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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 240 > JANUARY 2021
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VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
View From The Hill First and foremostly wishing you all a very
We also very sadly lost the great Lyle
Happy New Year, I hope that it was both
Mays, long time piano and keyboard
peaceful and very much Covid free for
player with The Pat Metheny Group.
everyone! So we finally got to say farewell
Those who left us also included names such
be in Groningen this year,
and good riddance to 2020, for the
as Bill Withers, Kenny Rogers, Spencer Davis,
Ruud Berends and his team organized an
international live music business, definitely a
Toots Hibbert and Eddie Van Halen to name
excellent event with some great panels,
year to forget, time to move on and as they
just a few. So with all this in mind for 2020,
great speakers (in particular Neil Warnock
say, onward and upward! Sadly also a year in
I say it is most definitely time to move on,
and Scumeck Sabottka) and some great
which we lost too many of our greatest music
let us hope that 2021 brings our beloved
performances. Let us truly hope that in
legends. The first that comes to mind is Neil
industry better fortune and some kind of
January 2022, we will all be there in person
Peart, known as ‘the professor’ and a third of
return to normality.
and raise a glass together!
always be considered one the greatest rock
Over the last couple of months of course,
So what of 2021, well, we have already seen
drummers of all time. As a long time Rush
music industry events and conferences have
quite an eventful January, with Biden taking
fan, I feel very lucky to have seen him play
thankfully been taking place, albeit in digital
over the mess left by his predecessor in the
on many occasions over the last 40 years.
format. In December, we ‘attended’ the
USA, after the recent shocking events that
International Showcase Music Festival, held
took place on Capitol Hill earlier this month,
in Jerusalem. Currently in its 11th year, the
let us hope for more peaceful and settled
event took place between December 8-11th
times there. We have of course also been
and featured performances from the pick
reading about the COVD-19 vaccine being
of Israeli artists, the final day of the event
rolled out around the world, well mostly!
was in conference form with some excellent
Certainly in the UK, after some delay, things
networking opportunities, attended by 100
do seem to be gathering some pace so let’s
guests from the international live music
hope that over the coming 2 months, we
business. I would once again like to thank
can finally start seeing a significant drop in
the fantastic ISMF team for inviting us and
cases and subsequent deaths. I do feel that
for putting on a great event, we thoroughly
now we are 10 months down the line since
enjoyed it and met some great people,
the first of the lockdowns, the mood out
albeit digitally. Less than two weeks ago,
there in the live music world is more buoyant
we also attended the first ever fully digital
and positive. Although we were very
‘Eurosonic’. Without doubt, one of the most
saddened to hear that due to the pandemic,
enjoyable conferences that we get to attend
this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not be
and being so early in the year, it looms large
going ahead, there is still hope that some of
in the diary straight after the Christmas
the other ‘smaller’ festivals and live events
break, we always look forward it, it is always
might still take place. At this early point in
great fun and always good for business. As
the year of course, there is still a high level
you have probably already seen in the VIP-
of uncertainty but it is very obvious that the
Newsletter this month, this year’s online
live music business from around the world
edition of Eurosonic was attended by close
is absolutely resolute and determined to
to 4000 delegates from 124 countries. Due
bring this business back to life as soon as
of course to the current pandemic, this is just
possible. With this in mind, let me take this
about the closest thing that we can get to
opportunity of wishing you all well from a
actually being there in person and although
snowy and sunny Somerset, keep well and
we really missed not being able to physically
stay safe!
Charlie Presburg ager - VIP-Book ing.com
Sales Area Man
Canadian rock powerhouse Rush, Peart will
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HOW TO USE
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Search our Artist data base to find Agent and Manager details:
VIP-Booking.com for Venues/Promoters
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Fan Use VIP Analytics to measure the interest for the Artist:
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Check o ur T where th ourdates sectio n to see e Artist is booke d near y ou:
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VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
Belgian agency joins the All Things Live partnership From VIP-Daily News Belgium’s local booking agency – Busker
As the company becomes part of the
Greenhouse Talent), and Bjorn, running
Artist Agency – joins All Things Live. The
All
Marcus
the independent Ampersand Artist Agency
agency is representing around 60 local
Deblaere will join the Belgian business
(Dirk., Nordmann, It It Anita, …), bring
music acts including Belgian pop, rock, hip-
as senior promoter and head of festivals,
extensive experience to the table.
hop, r&b and soul artists/bands and was
bringing extensive experience as a concert
involved in around 700 shows in Belgium
promoter at Ancienne Belgique Brussels,
All Things Live establish a platform in the
during 2019.
Trix Antwerp and as creative manager at
Belgian market and expand outside the
Things
Live
partnership,
music management company Musickness.
Nordics with the acquisition of Busker
All Things Live expands into the Belgian
Together with Werner Dewachter, he will
Artist Agency. The acquisition furthermore
market from a position as one of the leading
coordinate Busker’s daily management.
expands All Things Live’s local reach within
independent live entertainment company in
smaller live events, which are expected to
the Nordics. Busker Artist Agency maintains
“The
Artist
face fewer COVID-19 restrictions in the
its independence and will the plan is to
Agency and All Things Live entails great
combination
of
Busker
coming period and seen to rebound before
continue the growth journey supported by
opportunities. In close collaboration with
international tour concerts and large events.
the organization and network of the All
Werner and our new Nordic colleagues
Things Live partnership.
