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VIP NEWS 15
PREMIUM > VOLUME 174 > DECEMBER 2014
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
McGowan’s
Musings
So this is the last VIP News of 2014 – where
century seemingly no time at all ago. Still
roots, the venues where the talent begins
did the year go? I’ve just got over my jet
an incredible amount has happened in that
to develop, all of which is still essential. This
lag from a lightning trip to China (preceded
time, a lot of it fuelled by new technologies
sector has to be looked after and in this
by Luxembourg..) so my sense of timing
and of course the inexorable growth of
issue we’ll take a look at what is going on
may be out but it strikes me that come
social media – all of which supposedly
to help safeguard and develop this area. Is
January we’ll be a decade and a half into
makes it easier to promote all aspects of
there a new One Direction climbing on to
what we were all greeting as a brand new
the live music industry. But it always was,
a rickety stage in the back room of a pub,
and always will be a competitive business,
or bar, somewhere tonight? Probably, but
and we now have a situation where sectors
they’ll have a long way to go to catch up
of the business that got along quite well
with the phenomenal success of the boy
before are now competing with each other.
band that have taken off all over the World
The international expansion of Festivals,
– and to think we were worrying about a
now a year round market, has changed the
lack of new headliners just a few minutes
way many artists schedule their year and
(sorry – years!) ago!
the knock on effects of what some have
COLOPHON >
referred to as ‘Festivalisation’ are still being
And there does seem to be a stirring of new
seen on traditional Arena touring.
talent, take Royal Blood for instance in the UK, voted Best New Artist – I-Tunes and
VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking 145-157 St John Street London Ec1V 4PW 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 +44 870 755 0092
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The Corporates continue to get bigger,
nominated for BBC Awards. In Germany
Live Nation has of course outstripped
home grown talent is keeping international
everyone and everything, just how long
acts at bay on stages from clubs to Festivals.
before it declares itself an actual nation!
It’ll be an interesting next year!
Dance music is now EDM, with SFX buying everything that relates to the promotion
One thing that really shows how time
and presentation of Beats per Minute
has past is the news that Francis Rossi of
(What about hearts I wonder – human
Status Quo has been forced to start using a
hearts – don’t they come under that
new guitar for the first the first time since
heading – I suppose audiences are part of
1968 because the wood on the vintage
the whole EDM package?). And in order to
Telecaster has become so soft the guitar
stay competitive medium sized Companies
can no longer be kept in tune! So there!
from Agencies to Promoters to Managers are consolidating and expanding. It quite
Anyway – we hope you all have a great
takes your breath away!
holiday, and wish you all the best for next year – let us know what you’ve got planned
But then there’s the other end of the market
for 2015 – in the meantime, Ladies and
– the breeding grounds, the essential grass
Gentlemen – The News!
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2014
BBC
Music Awards Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com The first ever BBC Music Awards have attracted quite some attention, with the event being broadcast broadcast live on BBC One, Radio 1
Neil Simpson
and Radio 2, as well as in Denmark, Japan, Ireland and North America. Pharrell Williams was the big winner being named best international artist, and winning song of the year for, yes, you’ve guessed it ‘Happy’ (It was catchy at first, but I just can’t hear it any more! – ED.) Ed Sheeran was named British act of the year, receiving his Award from Sir Tom Jones and played a version of his Pharrell-produced single, Sing. One Direction, Take That and Coldplay also performed. Newcomers Catfish and the Bottlemen also played to their biggestever audience, after winning the BBC Introducing award for best new act. (Well done ATC Management and Neil Simpson!) The song of the year award was the only category decided by public vote, with the others decided by a panel of industry experts.
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER
Dong Dong Beijing Grows in Second Year Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com My first ever trip to mainland China was short but interesting to say the least, in four
Dong Dong conference
days I managed to visit The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and Dong Dong! This was the second year for this Beijing based conference and showcase event, and this edition has certainly moved things along in establishing itself as a new destination for music professionals and talents in China. I was there to chair a panel on Artist Management
with
the very experienced Paul Craig, manager of Biffy Clyro, and US Manager Eric de la Fontenay, who , along with other acts, represents
Chinese
rock act Second Hand Rose; Liang Long the band’s
front
man
joined the panel to make
some
very
pertinent comments
375 professionals particip ate
d in the 2014 edition (26 8 in 2013, or +40 %). 13 nationalities crossed paths. Most prominent was the rise in attendance from loc al professionals as well as (Barcelona Focus broug Spanish ht 3 acts and professiona ls from the Catalan metro polis). 55 accredited journalists. The workshops presented byArtlab (Denmark) off ered new modules open to with an entrepreneurship artists mindset where they can learn from experienced tra iners.
about the present and possible future for artist management in China. Basically, artist management as we know it, and certain other areas of the business, are in early stages, but there are interesting acts developing, and an active live and festival market. A small but active group of resident and semi-resident westerners, including Ed Peto and Archie Hamilton are keen to help the market develop, and things seem ready for growth. Events like Dong Dong can definitely help. DongDong2014 convention was hosted at Meridian Space and presented 14 panels, conferences, debates and workshops for professionals from all around the world and 1 speed meeting session.
