VIP News Premium - January 2021

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VIP NEWS

PREMIUM > VOLUME 240 > JANUARY 2021

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VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

View From The Hill First and foremostly wishing you all a very

We also very sadly lost the great Lyle

Happy New Year, I hope that it was both

Mays, long time piano and keyboard

peaceful and very much Covid free for

player with The Pat Metheny Group.

everyone! So we finally got to say farewell

Those who left us also included names such

be in Groningen this year,

and good riddance to 2020, for the

as Bill Withers, Kenny Rogers, Spencer Davis,

Ruud Berends and his team organized an

international live music business, definitely a

Toots Hibbert and Eddie Van Halen to name

excellent event with some great panels,

year to forget, time to move on and as they

just a few. So with all this in mind for 2020,

great speakers (in particular Neil Warnock

say, onward and upward! Sadly also a year in

I say it is most definitely time to move on,

and Scumeck Sabottka) and some great

which we lost too many of our greatest music

let us hope that 2021 brings our beloved

performances. Let us truly hope that in

legends. The first that comes to mind is Neil

industry better fortune and some kind of

January 2022, we will all be there in person

Peart, known as ‘the professor’ and a third of

return to normality.

and raise a glass together!

always be considered one the greatest rock

Over the last couple of months of course,

So what of 2021, well, we have already seen

drummers of all time. As a long time Rush

music industry events and conferences have

quite an eventful January, with Biden taking

fan, I feel very lucky to have seen him play

thankfully been taking place, albeit in digital

over the mess left by his predecessor in the

on many occasions over the last 40 years.

format. In December, we ‘attended’ the

USA, after the recent shocking events that

International Showcase Music Festival, held

took place on Capitol Hill earlier this month,

in Jerusalem. Currently in its 11th year, the

let us hope for more peaceful and settled

event took place between December 8-11th

times there. We have of course also been

and featured performances from the pick

reading about the COVD-19 vaccine being

of Israeli artists, the final day of the event

rolled out around the world, well mostly!

was in conference form with some excellent

Certainly in the UK, after some delay, things

networking opportunities, attended by 100

do seem to be gathering some pace so let’s

guests from the international live music

hope that over the coming 2 months, we

business. I would once again like to thank

can finally start seeing a significant drop in

the fantastic ISMF team for inviting us and

cases and subsequent deaths. I do feel that

for putting on a great event, we thoroughly

now we are 10 months down the line since

enjoyed it and met some great people,

the first of the lockdowns, the mood out

albeit digitally. Less than two weeks ago,

there in the live music world is more buoyant

we also attended the first ever fully digital

and positive. Although we were very

‘Eurosonic’. Without doubt, one of the most

saddened to hear that due to the pandemic,

enjoyable conferences that we get to attend

this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not be

and being so early in the year, it looms large

going ahead, there is still hope that some of

in the diary straight after the Christmas

the other ‘smaller’ festivals and live events

break, we always look forward it, it is always

might still take place. At this early point in

great fun and always good for business. As

the year of course, there is still a high level

you have probably already seen in the VIP-

of uncertainty but it is very obvious that the

Newsletter this month, this year’s online

live music business from around the world

edition of Eurosonic was attended by close

is absolutely resolute and determined to

to 4000 delegates from 124 countries. Due

bring this business back to life as soon as

of course to the current pandemic, this is just

possible. With this in mind, let me take this

about the closest thing that we can get to

opportunity of wishing you all well from a

actually being there in person and although

snowy and sunny Somerset, keep well and

we really missed not being able to physically

stay safe!

Charlie Presburg ager - VIP-Book ing.com

Sales Area Man

Canadian rock powerhouse Rush, Peart will

COLOPHON > 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 Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496

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Search our Artist data base to find Agent and Manager details:

VIP-Booking.com for Venues/Promoters

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Fan Use VIP Analytics to measure the interest for the Artist:

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Check o ur T where th ourdates sectio n to see e Artist is booke d near y ou:

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VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

Belgian agency joins the All Things Live partnership From VIP-Daily News Belgium’s local booking agency – Busker

As the company becomes part of the

Greenhouse Talent), and Bjorn, running

Artist Agency – joins All Things Live. The

All

Marcus

the independent Ampersand Artist Agency

agency is representing around 60 local

Deblaere will join the Belgian business

(Dirk., Nordmann, It It Anita, …), bring

music acts including Belgian pop, rock, hip-

as senior promoter and head of festivals,

extensive experience to the table.

hop, r&b and soul artists/bands and was

bringing extensive experience as a concert

involved in around 700 shows in Belgium

promoter at Ancienne Belgique Brussels,

All Things Live establish a platform in the

during 2019.

Trix Antwerp and as creative manager at

Belgian market and expand outside the

Things

Live

partnership,

music management company Musickness.

Nordics with the acquisition of Busker

All Things Live expands into the Belgian

Together with Werner Dewachter, he will

Artist Agency. The acquisition furthermore

market from a position as one of the leading

coordinate Busker’s daily management.

expands All Things Live’s local reach within

independent live entertainment company in

smaller live events, which are expected to

the Nordics. Busker Artist Agency maintains

“The

Artist

face fewer COVID-19 restrictions in the

its independence and will the plan is to

Agency and All Things Live entails great

combination

of

Busker

coming period and seen to rebound before

continue the growth journey supported by

opportunities. In close collaboration with

international tour concerts and large events.

the organization and network of the All

Werner and our new Nordic colleagues

Things Live partnership.