we will be able to set up creative and
“We are excited Busker is joining the All
challenging concerts, festivals and live
Things Live partnership as we now gain a
“I am very pleased that Busker will become
events, support our beloved Belgian
solid foothold in the Belgian market, which
a member of the All Things Live family as
artists and scene, and export some of the
is in many ways comparable to the Nordic
this exciting move allows us to take our
great Belgian successes to the interesting
markets that we know so well. We see
business to the next level after two decades
Nordic and European markets,” says
great prospects in the dedicated Busker
and thousands of amazing live experiences
Marcus Deblaere.
team, the many talented artists and the
in Belgium. All Things Live will broaden our
4
expansion into Belgium, and we are full of
network and support our growth and we will
Busker Artist Agency, currently consisting
confidence as we look ahead to 2021,” says
strengthen our position amongst Belgian
of 5 employees, also expands its services
Kim Worsøe, CEO of All Things Live Group.
artists as well,” says Werner Dewachter,
with senior booking agents Bjorn Nuyens
founder and CEO of Busker Artist Agency,
and Willem Vandesande. Both Willem, as
The acquisition does not entail changes for
home of artists like Selah Sue, Coely, Eefje
concert promoter (All Eyes On Hip Hop),
artists, partners, customers or employees as
de Visser, STUFF., Zwangere Guy, Tourist
independent booker (Commander Spoon,
market proximity is a key focus area for the
LeMC and Gabriel Rios.
Liesa Van der Aa, Tristan, … & former
All Things Live partnership.
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
1276 artists from 63 countries apply to play TMW From VIP-Daily News The international new music and city
of the most unique talent with all manner
The whole TMW 2021 programme that
culture festival Tallinn Music Week (TMW)
of genres from folk to metal and from
is scheduled to take place from 6 - 9 May
received 1276 applications to perform
experimental electronica to contemporary
will be announced in stages starting in the
from 63 countries. The highest numbers of
classical represented.
second half of February.
applications were submitted from Estonia, Russia and Finland. The festival’s music programme is scheduled to take place in various clubs and concert venues across the Estonian capital Tallinn from 6 to 8 May. The interest towards the festival continues to be high even despite the pandemic related
restrictions,
resulting
in
1276
submissions from 63 countries received during the period from November 2020 until 20 January 2021. Topping the list with the 234 applicants is the host country Estonia, followed by Russia, Finland and Germany. Compared to previous years, the number of applications from Baltic states Latvia and Lithuania has increased, and interest in TMW remains high also in leading music industry markets such as the UK, Italy,
TMW 2021 ar tist applic ation TOP 10 by countries: Estonia: 234 Russia: 211 Finland: 115 Germany: 72
Italy: 56 Latvia: 52 Lithuania: 50 United Kingdom: 50 Spain: 33 Canada: 32
the US, Canada, Sweden and Japan. There is also continued interest in the festival among artists from farther countries such as Morocco, Guatemala, and Mexico. Up to 150 artists will be selected to the lineup by a team of 30 curators, which includes representatives from music organisations from Estonia as well as abroad. This year’s programme will focus mostly on talent from Estonia, the Baltic and the Nordic States, while artists from elsewhere will be included depending on the coronavirus situation at the time. TMW festival consists of three main programme elements: music festival, city festival and conference. TMW’s music programme is acknowledged for its mix
5
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
Winners of the Music Moves Europe awards From VIP-Daily News Alyona Alyona (ua), Inhaler (ie), Julia Bardo (it), Lous and the Yakuza
Celebrating European Talent
(be), Melenas (es), Rimon (nl), Sassy 009 (no), Vildá (fi) are the
Compared to Anglo-American music, the total percentage of
winners of the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2021.
music originating from continental Europe is relatively small. The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are designed to accelerate the
The Public Choice Award 2021 went to Ukrainian rapper Alyona
international careers of upcoming European artists.
Alyona as was publicly announced by the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya
Music Moves Europe
Gabriel. This annual EU prize for popular and contemporary music
Music is one of the most popular forms of art, widely consumed,
co-funded by the Creative Europe programme celebrates emerging
and a vibrant expression of Europe`s cultural diversity. Music Moves
artists who represent the European sound of today and tomorrow.
Europe, the overarching framework for the European Commission’s initiatives and actions in support of the European music sector aims
The awards ceremony took place digitally last night on the virtual
to help the music sector flourish. In line with this approach, the
platform Nite Hotel. The ceremony was presented by UK artist
Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, co-funded by the Creative
Melanie C who succeeded previous hosts Jools Holland, Eric Corton
Europe programme, the EU funding programme for the culture and
and Thomas Neuwirth (Conchita Wurst). This was the third edition
audiovisual sector,wants to contribute to the creativity, diversity and
of this EU music prize. Previous winners include Rosalía, Meduza,
competitiveness of the music sector in Europe.
Bishop Briggs, Aya Nakamura girl in red and Pale Waves. Organising coalition
6
Prize Package
The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are organised by ESNS
Winners of the first 8 awards were selected by an expert jury
and Reeperbahn Festival in partnership with Yourope, Independent
consisting of Wilbert Mutsaers, Julia Gudzent, Katia Giampaolo, Huw
Music Companies Association (IMPALA), International Music
Stephens and honorary jury member Naaz (Public Choice Winner
Managers Forum (IMMF), Liveurope, Live DMA, European Music
2020). Each winner of this first category is awarded a monetary prize
Exporters Exchange (EMEE), Digital Music Europe (DME) and media
of 10.000 which includes a business support package provided by
partner European Broadcasting Union (EBU), with support from
the partners of the prize. This package consists of career advancing
the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Province of
services provided by these organisations. As the winner of the Public
Groningen and the City of Groningen. The awards are implemented
Choice Award, Alyona Alyona receives an extra 5.000 and is invited
in close cooperation with the European Commission and financially
to do a filmed live session at the Deezer studios in Paris.
supported by Creative Europe.