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Marc Ridet of Swiss Music Export and me at The Great Wall
速
vip-booking.com
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
Eurosonic ’15 Adds More Showcases Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Next month’s Eurosonic Noorderslag has added showcases from
Festival tickets for the Noorderslag festival and passepartouts for both
several current and previous winners of the European Border Breakers
festivals Eurosonic and Noorderslag (14-17 January 2015) are sold out.
Awards (EBBA) to its 2015 line-up. Jacco Gardner (nl, winner 2014), Melanie De Biasio (be, winner 2015), The Common Linnets (nl,
The event will again present showcases by more than 350 acts
winner 2015), and The Ting Tings (uk, winner 2009) will perform
alongside a conference programme featuring 150 panels, keynote
at the showcase festival, which will take place from Wednesday 14th
speakers, interviews, and workshops. VIP News will attend and report
through Saturday 17th January, 2015 in Groningen, The Netherlands.
back in the next issue.
In addition, Eurosonic Noorderslag has confirmed showcases by Beans & Fatback (nl), Birth of Joy (nl), Blaudzun (nl), Jett Rebel (nl), Kensington (nl), Maarten Vos (nl), Maison Du Malheur (nl), PAUW (nl), The Kik (nl) and Twin Atlantic (uk). Passes for Eurosonic, the international evening programme on Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 January 2015, are still available. Official tickets can be obtained through: www.ticketmaster.nl. Conference registrations are available through: www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl.
The Ting Tings
Since 2007 Colisium unites professionals from the music business across the world in Russia. Traditionally it brings together international promoters, concert agencies, festivals and event organizers, booking agents, artist managers, musicians, rental companies, music magazines, educational institutes, FM, TV, online media, record labels and video production studios, concert and event venues, security agencies and insurance companies - all major key participants of todays music industry. International professionals from CIS, Europe, Asia, USA also take part in Colisium to open new markets and areas for their companies. It’s the right place to meet your colleagues, �nd new partners, make presentations, discuss new marketing technologies and future plans in the music world of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Baltics and Kazakhstan. Colisium conventions had many professional speakers. Some of them to be named:
Sat Bisla (Musexpo, USA), Tapio Korjus (Rockadillo records, Music & Media Finland), Michael Shurygin (NCA), Helen Sildna (Tallin Music Week), Onta Shiroh Kawaguchi (Summersonic, Japan), Alexander Tikhonov, Evgeny Safronov (Intermedia), Vaidas Stackevicius (Vilnius), Juha "Richie" Mattila (LiveNation), Anu Aittoniemi (Music & Media Finland), Artyom Troitskiy (musical critic), Ilya Bortnuk (Light Music) Semyon Galperin (Yekaterinburg), Natasha Padabed (More Zvukov, Berlin), Ilya Ostrovsky (Kubana Festival), Bas Grasmayer (Netherlands), Greg Goldenzweig (Sweden), Kari Pössi (Blue Buddha, Finland), Sami Peura (Sam Agency, Finland) and many others.
In 2014 Colisium has expanded its work for 6 cities in CIS: Moscow (Russia) St.Petersburg (Russia) Minsk (Belarus) Kiev (Ukraine) Almaty (Kazakhstan) Krasnoyarsk (Siberia, Russia)
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Early bird registration: www.colisium.org
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2014
The Vital Importance of Small Venues Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com As I mentioned in the Musings, one of the
DMA European Network – and we urge
main areas of concern for the future of our
support for all of these organisations, and
business is the development of new talent
any other initiatives that are currently in
– the headliners of the future, and the
place or in the planning.
Jonathan Robinson
importance of the small venues that are able to give these new artists the opportunity
The Venues Day event took place in
to develop their acts in front of audiences
London on December 9th, but due to other
which will become their vital fan base.
commitments we were not able to attend,
Many of these venues throughout Europe
however our colleagues at the excellent
are struggling to survive, many are having
Music Tank were there, and Director,
to close down for many reasons, local
Jonathan Robinson has kindly agreed
developments, lack of income and support,
to act as our guest writer and to let use
legal restrictions etc. Moves are being
feature his report on the small venues
made to redress this situation, we have
situation in the UK and on the event:
reported on the activities of Associations like The Music Venues Trust (UK), Liveurope
Biog: www.musictank.co.uk/resources/speaker-biographies/jonathan-
– based in the Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
robinson-programme-director-musictank
and backed by EC Culture Funds, the Live
Venues Day For a country which punches well above
It’s beyond the realm of this editorial to
UK, unanimously galvanized in their daily
its weight as one of only three global net
cover ‘chapter and verse’, the complex and
struggle to stay afloat.
