VIP News Premium - November 2020

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VIP NEWS

PREMIUM > VOLUME 239 > NOVEMBER 2020

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VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

A light at the end of the tunnel

Peter Briggs er - VIP-Bookin g.com

General Manag

After months of uncertainty with renewed lockdowns and tough restrictions around the globe there was finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon with the announcement that early data from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine candidate showing around 90% effectiveness.

This announcement sparked optimism that shows might return to some normality during 2021 and this was immediately reflected in the share prices of Live Nation, DEAG and CTS Eventim as they all soared in double digits.

Our hopes were further boosted by announcements from both Moderna and AstraZeneca leading us to believe that the light at the end of the tunnel will be brighter early next year.

COLOPHON > There is no doubt that demand will be huge once shows do return, a sentiment underlined 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

by a Live Nation survey with fans which showed that 95% planned to return to live music shows when restrictions are lifted and that 83% of fans have opted to keep their tickets for rescheduled events.

Ticketmaster’s new technology plans for digital ticketing in partnership with health information companies such as IBM’s Digital Health Pass and Clear Health Pass could see event goers being cleared for attending events, further strengthening the hope that events will be able to go ahead safely and that consumer confidence will be restored.

Besides the boost of confidence and optimism echoed by the corporates we’ve also seen a healthy influx of new companies appearing on the scene this year and over the coming months we will be highlighting some of these new entrepreneurs. First up in this issue we interview Jon Ollier, formerly at CAA, Matt Hanner, formerly at ATC, and Kasper Due, formerly at Copenhagen Music as they give us their views on how they expect their new companies to

For advertising enquiries please contact:

fair in our disrupted industry.

Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480

Although the live industry has been turned upside down during the pandemic we believe

Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496

that the emergence of new independent companies appearing on the scene coupled with the many other changes taking place will see a healthier, more creative and competitive business once things get back to normal, stimulating opportunities for more players to get a piece of the pie.

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

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

VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

ILMC 2021 goes virtual From VIP-Daily News

Organisers of the International Live Music

“It’s important that the whole industry is

Conference (ILMC) have launched ILMC 33,

able to come together at such a pivotal time

the 2021 edition of the conference and the

for the industry’s recovery,” explains ILMC

first in an all-virtual format.

head Greg Parmley. “With that in mind, we’ve decided to open up ILMC to the wider

Without

the

physical

confines

of

a

live music family for the first time, ensuring

conference space, the event which typically

as many delegates are possible are able

welcomes 2,000 professionals annually,

to exchange ideas and benefit from each

will programme an expanded schedule of

other’s expertise.”

panels, meetings, workshops and keynotes.

ILMC 33 also includes a fully online version Also announced today is ILMC 2021’s first

of the Arthur Awards, the live music

keynote

legendary

industry’s Oscar equivalents, which feature

music executive Irving Azoff. Hosted by

interview,

featuring

several new award categories – including

Ed Bicknell, ‘The (Late) Breakfast Meeting

Unsung Heroes and Tour of the Decade that

with Irving Azoff’ sees Azoff join the

will be voted for live on the night. The ILMC

raconteur and former Dire Straits manager

Production Meeting (IPM) and Green Events

to discuss his remarkable career in music,

& Innovations Conference (GEI) will both

from managing Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, to

precede ILMC on Tuesday 2 March.

Greg Parmley

running Ticketmaster, to being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

4

Confirmed speakers for ILMC 2021 already

In addition to three days of conference

include Tim Leiweke (Oak View Group), Bob

sessions, the ILMC conference platform

Given the unprecedented circumstances,

Lefsetz (Lefsetz Letter), Emma Banks (CAA),

will feature hosted networking lounges,

ILMC will be opening its doors to non-

Sam Kirby Yoh (UTA), Tony Goldring (WME),

speedmeetings, virtual exhibition spaces,

members for the first time in 2021,

Tom Windish (Paradigm) and Phil Bowdery

while a schedule of nighttime events also

allowing a wider range of live music

(Live Nation). The first conference sessions

includes a series of livestream showcases

professionals to attend.

will be announced in the coming days.

from emerging artists.

VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

Jon Ollier launches One Fiinix Live From VIP-Daily News Jon Ollier the award-winning UK booking

Also joining Jon at One Fiinix Live will be

agent whose clients include Ed Sheeran,

Emma Davis, who was his long-time right-

Anne-Marie, Lauv, 2Cellos and JC Stewart

hand at CAA.

among others, has unveiled plans for a new, independent live booking agency.

Among his many achievements include the booking of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Divide’ tour, the

Headquartered in London, One Fiinix Live

highest grossing and best attended tour of

has been launched following the end of

all time, inclusion in Billboard Magazine’s

his near six-year tenure at CAA , which was

“Power Players Impact List 2020”, the

announced in October. As CEO of this new

Music Week award for ‘Live Music Agent’

venture, Jon retains his personal roster and

in 2016, alongside nominations for Pollstar

has set out a vision that includes providing a

Magazine’s annual ‘International Agent’

first-class service to his existing clients while

award.

investing time and resources in to developing new innovations and strategies to maximise

Read the interview with Jon Ollier on

opportunities in a post-COVID world.

page 14.