LIVE MUSIC’S GLOBAL GATHERING REBOOTS TO A NEW VIRTUAL REALITY
PROVISIONAL AGENDA NOW LIVE 33.ilmc.com
ILMC_VIP_FP-AD_198x272mm.indd 1
20/01/2021 10:50
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
Thomas Ovesen: A Dane promoting shows in the Middle East From VIP-Daily News In Dubai when I promote my team and I manage all aspects of the event including
Most people feel comfortable living their whole life in
booking, artist airport arrival arrangements,
their country of birth, but for some people choice or faith
ground
takes them far from their country of origin to adventures
clearance, production, venue build (if open
far from “home”.
air), toilet rental, security guard hire, artist
transportation
grid,
shipping
hotel booking and rooming arrangement,
One of them is Thomas Ovesen, born in Denmark but living and working in the Live industry in the Middle East.
media
campaign,
promotion,
ticketing,
VIP packages, sponsorship sales, event permissions etc etc…….you certainly get to know the industry from all aspects and in
VIP-News talked to him about how he ended up in the
great detail when putting on shows in the
Middle East and how he got into the Live Music Industry.
Middle East. Getting your hands dirty is a fitting expression! I believe we all see Dubai as a centre
You were born in Denmark but are
I wish I knew – it looks so easy in Denmark
for money and entertainment, has
now living in Dubai and working as a
when viewed from afar?:-)
promoting shows there changed over
promoter in the area, how did you end up so far away from home?
the years and what are the major No, joke aside I think in Denmark the
challenges there now?
challenges are mainly commercial and I came to the region summer 1998 –
competition based whilst in Dubai they
The live entertainment business was very
started out as an Air Traffic Controller in
are more fundamental and based on rules
minimal in Dubai prior to the 1990’s and
Bahrain and since moved to Dubai when
and regulations, lack of same, access to
it was only in the early 2000’ that the
the entertainment industry took off there
financing and whether you have special
business really took off so it is a very young
around 2000.
connections and pull with decision makers
market still.
and authorities. So in short if in Dubai I can I now live between Riyadh and Dubai and
drum up the required cash, have good pull
But yes it has changed – when I started
I actually cannot think of a more natural
with local stakeholders and authorities I can
out most shows were staged in hotel
life progression given I always wanted to
set up as a promoter – if in addition I can
ballrooms or gardens and based on an ROI
know what it would be like to live and work
manage successfully executed events and the
model of generating room bookings and
abroad and deliberately took the Air Traffic
media and PR side of things I will probably
F&B sales as main revenue generator as
education as it would allow me to seek work
soon be the market leader…I assume that
opposed to ticket sales……events had one
around the world.
in Denmark it is more about best managing
ticket category!
the access to suitable venues and maximising But home is where you lay your hat right?
ticket pricing. Perhaps in Denmark the
The event permission process was for
So with my British Caribbean wife and our
awarding of a profitable/attractive show
many years linked with the venue as a
19 year old son born in Manama I think I am
might also be down to what global promoter
reflection of the authorities not trusting
probably pretty much at home where I am
you are associated with!?! In Dubai pricing of
the then fledgling promoters but now and
right now!
almost all aspects of the event costs is down
in particular in Dubai the process is much
to personal relations and buying power –
more sophisticated, we have more venue
What
8
differences
nothing has a fixed and non-negotiable
options including purpose built ones and
between promoting shows in Denmark
are
the
biggest
price and you use all possible contacts and
yes we do of course also have as many
and the Middle East?
relations to leverage the best deal.
ticketing categories as anywhere else!!
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
And from back then when western artists
we didn’t have 10 years back. Programming
great local knowledge, stakeholder sway
sometimes had to be encouraged and
then will be key and venue owners here
and boots on the ground….this is probably
convinced of coming, sometimes with
don’t always understand how crucial that is
why the big international promoters aren’t
premium fees more than safety and security
to the success of the real estate part of our
set up here yet or mainly do brokerage
assurances, now most find it a natural stop
business – funny when it isn’t too unlike the
business but once they decide to invest
to play Dubai or Abu Dhabi when touring
shopping mall business that have been so
ours is a market that could reward them
between Europe and Asia, Far East Asia and
successful regionally.
very well….watch this space – the next few
South Africa…….soon Saudi offers will help
years will make a huge difference and now
make the region a natural stop-over and even
The real challenges though are still based on
a multi show play for many more touring
insufficient legislation, lack of insolvency laws
artists. The regional vanity promoters and
making it hugely risky for event organizers
Saudi Arabia recently opened up for Live
one off premium artist offer under writers
and promoters to take risk, sudden and
Entertainment a few years ago, how do
we used to deal with have more or less all
emotionally or religiously motivated changes
you see the market potential there for
vanished. So have the days where Dubai in
of rules and permissions making it even
international artists?
particular could outbid any other regional
more risky to promote shows and harder to
stop and the UAE will increasingly be looking
plan medium to long term.
towards Saudi to pool up with talent offers from there to secure its programming.
is the time to get in!
