis (even though you might think the
and we are starting to market Jetty in other
opposite). We deliver a business critical service
parts of Europe as well. I believe we will see
to our customers, and when owner-operators
further international expansion soon!
lose interest or venture capital decides to withdraw their funding, we are owned by a
Dan Sonesson - CEO Jetty
4
VIP News: On your website you use the
large number of people and companies that
catchline “The New Generation of Event
want the company to grow and make money.
Management”. What’s new about Jetty
That means that our customers can be sure
that hasn’t been available before?
that Jetty is here to stay.
Dan Sonesson: In one word: flexibility. Other
The main disadvantage, I would say, is the
Event Management systems, as well as the
need for secrecy, and all the formalities
old versions of Jetty, tend to be static. Their
around how we communicate. Rather than
solution is ready made for one vertical, like
celebrating a new cooperation, a formalized
festivals or venues. The New Generation
press release must be made first. However,
of Jetty is built with flexibility as a guiding
that is a small price to pay.
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
Aldi goes Ticketing Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The discount chain Aldi is undertaking an
ticketing landscape, which is predominantly
business. What makes this presale so special
attempt to grab a piece of the cake of the
controlled by CTS Eventim and Ticketmaster.
is that Aldi, the strongest supermarket brand
profitable ticketing-business. To start with,
This move can be considered as sort of
in Germany, will sell the tickets exclusively.
the low cost supermarket is launching an
significant with the announcement by retail-
Tickets will be sold in the branches as well as
exclusive pre-sale phase for the ticket sales
giant Amazon to launch its own ticketing
online on their own ticket portal www.Aldi-
of nine arena shows for German hip hop act
sales channel, even if Amazon has until now
tickets.de, a co-operation together with our
“Die Fantastischen Vier “ in 2020.
not succeeded with its ticketing-mission.
new partner Medion AG.
The operation will be carried out by White
VIP News: White Label E-Commerce is
VIP News: The discount chain Aldi in
Label E-Commerce, a ticketing service
partner in crime for the ticket sales for
Germany is a giant, with more than 4000
provider based in Hamburg, who will be
the upcoming 30 years anniversary tour
branches. How will the ticket sales be
supplying both its online platform and
of “Die Fantastischen Vier” in Germany.
promoted at the point of sale?
service.
What does this mean for your company
VIP News spoke with Arndt Scheffler, managing
director
of
White
in terms of work load and operative
Arndt
requirements?
promotions within the stores as well as on
Scheffler:
There
are
numerous
the outside, for example the weekly flyer
Label but
Arndt Scheffler: An exclusive presale for a
which is delivered to almost every household
foremostly the impact of this deal. In fact this
stadium tour of one of the greatest German
in Germany, screens inside stores, out-of-
sales campaign is a meaningful indication
acts obviously requires a lot of work and
home media, cinema advertisements as well
of how an external player can change the
coordination but for us that is regular
as radio and TV. Not to mention a whole
E-Commerce,
about
the
settings
variety of online marketing activities, Aldi’s
Arndt Scheffler
media power is impressive. VIP News: The usual payment procedures at the checkout in supermarkets are highly
optimized.
Time
is
money
and the shopping experience at cash registers in supermarkets can turn into stressful situations for consumers with long queues. Don’t you fear that ticket buyers won’t be supplied with proper information about price categories or seating options when purchasing the tickets of their choice? Arndt Scheffler: The checkout is definitely a critical part during the shopping experience in a supermarket. This is why we have reduced the complexity as far as possible and communicate the options and processes upfront. All the customer needs to say for example is “Two tickets for Stuttgart, price category one, please”, it’s as easy as that. The receipt will contain one ticket-code per ticket as well as instructions on how
5
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
to redeem the code and choose the seats
VIP News: Simultaneously with the start
online. Afterwards the colour tickets will
of the pre-sale for this tour, Aldi is going
be delivered without any additional fees – a
to launch their website “Aldi-tickets.
real unique selling proposition for the fans,
de.” Please explain what this means for
which never happened before.
the ticketing market in Germany?