Jon Ollier

ESNS conference program taking shape From VIP-Daily News Having already announced that conference

We all want to go ahead with our music

Other new additions include Sam Distaso,

and showcase festival ESNS (Eurosonic

and our business, but the fact is that we

Vice President of Business Development

Noorderslag) will be a fully digital edition in

are all still in ‘waiting mode’. What does

at Sandar and responsible for introducing

2021, the conference program is now taking

‘the road to recovery’ of our beloved music

the world to cutting-edge virtual live event

shape with more speakers and discussion

sector look like and when are we allowed

technology, Justin Bennington, founder and

topics announced.

to start up again? What’s the status on

first engineer at Somewhere Systems, based

the vaccine and when can we finally go

in New York City which builds bleeding-

Taking place from 13 to 16 January 2021,

ahead with test events and instant testing?

edge AR experiences for the music industry

the main focus of the 35th edition of ESNS

Is streaming here to stay? How does the

and others and Ryan Miller, CEO, Club

will be moving forward and the ‘the road to

pandemic affect the work of songwriters

Quarantaene, who will discuss the new and

recovery’ with key speakers including;

and performing artists? What will VR and

exciting virtual world of VR and AR.

AR add to our live experiences? These are Aly Gillan (Bandcamp), Anita Barisic (Warner

all questions and subjects that ESNS will aim

Addressing the re-start of live activities,

Chappell), Claire O’Neill (A Greener Festival,

to give the necessary insights into during

ESNS presents the ‘Successful Covid-19

Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week), Keith

their conference.

Festival Formats’ with Michal Kascak (Pohoda

Harris (Keith Harris Music Ltd), Michael

Festival), Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week),

Chugg (Michael Chugg Entertainment),

Joining the already announced keynotes and

Kate Wenster (Base Camp Festival) and

Michal Kascak (Pohoda Festival), Sammy

panel speakers is Steve Strange of X-Ray

Raphael

Andrews (Deviate Digital), Scott Cohen

Touring, agent for Queens of the Stone Age,

moderated by Gordon Masson (IQ Magazine).

(Warner

Music),

Steve

Strange

Meyersieck

(Electrisize

Festival),

(X-Ray

Eminem, and Coldplay who will feature in a

Touring), Tom Windish (Paradigm Talent

keynote interview with the famous promoter

Rutger Ansley Rosenborg, Digital Strategy

Agency).

Michael Chug.

Lead and Jason Joven, Manager Content

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VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

and Insights at Chartmetric will host two

The Dutch spoken panel ‘Live streaming: this

The Dutch Music Publishers Organization

presentations on streaming analytics. The

is the way forward’ will see the participation

NMUV will shine a light on how they deal

first, will look at the effect of COVID-19

of

at

with talent scouting and development

on the global music business: data of live

copyright organisation Buma/Stemra, artist

during Covid-times, also going into the

streaming suggest that when artists go live

manager and music entrepreneur Marc

matter of creating new material if working

on Instagram and/or YouTube, existing fans

Hofstede of Ambassadors of Entertainment,

closely together in studios or writing

are more likely to engage and new fans will

singer-songwriter Ed Struijlaart and Maurice

sessions is limited. Bobby Sukhraj, music

follow. Followed by ‘International Trigger

Endeman, general manager of the venue Het

publisher, producer and manager at Houston

Cities for European Artists; according to

Podium in Hoogeveen that launched the live

Comma, will discuss the art of songwriting

analysis of Trigger Cities in Southeast Asia

streaming concept Locked & Live, talking to

during Corona crisis with Anita Barisic,

and Latin America, European artists might

moderator Martijn Crama.

AR/Creative Manager at Warner Chappell

Michiel

Laan,

Manager

Online

want to consider looking beyond North

and Daan Determeijer, A&R responsible at

America and Northern & Western Europe to

The European Composer and Songwriter

MusicAllStars Publishing, a sister-company

find streaming success, connect with highly

Alliance (ECSA) calls for an open debate with

of the world’s leading dance label Spinnin`.

engaged audiences, and, eventually, tour.

various parties to have a critical look at the business- and revenue-models and discuss

The Dutch composers and artist organization

Keeping it on the subject of streaming;

the way we can create a ‘fair music value

BAM! Popauteurs will discuss the effect of

Bandcamp’s Aly Gillani, the European Label

chain’ for all parties, with Aafke Romeijn

the pandemic in regard to the daily routine

Representative, will take part in a panel

(from BAM! Popauteurs) as moderator and

and work of composers and musicians with

discussion on ‘How to get the most out of your

Arriën Molema (ECSA board member and

Dutch artists like San Holo, Áslaug, Pip Blom

live streaming concerts’, hosted by Helienne

songwriter), Helen Smith (IMPALA) and

and Bas van Wageningen (Di-rect), with Rita

Lindvall. More panel speakers to follow.