This is a real game changer – regionally the live events and entertainment inclusion of
With Saudi emerging as an entertainment
30+ million Saudis, the majority of which
destination and touring market the region
are under the age of 30 and all of whom
But slowly we see purpose built venues
as a whole will be more attractive for
are now enjoying the potential of attending
opening and so now there are great opera
promoters but each market has unique
entertainment
houses and arenas in the region something
rules and laws so you still need to have
not just boosted the overall Middle East
events
domestically,
has
event and entertainment market but at a time where more established regional hot spots like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hugely challenged offered the only source of outlet and income for the entertainment industry. There is no doubt that the Saudi Arabia market will drive the regional events market and act as the locomotive of live entertainment shows and programming for the coming years. As Saudi settles in and further structures its significant investment in infrastructure and programming a new pool of event promoters and organizers will emerge but the Kingdom is already open for bookings and will no doubt continue the aggressive events and entertainment investments currently somewhat paused because of the pandemic. Within few years I assume most international tours visiting Middle East will include one or multiple Saudi shows and that it might be the Saudi business that helps drag markets like UAE out of the current slump as shows and tours will be more likely to play there when in the region to play attractive Saudi shows
Thomas Ovesen
anyway. With Saudi the region might also finally see a regional and domestic touring
9
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
circuit of local talents emerge…..this is another
consider sending your artists our way come
What will Thomas Ovesen be doing 10
growth potential for the entertainment
see us first and be one of the still too few
years from now and where?
business and why it isn’t unrealistic to assume
agents who has made such commitment –
the Middle East region soon becoming one of
you will benefit greatly as otherwise it can
The tempting answer is “sitting on a tropical
the most attractive markets globally for artists
be a complex marked and one with many
island doing next to nothing” ….but
and show producers.
challenges. There are no obstacles or legal
realistically I will probably still be in the
or commercial reasons for needing to trade
Middle East but then definitely on the look
What is your best advice for agents or
via middle men ……there are now credible
out for how to finally pull off that legacy
managers who would like to include the
promoters and purpose built venues you
project where in one go I get to put all my
Middle East in their touring schedules?
can work with across the region and so also
accumulated experiences of failures and
a potential to start promoting upcoming
successes to work on one great and amazing
Play the long game – because there is one for
and small capacity talents in addition to the
event, festival or project …..you know, the
sure! – and make the effort to visit and see
blockbuster talents already accustomed to
event I never got to do because there was
the key players and venues in person. If you
playing some of our markets.
always something else that needed doing!...
Glastonbury 2021 cancelled From VIP-Daily News Glastonbury Festival has been cancelled for a second year running due to the impact of the
The full statement reads:
Covid-19 pandemic. The news was announced on Thursday on the Worthy Farm event`s Twitter page. The event, which was due to take place at the end of June, was also cancelled
With great regret, we must announce that
last year.
this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place, and that this will be another enforced
In a Tweet this afternoon, organisers Michael and Emily Evis confirmed that news “in spite
fallow year for us.
of efforts to move heaven and earth”. They added: “With great regret, we must announce that this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place, and that this will be another enforced
In spite of our efforts to move Heaven &
fallow year for us.
Earth, it has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the Festival happen this year. We are so sorry to let you all down.
“Tickets for this year will roll over to next year.”
As with last year, we would like to offer all those who secured a ticket in October 2019 the opportunity to roll their £50 deposit over to next year, and guarantee the chance to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2022. We are very appreciative of the faith and trust placed in us by those of you with deposits, and we are very confident we can deliver something really special for us all in 2022! We thank you for your incredible continued support and let’s look forward to better times ahead.
Michael and Emily Eavis
10
With love, Michael & Emily
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2021
ESNS exceeds ambitious expectations From VIP-Daily News The first online edition of ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) exceeded all expectations according to the organisers; both the festival and conference platform have been visited en masse by music lovers and professionals worldwide with almost 4000 from 124 different countries. In line with the current safety measures in The Netherlands, the thirty-fifth edition of
ESNS
ESNS took place digitally. Despite the acts, audience, and industry professionals being unable to meet each other in Groningen,
on new emerging acts from Europe and to
interviews with Wendy Ong (manager Dua
they still managed to make the most of the
bring together music professionals from all
Lipa), Scott Cohen (Warner Music), and Neil
virtual experience with daily live streamed
corners of the world to discuss the current
Warnock (UTA).
panels
online
and future of the music sector and its
networking opportunities for professionals
and
performances
and
industry. Thanks to NPO 3FM and members
Showcase festival
to meet each other in a virtual environment.
of EBU, ESNS was able to reach an even
The digital platform of the ESNS showcase
bigger audience in Europe and beyond.
festival, built-in collaboration with NPO
The online edition also brought new
We really hope we can organise a physical
3FM, hosted exclusive live sets from 189
possibilities for networking, while artists
edition in 2022 and be together once again,
acts from 36 European countries. The
gained a much greater reach for their
but we will also expand our online ventures
shows, broadcast daily on four channels,
showcases via ESNS channels and media
next year.�
were highly praised by media, music lovers,
partners. With this, the mission of ESNS
and professionals. The showcase festival has
was more than secured; promoting and
Conference
circulating new Dutch and European music.
The
consequences
been covered extensively by media partner COVID-19
NPO 3FM and European radio stations,
pandemic have been an unprecedented
of
the
united in the EBU (European Broadcasting
Robert Meijerink, head of programme of
blow to the music sector and as a result,
Union). Dutch broadcaster NTR guided the
ESNS looks back on a successful edition:
the need to get together seemed greater
viewer on Saturday evening in a two-hour
“We are truly overwhelmed by the positive
than ever. Almost 4,000 delegates took
program on NPO 3 with the Noorderslag
feedback, with many saying a new standard
part in the conference, themed `The Road
festival with all Dutch showcases. All ESNS
has been set, which is amazing and the
to Recovery` aiming to regain confidence,
showcases are now available to watch at
digital edition has exceeded our wildest
facing the current crisis, and making a
3fm.nl/esns.
expectations. The ESNS platform is focused
constructive contribution to a new future for Dutch and European music industry.