we will be able to set up creative and

“We are excited Busker is joining the All

challenging concerts, festivals and live

Things Live partnership as we now gain a

“I am very pleased that Busker will become

events, support our beloved Belgian

solid foothold in the Belgian market, which

a member of the All Things Live family as

artists and scene, and export some of the

is in many ways comparable to the Nordic

this exciting move allows us to take our

great Belgian successes to the interesting

markets that we know so well. We see

business to the next level after two decades

Nordic and European markets,” says

great prospects in the dedicated Busker

and thousands of amazing live experiences

Marcus Deblaere.

team, the many talented artists and the

in Belgium. All Things Live will broaden our

4

expansion into Belgium, and we are full of

network and support our growth and we will

Busker Artist Agency, currently consisting

confidence as we look ahead to 2021,” says

strengthen our position amongst Belgian

of 5 employees, also expands its services

Kim Worsøe, CEO of All Things Live Group.

artists as well,” says Werner Dewachter,

with senior booking agents Bjorn Nuyens

founder and CEO of Busker Artist Agency,

and Willem Vandesande. Both Willem, as

The acquisition does not entail changes for

home of artists like Selah Sue, Coely, Eefje

concert promoter (All Eyes On Hip Hop),

artists, partners, customers or employees as

de Visser, STUFF., Zwangere Guy, Tourist

independent booker (Commander Spoon,

market proximity is a key focus area for the

LeMC and Gabriel Rios.

Liesa Van der Aa, Tristan, … & former

All Things Live partnership.

VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

1276 artists from 63 countries apply to play TMW From VIP-Daily News The international new music and city

of the most unique talent with all manner

The whole TMW 2021 programme that

culture festival Tallinn Music Week (TMW)

of genres from folk to metal and from

is scheduled to take place from 6 - 9 May

received 1276 applications to perform

experimental electronica to contemporary

will be announced in stages starting in the

from 63 countries. The highest numbers of

classical represented.

second half of February.

applications were submitted from Estonia, Russia and Finland.

The festival’s music programme is scheduled to take place in various clubs and concert venues across the Estonian capital Tallinn from 6 to 8 May. The interest towards the festival continues to be high even despite the pandemic related

restrictions,

resulting

in

1276

submissions from 63 countries received during the period from November 2020 until 20 January 2021. Topping the list with the 234 applicants is the host country Estonia, followed by Russia, Finland and Germany. Compared to previous years, the number of applications from Baltic states Latvia and Lithuania has increased, and interest in TMW remains high also in leading music industry markets such as the UK, Italy,

TMW 2021 ar tist applic ation TOP 10 by countries: Estonia: 234 Russia: 211 Finland: 115 Germany: 72

Italy: 56 Latvia: 52 Lithuania: 50 United Kingdom: 50 Spain: 33 Canada: 32

the US, Canada, Sweden and Japan. There is also continued interest in the festival among artists from farther countries such as Morocco, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Up to 150 artists will be selected to the lineup by a team of 30 curators, which includes representatives from music organisations from Estonia as well as abroad. This year’s programme will focus mostly on talent from Estonia, the Baltic and the Nordic States, while artists from elsewhere will be included depending on the coronavirus situation at the time.

TMW festival consists of three main programme elements: music festival, city festival and conference. TMW’s music programme is acknowledged for its mix

5

VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

Winners of the Music Moves Europe awards From VIP-Daily News Alyona Alyona (ua), Inhaler (ie), Julia Bardo (it), Lous and the Yakuza

Celebrating European Talent

(be), Melenas (es), Rimon (nl), Sassy 009 (no), Vildá (fi) are the

Compared to Anglo-American music, the total percentage of

winners of the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2021.

music originating from continental Europe is relatively small. The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are designed to accelerate the

The Public Choice Award 2021 went to Ukrainian rapper Alyona

international careers of upcoming European artists.

Alyona as was publicly announced by the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya

Music Moves Europe

Gabriel. This annual EU prize for popular and contemporary music

Music is one of the most popular forms of art, widely consumed,

co-funded by the Creative Europe programme celebrates emerging

and a vibrant expression of Europe`s cultural diversity. Music Moves

artists who represent the European sound of today and tomorrow.

Europe, the overarching framework for the European Commission’s initiatives and actions in support of the European music sector aims

The awards ceremony took place digitally last night on the virtual

to help the music sector flourish. In line with this approach, the

platform Nite Hotel. The ceremony was presented by UK artist

Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, co-funded by the Creative

Melanie C who succeeded previous hosts Jools Holland, Eric Corton

Europe programme, the EU funding programme for the culture and

and Thomas Neuwirth (Conchita Wurst). This was the third edition

audiovisual sector,wants to contribute to the creativity, diversity and

of this EU music prize. Previous winners include Rosalía, Meduza,

competitiveness of the music sector in Europe.

Bishop Briggs, Aya Nakamura girl in red and Pale Waves.

Organising coalition

6

Prize Package

The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are organised by ESNS

Winners of the first 8 awards were selected by an expert jury

and Reeperbahn Festival in partnership with Yourope, Independent

consisting of Wilbert Mutsaers, Julia Gudzent, Katia Giampaolo, Huw

Music Companies Association (IMPALA), International Music

Stephens and honorary jury member Naaz (Public Choice Winner

Managers Forum (IMMF), Liveurope, Live DMA, European Music

2020). Each winner of this first category is awarded a monetary prize

Exporters Exchange (EMEE), Digital Music Europe (DME) and media

of 10.000 which includes a business support package provided by

partner European Broadcasting Union (EBU), with support from

the partners of the prize. This package consists of career advancing

the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Province of

services provided by these organisations. As the winner of the Public

Groningen and the City of Groningen. The awards are implemented

Choice Award, Alyona Alyona receives an extra 5.000 and is invited

in close cooperation with the European Commission and financially

to do a filmed live session at the Deezer studios in Paris.

supported by Creative Europe.

