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PREMIUM > VOLUME 205 > OCTOBER 2017
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McGowan’s
Musings
Having spent more time than I’d like
the French promoters association, Prodiss,
access to well appointed and subsidised
referring to bad news relating to the live
that a recent report, the Barometre du Live
‘youth’ clubs in Holland allowed UK acts
industry, I’m glad to say that this issue leads
indicated that following the attack on the
to take advantage of this to play these
with good news – hooray we all shout!
Bataclan two years ago (is it really that
venues, often being better paid than in the
I spent most of last week in a warm and
long!) and after a 2016 decline probably
home market, which led to gigs in Belgium,
sunny Paris at the eighth edition of the
caused by the atrocity, live saw a return
Germany etc., and pretty much kicked off
MaMA Event. I ran into some good friends,
to good health in 2017, with 42% of
a European touring circuit for the British
attended some good panels, and saw a
people attending a least one show. Prodiss
business. Now I see that the Netherlands is
couple of very good bands. So what more
stated tht this appeared to be “…a kind
the guest country in both Bime in Bilbao,
could I have asked for, ah yes, the further
of return to normal.” Gig goers reported
and next May’s Great Escape in Brighton.
good news announced at the event by
improved feelings of safety, and that live
At MaMA in Paris I was most impressed by
entertainment offered an ‘antidote’ to an
a Dutch act – The Mysterons - maybe their
atmosphere of crisis. Let’s hope that in
time has come!
France and elsewhere, this continues to
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
2
be the case. There was a drawback for the
I was sad to hear of the death of the
industry in terms of increased security costs,
original Editor of the on-line business
but of course this was a problem faced by
journal Record of the Day, David Balfour.
most markets following terrorist attacks, or
He passed away on the 20th of October,
at least the threat of these.
having
been
diagnosed
with
Motor
Neurone Disease two years ago. I often met However, great as it was to have these
him at Conferences and very much enjoyed
days of sunshine dark clouds do appear to
his company; he certainly knew his business
be gathering as the effects of the Harvey
and was an extremely good writer. We send
Weinstein scandals on the film business
our condolences to his family and friends,
open up similar repercussions within the
and to his colleagues at Record of the Day.
music business in general, with the live
(See article in this issue.)
sector having its share. We’ve even had Tom Jones recalling having to deal with
All being well I shall be busy next month,
unwelcome advances early in his career. It
taking part in Nouvelle Prague, in early
seems that we will be hearing a lot more of
November, then off again to Sonic Visions
this sort of thing in the coming weeks.
in Luxembourg later in the month. I shall report back, as ever. Perhaps I’ll see some
We’re well and truly into Conference and
of you at one or both of these events, if
Showcase season, and our inclusion of
so, please let me know how things are with
news items about Eurosonic Noorderslag in
you and your business, if not mail us with
this issue have made me think about how
your news!
the Dutch music market has grown in the last few years, it is apparently now fifth in
In the meantime, Ladies and Gentlemen –
the world. I recall that in the early 70’s the
The News!
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
James Grant Group acquires 10 Management From VIP-Daily News James Grant Group (JGG) has acquired London-based 10 Management.
10
Management
is
Take
That’s
long-term
management company, and is led by founder Jonathan Wild. The firm has represented Take That since the record-breaking British group reformed in 2006. MBW is told that JGG will now represent both Take That as a band and the solo careers of Gary Barlow, Mark
James Grant Group
Owen and Howard Donald. The move is James Grant Group’s first major acquisition since it
The Script) and the central James Grant Music operation (Louis
merged with LA-based Deckstar in a deal worth more than $20m
Tomlinson, James Arthur).
back in March. Deckstar, which looks after acts such as Blink 182 and Steve Aoki, continues to be run by company founders Lawrence
In addition to music, James Grant Group represents talent in the
Vavra and Matt Colon under the JGG umbrella.
world of sport and entertainment. The company has around 250 employees across the UK and US and over 1,000 clients. James
In addition to Deckstar, JGG operates two other distinct music
Grant Group is jointly owned by its employees, senior management
management divisions: Hall or Nothing (Manic Street Preachers,
and Metric Capital.
Take That with manager Jonathan Wild
3
Wherever you go, we are there ‌ ... with infrastructure and services!
Get in touch !