Annabella Coldrick (MMF) as panel members.

Zipora moderating this panel.

ESNS

6

VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

CAA agent Ben Kouijzer dies at 36 From VIP-Daily News Ben Kouijzer, a music agent for CAA UK who

that he shared will remain with us forever.

audio systems design. He worked as an

represented electronic acts such as 808 State

We send all of our love and condolences to

agent for MN2S, The Agency Group and

and Meduza, has died of kidney and liver

Lotte and to Ben’s family and friends.”

UTA before arriving at CAA. His roster of

failure after battling cancer. He was 36.

clients included 808 State, Meduza, Tough Bowser also paid tribute to Kouijzer in a

Love and Bearcubs.

Kouijzer was diagnosed last summer with

heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “While

malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor,

the pain of losing you is ripping through

Members of the electronic dance community

or MPNST, and underwent surgery and

every cell in my body, I would’ve rather

took to Twitter to remember Kouijzer.

radiotherapy, according to his GoFundMe

experienced a love like this for 7 years – so

Meduza wrote a heartfelt message on

page. But in April, he learned that the cancer

deep, so intoxicating and so unconditional –

Instagram, saying: “Throughout the last 2

had metastasized to his lungs.

than to have never loved or be loved at all.

years you have been inspirational for us. We

I will love you forever, in this lifetime and in

had so much more to do together, so many

every other lifetime to come.”

more fun times to share, so many more plans

Kouijzer and his fiancé, Lotte Bowser, moved to Tijuana, Mexico in September for

to implement and enjoy together, you made

treatment, and Kouijzer tested positive for

Kouijzer attended the University of Derby,

our teams craziest dreams come true in such

COVID-19 in late October.

where he studied music technology and

a short period of time.”

His death was announced via GoFundMe on Sunday. “It is with deep sadness that we

Ben Kouijzer

announce the passing of Ben. He fought so hard and we are so so proud of him but in the end it was too much for him,” the post reads. “A combination of factors lead to kidney and liver failure and he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning. We are beyond devastated. We are all hurting together.”

Emma Banks, co-head of CAA’s London office, issued the following statement to Variety: “Today is such a sad day for everyone at CAA and particularly those who worked closely with Ben in the music department. It’s a testament to the man that while he had only been working with us for a couple of years, we are mourning a lifelong friend. Everyone who encountered Ben immediately loved him – he was a fantastic agent but more than that, he was simply a great human being. He was so brave tackling his cancer and with his beloved fiancée Lotte by his side he was determined to try every possible option to beat the disease. Ben is an inspiration to us all. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten and his spirit, soul and the love

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VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

New electronic booking agency launches in Germany From VIP-Daily News Frills

agency

has

launched

in

Berlin’s

lasting and meaningful profiles and brands

agent for Temporary Secretary, representing

Kreuzberg district with a pledge to shake up

through organic evolution, whilst being

Dixon, Ame and others.

the electronic music scene.

sensitive to the fast-changing pace of music and entertainment culture.”

“Our method is anything but conventional,”

The agency brings together a team of

said Heller. “We opened our office one week

specialists in artist development to offer

With 25 years’ experience in the world of

before Covid-19 shut down the entire global

a multi-faceted range of services, from

electronic music, Heller led the bookings

events industry! But that means we’ve been

bookings, marketing and brand creation

team for Solomun’s Diynamic roster of artists

able to structure our team and processes

to business affairs, consulting, record label

before going on to manage the global event

from the ground up, without relying on any

management and event production.

series Hyte.

one artist to influence the overall direction of the roster. We want to announce our

“We forge and nurture relationships with

For this new venture into artist development,

partnerships with artists gradually to reflect

electronic music artists based on trust,

Heller has teamed up with music industry

our approach to building the company -

friendship, integrity, honesty, transparency

entrepreneur David Lewis, co-founder of

selecting every artist for their individual

and loyalty,” said co-founder Aga Heller

David Lewis Productions, Alda and Armada

merits, sharing their objectives as partners,

(pictured).

Music. The pair first met in 2000 when Heller

team members and friends.

“Our

primary

focus

is

to

help artists develop their profiles and personalities

by

providing

was working at Warner Music.

customised

concepts and services.

“2020 has proven to us that artists and

“We want to nurture every aspect of Lewis went on to establish global event

an artists’ career and that involves a

brands and has worked with international

commitment from both parties that goes

artists across the electronic music spectrum.

deeper than fleeting trends or overnight

their team needs to be adaptable now

social media success. House and Techno are

more than ever. Traditional structures of

The booking department will be led by

labels, but we operate beyond the borders

manager, agent, PR, and social media teams

Catherine

career

of genres. We want to help shape the next

are expensive, slow, and outdated. We’re

includes stints with Richie Hawtin’s former

generation of electronic music for decades

redefining that by bringing everything

M-nus bookings roster at Clonk Artist

to come, from behind the scenes, in the

under one roof so we can work on the big

Booking and more recently as a booking

booth and on the dancefloor.”