LIVE MUSIC’S GLOBAL GATHERING REBOOTS TO A NEW VIRTUAL REALITY

PROVISIONAL AGENDA NOW LIVE 33.ilmc.com

ILMC_VIP_FP-AD_198x272mm.indd 1

20/01/2021 10:50

VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

Thomas Ovesen: A Dane promoting shows in the Middle East From VIP-Daily News In Dubai when I promote my team and I manage all aspects of the event including

Most people feel comfortable living their whole life in

booking, artist airport arrival arrangements,

their country of birth, but for some people choice or faith

ground

takes them far from their country of origin to adventures

clearance, production, venue build (if open

far from “home”.

air), toilet rental, security guard hire, artist

transportation

grid,

shipping

hotel booking and rooming arrangement,

One of them is Thomas Ovesen, born in Denmark but living and working in the Live industry in the Middle East.

media

campaign,

promotion,

ticketing,

VIP packages, sponsorship sales, event permissions etc etc…….you certainly get to know the industry from all aspects and in

VIP-News talked to him about how he ended up in the

great detail when putting on shows in the

Middle East and how he got into the Live Music Industry.

Middle East. Getting your hands dirty is a fitting expression!

I believe we all see Dubai as a centre

You were born in Denmark but are

I wish I knew – it looks so easy in Denmark

for money and entertainment, has

now living in Dubai and working as a

when viewed from afar?:-)

promoting shows there changed over

promoter in the area, how did you end up so far away from home?

the years and what are the major No, joke aside I think in Denmark the

challenges there now?

challenges are mainly commercial and I came to the region summer 1998 –

competition based whilst in Dubai they

The live entertainment business was very

started out as an Air Traffic Controller in

are more fundamental and based on rules

minimal in Dubai prior to the 1990’s and

Bahrain and since moved to Dubai when

and regulations, lack of same, access to

it was only in the early 2000’ that the

the entertainment industry took off there

financing and whether you have special

business really took off so it is a very young

around 2000.

connections and pull with decision makers

market still.

and authorities. So in short if in Dubai I can I now live between Riyadh and Dubai and

drum up the required cash, have good pull

But yes it has changed – when I started

I actually cannot think of a more natural

with local stakeholders and authorities I can

out most shows were staged in hotel

life progression given I always wanted to

set up as a promoter – if in addition I can

ballrooms or gardens and based on an ROI

know what it would be like to live and work

manage successfully executed events and the

model of generating room bookings and

abroad and deliberately took the Air Traffic

media and PR side of things I will probably

F&B sales as main revenue generator as

education as it would allow me to seek work

soon be the market leader…I assume that

opposed to ticket sales……events had one

around the world.

in Denmark it is more about best managing

ticket category!

the access to suitable venues and maximising But home is where you lay your hat right?

ticket pricing. Perhaps in Denmark the

The event permission process was for

So with my British Caribbean wife and our

awarding of a profitable/attractive show

many years linked with the venue as a

19 year old son born in Manama I think I am

might also be down to what global promoter

reflection of the authorities not trusting

probably pretty much at home where I am

you are associated with!?! In Dubai pricing of

the then fledgling promoters but now and

right now!

almost all aspects of the event costs is down

in particular in Dubai the process is much

to personal relations and buying power –

more sophisticated, we have more venue

What

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differences

nothing has a fixed and non-negotiable

options including purpose built ones and

between promoting shows in Denmark

are

the

biggest

price and you use all possible contacts and

yes we do of course also have as many

and the Middle East?

relations to leverage the best deal.

ticketing categories as anywhere else!!

VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

And from back then when western artists

we didn’t have 10 years back. Programming

great local knowledge, stakeholder sway

sometimes had to be encouraged and

then will be key and venue owners here

and boots on the ground….this is probably

convinced of coming, sometimes with

don’t always understand how crucial that is

why the big international promoters aren’t

premium fees more than safety and security

to the success of the real estate part of our

set up here yet or mainly do brokerage

assurances, now most find it a natural stop

business – funny when it isn’t too unlike the

business but once they decide to invest

to play Dubai or Abu Dhabi when touring

shopping mall business that have been so

ours is a market that could reward them

between Europe and Asia, Far East Asia and

successful regionally.

very well….watch this space – the next few

South Africa…….soon Saudi offers will help

years will make a huge difference and now

make the region a natural stop-over and even

The real challenges though are still based on

a multi show play for many more touring

insufficient legislation, lack of insolvency laws

artists. The regional vanity promoters and

making it hugely risky for event organizers

Saudi Arabia recently opened up for Live

one off premium artist offer under writers

and promoters to take risk, sudden and

Entertainment a few years ago, how do

we used to deal with have more or less all

emotionally or religiously motivated changes

you see the market potential there for

vanished. So have the days where Dubai in

of rules and permissions making it even

international artists?

particular could outbid any other regional

more risky to promote shows and harder to

stop and the UAE will increasingly be looking

plan medium to long term.

towards Saudi to pool up with talent offers from there to secure its programming.

is the time to get in!

This is a real game changer – regionally the live events and entertainment inclusion of

With Saudi emerging as an entertainment

30+ million Saudis, the majority of which

destination and touring market the region

are under the age of 30 and all of whom

But slowly we see purpose built venues

as a whole will be more attractive for

are now enjoying the potential of attending

opening and so now there are great opera

promoters but each market has unique

entertainment

houses and arenas in the region something

rules and laws so you still need to have

not just boosted the overall Middle East

events

domestically,

has

event and entertainment market but at a time where more established regional hot spots like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hugely challenged offered the only source of outlet and income for the entertainment industry. There is no doubt that the Saudi Arabia market will drive the regional events market and act as the locomotive of live entertainment shows and programming for the coming years.