GIGS Barriers | Ground Protection | Site Material
info@eps.net | www.eps.net
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
Shmuel Zemach passes away From VIP-Daily News Long time Israeli promoter Shmuel Zemach has passed away. He was the first promoter in Israel, and until his death the President of Promoters and Producers association in Israel. Zemach promoted many artists, amongst others Elton John, Leonard Cohen, Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, Simon & Garfunkel, the London musical Mamma-Mia (twice), Julio Iglesias, Luciano Pavarotti, Enrique Iglesias, Cliff Richard (3 days ago), the Scorpions, Guns`n Roses, Metallica, Aerosmith and many many more… Zemach was a very close friend with
Shmuel Zemach
among others Harvey Goldsmith and Marek Lieberberg. Beginning in the city of Petach Tikva’s (where
producer, impresario, agent and personal
Since its inception, Zemach Productions
he grew up) Municipality Youth Department,
manager of many leading Israeli artists.
has become a multi-functional company
ZEMACH started out organizing events
specializing in the promotion, production,
for various youth organizations. He was
and organization of national events, theater,
appointed a member of the ‘10 Years State of
ballet, folk dancing, art and artists, including
Israel Celebrations Committee’ and became a
many internationally acclaimed performers
representative for the Kibbutzim Movement
of the entertainment world.
Festival, an annual art/entertainment festival taking place in Haifa. In time, ZEMACH was sent by the Prime Minister’s office to the United States in order to acquire further knowledge,
experience
and
expertise
in organizing and coordinating events, exhibitions and sight and sound shows. ZEMACH was later appointed Adm. Director of the Giora Godik Theater, producer of the musicals: My Fair Lady, West Side Story,
Enrique Iglesias
Fiddler on the Roof, and more. He went on to become an independent promoter,
Yoav Zemach
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
5
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2017
CONFERENCE UPDATES
Reeperbahn ’17 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The Reeperbahn Festival again took place last month in Hamburg. Over the course of four days, over 40,000 visitors, 4,700 of them professional guests from more than 57 nations, took part in the twelfth edition. It was a little late for us to report on this edition in our September issue, and also for medical reasons I was unable to attend, however Peter Briggs of VIP-Booking was there – he tells us: “Reeperbahn has become one of the “must attend” events for us. This year we were busier than ever with back-to-back meetings from the moment we arrived. Part of the reason for this is the increased number of delegates now attending the event but also because of the huge interest we have received for our new social media statistics. The size of the conference hotel makes it easy to bump
Detlef Schwarte - Reeperbahn Festival Organiser
into everyone you want to meet. Getting the balance right between growing but not getting too big is difficult but Reeperbahn seem to
VIP News asked Detlef about his perceptions of this twelth edition:
have got it just right.” VIP News: What did you consider to be the highlights of this
Reeperbahn Festival
edition? Detlef Schwarte: Regarding the conference of the Reeperbahn Festival the most important aspect is the constant recognition that we receive from all parts of the music industry. The numbers of delegates from the live music, recorded music, and the publishing sector are similarly growing from year to year. The keynotes speeches from Melvin Benn, Ole Obermann, Dave Stewart and Hartwig Masuch were all very well attended, indicate the universal definition of Reeperbahn Festival that is unique in Europe and that is additionally underlined by its growing internationality - our delegates came from 56 countries this year. Other highlights were
6
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2017
the second edition of Anchor - the Reeperbahn Festival International
and public audience and was very well accepted in year one. The
Music Award that was awarded to Jade Bird and the several activities
virtual dome that was situated there was home to the premiere
of this year´s partner country Canada, represented by more than 100
of
delegates and 50 contributions to the music and film programme of
the new conference strand about Creative Tech with speakers
the Reeperbahn Festival.
like Eurythmic´s Dave Stewart, Heaven 17´s Martyn Ware or Live
the Martin Kohlstedt performance „Currence“ and also to
Nations´s Lars-Oliver Vogt. Also new or expanded partnerships VIP News: How do you think it compared with previous years?
with companies and organizations like Live Nation, YouTube, KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency), Apple Music, or Deezer ,
Detlef Schwarte: Reeperbahn Festival is developing constantly
document Reeperbahn´s increasing appeal that is still based on the
without changing its general familiar character and comfortable
distinctive atmosphere of the place and the good vibe coming from
setting. This year the Festival Village - a new area of thirty thousand
everyone that is involved - artist, delegates, audience, partners and
square metres - offered new venues and services to delegates
team.
Eurosonic Noorderslag Announce 37 New Acts Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com 37 new acts have been announced for ESNS18, including: Jacob Banks, My Baby, Au/Ra, Scarlet Pleasure, Celeste and more.
Danish Scarlet Pleasure announced for Eurosonic
The festival tickets for Eurosonic Noorderslag will go on sale on Saturday, October 28th at 10:00 CEST. The organisation has announced 37 more acts for the festivals Eurosonic and Noorderslag, which will take place 17, 18, 19 and 20 January 2018 in Groningen, Netherlands. Eurosonic will take place from Wednesday to Friday, as usual, in the city of Groningen, with the showcase festival featuring emerging artists from all over Europe. Bookers and other music industry
Confirmed for Noorderslag: Figgie (nl), HAEVN (nl), Latifah (nl), MY
representatives attend ESNS to seek new acts to play at clubs and
BABY (nl), Nana Adjoa (nl), Rollàn (nl), Tusky (nl), Waltzburg (nl).
summer festivals around the continent. Earlier editions of ESNS, have seen acts including Mø, Dua Lipa, Hozier, Lost Frequencies and Royal
See full line up here:
Blood established as part of the international music industry. On
www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl/en/festival/line-up/
Saturday, concert venue De Oosterpoort plays host to the best and most current acts from The Netherlands at the Noorderslag festival.