Stoy,

whose

15-year

picture - applying resources where they’re needed in relation to an artist’s career in a dynamic, fluid, and efficient way. This allows us to bring value in a way that traditional agencies cannot.”

The holistic approach to artist management combines booking management, marketing and PR as well as business affairs to form the overall strategy.

“The concepts and methods we employ are defined by our team together,” according to a company statement. “Everyone plays a key part, working hand-in-hand to achieve the goals of our artists, step by step. We work to raise awareness, grow audiences and build

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Aga Heller

ESNS 2021 GOES DIGITAL Register now for the digital edition of ESNS with panel discussions, keynotes, sessions, speed meetings, network opportunities and lots of new music at esns.nl.

THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM

VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

COVID-19 and the Live Industry: How Are we Coping?

It goes without saying that these are challenging times with the Live Music & Events Industry being one of the worst hit by the current coronavirus crisis and with the lockdowns and restrictions on events imposed by governments all over the world.

Although there is some hope on the horizon with many tours already being rescheduled for the Spring 2021 there is still a lot of uncertainty remaining.

We asked 2 professionals from different countries about their current situation and how they are dealing with the problems facing their businesses.

Marina Beniashvili, Agenda Production International, Germany We are a family business and my parents together with my

not perform but this gives us time to create new concepts and

Grandparents built up this live entertainment company over 30 years

performances for our shows. During season 21/22 we will celebrate

ago. Agenda Production is an International cross over full service

2 new Premiers with our Russian Circus on Ice: The Wizard from Oz

production company for producing, touring, and corporate events,

on Ice and Music Highlights of Frozen – a Firework of Ice Dancing and

based in Berlin.

Acrobatics with live singers on stage.

With over 500 performances per year, We create innovative

At the same time we are planning the touring season 20/21,

productions, to name a few, Havana Nights Dance Musical (from

developing and thinking about new creative ways, how to advertise

Cuba, nominated for best show of the year at the Live Entertainment

our shows for 20/21 and conceptually optimizing our already existing

Award Germany), The Russian Circus on Ice (Fairytales on Ice), The

productions on stage, as well as the integration of new technologies,

Russian National Ballet, which we are famous for the biggest Ballet

so that as soon as the season 20/21 starts, we will be able to present

tour in Europe (200 Performances per Season), Tango Revolution (from

an even more impressive show program.

Argentina), Fire of Georgian Dance (Georgia), Sheketak – Rhytmn in Motion (Israel), and corporate events for Fabergé, Hermès, Bulgari and

Have you received any financial support from your government

many more to explore on our website www.agenda-production.com

and if so are you still receiving support?

We have also organized in Germany on several occasions, the Oscars of the Ballet world: “Benois de la Danse”.

So far we have received 2 smaller amounts, relative to our needs and by the end of this month we were promised to receive support with

How is your company coping with the current crisis and how is

a larger budget. The Federal Association of the Concert and Event

the re-opening schedule looking in your country?

Industry (BDKV) informs us regularly about funding programs that we try to take advantage of.

All our performances from this March 2020 until April 2021 were

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postponed to December 2021-April 2022. In total about 350

Have you managed to promote any shows or booked any gigs

performances were postponed. During this season 20/21 we will

for your artists at all during this period of uncertainty?

VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

The Russian National Ballet and The Russian Circus on Ice were

Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or

performing in Russia. We also created in Germany with new hygiene

do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?

concepts a Ballet Gala – Swan Lake & More (with highlights of Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker and Contemporary Dance Repertoire) with

Since we are a big creative family in the live entertainment industry, I

Stars and Principal Dancers of the German State Ballet Theaters. This

am sure that we will come together to the right agreements.

Ballet Gala was planned for this December across Germany but due

to the new lockdown regulations it is postponed until next year.

Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over?

Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if so how?

Yes as we see now a tendency in the USA, and it might be possible in Europe.

During this Summer Season our artists of the Russian National Ballet

were using outdoor venues on the lake to perform Highlights of the

What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have

Ballet World, as Swanlake and offered a free stream for the audiences

on the future of the Live Music Industry?

and fan base of the Russian National Ballet.

As we are already experiencing this year, there will unfortunately be Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the

a reduction in the number of companies in our industry, but we are

future even when things get back to normal?

sure that together with the new and young creative generation, new companies will be rebuilt. It may not return to the way it was, but this

It is definitely an additional platform for viewers who cannot attend

gives us the chance to start again and build a new scene for the Live

the concerts live, but our core business is live entertainment and we

Entertainment Industry.

love this live feeling and believe that no other medium can replace it and we will do everything we can to enliven Live Entertainment, to

The Show must go on and the Show will go on!!!

continue to realize performances and to keep it alive.

Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as usual next year?

We remain optimistic in every situation, despite the current circumstances. The Show must go on, and the Show will go on!

How do you think the recent announcement of a vaccine will affect the re-opening of the live music business?