exporters of music, the disconnect between
at times, conflicting interests of the live
that and the grass roots live music sector and
music business, but the ‘helicopter view’ is
Presented as celebration of small venues
its role in supporting the next-generation of
one of a (apparently) healthy, burgeoning
rather than a funeral wake, it necessarily
hit-makers has arguably never been greater.
sector that’s pretty much out-performed
began as gloomy discussion whose role call
the recorded industry since 2009. Focusing
of ‘macro’ issues remains all too depressingly
Little appears to have changed in the
in on the detail reveals a stark division
familiar – relaxed planning laws, threats
ten years MusicTank has looked at issues
between the record gross takings of sell-
from development, indifferent landlords,
afflicting live, from noise abatement, and
out stadium tours commanding ever-higher
over
Licensing Act reform to form 696 and
ticket prices (and for which there seems no
neighbourhood intolerance and hard-nosed
secondary ticketing.
limit to consumer appetite), and the vital
breweries, chief among them. But there are
small capacity venues sector that forms the
‘micro’ issues that continue to stifle. Informal
bedrock of grass-roots live performance,
conversations with a range of stakeholders
which is fighting for its very survival.
present revealed internal mechanics of an
In
some
areas
the
sector
appears
overburdened in regulation which duplicates pre-existing law (the Licensing Act 2003), yet
zealous
licensing
enforcement,
industry that doesn’t always appear to pull
is crying out for more considered regulation
With that in mind, the Music Venue Trust
in others (ticketing and noise abatement).
should be congratulated in facilitating
Above all, regulation desperately needs to
Tuesday’s Venues Day, which drew a
Small venue owners complain that promoters
better balance the live sector’s ecosystem
capacity
owner/
don’t understand the venue business – that
with consumers’ interests.
operators the length and breadth of the
venues can’t operate solely from the profit of
audience
of
venue
in the same direction at the same time…
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VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2014
‘wet’ sales (drinking at venues is in steady and
venues) remain the single biggest threat, in
orchestras (VAT is crippling small venue
continued decline); that they can’t routinely
a process that appears to be trying to catch
businesses);
take a hit on splitting door takings unless
venues out, rather than working proactively
pooling of knowledge via a website (to help
takings are sustained at capacity or near-to-
towards a mutually acceptable solution.
each other);
capacity levels; that the perilous economics of
booking agents ‘gifting’ back a successful
running a venue are simply not understood
It’s with heavy anticipation that the venues
band, to, say a venue that helped them on
by other’s in the ecosystem – promoters,
business awaits the outcome of heavy
their way in the early years (supporting and
musicians and booking agents alike.
lobbying, led by artist Frank Turner, for
acknowledging the importance of this sector);
the adoption of the ‘agent of change’
local authorities having to include cultural
The simple truth is that the vast majority of
principle. This would place the responsibility
policy as part of planning policy;
small capacity live music venues ironically
for incoming businesses bringing change to
take a lead from Unesco and introduce its
can’t sustain themselves solely through live
an area to manage and be responsible for
protective status to areas of music heritage
music; rather they cross-subsidise live music
that change, bringing to an end incidences
and high cultural value;
from the profit made by club nights and
of, say, new residential developments near
further
private hires. It’s a pretty grim state of affairs.
pre-existing music venues forcing venues to
live music brings to cities, towns and
remedy noise issues.
neighbourhoods;
Savages’ Jehnny Beth’s artist perspective
highlight
the
economic
value
make a case for state funding for UK bands
illustrated just how badly-served the artist
Despite the inevitable gloom, there is a clear
to be able to do UK tours (in the same way
community can be by some in business of
desire to make the small venue experience
funding is available for touring overseas);
live, be they promoter, venue or booking
great; for venues to do their bit for new
learn from (and copy?) European state-
agent – issues long-championed by Andy
music that they all feel so passionate about.
funded models for live music.
Inglis (who frequently considered himself as
And amidst the call for unity (literally the
being in the customer service business first,
suggestion of the formation of a Union for
As commented by Music Venue Trust
and the music industry second…)
small venues), some interesting ideas were
founder, Mark Davyd, “…the ‘rule book’ for
floated:
the small venue sector was written in the 70s, little has changed since and there’s
The overzealous and pernicious way in which noise abatement cases are brought (and
lobbying Government for an extension of
been a definite lack in asking [government]
on an increasing basis and at great cost to
the tax status recently afforded theatre and
for what we need...it’s time to do something radical.” Having
over-regulated
music
in
small
capacity venues to within an inch of its life the Government has latterly set about to de-regulate it in part (small venue capacity exemption), and for its part has proved it is listening. Much more could and should be done, however. There’s a powerful economic and
cultural
argument
encompassing
employment, GDP and cultural value that aren’t in anyone’s interests to be ignored. First
published
their monthly
by
MusicTank
newsletter
here
in and
reproduced by kind permission. MusicTank are seeking your thoughts on the topic - comments can be made here...
