4 minute read
● Interview – Central Line: Just keep going and the results will come
Just keep going and the results will come
Petri Ekman, founder & Henri Ekman, promoter Central Line Entertainment Ltd
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Central Line Entertainment traces its roots back over a quarter of a century. Beginning with the youthful experience of booking and promoting international punk bands such as No Means No and Leatherface to name but a few.
The company turned pro in 1992 when Koetinkivi (Touchstone) was founded. In the early years, the agency included punk and metal acts, with bookings all over Europe. Since the turn of the millennium, the agency has focused more on pop/rock, including many of Finland’s hottest stars.
In 2015, as international operations expanded, a new name was unveiled: Central Line. In 2022, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary. The agency sells gigs, tours, organizes events, handles venues and is involved in esports and caught up in future events. The company’s offices are located in Helsinki and Tampere.
What were your ambitions when you first started the company and could you ever imagine you’d still be going today?
Q1
Petri: Everything started in the late 80`s, when I made tours for punk bands (mainly from UK, Germany, USA) and they were successful, well not financially, but in all other respects. At that time, no one really made these kind of tours. It left me thinking it can’t be so hard to manage bands.
In a way, it all started as a hobby. At that time gigs were arranged and produced through letter correspondence with Germany, England and America. Sure, the landline phone was also in use, but it always started through letter correspondence. After a while Fax became common and that was something to celebrate! Messages left and arrived during the same day. Well, you sort of got stuck in this business and there was no way
out - in a good way. Being here in 2023 was not my vision in the 80´s. Naturally business is goal oriented and we proceeded step by step, goal after goal and here we are running one of the leading independent agencies in Finland. Looking back, I poked and prodded and solved problems on my own for two decades but came to a point where I needed assistance to go further. We are family owned and running company and are happy the way things are now!
Q2
What have been the highlights so far?
Petri: In 1988 I was in Germany and saw this incredible American band called Toxic Reasons. I fell in love with them immediately. Such nice people and so hospitable. This kind of openness and attitude has affected me going forward. I will never forget this! The first arena concert with Juha Tapio in 2014 followed by several others with him and other artists and concepts every year. In 2017 we had a 25th anniversary festival day in Tampere as a part of Tammerfest Festival. There’s a lot but let’s keep this short.
How has the business changed over the past 30 years? Q3
Petri: When I started, the music business was more of a playing field for music lovers and enthusiasts. It was easy to join in. At the same time, the more professional music business developed. All the players in the music business and the actual shows evolved rapidly; event organizers, technological solutions for the shows, promoters, tour managers to mention a few. I got interested in this path of the business and was lucky to join the great years of the live music business in late 2010. In the beginning of 2020 a complete transition took place to the massive growth of live music industry. Now I find myself pondering how to minimize and manage all the risks and still go strong. Further solving the equation. Henri: The main Principles around the music business are still the same but things are also changing. Social media and influencers are taking over more and more. Traditional “ marketing” is decreasing. Of course the music itself is constantly changing and evolving and all kinds of new music and artists are emerging. I wonder how this will change the live music business.
What are your plans for the company in the future? Q4
Henri: Continuing what we have been doing well so far. I still like the idea of carrying the successful Central Line tradition of long-term thorough commitment to selected artists. Can’t really say what this brings but my goal is a constantly growing company domestically and internationally. For example we have now signed two International artists Günther and Pandora. Events bringing smiles to peoples faces bring smiles to our faces as well. Let’s not forget to have fun and spread this fun to others. From the old days, I believe Loyalty is Royalty.
What’s the best advice your father has given you over the years? Q5
Henri: Just keep going and the results will come. When you’re a young lad, you’re impatient and you want results quickly and might get disappointed when it does not happen. Petri always repeats to just keep going. Common sense, loyalty and honesty is all you need. I’ve been with Petri at different venues and festivals since I was 10 years old. Firstly estimating capacities and audiences and then year after year I gained more know-how and then more responsibilities.