ESNS is also of course a conference and networking opportunity
Noorderslag is regarded as the best place to check out promising
for professionals from the event and music industries. The B2B side
artists from The Netherlands:
of the event attracts more than 4,000 entertainment professionals from all sections of the industry, including representatives of over
Confirmed for Eurosonic: Ankathie Koi (at), Arcane Roots (gb), Au/
400 European festivals, managers, agents, publishers, labels, tech
Ra (de), Auðn (is), Bad Sounds (gb), Cannibale (fr), Celeste (fr), Coals
companies and event suppliers. Each year, ESNS stages more than
(pl), D/troit (dk), Daniel Brandt & Eternal Something (de), Diron
350 showcases all over the city of Groningen as well as offering a
Animal (pt), Ellis May (dk), Hater (se), Hrtl (cz), IAMJJ (dk), Jacob
comprehensive and focused conference programme of around 150
Banks (gb), Lxandra (fi), Mist (gb), Pale Honey (se), Pardans (dk),
panels and keynotes, and multiple networking opportunities.
Pekko Kappi & K:H:H.L (fi), Scarlet Pleasure (dk), Schnellertollermeier (ch), Seamus Fogarty (ie), Serushio (pt), Superorganism (gb), Vera
The event also hosts annual meetings by music associations, pitch
(dk), Vurro (es), Yungblud (gb).
sessions, networking dinners, parties and dedicated areas featuring
7
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2017
the very latest thinking and technical innovation in the music, media, interactive and production industries. At this year’s edition Denmark will be the ESNS focus country. ESNS is also home to several awards ceremonies, among them the European Border Breakers Awards, Buma Music Meets Tech Awards, European Festival Awards and the national Dutch Popprijs First Keynote Announced for Eurosonic Scumeck Sabottka (MCT-Agentur, DE) is the first name to be announced for the ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) Conference. Sabottka has an accomplished career as concert promotor and agent, working with acts like Rammstein, Kraftwerk and The Ramones. Scumeck Sabottka is a fierce enemy of secondary ticketing and is the founder of ticketing company Tickets.de, which he has since sold. He will feature in a keynote interview by Emma Banks (CAA, UK), the booking agent of (among others) Katy Perry and Arcade Fire.
Scumeck Sabottka announced as Keynote for Eurosonic
ILMC 30 – Dates Announced Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The 30th edition of the International Live
30th birthday celebration that evening (more
issue, or even a ready-made session that
Music Conference will take place in London,
on this shortly).
you feel should be making an appearance at
again at The Royal Garden Hotel, from 6-9
ILMC 30, now is the perfect time to get in
March 2018, with the main schedule of
Registration will open in the second week of
meetings, events, and showcases kicking off
November, when full conference information
on Wednesday 7 March.
will be available online, via eNews updates,
The ILMC agenda has always been formed
and in IQ Magazine.
directly by the live music industry, and we
Tuesday 6 March will see the ILMC Production
touch and share your ideas.
rely on input from our members around the
Meeting and Green Events & Innovation
Work has now begun on the ILMC agenda for
world. So, if you have a suggestion, please
Conference take place, as well as a huge
2018, so if there is a particular topic, burning
drop a line to: greg@ilmc.com
ILMC 29 conference
8
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
OCTOBER 2017
MaMA 2017 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The eighth edition of the MaMA Festival & Convention took place in Paris from 18 - 20th October 2017. This year, a record number attended three days of networking and concerts. In surprisingly hot and sunny weather! 5,620 industry professionals attended this 2017 edition (5,345 industry professionals in 2016, thus a 5% increase), 30% of which
Obvious trends included: Although the number of players in the live
were from abroad, with 52 different nationalities represented.
music industry is alarming, the sector appears however to be in rude health. Artists are following a more DIY approach, taking control and
2,010 organisations attended (1,953 in 2016, thus a 3% increase) 419
managing their own careers.
different participants (238 in 2016) Numerous international industry leaders (Harvey Goldsmith, Nora 582 press passes were issued (520 in 2016)
Felder, Korda Marshall, Cary Sherman...) and artists (Lomepal, Everything Everything, Superpoze, Wax Tailor, Imogen Heap...)
The ticket office for the general public was booming, with 1-day
attended as part of the conferences, keynotes and debates.
and 3-day passes available: to date, 4,713 public passes were issued (+18%).