VIP News: Aldi is running the exclusive
Arndt Scheffler: We are glad to see an
sale of tickets for this tour for two
alternate
and
more
democratic
way
weeks. Will there be tickets available
VIP News: Aldi is known for cheap prices
of selling tickets which is reflected in
on the websites of CTS Eventim and
and low cost products, but so far not
the campaign’s claim “Exklusiv für alle”
Ticketmaster afterwards or perhaps on
for concert tickets. How will this sales
(Exclusive for Everyone), so everybody has
the websites of the arenas for this tour?
mission will be promoted and advertised?
the opportunity to get a ticket. Giving artists a greater variety of options for their ticketing
Arndt Scheffler: Aldi will sell all tickets of the
Arndt Scheffler: Aldi has successfully been
is a desirable approach, which was one of
“Die FantastischenVier – 30 Jahre Live” tour
working on changing their image and
the main reasons to found White Label
exclusively within Germany. For the first two
concept, low prices and good, reliable
E-Commerce in 2012. Keeping this in mind
weeks, these will be available only through
quality.
numerous
we are constantly looking for additional
their local shops, after that they will be
brands and celebrities cooperating with
channels to get more reach for our partners.
available online as well. In addition to this,
Aldi to the benefit of both sides. Therefore
We firmly believe in the autonomy of artists
the artists’ own shop will offer a few tickets
ticketing is a consequent extension of
and promoters, who take great risks on a
to those who prefer buying their tickets
the existing product range rather than
regular basis. For that reason, we love the
directly from the band.
following a new strategy.
approach by Aldi.
There
are
already
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VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
Another record year for Reeperbahn Ivana Dragila
The fact that Hamburg’s Reeperbahn district attracts tourists with any kind of entertainment is internationally known. But when the annual Reeperbahn Festival takes its course, the district turns into a melting pot for exciting international music acts, the music industry, film, art and literature. This showcase event, which took place from 18 to 21 September, proved this once again.
What once started small has now grown up and is in its 14th edition. The festival recorded 50,000 visitors, including 5,900 trade visitors from 52 nations. There were around 600 concerts from 412 acts in 90 venues – with Australia as this year’s partner country. On every corner there was non-stop music, panels, workshops or sub-conferences of different associations such as Yourope, the German association BDKV or the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) nonstop, would be the best way to describe the
offices of the Dutch and Eastern and
on the red carpet: Hollywood star Matt
atmosphere.
Central Europeans, German promoters such
Dillon, who gave two keynote interviews
as Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion, FKP
over the coming days, Woodstock co-
In addition: The event included meetings
Scorpio and Neuland Concerts or companies
founder Joel Rosenman, who took part in
and receptions from labels such as Universal
such as Amazon and Live Nation Branding.
the Q&A for the European premiere of the
Music, Sony Music and BMG, music export
music documentary “Creating Woodstock”, Well-known guests
and producer legends Tony Visconti and Bob
Those who wanted to attend all this needed
Rock, who presented the ANCHOR Award
either a good time management system or
nominees as jury members (see more about
a good team of colleagues. The Reeperbahn
the award shows on the following pages).
organizers in addition, realized the need
Musicians Peaches and Kate Nash also gave
for an extra day to integrate all the topics
a preview of one of Reeperbahn’s central
into their conference and festival schedule.
topics: Gender Equality.
For the first time, the festival started on
As usual VIP-Booking attended Reeperbahn Festival
Wednesday evening with the Doors Open
International Gender Balance Initiative
opening gala in the Stage Operettenhaus
Pitchfork editor-in-chief Puja Patel, musicians
- with Charlotte Roche and Ray Cokes as
Kate Nash, Peaches and Reeperbahn Festival
extremely entertaining presenters.
CEO Alexander Schulz announced the new goals and catalog of measures for the second
The event was bigger and more glamorous
phase of the international gender balance
than ever before, with many famous faces
initiative in music at the Keychange 2.0 press
7
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
conference. Amongst other initiatives was
festival Wacken Open Air (As reported in VIP
New
the declaration of intent, the so-called 50/50
News, February and August).
Planetarium and the Millerntor Stadium
pledge to offer gender-balanced programs by
venues
included
the
Hamburg
Players’ Tunnel. For the first time, the Future
2022, which will be extended from festivals
No wonder that the keynote speech with
Playground was held in the Festival Village
to many other organizations in music, such
Matt Schwarz, COO Live Nation Germany,
with the presentation of sustainable social
as labels, venues, radio stations, orchestras
Switzerland and Austria (GSA), and the
visions and UN sustainability goals as well
and conservatoires. In the process, gender
interview with the two Wacken Open Air
as the Music Makers Playground, where
equality in music was negotiated in almost
founders Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen
instrument manufacturers presented their
all formats and individual events. In addition,
were extremely well attended and were
products.
a database will be set up for all participants
further discussed outside the panels. Reeperbahn welcomes Denmark
so that they can network in order to develop Extended program
With such a comprehensive program, the
The Reeperbahn organizers added even more:
Reeperbahn Festival impressively showed
Hot discussions
New this year were two opening concerts
how music connects and how a showcase
Delegates who wanted to get the latest
by Dope Lemon and Feist, an evening
event establishes itself as an industry must in
news about industry topics were spoilt for
presentation by the BBC and a showcase by
a colorful and energetic way. We are already
choice. Next to the industry topics such as
the Country Music Association (CMA).