As Saudi settles in and further structures its significant investment in infrastructure and programming a new pool of event promoters and organizers will emerge but the Kingdom is already open for bookings and will no doubt continue the aggressive events and entertainment investments currently somewhat paused because of the pandemic.

Within few years I assume most international tours visiting Middle East will include one or multiple Saudi shows and that it might be the Saudi business that helps drag markets like UAE out of the current slump as shows and tours will be more likely to play there when in the region to play attractive Saudi shows

Thomas Ovesen

anyway. With Saudi the region might also finally see a regional and domestic touring

9

VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

circuit of local talents emerge…..this is another

consider sending your artists our way come

What will Thomas Ovesen be doing 10

growth potential for the entertainment

see us first and be one of the still too few

years from now and where?

business and why it isn’t unrealistic to assume

agents who has made such commitment –

the Middle East region soon becoming one of

you will benefit greatly as otherwise it can

The tempting answer is “sitting on a tropical

the most attractive markets globally for artists

be a complex marked and one with many

island doing next to nothing” ….but

and show producers.

challenges. There are no obstacles or legal

realistically I will probably still be in the

or commercial reasons for needing to trade

Middle East but then definitely on the look

What is your best advice for agents or

via middle men ……there are now credible

out for how to finally pull off that legacy

managers who would like to include the

promoters and purpose built venues you

project where in one go I get to put all my

Middle East in their touring schedules?

can work with across the region and so also

accumulated experiences of failures and

a potential to start promoting upcoming

successes to work on one great and amazing

Play the long game – because there is one for

and small capacity talents in addition to the

event, festival or project …..you know, the

sure! – and make the effort to visit and see

blockbuster talents already accustomed to

event I never got to do because there was

the key players and venues in person. If you

playing some of our markets.

always something else that needed doing!...

Glastonbury 2021 cancelled From VIP-Daily News Glastonbury Festival has been cancelled for a second year running due to the impact of the

The full statement reads:

Covid-19 pandemic. The news was announced on Thursday on the Worthy Farm event`s Twitter page. The event, which was due to take place at the end of June, was also cancelled

With great regret, we must announce that

last year.

this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place, and that this will be another enforced

In a Tweet this afternoon, organisers Michael and Emily Evis confirmed that news “in spite

fallow year for us.

of efforts to move heaven and earth”. They added: “With great regret, we must announce that this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place, and that this will be another enforced

In spite of our efforts to move Heaven &

fallow year for us.

Earth, it has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the Festival happen this year. We are so sorry to let you all down.

“Tickets for this year will roll over to next year.”

As with last year, we would like to offer all those who secured a ticket in October 2019 the opportunity to roll their £50 deposit over to next year, and guarantee the chance to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2022.

We are very appreciative of the faith and trust placed in us by those of you with deposits, and we are very confident we can deliver something really special for us all in 2022!

We thank you for your incredible continued support and let’s look forward to better times ahead.

Michael and Emily Eavis

10

With love, Michael & Emily

VIP NEWS >

JANUARY 2021

ESNS exceeds ambitious expectations From VIP-Daily News The first online edition of ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) exceeded all expectations according to the organisers; both the festival and conference platform have been visited en masse by music lovers and professionals worldwide with almost 4000 from 124 different countries.

In line with the current safety measures in The Netherlands, the thirty-fifth edition of

ESNS

ESNS took place digitally. Despite the acts, audience, and industry professionals being unable to meet each other in Groningen,

on new emerging acts from Europe and to

interviews with Wendy Ong (manager Dua

they still managed to make the most of the

bring together music professionals from all

Lipa), Scott Cohen (Warner Music), and Neil

virtual experience with daily live streamed

corners of the world to discuss the current

Warnock (UTA).

panels

online

and future of the music sector and its

networking opportunities for professionals

and

performances

and

industry. Thanks to NPO 3FM and members

Showcase festival

to meet each other in a virtual environment.

of EBU, ESNS was able to reach an even

The digital platform of the ESNS showcase

bigger audience in Europe and beyond.

festival, built-in collaboration with NPO

The online edition also brought new

We really hope we can organise a physical

3FM, hosted exclusive live sets from 189

possibilities for networking, while artists

edition in 2022 and be together once again,

acts from 36 European countries. The

gained a much greater reach for their

but we will also expand our online ventures

shows, broadcast daily on four channels,

showcases via ESNS channels and media

next year.�

were highly praised by media, music lovers,

partners. With this, the mission of ESNS

and professionals. The showcase festival has

was more than secured; promoting and

Conference

circulating new Dutch and European music.

The

consequences

been covered extensively by media partner COVID-19

NPO 3FM and European radio stations,

pandemic have been an unprecedented

of

the

united in the EBU (European Broadcasting

Robert Meijerink, head of programme of

blow to the music sector and as a result,

Union). Dutch broadcaster NTR guided the

ESNS looks back on a successful edition:

the need to get together seemed greater

viewer on Saturday evening in a two-hour

“We are truly overwhelmed by the positive

than ever. Almost 4,000 delegates took

program on NPO 3 with the Noorderslag

feedback, with many saying a new standard

part in the conference, themed `The Road

festival with all Dutch showcases. All ESNS

has been set, which is amazing and the

to Recovery` aiming to regain confidence,

showcases are now available to watch at

digital edition has exceeded our wildest

facing the current crisis, and making a

3fm.nl/esns.

expectations. The ESNS platform is focused

constructive contribution to a new future for Dutch and European music industry.