Frank Turner
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Link to editorial: www.musictank.co.uk/ newsletters/dec-2014
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
DECEMBER 2014
Independent Venue Week Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Following a hugely successful first year,
opportunities they offer young and more
Independent venues sit at the heart of their
Independent Venue Week returns in 2015
established artist. It’s vital we all celebrate
local community, providing a vital lifeline
with 5 times as many venues taking part all
their existence during Independent Venue
to upcoming artists early in their careers
around the UK. Frank Turner has taken over
Week and do what we can to support
whilst bringing together those fans who
the mantle as this year’s Ambassador from
them so they are still around for years to
are passionate about live music. With more
Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood. The event is
come.”
and more small to medium sized venues
supported by public funding by from Arts
continuing to close around the country, Artists include Peace, Seth Lakeman,
Independent Venue Week supports those
Andrew Wetherall, White Fence, Edwyn
venues that play such a significant role to
The 7 day series of gigs will run from 26th
Collins, The Subways, The Blockheads,
musicians and fans alike.
January – 1st February 2015 across at least
Frankie & The Heartstrings with more to
85 venues. Some of the shows are curated
be announced.
Council England.
by a growing number of industry partners.,
“For us to grow fivefold in just one year is amazing and shows just how strongly
including BBC Introducing, Xfm, Rough
Helen Sprott, Director, Music at Arts Council
people feel, from all across the industry,
Trade, Domino Records, Noisey, Boiler
England said, “Independent music venues
about these venues and the role they play
Room, Communion, Huw Stevens, 13
are an invaluable part of our national music
both to breaking and touring artists and
Artists, The 405, Fierce Panda and Club
ecology. They are often the places where
to local fans all around the country” said
Fandango.
people across England first experience live
co-founder Sybil Bell. “It’s great to be
music and for many years these venues
back again promoting a nationwide, week
Also curating 2 nights is Xtra Mile, Frank
have also provided the vascular system by
long program of gigs with such a strong
Turners label and Frank will be headlining
which artists have been able to tour the
list of venues, artists and partners. We’re
2 special shows for IVW, one of which is
nation. It is this dual role, nurturing both
excited to help make January a really great
at 93 Feet East where he played his first
audiences and talent, that sits at the heart
time for music fans to go to their local
ever gig. He commented, “It’s great to see
of Independent Venue Week and we are
venue and see some great live music and
Independent Venue Week back again for a
delighted to be supporting this celebration
hope they continue to support their venues
second year and with so many more venues
of grassroots music through our Grants for
throughout the year.”
taking part. There’s been so much support
the Arts programme.”
recently for the work these places do and
More Details: Further support from the music industry has
www.independentvenueweek.com
come, once again, from PRS for Music, UK Music and The Musicians Union.
www.facebook.com/
Speaking on behalf of PRS for Music, their
independentvenueweek
Head of Marketing Paul Sims said “We’re delighted to be backing Independent Venue Week for a second year. These venues are the lifeblood of the live music scene and our many members who perform there. Up and down the country night after night, they provide a crucial platform to new and breaking acts to hone their stagecraft and
Sybil Bell
to try out the songs they have written in front of an audience of live music fans.”
Independent Venue Week
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
New Festival by Rob da Bank Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Bestival organiser Rob da Bank is launching
commented: “I’m delighted to announce
a
called
that we are launching a new festival in
Common People, which will take place
Southampton next year, our first new
on Southampton Common in Hampshire
venture since we started Camp Bestival
on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May
seven years ago. We have been inundated
2015.
with offers to start new festivals every year
experience… it’s a metropolitan two day
but it wasn’t until we found the beautiful
show easy to access and open to all ages,
It’s promising a music line-up of live music
site of the Common that we felt it was
compact but packed with experiences and
and DJs “from legendary stalwarts of
right to start a new chapter in Bestival’s
priced very, very reasonably. We can’t wait
the festival scene and guaranteed crowd
history. This isn’t a camping show, it’s not a
to unveil our headliners and star cast for our
pleasers, to the most exciting new acts that
tents, wellies and car packed to the rafters
first Common People show in May. Watch
new
non-camping
festival
are getting those in the know all hot under
this space”
the collar.” There are no acts confirmed yet, tickets are The event will see The Flats area of The
not yet on sale, and the price has not yet
Common – between The Lake, The Boating
been announced. We’ll have the details for
Lake and The Cemetery Lake – fenced off but
you when they’re available.
there will not be overnight camping on site. Common People curator Rob da Bank
Read more at www.efestivals.co.uk
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
Arts Council England Continues Support for Momentum Music Fund Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Officially launched at The Great Escape
artists, but the path for talent to find its
in 2013, the Momentum Music Fund is
way is riddled with uncertainty at key
being extended for another year beyond
points in an artist’s career. By focussing on
its original two-year pilot.