In this case I am quoting the statements of our politicians: According to the government in Germany, as soon as the risk groups have been vaccinated we can start the full reopening of the live music and live entertainment business, and we believe that as soon as the theatres reopen, that the audience will be very hungry for live entertainment and our normal social life, so that we can sell out the venues as it was before the corona crisis.

How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events?

Difficult!!! It is difficult for the older audiences who visit our shows to install this app and it is difficult for the younger audiences, as not everyone agrees with it, but we hope that the monitoring of audiences for safety variants will no longer be needed as soon as the vaccine is administered to the risk groups.

3 Generations of Agenda Production International during the Russian National Ballet Tour inside the Nightliner.

Marina Beniashvili (back), Zina Wachsmann (front left) and Rimma Wachsmann-Beniashvili (front right).

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VIP NEWS >

NOVEMBER 2020

Zoltán Mészáros, Managing Director, Veszprémfest (Hungary) Veszprémfest, Hungary is a cultural and art festival that has taken

How do you think the recent announcement of a vaccine will

place annually in mid July since 2004. The performing artists represent

affect the re-opening of the live music business?

a variety of genres from pop, jazz, soul through to r&b, reggae, and even classical.The extraordinary historic outdoor surroundings lend a

We definitely trust that it will pour oil on troubled waters.

very special atmosphere to the venues.

How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor There are four major stages including the beautiful Bishop’s Garden,

audience safety at future events?

which was the summer residency of the city’s Bishop 200 years ago, the Baroque square of the old town, the nearly 300-year-old Jesuit

I believe it is still early to speak about that but an immediate Covid

church as well as the local arena.

test, taken from saliva for instance, could greatly help the re-start of the music business.

How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s the reopening schedule looking in your country?

Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?

Our government announced an emergency situation until 8 December 2020, and nobody knows what’s coming up next.

It will depend on the future stability.

Unfortunately the pandemic data does not look promising at the moment.

Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over?

Have you received any financial support from your government and if so are you still receiving support?

We believe some independent promoters may not survive the crisis without financial help so this will be more difficult for them.

Yes, we have received some support in the form of employers’ taxes and we also participated in a tender where you could apply for a part

What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have

of this year’s loss.

on the future of the Live Music Industry?

Have you managed to promote any shows or booked any gigs

It is difficult to tell this today, but I personally believe that the first

for your artists at all during this period of uncertainty?

Covid 19 compatible season will only be in 2022. By then we can certainly say that the vaccination is ready and we will be a proper

Yes, we managed to book some artists for 2021.

distance from the current crisis. There is certainly a chance that Covid 19, similarly to the flu, will be a virus we live with once everything is

Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if

back to normal.

so how?

Not yet.

Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the future even when things get back to normal?

Not really.

Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as usual next year?

It’s difficult to answer this question as we are still waiting, however we cannot really wait with our decision longer than March 2021.

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Zoltán Mészáros

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.

ÂŽ

145-157 St John Street | London Ec1V 4PW United Kingdom | Phone: +44 (0) 870 755 0092 www.vip-booking.com | vip@vip-booking.com

vip-booking.com

VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

NOVEMBET 2020

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.

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

Did you bring your full roster with you?

Name: Jon Ollier Company: One Fiinix Live Country: United Kingdom Type of company: Booking Agency

I have brought all of what I considered to be my “personal roster” with me, there were other clients that I worked on as part of a team who have stayed in what is really their natural home.

How do you see the potential for your company in this disrupted Live Music industry?

Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your own company?

I think you have a choice, you either mourn the world we had before and let that consume you, or you try to turn it in to an opportunity

I started my career at booking agents Helter Skelter before moving to

and make the best out of the situation with the hand you have been

Free Trade Agency in 2008 working with artists such as Ed Sheeran,

dealt. I took a lot of time to consider this over the summer and I have

JP Cooper and Jamie Lawson. In 2015, I moved to CAA as a senior

decided to make the play that I believe in. I certainly don’t profess to

agent and expanded my roster to include Anne-Marie, Lauv, Calum

have the answers, but I think this is a uniquely good time to launch

Scott, 2Cellos and classical star Hauser among others.

a new business as we enter the next phase for live music. There

will be huge opportunities as we create new ways of thinking and I

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

believe One Fiinix Live is poised to play a leading role in that positive

growing or is it a one-man band?

disruption. I am keen to turn the current challenges we are all facing into possibilities.

We are in the fortunate position that, while others are forced to contract and consolidate, we are looking to expand wherever there are sensible ideas.

Why did you decide to start your own company?

After almost six years at CAA where I learned a huge amount from some inspirational colleagues I felt it was time to launch my own venture and realise the vision I had for a forward thinking, innovative agency that could empower artists and help them reach new audiences.

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

I think the biggest challenge that you face when going from a large corporate set up and out on your own, is that you have to entirely change focus. The things that in one environment are considered weaknesses, now need to be exploited as your strengths and vice versa. I have the advantage though, of having worked at both small and large companies and we have the aspiration to play our own game rather than compete head-to-head.