Despite a more in-depth programme with fewer headliners, the public appeared more inquisitive than ever as attendance figures saw an
There were 441 different artists scheduled, and more than 180
increase with more than 4,700 passes sold.
concerts and showcases accessible to both the general public and industry professionals alike taking place in 16 different unique venues.
Now in its third year running, MaMA Invent proved successful, affirming the importance of innovation and creativity in both the
Conference Coverage
live music industry and the world of music. Such notions go hand in hand with the digital transformation in the music sector now more
The hottest topics discussed at this year’s Conference, included the
than ever.
concentration of players in the live music industry, where does the artist sit amongst the industry’s concerns, and streaming’s rise to
The publishing world was strongly represented with numerous events
power.
and special topics on offer.
MaMA Festival & Convention
9
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
David Balfour Passes Away Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Music industry insider and journalist David
characters in digital music distribution. All of
the 450 miles from London to Glasgow over
Balfour has passed away after having been
us enjoyed his passion for music, his strategic
three days, near to where David lived, to
diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease two
approach and his perceptive reporting on
raise money for the Motor Neuron Disease
years ago.
the future of music. Our condolences and
charity. £7,500 was pledged.
hugs go out to his family.” - Oke Goettlich, There aren’t that many people like David
founder of finetunes.
The charity measure is still on, if you would
within the music industry, admired for being
like to donate, please go to:
down to earth and polite, accessible, and
“David joined RotD (Record Of The Day)
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/
respected for his solid knowledge about
at the very start. He was already an
london-glasgow-cycle
music and the industry yet still remaining
accomplished journalist, and was just what
over the years retaining a kindly character
I needed. He was full-time for us for over
and attitude.
six years, before becoming part-time while
David Balfour
working with finetunes. David Balfour worked for the online magazine Record Of The Day since its
The comments I’ve had sent to me echo
beginning fifteen years ago and later
what I knew. Among them “a lovely person”,
on moved to digital distribution service
“great journalist”, “intelligent man” and
Finetunes.
“thoughtful and incisive”. We’ve lost a good man all too young. He leaves a wife,
“We all are struggling for words to express
Jacqueline, and eight year old daughter,
how sad we are about David’s passing.
Roisin. - Paul Scaife, Record Of The Day.
Everyone that worked with him at finetunes will remember not only a colleague but
The picture shows David with Record of the
also a friend. We lost one of the smartest
Day founder Paul Scaife, who had just cycled
Let’s Talk Politics with Michael Bisping Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Since the beginning of the year VIP News
reasons for political populism and the need
entry by an elected populist/right
has run an interview series with music
for increased investments into lobby efforts
wing party on a federal level. Existing
industry representatives about political
in favour for the live music industry.
democratic parties are hardly finding political answers to stop this trend.
developments and their impact on either or sometimes both personal and professional
VIP News: Are the results of the
What are your considerations as to
life.
Bundestag elections in line with your
why
established
expectations?
have
problems
contesting
this
Michael Bisping: Unfortunately they are! Bisping: Within the last 10 to 15 years
Concerts & Promotion, asking him about
10
in
obviously
development?
For the current issue VIP News approached Michael Bisping, Managing director of A.S.S
parties
the results of the elections for the German
VIP
everywhere
most established parties have concentrated
Bundestag, the difference between Jeremy
else in Western Europe, Germany is
themselves on what they call the political
Corbyn and German politicians
also now facing the parliamentarian
“middle”…voters that stand for a part
and the
News:
As
almost
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
of the population, that is economically safe, politically neither right nor left wing, culturally interested and from a background that mainly reflects the same ingredients. None of them paid attention to the increasingly larger part of the population, that starts to lose out. That
that avoids clear answers and leaves
VIP News: In France the promoter
either is frightened by globalization or by
everything open…you can’t see the person
association
immigration and that gets the feeling that
behind the answer anymore, it could be
convince politicians to implement a
their fears simply do not count. The situation
anybody from my point of view; one of the
law against secondary ticketing and
in the US is the perfect example for this.
main reasons why Macron won in France is,
tax break scheme for medium sized
These people simply do not believe in the
that he avoided this sort of language and
promoters, allowing them to write
established parties anymore…for a period
was not part of any established party….
off of losses up to 750.000 Euro per
too long nobody took them seriously. Now
anymore!
year per company or 500.000 Euro
Prodiss
managed
to
per event. It appears that Prodiss has
they vote for people that pretend they do. VIP News: UK Labour Party leader
proper lobbying strategies and is even
VIP News: The German Social Democrats
Jeremy Corbyn appeared on the main
able to run campaigns. With this in
(as well as the Christian Democrats)
stage at Glastonbury. None of the
mind, how meaningful do you consider
lost significantly. However, there werer
German top politicians ever showed up
the German live music trade bodies in
times when the SPD teamed up with
on a major live music event. Who is to
terms of lobbying?