the artist and their needs, the Momentum pilot has shown how we can do more to
The Fund was the first Arts Council
support talent, and give that helping hand
England initiative that directly funded
at the right moment. This is where the fund
with Arts Council England in delivering
artists outside of the jazz, classical and
can, and has, played an important role:
the highly successful Momentum Music
folk genres, and offers grants to enable
backing talent where the industry can’t,
fund which remains the most competitive
artists and their business partners to
bridging gaps in investment, mobilising
programme we have ever run at PRS For
pursue career-enhancing projects that
better management and planning, and
Music Foundation. Over the last two years
may include live or recording-based work,
helping to build a pipeline from local music
Momentum has attracted a huge range of
seeking to complement investment made
development programmes to national
applications from artists who need help
in new talent by existing music industry
exposure. This additional investment will
to boost their career. Those selected for
players such as labels and publishers.
result in further evidence to help us do
support include many of England’s most
more for music talent, and will show how
talented artists who are now receiving
Outgoing Arts Council boss Alan Davey
we can continue to make a real difference
nominations for awards such as the
told reporters: “I’m proud of what
to artists - that, after all, is what we should
Mercury Prize, BRIT Awards, BBC Sound Of
Momentum has achieved and excited
be about”.
Poll and many more. We look forward to
about what it can do. As we stated when
offering this unique funding opportunity
this fund was first announced, the Arts
The Fund will continue to be run by the PRS
to more artists and to investing more in
Council are aware of the great work that
For Music Foundation, whose Executive
the breadth of talent which contributes to
the music industry does in nurturing talent
Director Vanessa Reed said: “We are
the ongoing success and global reputation
by investing heavily in new and emerging
delighted to continue our partnership
of the UK’s music industry.
Arts Council boss Alan Davey, photo by Richard Eaton
Director Vanessa Reed
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VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
ILMC ’15 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Organisers of the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) have
the result of a lot of conversations with our members earlier this
announced a raft of changes to the 2015 event including a new
year; we’re now more geared to the needs of the modern business
schedule and workshop programme. The changes allow ILMC to
than ever.”
offer more networking and private meeting space, as well as 50% more panel content overall.
Details of the new workshop and panel schedule will be announced in January just as entries to the ILMC Bursary Scheme close. The
The announcement comes as the leading global gathering of concert
scheme, designed to nurture young professional talent and start-
business professionals opens for registrations with its annual theme
ups – supported by patrons Robertson Taylor W&P Longreach – was
– always an irreverent take on the business – revealed as caped
announced last month.
crusaders and wannabe superheroes. The invitation-only event typically sells out in advance, welcoming over 1,000 delegates from
ILMC 27 takes place at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington,
more than 60 countries.
London, from 6-8 March 2015. Event partners include Live Nation, AEG, Intellitix, Showsec, Star Events Group, Eventim, Airbeem, Feld Entertainment, AXS, Dot Tickets and many more.
Key changes at the 2015 event include:
Greg Parmley
A new Thursday night op ening party A full day of conference
sessions on Friday 6 March
A new educational works hop programme running across the week end An increased number of
panel topics
The launch of a ‘Tech La boratory’ area featuring an invited ran ge of innovative start-ups.
“The main conference now runs from Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, to better mirror delegate activity and free up more meeting space,” says ILMC head Greg Parmley. “The changes are
Need to know who is touring Europe? Go online - www.vip-booking.com vip-booking.com
12
®
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
A Couple of Lists Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
As it’s nearly Christmas and I know how much you all like the occasional list, here are three to see you through to 2015!
2014 UK Festival Awards Public-Voted Awards Best Major Festival: Gla stonbury Festival Best Medium-Sized Festi val: We Are FSTVL Best Small Festival: The Zoo Project Festival Best New Festival: The Sec ret Festival Best Family Festival: Ca mp Bestival Best Metropolitan Festi val: Live At Leeds Best Dance Event: Cream fields The Grass Roots Festiva l Award: Leopallooza Best Overseas Festival: Tomorrowland (Belgium) Best Toilets: V Festival Headline Performance Of The Year: The Libertines at British Summer Time, Hyde Park Best Breakthrough Artis t: Wolf Alice Anthem Of The Summer: Calvin Harris - Summer Jury-Voted Awards Line-Up Of The Year: Fes tival Number 6 Best Use Of New Technolo gy: The Parklife Weekender [for their revolu tionary portable substance-analysis system supplied by The Loop, and working with Greater Manchester Police] Agency Of The Year: Willia m Morris Endeavor Concession Of The Year: Goodness Gracious Healthy Foods The Greener Festival Aw ard: Shambala The Brand Activation Aw ard: Malibu The Extra-Festival Activ ity Award: Beat Herder Promoter Of The Year: Ric h Bryan (Bearded Theory) The Outstanding Contribu tion To Festivals Award: Rob Da Bank
Madonna
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10 Richest Recording Art ists – According to Wealth-X Amounts are in U.S. dolla rs 1) Madonna $800 million 2) Paul McCartney $660 million 3) Dr. Dre $650 million 4) Diddy $640 million 5) Celine Dion $630 millio n 6) Bono $590 million 7) Mariah Carey $520 mi llion 8) Jay Z $510 million 9) Elton John $450 millio n 10) Beyonce $ 440 millio n …and finally according to UK Collection Society PPL
The Most Played UK Christmas Songs 1. The Pogues (feat Kirsty
MacColl) - Fairytale Of New York 2. Lily Allen - Somewhere Only We Know 3. Mariah Carey - All I Wa nt For Christmas Is You 4. Wham! - Last Christma s 5. Slade - Merry Xmas Eve rybody 6. Wizzard - I Wish It Co uld Be Christmas Everyday 7. Band Aid - Do They Kn ow It’s Christmas? 8. Chris Rea - Driving Ho me For Christmas 9. Leona Lewis - One Mo re Sleep 10. Shakin Stevens - Me rry Christmas Everyone
The Pogues (feat Kirsty MacColl) - Fairytale Of New York
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
2015:
Festivals in the Melting Pot Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Fruzsina Szep, once a booker for the Sziget festival has left Hungary and moved to Berlin
We can take it for granted that the festival
But the recent past has already proved that
both events varies but both editions features
landscape in 2015 will look very different.