The sets were recorded by the acts in a short period of time throughout Europe,

Robert Meijerink

In 66 panels, featuring 274 speakers,

in collaboration with the EBU, export

industry professionals looked ahead and

agencies, venues, and festivals. A unique

discussed the reopening of the live music

achievement; as 34 European countries

sector, with conference attendees also

were in a lockdown at the time. Many of

scheduling more than 10.000 one on one

the Dutch acts were able to record their

meetings using the digital platform. The

performances at some of the much-loved

most viewed panels included `Successful

venues in Groningen, whilst following Covid

Covid Festival Formats`, `Streaming is here

Secure protocols, making it the first cultural

to stay!` and `Platform Workshops with

event in the Netherlands with all crew,

Bandcamp & Spotify`, and also keynote

artists, and suppliers tested for COVID-19.

11

ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?

WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com

The No 1 Information Resource For The Live Entertainment Industry Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. We have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc.

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VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

JANUARY 2021

New company interviews Despite incredibly tough times for all of us in the Live Music Industry and news of layoffs from many of the majors, we are still seeing people taking the big step to launch their own companies and initiatives.

VIP-News will be speaking to several of these new entrepreneurs over the coming months to get an insight into their new ventures.

We’ve had fantastic support from Stuart (Galbraith) and Steve (Tilley)

Name: Fin O’Leary Company: Singular Artists Country: Ireland Type of company: Promoter

and the team at Kilimanjaro, and while we are absolutely raring to go, the main concerns are the obvious ones for all promoters: the Covid-19 situation, the vaccination rollout, the gradual shift back towards normality, and to shows… and when is it all going to happen.

Did you bring your full roster with you?

Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your

We’ve been very lucky to continue working with the majority of the

own company?

artists that we had been working with pre-Covid. We’ve seen a huge amount of loyalty from agents, management and artists, which gave

I’ve been promoting in Ireland for 20+ years, initially with a venue,

us all a big boost.

then MCD and on to Aiken Promotions, working with artists like The Murder Capital, Yungblud, Big Thief, twenty one pilots, My

How do you see the potential for your company in this

Chemical Romance, Paramore, Paolo Nutini and The National.

disrupted Live Music industry?

Simon started out with Aiken in 2012, and is working with a broad spectrum of events and artists like Fontaines DC, Mark Rebillet and

We’re working with a very exciting and diverse roster of artists, which

Mabel. Brian had been involved in management before moving to

is a great starting point. We have a wealth of experience and drive

promoting with Pat Egan and on to Aiken, working with artists such

between the three of us, and we’ve already got a number of new

as Billy Connolly, The Pogues, Daryl Hall & John Oates and the RTE

events on the boil for the coming years. Ireland has always been

Concert Orchestra.

perceived as only having a small number of big guns, but we’re seeing shifts in the industry right now that will make a lot of space

Have you taken on any employees yet and/or planned on

for the newer, leaner independent model.

growing or is it a one man band?

Right now it’s the three of us (Fin, Simon and Brian), and we are working with freelance PR and design. We’re in the process of taking on a Digital Media Manager and there are plans to further expand the team over the coming months.

Why did you decide to start your own company?

We had worked closely with our clients for so long that it was never a question of walking away from the industry and these relationships when Aiken downsized in April 2020. We were always going to continue in booking/live promotion in some shape or form, and we decided early on that combining our talents would give us the strongest foundation to build on.

What is/was your biggest concern about starting up your own company?

Fin O’Leary

13

VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

JANUARY 2021

and a well-thought-out strategy, a motivated

Name: Aga Heller Company: Frills Country: Germany Type of company: Full Service Artist Agency

team and massive portion of idealism. We fully believed in what we are doing. And then came Corona – and brought up some concerns, of course. We had plenty of internal discussions, started to think about restructuring the company and about other strategies and concepts. But very quickly

Gives us a brief update on your career

Fabric in London and for Clinic Talent, the

we realised: our concept is still perfect, our

before launching your own company?

booking division of Hospital Records. Andy

strategies are ace. We still believe in the idea

Bell is developing creative strategies and

of Frills and in what we are doing. So, we

My whole life has been dedicated to music: I

concepts for our artists, before he was the

wiped all concerns aside and moved on.

started as a club promoter in my early years

head of marketing for HYTE and later worked

and founded my first DJ booking agency

for various renowned artists, such as Chris

Did you bring your full roster with you?

shortly after. Some years later I became a

Liebing. The youngster in our team is Marie

product manager at Warner Music, followed

Claire de Voil, who’s mainly managing the

I know usually you are an agent or manager

by positions at various other major and indie

social media marketing for our artists. And my

somewhere else, take some artists with you

record labels. After that I founded an artist

partner in crime is David Lewis. We founded

and start a new venture with them as a

management agency, then took over the role

Frills together. Besides Frills he’s the co-owner

foundation, but we intentionally didn’t want

as the head of booking/artist management

of several other companies, such as David

to start the company with any artists that may

at Solomun’s Diynamic and then became

Lewis Productions, Armada and ALDA.

go on to dictate how the rest of the roster or

the General Manager of the global festival

the company develops, or expect to have an

event series HYTE. That’s briefly what I have

Why did you decide to start your own

influence in that respect. We have our own

been doing in the 25 years before we have

company?

idea and want to build the roster from the

founded Frills in 2019.

ground up, with every artist selected based

That’s easy: it was long overdue! And both

on their own merits and vision. The strength

Have you taken on any employees yet

David and I had the feeling such a concept

of our concept, services, creativity and our

and/or planned on growing or is it a one

as Frills was missing in the electronic music

holistic approach, as well as our principles,

man band?

world. We just had to fill that gap!

authenticity and our understanding of

underground electronic dance music culture,

The concept we have developed for Frills is

What is/was your biggest concern about

is how we want to appeal to artists. We

based on a holistic approach that provides

starting up your own company?

understand artists and know how to develop

a 360° service to our artists, which requires

their profiles and personalities, whilst never

a high level of knowledge in various fields.