14

Jon Ollier

VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

NOVEMBET 2020

wasn’t to be my way to go. I actually did turn

Name: Kasper Due Company: Independent Music Agency (IMA) Country: Denmark Type of company: Agency

down two acts that wanted to join me at the time, just for the reason of keeping a good vibe with my former employer.

How do you see the potential for your company in this disrupted Live Music industry?

Gives us a brief update on your career

tons of artists, it works for some, but not for

before launching your own company?

me. I’m an entrepreneur, no doubt. Starting

I think there’s a bright future ahead for live

Independent Music Agency is not about

music in general once Covid19 is under

I got into the music business at the age of 15

being the biggest agency, it’s about being

control and when things get “normalised”,

(now 38) working as a backliner, switched

the best for the artists we select to work

the audience will be so ready for shows.

to PM & TM work later on. After a couple of

with and to have fun while doing it. I started

There might be an over-flood of shows and

times around the world with bands such as

the agency together with longtime music

tours at the end of 2021 and even deep

Mew, Volbeat and Refused I joined a newly

friend and now also business partner Mr.

into 2022 and therefore perhaps a buyers’

founded Danish agency called we:made

Anders Nørgaard and we’re both very much

market, but again the demand for shows

created by the legendary music manager

hands-on / get it done kind of guys. We’ve

will be big. It seems that humanity is dying

Mr. Thomas Børresen. From there on I slowly

actually just launched a music management

to get loud music, flashing lights and thin

started the “selling” part of an agent’s job

company as well, working on developing

overpriced beer…even moshpits!

which was a new thing for me back then.

new talents. Hopefully I’ll have them on the

At a start-up agency, everybody has to work

agency roster one day.

hard and deliver, so its hands on from day

I feel deeply sorry when I see promotors, venues, festivals or agents who have lost a

one, I loved that. After some mergers with

What is/was your biggest concern about

lifetime of work due to Covid19, I hope these

other companies I decided it was time

starting up your own company?

people will bounce back. In the agency-

leave in February 2020, just before Covid19 exploded in Europe.

world it seems to be the time for new indie Remember it was before Covid19 and I

agencies, I’ve never seen so many agencies

honestly did not fear it that much, as I have

being launched – Love to see that!

Have you taken on any employees

been a part of so many company startups

yet and/or planned on growing or is

and mergers. I know it’s hard work, but I also

I think it a combination of big companies

it a one-man band?

know I can perform well under that pressure.

firing agents, but also agents wanting to be

Of course, the game changed once the

free to work with whom they want and how

I share an assistant with my business partner

virus completely shut down the live music

they prefer in terms of venues, promoters,

at IMA, which will do for now. We got shut

business all over the world and suddenly

ticketing etc.

down by Covid19 a few days after starting

the survival game was on and first priority.

the agency, it was really bad timing. The

But now the conditions are more or less the

But hey! let’s talk in 2023, I’ll give you the

plan is to grow bigger, maybe add an agent/

same for any agency anywhere in the world

correct answer to this question!

or partner, and more bands if the right ones

so it doesn’t matter if you’re a big corporate

come along. But right now, we want to make

or a one-man indie.

it post corona by keeping all costs down. I’ve just turned down taking on one act because

Did you bring your full roster with you?

it would put too much financial risk on the company to fulfil their expectations, that’s

No. One act joined me which is an act

reality these days.

(AQUA) I’ve worked with for some years now.

I honestly tried to leave the former agency in

Why did you decide to start your own

a decent way or as good as possible, it’s a

company?

small world and one day you’ll have to work together on some project. I’ve seen other

I’ve been working at a big corporate agency

people bury themselves in enemies after

and it’s kind of equal to an IKEA just with

exiting an agency with 1/3 of the roster, that

Kasper Due

15

VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >

NOVEMBET 2020

a step into the unknown. Once that had been navigated I think

Name: Matt Hanner Company: Runway Artists Country: UK Type of company: Booking Agency

my main concern, especially in the current circumstances, is that I would become isolated and not be able to keep up to date.

Fortunately through my experience but also the support of other independent agents I’ve got a good network, I speak to other people a lot over the phone or Zoom which means despite being a little cut off physically (as a lot of us are at the moment) I’ve been able to keep up.

Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your

own company?

Did you bring your full roster with you?

Immediately before starting Runway I was an agent at ATC Live,

I didn’t bring every artist that I have been working with previously,

based in London. I’d been there a couple of years building a roster

the changing touring landscape and my change in circumstances

of my own having moved from Paradigm agency at the start of

meant that I felt some artists would be served better elsewhere. Plus

2018. While at Paradigm I was booking a range of artists on behalf

I was wary of not overloading myself knowing that I would have to

of some of the senior agents and by the time I left I had been there

deal with the admin side of the business for the first time as well,

for more than six years. I was a local promoter and studied music

alongside the usual booking responsibilities. However I was really

business before that, seems like a long time ago now!

encouraged by the response I got from the artists I did approach and

it gave me a really solid foundation to get the agency up and running.

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

growing or is it a one man band?

How do you see the potential for your company in this disrupted Live Music industry?