all events are not assured of success. Within
an extensive DJ-program with top acts such
First announcements for new festivals such
just five years the Swedish market saw
as Fedde Legrand, Moguai, Grandmaster
as Tinderbox in Denmark by FKP Scorpio,
the departure of events such as Hultsfred,
Flash and Paul Kalkbrenner.
Der Ring Grüne Hölle Rock at Nürburgring
Arvika and Peace & Love. The Greenville-
and its sister events Rockaviaria and Rock in
Festival by Creative Talent failed in 2014 and
Fruzsina Szep, once a booker for the Sziget
Vienna in Austria by DEAG and an edition of
the unknown events (okay, amongst others
festival has left Hungary and moved to
the US-Event Lollapalozza in Berlin are only
and for the record: the Berlin Festival) who
Berlin to work on the new Berlin edition
the tip of a festival iceberg heading into
have already suffered losses are indicators
of Lollapalooza. Particularly the situation
some sort of a climate change.
and presages for what the industry could
in Germany has definitely heated up, so
expect in 2015.
this one is certainly an event that faces
Competition is heating up. Newcomers such
a challenges as the festival market in the
as Bravalla in Sweden or the Best Kept Secret
Sziget Cultural Management, the promoter
German capital has already showed that it
in the Netherlands by the local branches of
of the Sziget Festival in Hungary, for the first
is more than tough.
FKP Scorpio or Down The Rabbit Hole by
time has started to book an edition of the
Live Nation subsidy Mojo Concerts have
winter sport combined with music event
In Denmark alone FKP Scorpio found
already indicated the new movement in the
into its neighbouring country for the first
their announcement of Tinderbox, being
festival circuit. Without any doubt the trend
time in Vienna on November 21-22, running
referred to as a “declaration of war” by
is that the big players within the concert
simultaneously with the edition in Budapest
Gunnar Madsen of the Danish Rock council
industry are aiming to gain market shares
on November 21-24. Due to the mild winter
Rosa. Hopefully it won’t be so dramatic,
and to occupy niche-playgrounds as well as
the Vienna edition has been re-located in
but certainly the festival season 2015 will
the battlefield of big major festivals.
the indoor arena Marx Halle. The line up of
become more than interesting...
15
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
Multimedia For Festivals Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Previously to promote a concert or a festival
and Richard Zijlma from Amsterdam Dance
by Spotify in reference to this year’s
it just took some billboards, flyers, perhaps
Events about their findings regarding new
Lowland edition?
some advertisements and proper PR-work
media experiments and the experience
for printed press and radio. Today of course
gained from them.
Van Eerdenburg: It gives a great insight into the importance of festivals in discovering
it needs more. Communications around live events have changed significantly and it is
VIP News: On the Lowland website
new music. The dynamics of a festival are
not only the generation of digitals natives
various new media services such as
different from a headline show, or small
who know how to serve and to handle a
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and so on
specialized
modern communication environment for
are prominently displayed. Whoich of
necessarily buy a ticket for the festival to see
music events.
them are so called ‘media partners’ and
certain acts, still try to find out about the
which are perhaps sponsors?
acts that they do not know. And this survey
festival.
People
that
don’t
proves they do it in large numbers. Unlike a
The conversion of communication and new media services is an ongoing process. Besides
Eric van Eerdenburg: None of them are
lot of other big festivals Lowlands is a festival
social media gadgets such as Facebook,
sponsors. None of them are official media
that does not exclusively thrive on headliners,
Twitter or Instagram it is furthermore music
partners. Again, the fans subscribe to our
but on ‘subliners’ and debuting acts; an ideal
streaming services such as Deezer, Spotify
festival pages on these services. They are
festival to put on the acts that are looking for
or SirusXM, that take up the opportunity to
communication channels. We need to be
a bigger audience.
replace the old school media format radio.
where the fans are. In the old days one tried to sell tickets at the
With this in mind, VIP News spoke with
VIP
main
specialized record stores for unknown acts.