The sets were recorded by the acts in a short period of time throughout Europe,
Robert Meijerink
In 66 panels, featuring 274 speakers,
in collaboration with the EBU, export
industry professionals looked ahead and
agencies, venues, and festivals. A unique
discussed the reopening of the live music
achievement; as 34 European countries
sector, with conference attendees also
were in a lockdown at the time. Many of
scheduling more than 10.000 one on one
the Dutch acts were able to record their
meetings using the digital platform. The
performances at some of the much-loved
most viewed panels included `Successful
venues in Groningen, whilst following Covid
Covid Festival Formats`, `Streaming is here
Secure protocols, making it the first cultural
to stay!` and `Platform Workshops with
event in the Netherlands with all crew,
Bandcamp & Spotify`, and also keynote
artists, and suppliers tested for COVID-19.
11
ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?
WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com
The No 1 Information Resource For The Live Entertainment Industry Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. We have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc.
ÂŽ
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vip-booking.com
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
JANUARY 2021
New company interviews Despite incredibly tough times for all of us in the Live Music Industry and news of layoffs from many of the majors, we are still seeing people taking the big step to launch their own companies and initiatives. VIP-News will be speaking to several of these new entrepreneurs over the coming months to get an insight into their new ventures. We’ve had fantastic support from Stuart (Galbraith) and Steve (Tilley)
Name: Fin O’Leary Company: Singular Artists Country: Ireland Type of company: Promoter
and the team at Kilimanjaro, and while we are absolutely raring to go, the main concerns are the obvious ones for all promoters: the Covid-19 situation, the vaccination rollout, the gradual shift back towards normality, and to shows… and when is it all going to happen. Did you bring your full roster with you?
Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your
We’ve been very lucky to continue working with the majority of the
own company?
artists that we had been working with pre-Covid. We’ve seen a huge amount of loyalty from agents, management and artists, which gave
I’ve been promoting in Ireland for 20+ years, initially with a venue,
us all a big boost.
then MCD and on to Aiken Promotions, working with artists like The Murder Capital, Yungblud, Big Thief, twenty one pilots, My
How do you see the potential for your company in this
Chemical Romance, Paramore, Paolo Nutini and The National.
disrupted Live Music industry?
Simon started out with Aiken in 2012, and is working with a broad spectrum of events and artists like Fontaines DC, Mark Rebillet and
We’re working with a very exciting and diverse roster of artists, which
Mabel. Brian had been involved in management before moving to
is a great starting point. We have a wealth of experience and drive
promoting with Pat Egan and on to Aiken, working with artists such
between the three of us, and we’ve already got a number of new
as Billy Connolly, The Pogues, Daryl Hall & John Oates and the RTE
events on the boil for the coming years. Ireland has always been
Concert Orchestra.
perceived as only having a small number of big guns, but we’re seeing shifts in the industry right now that will make a lot of space
Have you taken on any employees yet and/or planned on
for the newer, leaner independent model.
growing or is it a one man band? Right now it’s the three of us (Fin, Simon and Brian), and we are working with freelance PR and design. We’re in the process of taking on a Digital Media Manager and there are plans to further expand the team over the coming months. Why did you decide to start your own company? We had worked closely with our clients for so long that it was never a question of walking away from the industry and these relationships when Aiken downsized in April 2020. We were always going to continue in booking/live promotion in some shape or form, and we decided early on that combining our talents would give us the strongest foundation to build on. What is/was your biggest concern about starting up your own company?
Fin O’Leary
13
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
JANUARY 2021
and a well-thought-out strategy, a motivated
Name: Aga Heller Company: Frills Country: Germany Type of company: Full Service Artist Agency
team and massive portion of idealism. We fully believed in what we are doing. And then came Corona – and brought up some concerns, of course. We had plenty of internal discussions, started to think about restructuring the company and about other strategies and concepts. But very quickly
Gives us a brief update on your career
Fabric in London and for Clinic Talent, the
we realised: our concept is still perfect, our
before launching your own company?
booking division of Hospital Records. Andy
strategies are ace. We still believe in the idea
Bell is developing creative strategies and
of Frills and in what we are doing. So, we
My whole life has been dedicated to music: I
concepts for our artists, before he was the
wiped all concerns aside and moved on.
started as a club promoter in my early years
head of marketing for HYTE and later worked
and founded my first DJ booking agency
for various renowned artists, such as Chris
Did you bring your full roster with you?
shortly after. Some years later I became a
Liebing. The youngster in our team is Marie
product manager at Warner Music, followed
Claire de Voil, who’s mainly managing the
I know usually you are an agent or manager
by positions at various other major and indie
social media marketing for our artists. And my
somewhere else, take some artists with you
record labels. After that I founded an artist
partner in crime is David Lewis. We founded
and start a new venture with them as a
management agency, then took over the role
Frills together. Besides Frills he’s the co-owner
foundation, but we intentionally didn’t want
as the head of booking/artist management
of several other companies, such as David
to start the company with any artists that may
at Solomun’s Diynamic and then became
Lewis Productions, Armada and ALDA.