looking forward to the 15th edition, due to
both artistically and economically.
the festival situation, secondary ticketing and
take place between 16 and 19 September
green solutions, big discussions were started
For the first time, the organizers offered
2020 with Denmark as partner country. We
about international company consolidations
the Film & Future theme strand and the
will be curious to see the mixture of the
and acquisitions of private equity companies
Next Generation module, which was aimed
Danish way of joy and music and their typical
such as Superstruct, which recently took
specifically at 16 to 21-year-old visitors in order
relaxed nature and coziness – hygge. Ahoi
over German independent heavy metal
to gain an insight into the music industry.
and vi ses!
Verti Music Hall was hosting one of the many gettogethers at Reeperbahn
8
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
Awards 2019 – presented at this year’s Reeperbahn Festival re presented as part of we s ard aw s rou me nu , ain ag ar ye This iew: the Reeperbahn Festival. An overv ANCHOR Awards alyona alyona (UA) New Music Award of the young ARD
broadcasters
Newcomer of the year: Majan Starter of the year: Giant Rooks Helga! Festival Award Best Festival: Open Flair Festival Best Booking: Haldern Pop Festival Best Inclusion: Zurück zu den Wurzeln FEST Best Bargain: WAT T EN SCHLICK Best Reinvention: Artlake Festival lumr Most Inspiring Festival Idea: alínæ IMJA - International Music Journali
Argentina Buenos Aires: Duki & Co. Take Over Arte/Tracks nalism - Multimedia The Year’s Best Work of Music Jour site - Beehy.pe Web // ts - English: Various Journalis er 30 - German: Und sm, nali Jour ic Best Work of Mus - Mona Lina; Lina Burghausen // 365 Female MCs : Warum Deutscher Viele Malcolm Ohanwe // Wir Sind Zu er Rundfunk; risch Baye t Pop Nicht Mehr Weiss Bleib rt, Darf Bei Feie s lnes Rea Z’ GZU Johann Voigt // Wer hören - Vice ** Seiner Frauenfeindlichkeit Nicht Weg withdrew the ors (** Due to legal concerns, the edit website) r thei from submitted/nominated text
sm Award
Year: Jon Chapple, Best Music Business Journalist of the IQ Magazine German: Juliane Best Music Journalist of the Year s, frequent pop ioein Rad t, nalis Liebert // Author & Jour 2, Spiegel, SWR ung, Zeit che euts texts for the Südd Rolling Stone English: Vivien Best Music Journalist of the Year ician Mus & or Auth Goldman // Journalist, ch: Adrien Fren Year the of st nali Best Music Jour tibles Durand // Among others Les Inrockup sm - Text nali Jour The Year’s Best Work of Music an? - Kaput Hum A t Ain’ // ejad German: Aida Baghern - Text sm nali Jour ic Mus of k Wor The Year’s Best ic Mus and Nature English: Laudatio for Joshi Hardik // - Music Plus nalism - Text The Year’s Best Work of Music Jour coup, À La Folie Beau Peu, Un // ur Ecoe French: Robin Musicale Et La ie - Un Web-Documentaire Sur L’Industr Racontr / zaï Gon Santé Mentale Des Musiciens - Audio sm nali Jour ic Mus of The Year’s Best Work hiavelli - The Mac // d Golo ili Vass & elke German: Jan Kaw o Podcast on Rap & Politics - WDR Cosm nalism - Audio The Year’s Best Work of Music Jour - Disgraceland land race Disg // English: Jake Brennan sm - Multimedia nali Jour ic Mus of k Wor The Year’s Best Kutscher // Rap in - German: Isabel Röttger & Michael
ISA - International Sound Awards nger Audio Grand Prix | Audio Branding: Axel Spri DE H, Gmb s bird Branding | why do Music, IL Social & Culture: CyMagic | Healing | Dear Reality T Product: dearVR SPATIAL CONNEC GmbH, DE Costa Rica | Audio branding: ICT - The Sounds of Publimark Mullen Lowe, CR ic for all | Social & Culture: Inclusion Rocks! Mus DE e.V., rei ieref Handiclapped - Culture Barr GB , free Loop | free Loop Social & Culture: ient Sound: Grand Prix | Soundscapes and Amb Children’s Hospital | New Soundscape Design for Helsinki Aalto University, FI Sounds of Silence | Soundscapes and Ambient Sound: Idee und Klang GmbH, CH ping | Lexter Universal Design: Swedbank Soundsca Ljuddesign AB, SE v Music: Music Services and Sound-startups: Wea Evolved | Weav Music Inc., US VIA - VUT Indie Award Best Newcomer: Alice Merton Best Label: Greenland Records Best Act: Apparat a” Best Album: Picture Book - “Mea Culp (feat. Spawn) Jlin & don Hern y Holl nt: rime Best Expe tis” (installation Man “The “Godmother” and Nik Nowak z and Moritz Live ite Infin e9, and performance with Kod Stumm) h VIA Special Award: Matthias Hornschu
9
Jetty is a part of the process. With you in every step. Event Management System Festivals | Venues | Corporate Events www.jetty.se
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
ATC Live agent Chris Meredith passes From VIP-Daily News Chris Meredith agent at ATC Live and
While at ATC, Meredith represented with a
director of the Neverworld Music Festival,
roster that included Black Belt Eagle Scout,
has died a the age of 37.