the culture sector and did much better
blame, top decisions takers in German
than this time. Would you say today’s
politics or German festival promoters
Bisping: I have to admit, that I did not know
top politicians have lost track of quite
who are too frightened to invite
that, but I guess there is a big difference
ordinary society issues, are mainly
politicians to their events?
between the highly subsidized French scene
driven by opinion polls, therefore
, that has a completely different approach
becoming short-sighted and unable to
Bisping: I unfortunately do not know,
to culture than we do, and Germany. But in
mobilize voters as they used to do in
whether any of our leading politicians at
anyway, I guess that our trade bodies are
the past?
all did ask any festival promoter to allow
not there yet, since we still work on uniting
them on stage for a statement, but have
the 2 big associations…hopefully done very
Bisping: Yes…I believe that what people
my doubts. On the other hand…to speak to
soon. I guess only then themes like the one
want more than anything else is the
an extremely emotionalized crowd during a
mentioned can be on their agenda…and
impression of honesty. Most of our
festival is not really what I feel good politics
hopefully will be.
politicians speak in formulistic language,
is…it is a bit populist too, isn’t it? VIP News: Is the German live music sector
aware
of
how
political
developments may have an impact on their business? Bisping: No, I don’t think so. VIP News: Should the German live music sector increase their efforts to expand and widen their political lobbying efforts? Bisping: Yes. For further information on A.S.S. Concerts
Michael Bisping
& Promotion please check: www.assconcerts.com
11
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
AEG to Launch New East London Festival Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com AEG’s Goldenvoice division is best known
performances from Lykke Li, Popcaan and
this is the most exciting new event in the
for its US events, including Coachella
more to be announced. The National will
country”.
festival. But the Company is also now active
play one of the standalone shows on 2 Jun,
in the UK , and has announced the launch
with support from The War On Drugs, Future
John Biggs, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, the
next year of an new ten day festival in East
Islands, Warpaint, The Districts and more.
London borough where Victoria Park sits,
London’s Victoria Park called All Points East.
adds: “The council is pleased to be working
Artists such as The xx and The National will
The National comment: “After a thrilling
with AEG, who were selected following a
play the event.
four sold out shows at the Eventim Apollo
rigorous procurement process, to deliver
in September, we are excited to take over
some exciting events in 2018 which can be
All Points East will be split into several parts,
Victoria Park next summer. We are already
enjoyed by local people, Londoners and
kicking off with a three day music festival
thinking about ways to make this more than
visitors from across the UK”.
running from 25-27 May, followed by a four
just a show”.
day ‘community-focused’ event, and then
12
What local people won’t be able to enjoy,
three standalone outdoor music shows,
Meanwhile, AEG’s Jim King says: “We are
however, is Field Day, the now Global-owned
which might look like another three day
THRILLED to be able to launch this new
festival that has taken place in Victoria Park
music festival but apparently aren’t. All in
festival concept and bring some of the
since it launched in 2007. It has now lost
all, it’s like a slightly confusing, mid-range
world’s most exciting artists to Victoria
its early June slot in the park, because its
version of AEG’s existing Hyde Park festival,
Park. With a new three day music festival
2018 date clashes with The National’s big
British Summer Time.
followed by a programme of midweek
show. Organisers of that one-day festival
events offering open access to the local
announced last week that they would be
The first headliner of the proper music
community all culminating in three huge
“upping sticks” for next year’s edition. A new
festival portion will be The xx, with additional
standalone shows, we’re confident that
site has yet to be announced.
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
Sony Music UK to Support Music Venue Trust Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Mark Davyd of The Music Venues Trust
Sony Music UK is the first major music
joined the Tale of Two Cities panel at The
industry player to commit to financially
MaMA Conference in Paris, following
supporting Music Venue Trust’s work to
Venues Day 2017 in London, and was able
protect, preserve and improve the nation’s
to share the good news that Sony Music UK
grassroots music venues.
Mark Davyd
had committed to financial support for The Trust with London’s Night Tsar, Amy Lame,
Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music
who was also on the panel and VIP News –
UK said: “Sony is committed to supporting
the following press release gives the details:
and developing artists from grassroots to festival headliners. We recognise the vital
Music Venue Trust’s annual networking
role that grassroots music venues play
event Venues Day 2017 took place on 17
in that journey, providing an essential
October at Ministry of Sound. Attended
platform for artists to be able to take their
Music Venue Trust to protect, secure and
by over 500 delegates, a successful day of
first steps and develop their audiences.
improve them.”