Eric van Eerdenburg from Lowland Festival
conclusions regarding the data gained
News:
What
are
your
That’s the place where the true music fans would be. Almost 70% of the Lowlands fans use Spotify. This number will grow since it’s a very well organised service. We need to be where the music fans are. Artists that are not on this type of service are not of this age. It’s this, or it’s piracy. VIP News: How many people are working for Lowlands to serve the various new media channels? Van Eerdenburg: I have three people working on promotion, mixed on- and offline at the peak promotion times. It’s not a separate thing. They run Lowlands & Down The Rabbit Hole. More and more Social Media gains importance in communication with our audience. VIP News: On the ADE website various new media services such as Instagram, Facebook,
and
are
prominently displayed. Nevertheless,
Eric van Eerdenburg, Lowlands
16
the “media reports” section is also spiked with many media reports from ranging
VIP NEWS >
DECEMBER 2014
from 3voor12, BBC, Guardian NBC News.
when in comes to innovation which fits the
How much has ADE meanwhile turned
key values ADE has. For example we worked
itself into a media venture and what is
also with Spotify and agreed to work on
the strategy behind this?
specific values; bring reach, engagement and innovation. The partnership ended very
Richard Zijlma: The essence is simple;
successfully. For example we had homepage
we try to connect and to engage with
takeover in several countries during ADE for
both electronic music lovers and music
example USA and Mexico!
professionals worldwide. I think, as we all do, nowadays, that we all switch during the
VIP News: You even ran ADE Radio for
day to new media and old media, between
the first time. How does it work and
online and off line all the time. I think ideally
what is your experience of working with
the presence of an event like ADE should be
SiriusXM?
prominent in all those fields. And of course
Richard Zijlma, Amsterdam Dance Events
we are focused on increasing presence
Richard Zijlma: There was a lot of demand
online more and more. For example I think
from international radio station to cover ADE.
a communication staff member should start
With ADE Radio we were able to make this
reference to this years ADE edition? Very
watching his phone instead working behind
efficient for both parties and were able to
interesting of course; we just hired a staff
a desktop, cause most online time is now
control this content. We broadcast live and
member purely focused on data, cause
spent on the phone. The whole landscape
also recorded dedicated shows. Total reach
we now want to interpret all the data we
has changed over the years. I love the
was about 30 million listeners globally so a
collected from all platforms, our own website
challenges and specifically we like to work
great next step. Serius SM for example had a
and ticket sales for example. To be honest
with those companies because they know
reach of 9 million listeners in the states!
some outcome even surprises me, on the
how to connect with the audience, have
VIP News: What are your main conclusions
other hand I have to be honest, this is also for
a lot of relevant data and they are upfront
regarding the data gained by Spotify in
us a relatively new field.
Moving Offices Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Philipp Jacob-Pahl and Carlo Luis Ruben
to the Landstreicher Booking roster. In
For further information please check:
Schenk who formerly worked for the
September the company celebrated their
www.landstreicher-booking.de/en/
AS.S. Concerts subsidy Selective Artists
five year anniversary and now looks after
category/acts/
have moved on to Landtstreicher Booking.
76 artists, including Kraftklub, Casper and
www.selectiveartists.com/
Previously based in Cologne, they will
the wonderful First Aid Kit. Landstreicher
launch a new local office for the Berlin based
Booking now employs around 25 people
concert company. The move bring artists
and also launched its first open air event
such as Milky Chance, Woodkid, Anne May
with Splash Entertainment in 2013 with the
Kantereit, Juli, James Vincent McMorrow,
Kosmonaut Festival in Chemnitz
We Were Promised Jetpacks and テ《geir Shortly after the departure of Jacob-Pahl and Schenk, A.S.S. Concerts announced the opening of an office for Selective Artists in Berlin where Robin Shaw will be based. A team including Christoph Pancke, Sabine Wittern, Wiebke Kulpa, Katharina Wortberg will additionally handle Selective Artists
Philipp Jacob-Pahl
and Taika Jansen in the A.S.S. Concerts headquarters in Hamburg.