My hope is definitely to bring in some help at some stage, however with income being as it is currently I haven’t been in a position to

I think in uncertain times there’s a huge amount of potential for

do that yet.

smaller independent companies who are more nimble and able to

react to changes quickly. There are more and more artists coming

Why did you decide to start your own company?

through, more and more artists who want to tour and while there’s never been a one size fits all solution the increased competition

I left ATC as a result of the pandemic and the financial struggles that

does mean that agents need to be an increasingly creative and

all agencies have been facing, so starting my own company was a

enterprising part of an artist team. I believe that as an independent

proposition that I hadn’t particularly considered to a great extent

I’m now in a good place to be able to do that for my artists. When

up until that point, but it put me at something crossroads. I could

I started the company I definitely didn’t want to pigeonhole it as

choose to try to forge a new path, potentially away from live music,

a live agency, I want it to be fluid in terms of the services that we

walking away from the artists that I’ve been working with or I could

can provide and if it makes sense to work in other areas in order to

view it as an opportunity to try and create something new and

help my artists build a fanbase and sell tickets then that’s very much

exciting that I feel serves my artists as well if not better than being

something I’ll be considering. Overall, despite the challenges, I think

part of a large company. I’ve always thought that I would work for

it’s a very exciting time to be going out on your own.

myself in some capacity at some stage - I like the independence and being the master of your own destiny, there’s more space for creativity and you can avoid some of the pressures that come with being part of a bigger company with greater overheads.

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

The main hurdle initially was to bring my artists with me, and I must say that Alex at ATC was incredibly helpful through the whole process and the company didn’t stand in my way as far as bringing artists with me, but obviously I had to make sure that the artists were happy and wanted to come with me – it was something of

16

Matt Hanner

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

NOVEMBER 2020

Aren Gelfond joins eps america as Managing Director

Lina Pettersson promoted at Live Nation Sweden

From VIP-Daily News

From VIP-Daily News

eps, one of the world’s leading providers of

position. I am looking forward to wading

Live Nation Sweden has appointed booking

event infrastructure such as event flooring and

through the waters of these unprecedented

agent Lina Pettersson as the new head of its

crowd control solutions, has announced the

times for our industry and coming out on

agency division.

appointment of Aren Gelfond as managing

the other side to build eps america beyond

director of the company`s US operations. He

its potential.”

will be fully responsible for the US business.

Previously, Pettersson was both an agent and head of sales for the company, stating that she

Okan Tombulca, CEO and founder of the

is “driven by being part of, and strengthening

Aren Gelfond began his career in the events

eps group, adds: “I have come to know

the work of, a progressive agency that

industry in 2005, when he served as a

Aren as a competent project manager with

manages and develops the artists’ live careers,

production coordinator for several live event

extensive experience, in-depth knowledge

from booking to touring.

shows across America. He joined eps in 2013

and an understanding of all aspects of the

as a project manager and, over the years,

events and infrastructure industry. Therefore,

Mattias Behrer, who was appointed Live

become responsible for major productions

I am very pleased to see the personal

Nation Sweden MD earlier this year, said: “I

such as “EDC Las Vegas”, “Coachella”,

development of Aren in the eps group. I

am incredibly happy about the opportunity

“Desert Trip”, the Fare Thee Well shows, and

welcome him today as the new managing

to promote Lina Pettersson to take over

the Rolling Stones` “No Filter Tour”.

director of eps america. With his harmonious

responsibility for Live Nation’s agency

personality and deep understanding of

operations. Lina has solid experience as

Aren Gelfond says about his new position:

our industry, I am convinced that he will

both agent and manager of our booking

“I have fallen in love with the work and

successfully master the challenges of this

team and is appreciated throughout the

the company from day one. Therefore,

time and consistently proceed with our path

organisation, as well as by our artists and

I am pleased and honored by the faith of

of steady growth in the US. I am happy that

partners. She stands for strong and inclusive

our shareholders to be able to contribute

we could fill this very important position with

leadership, relationship building, strategic

my knowledge and experience to this new

one of our young talents.”

maturity and creativity.”

Aren Gelfond

Other Live Nation businesses in Sweden include leading promoter Luger, festivals Summerburst, Sweden Rock and Lollapalooza Stockholm and agency Appelgren Friedner, which joined Live Nation last year.

Lina Pettersson

17

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

NOVEMBER 2020

Andras Berta joins EXIT Festival From VIP-Daily News Festival-marketing

expert

Andras

Berta

recently joined Serbia’s EXIT festival team as

Sea Star (Croatia), Sea Dance (Montenegro) and No Sleep (Belgrade, Serbia).

their new International Marketing Director, gearing up for the festivals 20th Anniversary

The 42 year-old Hungarian has worked with

celebrations in 2021.

several events in the last few years, always with the aim to increase international

18

Berta previously worked for Sziget between

brand-awareness and subsequently the

2010 and 2017, in charge of the international

ticket sales. He’s known to put much

marketing, PR and ticketing of the Budapest-

effort into an efficient workflow, creating

based festival. Since 2016 he is also the leader

harmony between communication and

of Yourope’s marketing and communication

ticket sales, while he’s also active in

platform, the EMAC Group. His main focus

building international networks, working

at EXIT will be the Serbian promoter’s main

closely with agencies in several countries to

event (EXIT Festival), but he will also work

find the right positioning of events in the

with the company’s other festivals, such as

given markets.