go on to dictate how the rest of the roster or
the General Manager of the global festival
the company develops, or expect to have an
event series HYTE. That’s briefly what I have
Why did you decide to start your own
influence in that respect. We have our own
been doing in the 25 years before we have
company?
idea and want to build the roster from the
founded Frills in 2019.
ground up, with every artist selected based
That’s easy: it was long overdue! And both
on their own merits and vision. The strength
Have you taken on any employees yet
David and I had the feeling such a concept
of our concept, services, creativity and our
and/or planned on growing or is it a one
as Frills was missing in the electronic music
holistic approach, as well as our principles,
man band?
world. We just had to fill that gap!
authenticity and our understanding of
underground electronic dance music culture,
The concept we have developed for Frills is
What is/was your biggest concern about
is how we want to appeal to artists. We
based on a holistic approach that provides
starting up your own company?
understand artists and know how to develop
a 360° service to our artists, which requires
their profiles and personalities, whilst never
a high level of knowledge in various fields.
I can’t say that we were concerned when we
forgetting the values of the electronic music
Therefore, we have formed an interdisciplinary
started Frills. We had a convincing concept
culture we all represent.
team of experienced specialists and proven experts. Our Booking Manager is Catherine Stoy, who has been an agent for Dixon and Âme and worked for Richie Hawtin’s agency Clonk before. Our Marketing Manager is Sebastian Martison, who has been responsible for the marketing of Adam Beyer’s Drumcode label and events. Marina Zakharevitch is managing the record labels of our artists as well as other artist projects, such as event concepts. She has been a Label Manager at !K7 and a Campaign Marketing Manager at Festicket before she joined us. Responsible for operations at Frills is Diana Foster, who previously worked for the legendary nightclub
14
Aga Heller Photo by Kasia Zacharko
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
JANUARY 2021
company; for us, our clients and the industry
Name: Natasha Gregory (Bent) Company: Mother Artists Country: United Kingdom Type of company: Live Agency & Management Company
professionals that we love working with. Did you bring your full roster with you? I am lucky that my core roster is joining me on this new venture. Alex Amor, Amy Macdonald, Benjamin Booker, Cate Le Bon,
Gives us a brief update on your career
Why did you decide to start your own
CMAT, Darwin Deez, Do Nothing, Electric
before launching your own company?
company?
Guest, First Aid Kit, Foster The People, Gotye, IDLES, RY X, The Antlers, The Magic
I started off backing singing for Carleen
I am starting this company alongside my
Gang, The Teskey Brothers, Thomas Headon,
Anderson after studying vocals at BIMM.
brother Mark Bent (IDLES management)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Violet Skies,
From there I worked in management for Phil
someone I admire, trust and feel empowered
Westerman – with more to follow.
Nelson/First Column. It was then I started my
by. It’s very rare to find someone that works
Live Agency career at 13 Artists as a booking
with the same ethos and drive. We have
How do you see the potential for your
agent. I then set up my own Agency ‘The
spoken about this dream for a while and if
company in this disrupted Live Music
Village Agency’, followed by moving to The
there is one thing this last year has taught us,
industry?
Agency Group for ten years (which then
it’s to just go for it.
became UTA), then the last 4 years at Coda
We wouldn’t have started this venture if we
/ Paradigm
What is/was your biggest concern about
didn’t 100% believe in ourselves, our clients
starting up your own company?
and everyone’s abilities. There is no secret
Have you taken on any employees yet
trick, no shortcut. Just cut out the bullshit,
and/or planned on growing or is it a one
I don’t believe that’s the right way to start a
put your heads down and fight for your
man band?
company. No negativity at all – hard work,
clients like you would your family, but with
good ethics, leading with compassion and
respect kindness and hard work ethics at
empathy is the best start we can give this
the core. Simple.
News on that to be announced soon.
Natasha and Mark Bent Photo by Jarowslaw Hipisowki
15
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
JANUARY 2021
It started purely as something useful and interesting for me to do to keep me occupied
Name: Paul Cheetham Company: The SuperSwell Country: Germany Type of company: Podcast
during lockdown but it’s already taking on a life of its own. Potential sponsors have been in touch and, more interestingly for me, several event organisers have asked if I can record episodes or arrange online panels for their conferences this year. That is
Gives us a brief update of your career
it offers some hope and encouragement
something I would like to do and eventually
before launching Superswell?
to people listening. I like the fact that
curate physical SuperSwell panels and
in a small way the podcast can act as a
showcases when it’s possible.
I started booking concerts professionally
document of our times. I’ll be able to look
in 1997 at the Mean Fiddler in London. In
back on it as a personal record of how we
Have you got plans to come back into
1999 I found myself working as a promoter
managed our lives and emerged from this
the Live Music Industry at some point?
at Welldone Agency in Helsinki which
traumatic period.
eventually became Live Nation Scandinavia. I
I haven’t left the Live Music Business!!
also worked as an artist manager and adviser
Who have you interviewed so far and
The Live Music Business has left us for
to acts like The Rasmus and The Crash. I
who have you got lined up?
the moment but I haven’t stopped being
moved to Berlin in 2009 and became festival
involved in discussions and ideas with
booker at Popkomm then Berlin Music Week
So far, guests have included Mark Davyd
companies about how concerts and events
before joining Reeperbahn Festival. In 2017 I
(Music
Gudzent
can be brought back as we emerge out of
became Booking Director at AEG Europe and
(Lollapalooza Berlin), Allan McGowan (IQ/
the Covid/Brexit double-whammy. I have to
oversaw the 2018 opening of the Verti Music
VIP), Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week),
wait and see if the right opportunity comes
Hall in Berlin with shows including Jack
Adam Lewis (Planetary Group), Alex Maiolo
along and how I can keep the podcast
White, George Ezra and Dave Chappelle. I
(Journalist/Musician),
going once I get a “proper” job again.