I can’t say that we were concerned when we

forgetting the values of the electronic music

Therefore, we have formed an interdisciplinary

started Frills. We had a convincing concept

culture we all represent.

team of experienced specialists and proven experts. Our Booking Manager is Catherine Stoy, who has been an agent for Dixon and Âme and worked for Richie Hawtin’s agency Clonk before. Our Marketing Manager is Sebastian Martison, who has been responsible for the marketing of Adam Beyer’s Drumcode label and events. Marina Zakharevitch is managing the record labels of our artists as well as other artist projects, such as event concepts. She has been a Label Manager at !K7 and a Campaign Marketing Manager at Festicket before she joined us. Responsible for operations at Frills is Diana Foster, who previously worked for the legendary nightclub

14

Aga Heller Photo by Kasia Zacharko

VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

JANUARY 2021

company; for us, our clients and the industry

Name: Natasha Gregory (Bent) Company: Mother Artists Country: United Kingdom Type of company: Live Agency & Management Company

professionals that we love working with.

Did you bring your full roster with you?

I am lucky that my core roster is joining me on this new venture. Alex Amor, Amy Macdonald, Benjamin Booker, Cate Le Bon,

Gives us a brief update on your career

Why did you decide to start your own

CMAT, Darwin Deez, Do Nothing, Electric

before launching your own company?

company?

Guest, First Aid Kit, Foster The People, Gotye, IDLES, RY X, The Antlers, The Magic

I started off backing singing for Carleen

I am starting this company alongside my

Gang, The Teskey Brothers, Thomas Headon,

Anderson after studying vocals at BIMM.

brother Mark Bent (IDLES management)

Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Violet Skies,

From there I worked in management for Phil

someone I admire, trust and feel empowered

Westerman – with more to follow.

Nelson/First Column. It was then I started my

by. It’s very rare to find someone that works

Live Agency career at 13 Artists as a booking

with the same ethos and drive. We have

How do you see the potential for your

agent. I then set up my own Agency ‘The

spoken about this dream for a while and if

company in this disrupted Live Music

Village Agency’, followed by moving to The

there is one thing this last year has taught us,

industry?

Agency Group for ten years (which then

it’s to just go for it.

became UTA), then the last 4 years at Coda

We wouldn’t have started this venture if we

/ Paradigm

What is/was your biggest concern about

didn’t 100% believe in ourselves, our clients

starting up your own company?

and everyone’s abilities. There is no secret

Have you taken on any employees yet

trick, no shortcut. Just cut out the bullshit,

and/or planned on growing or is it a one

I don’t believe that’s the right way to start a

put your heads down and fight for your

man band?

company. No negativity at all – hard work,

clients like you would your family, but with

good ethics, leading with compassion and

respect kindness and hard work ethics at

empathy is the best start we can give this

the core. Simple.

News on that to be announced soon.

Natasha and Mark Bent Photo by Jarowslaw Hipisowki

15

VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

JANUARY 2021

It started purely as something useful and interesting for me to do to keep me occupied

Name: Paul Cheetham Company: The SuperSwell Country: Germany Type of company: Podcast

during lockdown but it’s already taking on a life of its own. Potential sponsors have been in touch and, more interestingly for me, several event organisers have asked if I can record episodes or arrange online panels for their conferences this year. That is

Gives us a brief update of your career

it offers some hope and encouragement

something I would like to do and eventually

before launching Superswell?

to people listening. I like the fact that

curate physical SuperSwell panels and

in a small way the podcast can act as a

showcases when it’s possible.

I started booking concerts professionally

document of our times. I’ll be able to look

in 1997 at the Mean Fiddler in London. In

back on it as a personal record of how we

Have you got plans to come back into

1999 I found myself working as a promoter

managed our lives and emerged from this

the Live Music Industry at some point?

at Welldone Agency in Helsinki which

traumatic period.

eventually became Live Nation Scandinavia. I

I haven’t left the Live Music Business!!

also worked as an artist manager and adviser

Who have you interviewed so far and

The Live Music Business has left us for

to acts like The Rasmus and The Crash. I

who have you got lined up?

the moment but I haven’t stopped being

moved to Berlin in 2009 and became festival

involved in discussions and ideas with

booker at Popkomm then Berlin Music Week

So far, guests have included Mark Davyd

companies about how concerts and events

before joining Reeperbahn Festival. In 2017 I

(Music

Gudzent

can be brought back as we emerge out of

became Booking Director at AEG Europe and

(Lollapalooza Berlin), Allan McGowan (IQ/

the Covid/Brexit double-whammy. I have to

oversaw the 2018 opening of the Verti Music

VIP), Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week),

wait and see if the right opportunity comes

Hall in Berlin with shows including Jack

Adam Lewis (Planetary Group), Alex Maiolo

along and how I can keep the podcast

White, George Ezra and Dave Chappelle. I

(Journalist/Musician),

going once I get a “proper” job again.

finished that job in September last year and,

(Playwright/Author). I’m in the middle of

like many of us, been spending most of my

producing the next couple of episodes and

www.thesuperswell.com

time at home since then.

have more really great chats lined up. You

podcast@thesuperswell.com

Venue

Trust),

and

Julia

Ian

Salmon

can be informed by joining the mailing list: What gave you the idea to start your

www.thesuperswell.com/sign-up

own podcast, what are your intentions

www.heartburstman.com head@heartburstman.com

with it and what do you hope your

Have you got any partners or are you

listeners will get out of it?

doing this alone?