Andras Berta

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

REGISTRATION OPEN 33.ilmc.com

ILMC33_Trade_Ad_A4.indd 1

27/11/2020 12:47

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

NOVEMBER 2020

Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

Almost half time? The recent news of an

twenty years ago caused and stimulated a

companies where hope is back on track with

expected ‘market’ introduction of various

growth phase for the live music business.

a current share price of $16.90...

a share price rally. The US stock market index

Those who are working in the highly diverse

Live Nation - When Euphoria turns

Dow Jones peaked for the very first time to a

business field of the “Experience Economy”

into Confidence

new record level of 30.000 points. Even the

have already gained a kind of experience

shares of CTS Eventim, DEAG Live Nation

and expertise, enabling them to evaluate

The news of soon to be available vaccines

benefitted shortly from assumptions that the

the likely results in almost every term,

has had the same effect on Live Nation’s

arrival of vaccines may lead to the concert

what this means for their business over the

share price as the arrival of a huge load of

industry re-starting and so enabling them to

coming months. Well, let’s wait and see how

ecstasy pills at a rave party: Up from $55 to

run their businesses again.

this ‘exciting’ partnership of investors and

$69.00 and is almost where the share price

shareholders in this market segment will

stood before the pandemic...

vaccines against Covid19 has at least caused

The assumption however of ‘almost half

respond to these movements...

Spotify - The New Normal Has A Price

time’ in the best case scenario may only apply for the duration of the pandemic, which is in

CTS Eventim - Courageously Confident

itself a highly optimistic expectation. In terms

Even if the streaming giant Spotify isn’t able

of the business situation for live music events

On October 26 stood at 42.50 Euro, on

to keep it’s previously reported share price

it is more than likely that frictions caused by

November 26 at 49.94 Euro. Its business

of $283.83, with a current share price of

the pandemic will last a lot longer.

report

quarter)

$270.09, it still shows that certain tech and

for

Q3-2020

(third

released on November 19 says, amongst

digital companies have cemented an overall

The live music sector is similar to the aviation

other things “Solid financial foundation

confidence for these types of companies in

and tourism industries in that they are all

underpinned by around 800 million Euro

the investment community...

having to cope with significant shifts and

in cash and cash equivalents”, very much

modifications. The leisure sector has, in the

a meaningful argument in the heydays for

same way as high street businesses, been

the absence of prosperity...

confronted by a transformation process that has been esclalated by the disruptive

The last issue VIP News reported a share

DEAG - Regained Confidence

momentum of Covid19, bringing wth

price of $15.03 for Tencent Music. This time it is $16.70, a little better but still yet not

it related economic impacts and greatly

In its business report for Q3-2020 published

changed consumer habits.

on November 26, DEAG states: “The

significant...

company also has a solid liquidity position

Warner Music - Where Confidence

The consumption of music once again enters

of around 50 million Euro” and additionally

Means Continuity

a new phase of transformation, this has in

expects to “at least break even” for the

fact already started and is for the immediate

ongoing business year. From a previously

The decrease from $29.06 down to $28.85

future being steered by a very tough

reported level of 2.32 Euro this time it is up to

doesn’t really say anything. The company

consolidation process, it will certainly be a

3.08 Euro, an indicator that speaks for itself...

has in the meantime issued its full business

while before the term ‘recovery’ will come into effect.

report for the last twelve months, which

Eventbrite - The Mechanism of

among other things includes statements

Confidence

such as: “Total revenue was down 0.3% or

The related consequences will be more

20

Tencent - Speculatively Unexciting

up 0.4% in constant currency” or “Net loss

substantial than those caused by the

With a share price four weeks ago of $10.18,

was $470 million versus net income of $258

digitalisation process, which more than

Eventbrite now belongs to that group of

million in the prior year”...

VIP NEWS > MISC >

MEMBER PRESENTATION

NOVEMBER 2020

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

Companies presented here have our best endorsement...

Marshall Arts 2020 sees Marshall Arts celebrate 44 years in the entertainment

A full list is attached for reference, but they include Paul McCartney,

industry. The company has assumed many different roles over

Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, The Spice Girls,

those years - Artiste’s Management, Agency, Production & Site Co-

Elton John, Cher, Whitney Houston, Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie,

ordination, all logistics relating to the presentation of events, but

Backstreet Boys, Elton John, George Michael, Rod Stewart, Dire

primarily have Promoted and arranged international and, indeed,

Straits, Destiny’s Child, Elvis Costello, Mary J. Blige, Eurythmics, Al

worldwide tours for many major Artistes.

Jarreau, and many more!

The Artistes with which the company have been associated are extremely varied, and we have been fortunate to have maintained longstanding relationships with many of them.

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