panels, presentations and meetings was
These venues are the heart of our music
rounded off by a :
communities, and we support the work of
The charity hopes that this commitment from Sony will encourage further financial support from the key players in the UK music industry. Grassroots music venues are
the
research
and
development
department of the industry and need to be recognised as such by the companies who reap the rewards of their hard work. Support for Music Venue Trust is growing and developments such as the enthusiastic involvement of agents from 8 of the UK’s top booking agencies in agent and venue speed networking in ‘The Sandbox’ at Venues Day are extremely positive steps forward. However, the sector continues to face huge challenges and Music Venue Trust is struggling to cope with the demands on its limited resources. “Post Venues Day MVT will be focusing on strengthening music industry relationships and working with our network of venues, the Music Venues Alliance, to fundraise to take forward priorities identified at the event. We hope to have news of Fightback gigs very soon,” stated Strategic
Jason Iley, CEO of Sony Music UK
Director and Venues Day Producer Beverley Whitrick.
13
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
GEMA and German Concert Organisers Conclude Negotiations on Tariffs Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
• Organisers’ associations and GEMA agree on permanent payment regulations: • Previous price levels are upheld: • An increase for concerts with up to 2,000 attendants was avoided:
Hamburg / Munich, 19th October 2017: – The three year negotiations
proceedings at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA)
between the Bundesverband der Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V.
in Munich by the two associations of the Concert and Promoters’
(BDV – Federal German Association for the Concert and Promoters
Business and the settlement proposal of the arbitration body.
Business), the Verband der Deutschen Konzertdirektionen e.V. (VDKD – Association of German Artists’ Managers) and GEMA,
On the basis of the award, the concert organisers managed to
the Gesellschaft für musikalisch Aufführungs- und mechanische
successfully stave off the demand for a rise in tariffs by GEMA,
Vervielfältigungsrechte
the
which had established a general tariff payment of 10% on 1st
continuation of their tariff contract for popular music concerts,
(Performing
Rights’
Society),
on
January 2016. This in particular was a core demand of the licensing
which expired at the end of 2014, have been successfully concluded.
agency, along with the corresponding increase of the price for minor events with up to 2,000 attendants.
The organisers’ associations and GEMA signed a new global contract and a tariff agreement. Through them, a new U-K (popular music
The BDV’s president, Professor Jens Michow, believes one significant
and cabaret) tariff comes into force on 1st January 2018, which
achievement of the settlement reached is the fact that permanent
essentially resembles the U-K tariff valid until the end of 2014. It
regulations were finally made: “The new U-K tariff was established
was preceded by intensive negotiations, the initiation of arbitration
as a permanent, global solution. The rate cannot be changed any further in the future without significant modification of the use identity”. Pascal Funke, the president of VDKD, added that “The arbitration body followed our line of argument, which states that many concerts would not be viable with the huge hike in price demanded by GEMA, above all smaller concerts for which the financial burden is far higher in comparison to the expected revenue than for larger events. We are pleased about the conservation of the price rates for concerts with up to 2,000 attendants. Like the tariff for work with young musical talents, it takes into account the special cultural and economic significance of this category of event and the commitment involved in the development and promotion of artists who must first capture a share of the market. In this way a varied, diversified and lively music and concert scene can exist, to which authors and composers also make a significant contribution, of course.”
Pascal Funke, President of VDKD
14
Michow, a lawyer, said, “In terms of the result for the business, our lengthy negotiations with GEMA have more than paid off. The new tariff contract represents a result with which we can, and will, offer
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
concert-goers attractive shows in the future, on an economic basis
As previously, they are staggered by the numbers of attendants, and
that makes sense.”
in future will be as follows:
The U-K tariff agreement is valid until 31.12.2021 and is renewed
• Up to 2,000 people – 5.75% of the net revenue
on a yearly basis thereafter unless one of the parties to the contract
• Up to 15,000 people – 7.60 % of the net revenue
terminates it.
• Over 15,000 people – 8.00% of the net revenue
Because the arbitration body followed the line of argument of the
The two professional bodies of the German live entertainment
event organisers regarding the basis of assessment, the rates in the
business combine more than 500 agencies, tour and events’
future will no longer be oriented towards gross revenue including
organisers. In the year 2013 they generated a revenue of around 4
value added tax, but towards net event revenue.
billion Euros, with sales of over 125 million tickets.