finished that job in September last year and,
(Playwright/Author). I’m in the middle of
like many of us, been spending most of my
producing the next couple of episodes and
www.thesuperswell.com
time at home since then.
have more really great chats lined up. You
podcast@thesuperswell.com
Venue
Trust),
and
Julia
Ian
Salmon
can be informed by joining the mailing list: What gave you the idea to start your
www.thesuperswell.com/sign-up
own podcast, what are your intentions
www.heartburstman.com head@heartburstman.com
with it and what do you hope your
Have you got any partners or are you
listeners will get out of it?
doing this alone?
I had a few late night zoom calls with friends
I’ve been initially producing the podcast on
who I hadn’t seen for a long time. We had a
my own but talking to a handful of people
lot of meaningful conversations about some
around the world about them joining the
of the interesting times we’ve had over the
project and producing their own content as
years. Someone said we should record some
part of the SuperSwell Collective. We just
of these talks as others might enjoy them
launched a new monthly edition called The
too. I’m fortunate to have met such a diverse
Delicates’ Lounge which reviews/previews
range of remarkable people who give me so
news and events of that particular month.
much to talk about with them. As well as
I’m sure other new ideas will be appearing
their life and work I like to get deeper into
on the platform soon. I can’t tell you how
the human parts of them. The good stuff!
much fun it’s been and how rewarding it
Paul Cheetham
is to be collaborating with people like this. I planned to just do 3 episodes but received
16
such positive feedback and enjoyed doing
Is the podcast generating any income
it so much that I decided to continue doing
and if not do you have plans for this for
new episodes every couple of weeks. I hope
the future?
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
JANUARY 2021
James Tones joins Mother Artists From VIP-Daily News Tones, who was previously a booker at
and we, and our clients are so lucky and
Paradigm Agency, will be reunited with
excited to have him with us. Let’s go!”
James Tones
former Paradigm colleague Natasha Gregory (formerly Bent), but also build his own roster
James Tones said: “I’m so excited to join
and everyone at Mother Artists. Exciting
and help to grow the new business alongside
Mother Artists and start the next chapter of
times ahead!”
the core team.
my career as an agent with Natasha, Mark and the team. As a mentor, I am so grateful
Mark Bent heads up the management
Siblings Mark Bent and Natasha Gregory
to Natasha for teaching me invaluable skills
division, while Natasha Gregory runs the live
– who joined the Music Week Women In
and for giving me opportunities to keep
division. The management roster includes
Music Roll Of Honour in 2016 – joined forces
progressing over the past four years, but also
Idles, Heavy Lungs, Avaera, Daffodils and
to launch Mother Artists as a management
to grow as a person and treat everyone with
newly signed Magazines.
and live agency at the end of 2020.
respect and kindness, and lead by example. The live side of the company launched with
Natasha Gregory, Mother Artists co-founder,
“Having worked with Natasha and Mark on
Alex Amor, Amy Macdonald, Benjamin
said: “James is basically superman. Not
Idles, I have seen first-hand what they can
Booker, Cate le Bon, CMAT, Darwin Deez, Do
only to us, but to our clients, his peers and
achieve as a team. Mark has already built
Nothing, Electric Guest, First Aid Kit, Foster
all industry professionals. He leads with
an incredible reputation for Mother Artists,
The People, Gotye, Heavy Lungs, Idles, Kills
kindness, empathy, extreme efficiency and
so with Natasha joining on the live side,
Birds, Laura Misch, Ry X, The Antlers, The
a go get attitude. We have no doubt that
the sky`s the limit. I’m looking forward to
Magic Gang, The Teskey Brothers, Thomas
James will be running the company within a
building my own roster as well as being able
Headon, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Violet
year. Like all our team, he starts as an equal
to continue working closely with Natasha
Skies and Westerman.
Warner Music sacks former Lorde manager Scott Maclachlan From VIP-Daily News Warner Music Group has terminated the
Maclachlan, originally from the UK, is best
Maclachlan said he had been guilty of
contract of Scott Maclachlan after inidents
known for discovering and then managing the
“stupid, insensitive and ignorant comments”
of sexual harassment have come to light.
Grammy-winning artist Lorde at his own Saiko
to women in the industry, including asking
Management, which he founded in 2013.
them if they wanted sexual contact with him,
Scott Maclachlan
and making comments about their bodies. Following 20 years in the UK music industry, Maclachlan moved to New Zealand in 2008,
“There’s not a day goes by that I don’t regret
where he discovered Lorde when she was
the harm I have caused people around me and
13 years old.
most importantly the pain and embarrassment I have caused my wife and children. I have
The dismissal of Scott Maclachlan on Sunday
to live with that guilt, knowing that people
came after an investigation prompted him to
I worked with have also endured pain and
publicly admit years of harmful actions towards
stress because of my actions,” Maclachlan
staff and colleagues. He said on Friday he was
told news site Stuff.
in intensive psychotherapy and was trying “to live a simpler, less egotistical life”.