I had a few late night zoom calls with friends

I’ve been initially producing the podcast on

who I hadn’t seen for a long time. We had a

my own but talking to a handful of people

lot of meaningful conversations about some

around the world about them joining the

of the interesting times we’ve had over the

project and producing their own content as

years. Someone said we should record some

part of the SuperSwell Collective. We just

of these talks as others might enjoy them

launched a new monthly edition called The

too. I’m fortunate to have met such a diverse

Delicates’ Lounge which reviews/previews

range of remarkable people who give me so

news and events of that particular month.

much to talk about with them. As well as

I’m sure other new ideas will be appearing

their life and work I like to get deeper into

on the platform soon. I can’t tell you how

the human parts of them. The good stuff!

much fun it’s been and how rewarding it

Paul Cheetham

is to be collaborating with people like this.

I planned to just do 3 episodes but received

16

such positive feedback and enjoyed doing

Is the podcast generating any income

it so much that I decided to continue doing

and if not do you have plans for this for

new episodes every couple of weeks. I hope

the future?

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

JANUARY 2021

James Tones joins Mother Artists From VIP-Daily News Tones, who was previously a booker at

and we, and our clients are so lucky and

Paradigm Agency, will be reunited with

excited to have him with us. Let’s go!”

James Tones

former Paradigm colleague Natasha Gregory (formerly Bent), but also build his own roster

James Tones said: “I’m so excited to join

and everyone at Mother Artists. Exciting

and help to grow the new business alongside

Mother Artists and start the next chapter of

times ahead!”

the core team.

my career as an agent with Natasha, Mark and the team. As a mentor, I am so grateful

Mark Bent heads up the management

Siblings Mark Bent and Natasha Gregory

to Natasha for teaching me invaluable skills

division, while Natasha Gregory runs the live

– who joined the Music Week Women In

and for giving me opportunities to keep

division. The management roster includes

Music Roll Of Honour in 2016 – joined forces

progressing over the past four years, but also

Idles, Heavy Lungs, Avaera, Daffodils and

to launch Mother Artists as a management

to grow as a person and treat everyone with

newly signed Magazines.

and live agency at the end of 2020.

respect and kindness, and lead by example.

The live side of the company launched with

Natasha Gregory, Mother Artists co-founder,

“Having worked with Natasha and Mark on

Alex Amor, Amy Macdonald, Benjamin

said: “James is basically superman. Not

Idles, I have seen first-hand what they can

Booker, Cate le Bon, CMAT, Darwin Deez, Do

only to us, but to our clients, his peers and

achieve as a team. Mark has already built

Nothing, Electric Guest, First Aid Kit, Foster

all industry professionals. He leads with

an incredible reputation for Mother Artists,

The People, Gotye, Heavy Lungs, Idles, Kills

kindness, empathy, extreme efficiency and

so with Natasha joining on the live side,

Birds, Laura Misch, Ry X, The Antlers, The

a go get attitude. We have no doubt that

the sky`s the limit. I’m looking forward to

Magic Gang, The Teskey Brothers, Thomas

James will be running the company within a

building my own roster as well as being able

Headon, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Violet

year. Like all our team, he starts as an equal

to continue working closely with Natasha

Skies and Westerman.

Warner Music sacks former Lorde manager Scott Maclachlan From VIP-Daily News Warner Music Group has terminated the

Maclachlan, originally from the UK, is best

Maclachlan said he had been guilty of

contract of Scott Maclachlan after inidents

known for discovering and then managing the

“stupid, insensitive and ignorant comments”

of sexual harassment have come to light.

Grammy-winning artist Lorde at his own Saiko

to women in the industry, including asking

Management, which he founded in 2013.

them if they wanted sexual contact with him,

Scott Maclachlan

and making comments about their bodies.

Following 20 years in the UK music industry, Maclachlan moved to New Zealand in 2008,

“There’s not a day goes by that I don’t regret

where he discovered Lorde when she was

the harm I have caused people around me and

13 years old.

most importantly the pain and embarrassment I have caused my wife and children. I have

The dismissal of Scott Maclachlan on Sunday

to live with that guilt, knowing that people

came after an investigation prompted him to

I worked with have also endured pain and

publicly admit years of harmful actions towards

stress because of my actions,” Maclachlan

staff and colleagues. He said on Friday he was

told news site Stuff.

in intensive psychotherapy and was trying “to live a simpler, less egotistical life”.

17

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

JANUARY 2021

DEAG Deutsche Entertainment plans Stock Exchange withdrawal From VIP-Daily News

The management board of DEAG around Prof. Peter Schwenkow has secured the support of the largest single shareholder of DEAG. In an agreement signed today with Apeiron Investment Group Ltd. and its bidder company (Musai Capital Ltd., “Bidder”), the submission of a public delisting-takeover offer was agreed as a requirement for the Delisting.

prices of the last three and the last six months as required by law for a delisting-takeover offer.

In the course of the planned Delisting, it is intended to retain the Company`s legal form as a stock corporation and to continue the

According to the Bidders calculation, this price is currently EUR

listing of the corporate bond on the Open Market (Freiverkehr) of the

3.07 per DEAG share. The final price will be published by the

Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Bidder in the offer document after confirmation by the German Federal

Financial

Supervisory

Authority

(Bundesanstalt

für

All members of the management board as well as the supervisory

Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, BaFin). As a delisting-takeover offer,

board will also accompany DEAG on its further growth trajectory.

the offer will not be subject to any closing conditions.