We Are Scientists, Beverly, The Veils, Sleeper,
Chris Meredith
and The Futureheads, among others. His passing was confirmed by his colleagues at ATC via social media but they did not
According to IQ Magazine, which first
provide a cause of death for Meredith.
reported his passing, Meredith did stints as an agent at Coda and ITB, as well as
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden
Nozstock: The Hidden Valley Festival, and the
passing of our colleague & friend Chris
Red Rooster Festival.
Meredith. Our enduring memories of Chris will always be ones of laughter, joy and his
“Chris was a very lovely guy who still had a
love of his friends, family and artists. He had
lot of friends at Coda ( I know we are called
a young age. Condolences to the family,
touched the lives of many people and will be
Paradigm now) – it has really hit some of
he will be sorely missed,” Paradigm’s Alex
remembered with great fondness.”
them hard that he is now gone and at such
Hardee told IQ Mag.
FKP Scorpio opens new office in Poland From VIP-Daily News German concert promoter FKP Scorpio
with the Ed Sheeran concert in the fantastic
The first official concert organized FKP
announced an international expansion with
atmosphere of the PGE Stadion Narodowy
Scorpio’s new Polish unit will be Netherlands-
the opening of FKP Scorpio Poland.
in Warsaw,” says Folkert Koopmans, CEO of
based singer Duncan Laurence, who won
FKP Scorpio.
the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.
The new company, with offices located in Warsaw, will be led by Executive Director Filip Potocki, who has been Managing Director of Arcadia Live in Austria since 2015 In
addition
to
Potocki,
FKP
Scorpio
announced the hire of Jan Brzoza, who will handle Administration, Marketing and Ticketing;
and
Krysztof
Czarniakowski,
who will oversee Project Management and Ticketing for the company’s new Polish division. “I have been following the development of the Polish live music market for a long time and see great potential there. We had a first experience [in the market] in 2018
Filip Potocki
11
VIP NEWS >
SEPTEMBER 2019
Emma launches EMMMA – The European Music Managers Mentorship Activation From VIP-Daily News During the Reeperbahn Festival last week,
taxation, understanding streaming data and
the EU. This is a big win for the future of
the European Music Managers Alliance
making a business out of your band.
European music.”
ever pan-European mentorship programme
After
programme,
Virpi Immonen, Vice Chair of EMMA and
for music managers, after a successful bid to
participants will be responsible for providing
Chair of MMF Finland added: “MMF Finland
the EC’s Music Moves Europe fund.
a one-year business plan for at least one of
is proud to be the project coordinator of this
their artist, songwriter or producer clients.
groundbreaking pan-European mentoring
(EMMA) announced the launch of the first completion
of
the
The European Music Managers Mentorship
programme. Management can be a tough
Activation (EMMMA) will look to foster
Speaking at the launch, Per Kviman,
and stressful gig, in what is often a solitary
knowledge sharing and increased commercial
Chair MMF Sweden and Chair of the
career, and so our aim with EMMMA,
opportunities by linking managers through
European Music Managers Alliance, said:
and with support from the European
across the EU.