First Approval by EU-Parliament for Music Moves Europe Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Music Moves Europe is the title for a new
the EU-Commission considers the option to
support programme for the music sector
develop for a support programme for the
initiated by the European Commission. What
new EU-budget period beginning in 2021,
so far has primarily been a slogan appearing
similarly structured as those existing for the
for many years as the title for panels at
film and audio-visual industries.
various music conferences (or articles in trade magazines) finally cleared the first
In terms of currently existing support
political hurdle in the EU-Parliament.
programmes where the music sector can apply for funding and subsidies on EU or
exception of Prodiss in France) is not the
The news was announced by the unit of
national levels this move implies a
wide
first to come to mind for highly effective
the EU-Commission, responsible for the
ranging paradigm shift. Basically all film
lobbying efforts in support of the sector. In
handling of the current support programme
support
developed,
most cases many of these organisations are
“Creative Europe”, stating that the EU-
offering tailor made solutions for the
primarily understaffed and -financed, and
Parliament had approved first “preparatory
various parts of the film industry. Particularly
do not have the resources to operate like
action”-proceedings
the MEDIA programme as part of Creative
the International Federation of Phonografic
Europe
dedicated
Industries (IFPI) and its network of national
for
the
intended
programme.
schemes
offers
are
specific
well
and
support schemes for film festivals, cinemas,
branches, with bigger offices, employing
This opens up the first steps of a proper
co-production funds and the distribution
lawyers and professional lobbyists.
launch on an administrative level, paving the
of audio visual products, as well as training
way for the institution of further political
measures and even marketing campaigns.
milestones in the near future.
This also explains that even the initiative and the idea for Music Moves Europe has
Until now such sufficient and efficient
mainly been developed internally within the
The current decision by the EU-Parliament
programmes have hardly existed for the
European Commission itself.
allows the EU-Commission, the leaders of
music sector, apart perhaps from a few
this initiative, to launch further hearings and
exceptions in France or to a smaller extent
Nevertheless the EU Commission already
consultations with industry stakeholders,
in the Benelux.
undertook initial steps at the end of
and the financing of measures such as pilot projects.
2015 and in 2016, inviting stakeholders But due to the decision of the EU-Parliament,
to Brussels for hearings or appearing at
Music Moves Europe encourages a political
conferences such as Eurosonic Noorderslag
However, the most interesting aspect that
challenge for the music sector. Particularly
and Reeperbahn Festival promoting the idea
accompanies Music Moves Europe is that
the live music sector (also perhaps with the
of Music Moves Europe.
15
VIP NEWS >
OCTOBER 2017
In particular some of these occasions revealed somewhat peculiar and even
EU Commission
absurd opinions and postulations, as to how such a support programme should be structured. The majority of the readers of VIP News would be surprised, how demanding representatives of the various sectors of the business, such as music education or those speaking on behalf of already well financed events or classical music can be in claiming their primary
these folks also have strong concerns when
Anyhow, the EU-Commission has already
eligibility to receive funding and support.
it comes to programme that eventually
announced the launch of the very first hearings
include economical elements.
as part of the preparatory action proceedings
Not
to
forget
spokespersons
lonely
or
in January in Brussels. Nevertheless, whatever But while Music Moves Europe has taken
goes on in Brussels also requires the backing
who appear to have very different working
one of its very first crucial steps on its way
of national governments and politicians.
experience
entrepreneurs
to deploying a well sorted and designed
With this in mind, Music Moves Europe is a
(promoters) who have lost money when
support programme for the music sector in
very demanding initiative that requires much
investing into music products, whether
the future, it officially now also takes up a
more political effort from all parts of the
these have been concerts, tours or even
role as a political matriculation examination
music sector throughout the EU than has
records. It must be said, that some of
for the entire music sector itself.
ever been undertaken until now.
that
artist
lawyers
organisations
to
for
of
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info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de
23.11.16 09:58
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
OCTOBER 2017
Jeff Craft Retires from X-Ray Touring
Lucy Tallant sets up new company
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
Agent Jeff Craft, one of the co-founders of London-based X-ray
Lucy Tallant, previously part of the management team for major
Touring, has retired.
artists including Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and BB Diamond, has set up a brand new label and artist development company, XVII Music.
Craft – who launched X-ray with fellow Helter Skelter agents Steve Strange and Ian Huffman, and ITB’s Martin Horne and Scott Thomas,
Tallant, backed by multi million pound private investment, launches
in 2005 – started out as a booker for both Cowbell and Derek Block
the company after leaving FAE Artists where she achieved US
from 1979–84, before joining Fair Warning, which became Helter
Billboard and UK Number 1`s with a raft of multi award winning acts.
Skelter, as an agent in ’84. Tallant, who was one of Music Week’s prestigious 30 Under 30 in His roster includes Pixies, PJ Harvey, Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker
2015 is founder and Head of Artist Development at XVII Music. The
and Elbow.
company has been created with an ethos designed for the modern music industry, to benefit new talent and offer a range of services to
Craft tells industry magazine IQ that he has already retired but “will
artists from management to label deals.
maintain an involvement with X-ray until next spring. XVII Music currently have a number of development artists signed “Until then I will be overseeing the handover of my roster as and
including Fine Creatures, Goldsmoke, Kyra, Mantras and DJ duo Just
when the acts need to appoint a new agent.”