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
JANUARY 2021
DEAG Deutsche Entertainment plans Stock Exchange withdrawal From VIP-Daily News
The management board of DEAG around Prof. Peter Schwenkow has secured the support of the largest single shareholder of DEAG. In an agreement signed today with Apeiron Investment Group Ltd. and its bidder company (Musai Capital Ltd., “Bidder”), the submission of a public delisting-takeover offer was agreed as a requirement for the Delisting.
prices of the last three and the last six months as required by law for a delisting-takeover offer.
In the course of the planned Delisting, it is intended to retain the Company`s legal form as a stock corporation and to continue the
According to the Bidders calculation, this price is currently EUR
listing of the corporate bond on the Open Market (Freiverkehr) of the
3.07 per DEAG share. The final price will be published by the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Bidder in the offer document after confirmation by the German Federal
Financial
Supervisory
Authority
(Bundesanstalt
für
All members of the management board as well as the supervisory
Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht, BaFin). As a delisting-takeover offer,
board will also accompany DEAG on its further growth trajectory.
the offer will not be subject to any closing conditions.
Furthermore, all existing contracts with employees, service providers and artists shall remain in full force and effect.
Together with the U.S. investor Mike Novogratz, who holds approx. 14% of DEAG`s shares through his family office Galaxy Group
The withdrawal from the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock
Investments LLC, as well as other existing shareholders of the
Exchange requires a prior public delisting-takeover offer to the
Company, Apeiron and the Bidder have agreed on the key terms
shareholders of DEAG, so that all shareholders can still sell their
of a shareholders` agreement. The parties to the shareholders`
shares prior to the Delisting. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of
agreement, which in total hold approximately 47% of the DEAG
Apeiron, DEAG`s longstanding and, with a shareholding of approx.
Shares, will not accept the planned offer for their DEAG shares. On
18%, largest single shareholder, in accordance with the agreement
the basis of the shareholders` agreement, subject to the successful
entered into, today announced such an offer with a consideration
closing of the transaction, they will exercise joint control over
in cash, calculated according to the volume-weighted average share
DEAG. In the agreement with DEAG, Apeiron and the Bidder have committed to support DEAG`s further growth strategy outside the stock exchange listing. CEO and founder of the Company, Prof. Peter Schwenkow commented: “Despite the continuing uncertainties about the future of the live entertainment industry due to the ongoing restrictions, DEAG is pleased about the continuous support and trust of all members of the management board, the supervisory board, all managing directors, partners, co-shareholders and the current major shareholders who wish to continue to jointly pursue DEAG`s existing growth course in an unlisted environment of the company.” As required by law, the management board and supervisory board
Prof. Peter Schwenkow
of DEAG will issue a reasoned statement on the public delistingtakeover offer after publication of the offer document.
19
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
JANUARY 2021
DEAG to acquire 75% of Danish promoter CSB Island Entertainment From VIP-Daily News DEAG is acquiring 75% of the shares
Show - A Tribute to Abba,” which has now
“DEAG has been working closely and
in the Danish promoter and producer
been performed in around 50 countries
successfully with CSB for many years,
CSB Island Entertainment via its wholly
worldwide, “Queen Machine Symphonic” or
especially in the UK and Scandinavia but
owned subsidiary DEAG Classics AG. This
“Disco Tango Eurovision Show” are among
also in the Classics & Jazz sector. The
acquisition will significantly expand DEAG`s
the company`s own productions. With this
investment in CSB is the next logical step
activities and presence in Scandinavia.
offering, CSB is an excellent addition to
of our trustful cooperation. Scandinavia is
Through the cooperation with CSB, DEAG
DEAG`s portfolio.
an economically strong market in Europe
expects to achieve positive synergy effects
and is considered to be particularly
in the live entertainment business as well as
CSB company founder and CEO Carsten
digitally minded. We see good growth
growth impulses for the ticketing business
Svoldgaard as well as COO Kenneth
opportunities for our ticketing business in
in Scandinavia.
Svoldgaard will remain shareholders and
particular and expect to see synergy effects
will continue to manage the company in the
in our international business,” commented
CSB was founded in 1994 and is one of
long term with their team, which will remain
Detlef Kornett, member of the Executive
the leading promoters and producers in
completely with the company.
Board of DEAG.
Scandinavia, with around 300 events a year. The company has an extensive partner network, a broadly diversified portfolio and its own worldwide rights to productions and shows, some of which it has developed itself. In the past, CSB has organized and hosted numerous concerts and events in Scandinavia with internationally renowned artists such as KISS, James Blunt, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko, Kris Kristofferson and Sissel Kyrkjebø. In addition, shows such as “The
Carsten Svoldgaard
Kenneth Svoldgaard
Adele manager big time earnings in 2019 From VIP-Daily News Adele manager Jonathan Dickins` company
of close to £200,000. Dickins is still raking
more than his global mega star, according to
September
reportedly
it in despite Adele keeping a low profile
the newspaper.
earned £27,457 per day in 2019 – despite his
throughout 2019. He paid himself £6million
Management
Ltd
biggest star not releasing a song since 2015.
The music world is bracing itself for the release of her latest album, first expected
According to Daily Mirror, Dickin`s company
last year but sure now to land in 2021. Her
September Management Ltd, has filed yearly
last album 25 – which hit the shelves in
paperwork to Companies House and has
2015 – sold 22 million copies worldwide.
declared impressive dividends for that year. Adele “laid down some initial tracks” for The company has assets worth nearly £30 million, meaning they post weekly profits
20
Jonathan Dickins
her upcoming record in a secret recording session recently, it has been claimed.
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MEMBER PRESENTATION
JANUARY 2021
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HOW TO USE
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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:
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Find the Talent B uyer and relevant other contact s:
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