“Diversification and fragmentation of the
Commission, is to start pooling and sharing
traditional music industry has undoubtedly
the vast knowledge base that exists across
Consisting of both a mentoring scheme
elevated the role of music managers, who
the continent, and to help upcoming
and networking programme, EMMMA will
are now required to be experts in all aspects
managers
facilitate upcoming European managers to
of their client’s business – from songwriting
business. In turn, that will offer even greater
team up with experienced mentors from
and recording deals, to live touring, brand
opportunities to support the careers of our
each participating country – combining face-
sponsorship, online marketing and a host of
artists, our songwriters and our composers.”
to-face meetings over the course of a year at
other areas. This much-needed programme
MaMA Festival, by:Larm, Tallinn Music Week
will enable managers to share expertise and
Applications for EMMMA will open soon. To
and The Great Escape, with bi-monthly
build their artists careers across borders.
get news of the process as soon as it’s open
Skype sessions and specialised workshops
We hope it will grow over time and help
visit emma.community and subscribe to
on areas including live music, touring and
build a strong network of managers across
the mailing list.
to
successfully
grow
their
EMMA board
Pictured [L-R]: Per Kviman, Chair, MMF Sweden; Ania Kasperek, MMF Poland; Eivind Brydoy, NEMAA, Norway; Magdalena Jensen, Chairperson, MMF Poland; Cecilie Torp-Holte, Chief Officer NEMAA Norway; Keith Harris, Chair, EMMA; Annabella Coldrick, CEO, MMF UK and Virpi Immonen, Chairperson, MMF Finland.
12
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2019
Let’s Talk Politics with Niklas Nienaß Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The live music sector has without doubt
European Parliament
become the biggest income gainer for the music business. There is also no doubt that the live music industry is politically almost invisible, at least in terms of trade bodies on an international or a European level. Over the years, VIP News has regularly published
articles and interviews with the
headline “Let’s Talk Politics.” However, this one with Niklas Nienaß is almost a premiere as he is a proper member of the European parliament. At 27 years of age, Nienaß is a freshman at the European Parliament, as he enjoys his first season as a member of parliament at the political stage in Brussels. and concerts, as opposed to the majority of
entitled “Cultural Creators Intergroup.”
Nienaß is a member of the German Green
politicians who have yet to be spotted on
Apparently, this group intends to raise
Party, a political party that the live music
camp sites at festivals, let alone building a
awareness of the interests of “authors,
sector in particular should be aware of. FKP
tent on their own.
performers and other cultural creators” at a political level.”
Scorpio will remember the local members of this party, voting in 2018 against the staging
VIP News: “Which concert or festival did
of an Ed Sheeran concert, due to take place
you most recently attend for which you
Niklas Nienaß: “One of my main political
in a parking lot as this would have meant the
purchased your ticket yourself?”
priorities is ensuring fair working conditions in
felling of 100 trees.
the
cultural
sector.
When
twelve
Niklas Nienaß: “Live music has always been
European umbrella associations of authors’
However, in perspective of the live music
an important part of my life. During my early
and performers’ organisations approached
sector, this interview reveals even more.
youth, I was even on stage myself as a singer
me a few weeks ago, I asked them what
Nienaß is a self confessed supporter of
in the Aachener Dom Singschule Choir, one
I as a new MEP could do to support the
composers and authors, a peer group of the
of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe. The
work of the hundreds of thousands of
music sector, known for ‘just not getting
most recent festival I attended was Immergut
individual
enough’. Unlike the live music sector,
this summer, a small independent indie rock
composers, musicians, writers, directors,
this particular group is politically active in
festival in Neustrelitz, a small town in my
photographers, artists, actors all over
Brussels. So if the live music rank and files
constituency Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Europe. In this spirit, the intergroup I am
members
they
represent
–
planning to set up seems to be a suitable
are happy to pay concert royalties of over 100 percent per ticket, they will need to
I also had tickets for the Fusion festival in
way to make their voices heard in EU
watch out what happens when politicians
late June, but due to my new obligations
politics. With nearly 20 MEPs currently from
such as Nienaß gain power.
as member of the European Parliament,
five political groups, we want to focus on
unfortunately I was unable to attend.”
social and labour rights for authors and performers. They are a crucial part of the
The positive thing about Nienaß is that he at least belongs to the young generation
Vip News: “On Instagram, you posted
cultural sector, and fair working conditions
of politicians that has actually a firsthand
a logo for your initiative to launch
for them will bring benefits to the creative
experience of enjoying popular music festivals
a
industries as a whole.”
parliamentarian
working
group
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2019
VIP News: “Looking closely at the role
authors and performers, or from any other
exist without concert promoters, music
of the lobby organisations for this peer
citizen. This is my job as a politician. Based on
managers and record labels, and vice versa.
group, the question is, are you aware
all information gathered, I am making up my
This considered, the intergroup, provided
that, among others, some of those
own mind.”
it will be established, is going to strive for a
involved are responsible for the unfair
close cooperation with the cultural sector as
distribution of royalties in European
VIP News: “If the intention of the
a whole, including the creative industries. My
copyright collection societies and even
“Cultural Creators Intergroup” is to
personal focus, however, lies in supporting
for the lack of democratic structures
highlight the interests of “authors,
creators and their rights.”