Kiddin. In addition, Japanese girl group Faky are the first J-Pop group to be signed to a UK label.
X-ray in April became the latest booking agency to enter into a strategic partnership with Paradigm Talent Agency, joining fellow
Lucy Tallant said, “I wanted the new business to operate differently.
UK outfit Coda as the second British partner of the US full-service
There is a lack of people investing in and nurturing fledgling
powerhouse.
talent and the industry is buying into things much later. With this company we can be more agile, take more risks and really help grow independent artists. It just seems like the right time to have an indie
Howard Devoto & Jeff Craft
label and I’m working with investors who love music but importantly have the resource and finance to do this thing properly.”
Lucy Tallant
17
ESNS: EU
THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM ESNS: EU creative europe
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
OCTOBER 2017
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim - One Million Euro For A Good Cause and Less Festivals in 2018 CTS Eventim has donated one million Euro towards the German Cancer Research Centre. The money will be used to finance a new professorship at the centre. Besides this honourable donation, CTS Eventim subsidy FKP Scorpio cancels its Bravalla Festival in Sweden and also won’t continue with the festival Chiemsee Summer in 2018. The event, which is co-promoted with CRP Konzertagentur will be suspended for one year after the festival was hit by a very heavy weather incident. Surprisingly this news remained uncovered by the usual financial news sources, while interestingly a possible market entry in USticketing market by Amazon receives much more media attention. On September 26 the share closed at 37.08, on October 25 the closing price was 34.97 Euro.
DEAG - The Return Of Rockavaria Together with Global Concerts DEAG will stage a revamped version of the Rockavaria Festival in Munich in June 2018. The event will be relocated to a new inner city location and feature only 20 instead of 45 acts. The share price of DEAG since September 26 moved down insignificantly from 2.79 to 2.69 Euro.
Live Nation - Third Quarter Results In Sight Live Nation announced the publication of its business report for Q3-2018 on November 2nd. To stimulate hope and excitement on October 26 the company released a press release about extraordinary successful visitor results for the U2-tour of 2.7 million fans in 51 shows. The share price once month ago was at $42.59 to this time $42.25.
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
OCTOBER 2017
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS RON SEXSMITH Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Woolliscroft Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andy@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.ronsexsmith.com
Sziget Festival
PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) Territory: Europe, Ukraine & Russia Period: May / June 2018 Agency: Fizzion Agent: Ian Smith Phone: +44 77 9169 9889 E-mail: ian@frusion.co.uk Homepage: www.www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139
Sziget festival is the biggest musical and cultural festival in Central Europe–a seven-day multicultural expo offering more than 800 programs on more than 30 venues. Sziget means island in Hungarian and the festival, in addition to being on an island in the heart of Budapest, is an island in the metaphorical sense. Sziget has a unique atmosphere: it is a meeting place, a musical and cultural show, a life-style, an enormous cafe and party place, a place of learning about the world and each other. No matter what style of music you like listening or dancing to, you will find the place of your taste. You can enjoy performances, shows, you can party and dance or just walk around and gaze at the ever-increasing flow of interesting and different people passing by. From the beginning in 1993 until 2001 Sziget’s capacity has grown from 43,000 to over 360,000 over the seven days of the event presenting stars such as Jethro Tull, Ten Years After, Jefferson Starship, Byrds, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Eric Burdon,
RAZORLIGHT Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.razorlight.co.uk
MAXIMO PARK Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: matt@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.maximopark.com
DIZZEE RASCAL Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Elliot Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.dizzeerascal.co.uk
Stranglers, Jeff Healey, Clawfinger, Slash, The Bates, Stone Roses, Iggy Pop, The Prodigy, The Levellers, Sonic Youth, Therapy?,Galliano, David Bowie, Apollo 440, Motörhead, Toy Dollz, Rollins Band, Chumbawamba, Faith No More, Foo Fighters, New Model Army, Cardigans, DEUS, Boney M, Shane McGowan, Coolio, Transglobal Underground, Rammstein, Mory Kante, Goldie, Patti Smith, Green Day, Brand New Heavies, Kool and the Gang, Suede, Faithless, Guano Apes, Jovanotti,
DJANGO DJANGO Territory: Europe Period: 2017 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Andy Duggan Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: andyduggan@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.djangodjango.co.uk
Baaba Maal, Apocalyptica, The Klezmatics, Liquido, Rachid Taha, Paradise Lost, Asian Dub Foundation, Suzanne Vega, Mambo Kurt, The Bloodhound Gang, Lou Reed, HIM, Bad Religion, Oasis, The King, H Blockx, Ks Choice, Bomfunk MC’s, Noir Desir, Run DMC, Fun-Da-Mental, Morcheeba, Leningrad Cowboys, Frestylers, Incognito, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Ash, Placebo
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
Ron Sexsmith
®
vip-booking.com
20