Carlo Luis Ruben Schenk
17
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DECEMBER 2014 > NOVEMBER 2014 VIP NEWS > BUSINESS
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com It is time again for the annual review of the
DEAG increased its revenue from 125.2 up
for Creative Artist Agency (CAA) are a bit
share price development of our beloved cor-
to 129.5 million Euros and its EBITDA from
more solid so to say. At least the rating
porate concert companies over the recent
6.6 up to 6.8 million Euros. While these
agency Moody’s reported in an evaluation
year and some other news that might inter-
growth rates are not so impressive it is the
of credit facilities of $610 million for CAA
est the financial as well as the music busi-
share price that show a huge step forward.
that an IPO in the future is likely.
ness community:
Last year at the same time the share price was 4.20, this time it is at 6.81 Euro. The
By the way, Moody’s rate the credit qual-
CTS Eventim - Between Gaining- and
share price performance therewith gained a
ity with the note “B2 corporate family rat-
Growth-Strategies:
top result of 83.5 percent.
ing”, which is according to rating schemes by rating agency “being speculative and a
Investors love growth stories and CTS Even-
Live Nation - Not Yet An Out Performer:
tim delivers them. In the first nine months
high credit risk”. The rating covers a first lien credit scheme of $610 million, consisting of
CTS Eventim has been able to increase its
The share price development for Live Nation
100 million revolver credit with a run time
revenue result of 5.7 percent from 444.1 up
is doing well, in terms of percentages not so
of five years and a $510 million loan B credit
to 469.3 million Euros. Therewith in line the
impressive as that of DEAG but better than
lasting seven years.
Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, Deprecia-
CTS Eventim. Nevertheless in terms of the
tion & Amortisation (EBITDA) also grow 5.2
share price itself, Live Nation certainly plays
CAA apparently took this financial move in
percent from 86 to 90.4 million Euros.
in a different league to DEAG.
consideration when the investment compa-
The ticketing segment as usual with CTS
One year ago the share price for Live Nation
percent in October and therewith would like
Eventim drove the profit results. In terms of
was at $18.73, this time it is $25, an increase
to finance payments to key company mem-
revenue the ticketing division gained 192.6
of 36.86 percent. The annual peak for this
bers of about $400 million.
million Euro, the EBITDA therefore rose 19
share was at $27.42, the current market
percent from 56.7 up to 67.5 million Euros.
capitalisation is at $5 billion. For comparison
ny TGP increased its stake from 35 up to 52
the market cap of DEAG is 115 million Euros, The Live-Entertainment division kept its rev-
the one of CTS Eventim is 2.19 billion Euro.
enue level but wasn’t able to maintain its profit ratio. The reported revenue for the
SFX Entertainment - Ouch...
first nine months was 282.4 compared to 280.5 million Euro in the same period one
The share price development of SFX Enter-
year ago. The EBITDA decreased by 21.5
tainment looks like a tragedy. Last year’s
percent from 29.2 down to 23 million Euros.
IPO price in October was $13, currently the share price is at $3.73. The market cap still is
Anyhow, the share price within one year
at $348.68 million but how and when those
gained 24 percent. On December 16, 2013
initial investors that bought these shares
the share price was at 18.60, on December
somewhere in October 2013 will recoup
15, 2014 it stood at 23.18 Euros.
their investment, may need a miracle.
DEAG - Some Sort Of An Out Performer:
CAA & Spotify - On The Waiting List:
Meanwhile like CTS Eventim DEAG also re-
Rumours for an Initial Public Offering of
leased its business results for the first nine
streaming service Spotify have been flutter-
month of the ongoing business year of 2014.
ing around already for quite a while. Those
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
NOVEMBER 2014
MEMBER PRESENTATION
Sziget Festival Sziget festival is the biggest musical and cultural festival in Central Europe–a sevenday 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, 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, Trans-global Underground, Rammstein, Mory Kante, Goldie, Patti Smith, Green Day, Brand New Heavies, Kool and the Gang, Suede, Faithless, Guano Apes, Jovanotti, 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, K”s Choice, Bomfunk MC’s, Noir Desir, Run DMC, Fun-Da-Mental, Morcheeba, Leningrad Cowboys, Frestylers, Incognito, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Ash, Placebo
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest databasefor 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 subscribersin over 30 countries.
ARTIST AVAILS Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Territory: Scandinavia, Eastern EU, UK, Ireland Period: June-July Agency: Sasa Music Agent: David Flower Phone: +44 20 7359 9232 E-mail: rab@sasa.demon.co.uk Homepage: www.sasamusic.com
Tinariwen Territory: Scandinavia, Netherlands, Eastern EU, UK, Ireland Period: May - September 2015 Agency: Sasa Music Agent: George Prince Phone: +44 20 7359 9232 E-mail: george@sasa.demon.co.uk Homepage: www.sasamusic.com
THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014-2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: jpr@johnregna.com Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com
Bo Kaspers Orkester Territory: World wide Period: By request Agency: Lifeline Entertainment Agent: Michael Henriksson E-mail: michael.henriksson@lifeline.se Homepage: wwwlifeline.se
[novox] Territory: All territories Period: All year Agency: Z production Agent: Z production Phone: +33683863049 E-mail: zproduction@wanadoo.fr Homepage: novox.zproduction.org
Yolanda Duke Latin Jazz All Stars Ensemble Territory: World Period: From 2014 Agency: Amigos Music Co. Agent: Andy Grullon Phone: +1-646-201-2442 E-mail: andygrullon@yolandaduke.com Homepage: www.yolandaduke.com
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
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® Yolanda Duke Latin Jazz All Stars Ensemble
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20