within copyright collection societies?”
performers and other cultural creators”, what is your key message for other
VIP News: “Please let us know your
Niklas Nienaß: Naturally, the distribution of
interest groups within the music sector
views on current market developments
royalties is an important issue to address when
such
in almost all parts of the music sector
discussing the working conditions of authors
managers and record labels?”
as
concert
promoters,
music
regarding the massive consolidation processes
and performers. As an MEP without any pre-
instituted
by
external
existing affiliation within the cultural sector,
Niklas Nienaß: The cultural sector is a complex
investments from the financial sector or
I am ready to listen to every single concern
ecosystem that needs to be well balanced in
corporate music companies?”
brought to me, whether it comes from an
order to succeed for the benefit of everyone
organisation, a company, or from individual
involved. Authors and performers cannot
Niklas Nienaß: “Creativity can only improve if there are many creative individuals in the community, pushing and inspiring each
Niklas Nienaß, MEP - photo by European Union 2019 - Source / EP
other. A large net of mutually independent producers,
managers,
publishers
and
labels can assure good living wages for all creators, good working standards, good contracts, and thus improve creativity in the cultural ecosystem as a whole. Big financial investments from people outside the sector are a reality, but certainly lack the creative and cultural approach that is crucial for the wellbeing of the sector. Let me be clear, both as a Green politician and as a music lover: External investments without any cultural dedication can be a threat to a diverse and sustainable music sector. They manifest the dictate of a free market, resulting in the same boring watered-down stories and songs we have seen and heard a million times before.” VIP News: “With Music Moves Europe, the European Commission is currently developing
a
support
programme
for the music sector to be launched in 2021. The agenda of the formal preparatory action proceeding foresees the funding of projects to evaluate opportunities for “training programmes for young professionals”, for “online and offline music distribution models” for “Professionalization and training” measures and for the “Cooperation of
14
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2019
small music venues.” There also seem to
VIP News: “Would you support a
the Labour party in the UK, to deliver
be further plans in the pipeline, however,
concept for Music Moves Europe that
a speech at Glastonbury Festival 2017.
considering
information
foresees the entire live music sector
Which artist or live music event would
available. Would you say that the
being supported with subsidies for
you consider a perfect match for a joint
European
environmentally friendly methods of
activity with yourself?
the
public
Commission
is
handling
these proceedings in a transparent and
running events and concerts?”
accessible manner?”
Niklas Nienaß: I would guess that Bernie Niklas Nienaß: “Sure. The whole music
does not listen to Cardi B in his free time.
Niklas Nienaß: “As you rightly mentioned,
branch, as well as all other artistic domains,
What I want to say is: It is not up to me to
Music Moves Europe is currently running
performing arts, festivals, or filmmaking,
decide if my favourite musician wants to
as a preparatory action, which, due to its
should act towards reducing the harsh
team up with me, but rather for any artist
nature, certainly does not have the desired
impact on our environment, for instance
to support a message that resonates with
level
accessibility.
by respecting green mobility, or by offering
them and many other people. If KORN let me
Without wanting to justify this circumstance,
green camping that many festivals already do.
onto their stage to talk about the needs for
I do believe though that the programme has
Such good steps in the right direction should
immediate climate action, for higher living
proven to be quite successful. Putting it on
be supported by EU funding. By the way, this
wages and less core working time, for a
a new level as part of the Creative Europe
is not only about the environment, but it also
united yet multicultural Europe and a better
programme from 2021, concerns regarding
opens up festivals for a larger audience, for
future for our kids, I would gladly take that
transparency and accessibility have become
instance families.”
swing. Nevertheless, I will leave the choice to
of
transparency
and
less reasonable. The new Creative Europe
artists if they want to help shape the future
programme is currently being negotiated in
VIP News: “The funding gap between
the so-called trilogue between the Council,
classical music and popular music is
the Parliament and the Commission. As for
significant. You belong to the generation
VIP News: “Ursula von der Leyen,
the CULT Committee, I can say that the whole
group of young politicians. Do you
the designated President of the EU-
process has been very transparent so far.”
consider such cultural policy preferences
Commission, presented her line up of
or just sing about it.
and variations as up-to-date and fair in
appointments
VIP News: “Do you believe that the design
reference towards those members of
She nominated Mariya Gabriel as EU-
of such a programme is appropriate when
society that are more in favour of popular
Commissioner for Innovation and Youth,
the process is predominately triggered
rather than classical music?”