Furthermore, all existing contracts with employees, service providers and artists shall remain in full force and effect.

Together with the U.S. investor Mike Novogratz, who holds approx.

14% of DEAG`s shares through his family office Galaxy Group

The withdrawal from the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock

Investments LLC, as well as other existing shareholders of the

Exchange requires a prior public delisting-takeover offer to the

Company, Apeiron and the Bidder have agreed on the key terms

shareholders of DEAG, so that all shareholders can still sell their

of a shareholders` agreement. The parties to the shareholders`

shares prior to the Delisting. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of

agreement, which in total hold approximately 47% of the DEAG

Apeiron, DEAG`s longstanding and, with a shareholding of approx.

Shares, will not accept the planned offer for their DEAG shares. On

18%, largest single shareholder, in accordance with the agreement

the basis of the shareholders` agreement, subject to the successful

entered into, today announced such an offer with a consideration

closing of the transaction, they will exercise joint control over

in cash, calculated according to the volume-weighted average share

DEAG. In the agreement with DEAG, Apeiron and the Bidder have committed to support DEAG`s further growth strategy outside the stock exchange listing.

CEO and founder of the Company, Prof. Peter Schwenkow commented: “Despite the continuing uncertainties about the future of the live entertainment industry due to the ongoing restrictions, DEAG is pleased about the continuous support and trust of all members of the management board, the supervisory board, all managing directors, partners, co-shareholders and the current major shareholders who wish to continue to jointly pursue DEAG`s existing growth course in an unlisted environment of the company.”

As required by law, the management board and supervisory board

Prof. Peter Schwenkow

of DEAG will issue a reasoned statement on the public delistingtakeover offer after publication of the offer document.

19

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

JANUARY 2021

DEAG to acquire 75% of Danish promoter CSB Island Entertainment From VIP-Daily News DEAG is acquiring 75% of the shares

Show - A Tribute to Abba,” which has now

“DEAG has been working closely and

in the Danish promoter and producer

been performed in around 50 countries

successfully with CSB for many years,

CSB Island Entertainment via its wholly

worldwide, “Queen Machine Symphonic” or

especially in the UK and Scandinavia but

owned subsidiary DEAG Classics AG. This

“Disco Tango Eurovision Show” are among

also in the Classics & Jazz sector. The

acquisition will significantly expand DEAG`s

the company`s own productions. With this

investment in CSB is the next logical step

activities and presence in Scandinavia.

offering, CSB is an excellent addition to

of our trustful cooperation. Scandinavia is

Through the cooperation with CSB, DEAG

DEAG`s portfolio.

an economically strong market in Europe

expects to achieve positive synergy effects

and is considered to be particularly

in the live entertainment business as well as

CSB company founder and CEO Carsten

digitally minded. We see good growth

growth impulses for the ticketing business

Svoldgaard as well as COO Kenneth

opportunities for our ticketing business in

in Scandinavia.

Svoldgaard will remain shareholders and

particular and expect to see synergy effects

will continue to manage the company in the

in our international business,” commented

CSB was founded in 1994 and is one of

long term with their team, which will remain

Detlef Kornett, member of the Executive

the leading promoters and producers in

completely with the company.

Board of DEAG.

Scandinavia, with around 300 events a year. The company has an extensive partner network, a broadly diversified portfolio and its own worldwide rights to productions and shows, some of which it has developed itself. In the past, CSB has organized and hosted numerous concerts and events in Scandinavia with internationally renowned artists such as KISS, James Blunt, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, Kris Kristofferson and Sissel Kyrkjebø. In addition, shows such as “The

Carsten Svoldgaard

Kenneth Svoldgaard

Adele manager big time earnings in 2019 From VIP-Daily News Adele manager Jonathan Dickins` company

of close to £200,000. Dickins is still raking

more than his global mega star, according to

September

reportedly

it in despite Adele keeping a low profile

the newspaper.

earned £27,457 per day in 2019 – despite his

throughout 2019. He paid himself £6million

Management

Ltd

biggest star not releasing a song since 2015.

The music world is bracing itself for the release of her latest album, first expected

According to Daily Mirror, Dickin`s company

last year but sure now to land in 2021. Her

September Management Ltd, has filed yearly

last album 25 – which hit the shelves in

paperwork to Companies House and has

2015 – sold 22 million copies worldwide.

declared impressive dividends for that year.

Adele “laid down some initial tracks” for The company has assets worth nearly £30 million, meaning they post weekly profits

20

Jonathan Dickins

her upcoming record in a secret recording session recently, it has been claimed.

VIP NEWS > MISC >

MEMBER PRESENTATION

JANUARY 2021

This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com.

Companies presented here have our best endorsement...

Rockhal Boasting three concert halls – the Main Hall that can accommodate an audience of up to 6500 and the Club that can hold 1200 and The Floor with a capacity up to 200 – the Rockhal, a complex managed by the public institution Centre de Musiques Amplifiées and co-financed by the Luxembourgish State, is Luxembourg’s No 1 concert venue.

The Rockhal is also a Music & Resources Centre, comprising no fewer than six rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, a dance studio and a documentation centre. In short, a place where players of the Luxembourg music scene, professional and amateur alike, can interact and share their views on the local industry.

About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largest­database­for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.com­developed as a tool for industry professionals­. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers­ in over 50 countries.

®

vip-booking.com

21

HOW TO USE

1

Use VIP Analytics to lo cate where your artist has the most in terest:

VIP-Booking.com for Agents/Managers

2

ues Use our Tour Builder to locate ven or agents within a given area:

3

Find the Talent B uyer and relevant other contact s:

ÂŽ

The No. 1 information resource for the European Live Entertainment Industry vip-booking.com