while among others being supported
by consulting companies and lobbyists regularly present in Brussels?”
for
EU-Commissioners.
in terms of the subject of “Culture” by Niklas
Nienaß:
“Classical
music
needs
the “Directorate-General for Education,
support to stay alive. But so do pop and rock
Youth, Sport and Culture.” Being aware
Niklas Nienaß: “Brussels is full of lobby
and every other music sub-group. Let us
of how strict Brussels is in terms of
organisations. The financial sector is trying to
not rattle classical musicians up against pop
wording and hierarchy, the matter of
lobby as much as Greenpeace or the WWF.
artists because of the division of the funds
culture therewith will be downgraded
In fact, every single person is a lobbyist for
we have. Let us rather ask the question
towards the level of a Directorate-
themselves. We as politicians have the
why there is no willingness to invest more
General instead of the one at the level
responsibility to listen to a big diversity of
in culture. Only about 0.01 % of the EU
of an EU-Commissioner. Do you consider
interest groups and their concerns of any
budget is spent on Creative Europe. There
the move by von der Leyen as a good one
topic. Therefore, I would not say that lobbying
is clearly something wrong here! Only a
or do you assume that the issue “culture”
is bad per se. However, politicians should be
united coalition of the whole creative sector
is less meaningful for her?”
held accountable for their meetings with
together with consumers will be able to
lobbyists, and people should know whom
convince Commission, Council, especially
Niklas Nienaß: “It says a lot about the
they meet. If the Commission was advised
the Council and Parliament to change the
importance of culture for the designated
by only one group, that would be a problem.
EU’s financial contribution to a crucial public
President of the Commission if the word
For us Greens it is important to have a broad
matter such as culture.”
“culture” does not even appear in the job
view on certain points. This is why we also
title of any of the commissioners in charge
meet lobbyists who are not based in Brussels,
VIP News: “The US Artist Cardi B just
of culture. My colleagues in the Committee
or why we invite representatives of the civil
recently
US-
on Culture and Education (CULT) and I were
society to the Parliament.”
politician Bernie Sanders, the leader of
quite shocked about it. We are fundamentally
teamed
up
with
the
15
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
SEPTEMBER 2019
concerned about the meaning of cultural
Niklas Nienass - photo by European Union 2019
policy for the new European Commission, and that it might play a minor role in the future. Culture is not an extension of the necessities of life, but it is a basic pillar of our society and a basic need of the people of Europe and this must also be reflected in the commissioners’ job titles. By the way, there are a total number of seven commissioners dealing with topics covered by our CULT committee in the European Parliament, this is insane. As for the commissioners’ titles, there might still be some changes, as requested by several political groups. But leaving the title discussion aside, there is something much more important - money. Titles are rather symbolic, but money does make a huge difference. As the Parliament, we would like to increase the budget for the cultural sector significantly. Creative Europe, Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and many other programmes deserve a much better funding. Unfortunately, it seems that the Member States within the Council are of a different opinion.” VIP
News:
“German
artist
Herbert
Grönemeyer made a very emotional
is exactly the reason why right now is the
We have to fight the circumstance that
statement at a concert in Vienna, in
time where it needs politicians with courage,
labour is taxed higher than capital gains,
which he argued that it is up to society
ready to prove a clear stand against racism
and that pensions throughout Europe are
“when politicians are slightly weakened”
and exclusion not only in their statements,
too low to value a lifetime of work and very
to oppose tendencies for “exclusion,
but especially in programmatic actions, in
often are not sufficient for a dignified life.
racism
the implementation of political projects and
Poor people are getting poorer and the rich
in the proposed solutions for the future.
richer. We have been aware of this state for
and
baiting.”
The
audience
reaction to this was massive but this reaction could also be understood if it
16
15 years, yet politicians do not provide good
agrees with Grönemeyer that the current
It does not help telling people not to vote
and sustainable answers to these problems.
generation of politicians suffers from a
for Nazis because they are Nazis. Instead,
Instead, they discuss the “black zero”, call for
lack of credibility and confidence. What
politicians have to find solutions to the
“no inheritance tax” or claim that “the social
went wrong in recent decades that led
problems of the people. For example,
market economy is good the way it is”. I am
to the model of liberal democracy and
in recent decades the average income
tired of hearing such wishy-washy talk.
its politicians coming under so much
(purchasing power parity corrected) has not
pressure nowadays?”
risen for the vast majority of people, but
We need a new generation of politicians who
rents have increased. People have to work
are courageous, who make demands, who
Niklas Nienaß: “Maybe politicians have
more, but earn less, and many jobs are no
allow themselves to develop utopias and who
become shyer of conflicts. After waves of
longer safe thanks to temporary contracts.
look to the future with an insatiable urge
right-wing populism in many European
We politicians have to do something
to shape, rather than sticking to a Prussian
countries, it can be explained that quite a few
about the fact that poor people are
administration-mania. The current right-wing
politicians prefer to follow such a path, at
categorically excluded from education, social
populism is not a whim of nature, but the
least partially accepting ring-wing demands
advancement and culture, face worse health
product of unprincipled, short-sighted and
or even their nationalist rhetoric. But this
care and die earlier.
egotistical politics of the last two decades.”
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
SEPTEMBER 2019
Kobalt appoints new CPO From VIP-Daily News Kobalt has announced Johan Land as Chief
a management consultant at McKinsey in
Ahdritz continued, “Simon has been a
Product Officer (CPO). Kobalt’s current CPO,
Europe and India.
pivotal part of Kobalt’s achievements and
Simon Dennett, moves to a non-exec board seat at AMRA, Kobalt’s collection society.
growth story to date. He has worked closely Based in London, Johan will drive the next
with me over the years, and has consistently
evolution of Kobalt’s products and platform
delivered across leadership roles in strategy,
Prior to joining Kobalt, Land worked as a
to handle the rapidly increasing volume and
product, commercial and operations. I am
product leader in Silicon Valley for the last
complexity of data.
pleased he is remaining part of the Kobalt
decade. Most recently at Waymo he led the launch of the first commercial self-driving
Kobalt Founder and CEO Willard Ahdritz
cars service. Before Waymo, Land worked
says, “Kobalt has always been at the heart
Simon Dennett added, “I am really proud of
at YouTube on topics ranging from music
of technology and innovation in the music
the team at Kobalt and everything that we
to Youtube TV. Within Google, Johan has
industry and Simon has been a big part of
have achieved together. Johan brings a huge
held a set of other roles ranging from ads
that. I’m excited to have Johan on board to
breadth and depth of experience with which
optimization to Google Books. Land has
continue this trend. He has an impressive
to lead the product team to new heights.
also founded a set of companies ranging
pedigree as a product leader and innovator,
After 13 years, the time is now right for me
from e-commerce for hardware retailers, to
and I am confident he can continue our
to focus on new challenges and help steer
real estate valuation, to online gaming and
stellar track record of delivering industry-
AMRA’s contribution to Kobalt’s mission to
meat logistics/sales. Land also worked as
changing products and services to creators.”
serve artists and creators the world over.”
Johan Land
18
family as a member of the AMRA board.”
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
SEPTEMBER 2019
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim - Staying above
likely is one thing, the other thing is that the DEAG shares have since increased from the previously reported 3.65 to 4.04 Euro.
Keeping the level of certain share price borders is meaningful. CTS Eventim does so with a current share price of 50.15 Euro on August 26, when this report went to press, CTS Eventim is holding the 50
Live Nation - Can’t Keep The Level
Euro per share-line successfully, just a bit lower than 50.55 Euro on August 23, as reported in the previous issue of VIP News.
From $70.72 to $67.48, as previously mentioned, certain price borders mean a lot in the financial community and although this share price peaked in August at an all time high of $73.72, the current share
Eventbrite - Slightly Down
price is still high enough to please early bird investors.
From $19.11. to $17.09. Stability is nice to have, particularly in the case of Eventbrite, this share price cannot in fact keep an upward
Spotify - Keeping Investors Surprised (Continuously)
trend that manifests a stable turnaround of a share price recovery. The shares of Spotify impresses by volatility. In August, it was still at $138.00 and this time has fallen to $118.22, such fluctuations will at
DEAG - Driven By Speculations
least keep investors awake.
The news that a hedge fund has increased the holdings of DEAG shares by more than 10 percent created reports that DEAG was supposed to become a takeover candidate. This assumption being
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
SEPTEMBER 2019
MEMBER PRESENTATION
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ARTIST AVAILS LES NEGRESSES VERTES Territory: Europe excl. France Period: 2020 Agency: Artistagency Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 1677 7670 E-mail: paul@bereal.agency Homepage: www.artistagency.be
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“The first Qstock festival in Finland took place in 2003. The small-scale event attracted over 7,000 visitors instead of the expected 3,000. During the next three years, the event attracted some 20,000 visitors every year.”
MAMADOU KELLY Territory: Worldwide Period: 2019-2020 Agency: Clermont Music Agent: Chris Nolan Phone: +1 5187 555089 E-mail: chrisanolan3@clermontmusic.com Homepage: www.clermontmusic.com/mamadou-kelly/
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20