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VIP- News premium ›› Vol. 132 ›› January 2011
McGowan’s Musings: Welcome to our first News of 2011 and a belated Happy New Year to you all! All of the team shook themselves out of holiday mode by attending the first industry event of the year in a rain swept Groningen in the North of Holland. This 25th edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag certainly lived up to expectations, and I’ve yet to hear a complaint from anyone who attended about both the Conference and the festival and showcase programmes. I think Dietmar Schwenger, editor of Germany’s MusikWoche, summed it up perfectly when he told me, “Those Dutch people really know how to run a business event – creating an easy-going atmosphere and still giving the delegates good opportunities for business!” We include further comments in our report in this issue. Although we came out of 2010 with some trepidation about the new year, following the release of worrying figures showing a decline in concert tickets, particularly in the US, but also to a lesser extent in Europe and other territories, the overall atmosphere amongst the assembled 2000 plus professionals was generally optimistic. Even in the ‘Future of Record Compa-
Allan McGowan
nies’ panel, despite the early accusation of a self publicising member of the Digital business community that the panel members were, ‘really down, and hanging in their seats’, the label representatives assembled by European independent labels Association, Impala, were not displaying suicidal tendencies and although wary were adamant that independent record companies would not disappear in 2011! In the ‘Less Tours – Less Tickets’ session based on Pollstar’s end of year figures, the reaction from the Live sector panellists, including Dutch based Mojo Concerts, part of Live Nation, which had laid off staff last year, was pretty much ‘business as usual – let’s get on with it!’
In 2010 the weather in Groningen was very cold and the streets were dangerously icy, more than a few music business types took a tumble, this year it was not so cold but it rained, sometimes heavily. The crowds attending the free concerts, a Eurosonic Noorderslag gift to the City that has been the event’s host for 25 years, didn’t seem to mind, the large umbrella like structure over the audience area in the Grote Markt. In return organisers Peter Smidt and Peter Sikkema received the Freedom of the City from Groningen’s Mayor. Talking of weather apparently the South of France has been experiencing colder nights than usually expected by the music business types attending Midem in Cannes, but as referred to in the News this is as nothing compared to the recent floods in Australia and elsewhere in the World, so we should count ourselves lucky! I personally had a very good, though busy time in Groningen, having had the pleasure to present the European Festival Awards. There were many highlights,
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but Leif Skov’s speech on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award stood out, reminding people what a force for good the gathering together of people and the power of live music can, and will continue, to be. (See report in this issue)
Secondary Ticketing Discussed in UK Parliament Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
These Musings may appear a little light on humour but if you need a laugh at any time get Serge Grimaux of Ticket Pro in Prague, to tell you the story of how one of his first jobs in the touring concert business was having to get up in the morning to screw the horns back on the buffalo! (He’ll be at ILMC 23 – ask him about it!) He told this along with stories from Bob Lefsetz and Matt McDonald of CMJ at the ‘Off the Record with a Smile’ session in Groningen. It always reminds me that this is the ‘entertainment’ business and there are great stories to be told. If you’ve got any let us know! – In the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen let’s think positive thoughts for a great 2011, and here’s the News...
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The ever contentious issue of secondary ticketing - or ticketing touting as many still call it - was discussed in parliament again later today as a private members bill on the issue put forward by Labour MP for Washington and Sunderland West, Sharon Hodgson last year got its second reading in the House Of Commons on January 21. Some in the live industry have accepted that secondary ticketing has become a fact of life, and that the real problem is making sure that shares of the income generated through the practice are fairly allocated to all involved in the shows involved. Others, Harvey Goldsmith for instance, are still convinced that it is a heinous practice that only harms the perception and the future of the live industry. Many consumer groups have also joined in the criticism, but the Government have so far thrown the ball back into the live industry’s court, claiming that it should take care of its own regulating. However even those convinced that secondary ticketing should be banned say this cannot be enforced without new laws. Sharon Hodgson’s bill proposes a new rule permitting promoters to stop touts from re-selling tickets for anything more than a 10% mark up. She told UK tabloid the Daily Mirror, “Genuine fans, particularly younger ones, are being done out of the opportunity of going to see their favourite artists by a growing band of people looking to make a fast buck. People - who are often involved in criminal activities - are making staggering amounts of profit by manipulating the supply of tickets and exploiting the demand. “Little, if any, of that money ever finds its way back to the people who worked for it, or to the Treasury for that matter. I don’t want to stop genuine fans sell-
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 pls. contact Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com or +44 870 755 0092 Lay-out: Pekaye Graphics, Phuket – Thailand info@pekayegraphics.com
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ing on tickets they can’t use anymore, or buying re-sale tickets if they didn’t have the chance to buy them when they went on sale. But the current system is just not working in their best interests, so I believe that it is up to Government to ensure that it does.” You can read more at: www.sharonhodgson.org
If Hodgson’s bill were enacted, it would mean that unauthorised retailers would face a large fine if they advertised or sold tickets at a price 10% above their face value. But unless the bill gets government
support there’s little chance of it becoming law. The bill has been re-tabled for on May 13th, but it is seventh on the list, meaning that it is unlikely for further discussion as parliamentary business at that time.
New technologies, such as tickets delivered by mobile phone will, it is hoped by many, make it more difficult for touts to get their hands on large amounts of tickets, although experience has indicated that where there’s a will there’s a way, particularly when large amounts of money are involved. Companies like Viagogo claim that they serve a social requirement by allowing fans to resell a ticket that they cannot or don’t want to use, but it is unlikely that these companies would survive if that element was their only market. Sharon Hodgson
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tallinnmusicweek.ee
24, 25, 26 March 2011
Tallinn Music Week is a showcase festival and a music industry networking event that started out in 2009, a year that was declared the Year of Innovation in Estonia. Having partnered up with Tallinn, European Capital of Culture in 2011, and the country’s very own brain child Skype, it is a music export platform for Estonian and the neighboring countries’ talent, as well as a tool to encourage professionalism and growth of our region’s music business. Tallinn Music Week welcomes around 100 international delegates to the festival each year, to build professional contacts with local industry and get acquainted with the local artists and music scene.
At the third edition of Tallinn Music Week in 2011 we will present a lineup of around 100 bands and artists, so it is a perfect time to visit early springtime Tallinn during a weekend full of fantastic music in the best venues for the most demanding tastes: from world music, jazz and contemporary classical to punk, electro, metal and anything in between.
“I thought the level of organization and hospitality Tallinn Music Week provided was superb. Tallinn’s concert venues were great. It was one of the most enjoyable conference showcase events I have been to (and I have been to a few!).” Martin Elbourne (Great Escape, Glastonbury):
Come and join us in 2011, when Tallinn will be the European Capital of Culture!
Delegates’ registration is open at tallinnmusicweek.ee Contact us: info@tallinnmusicweek.ee
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Great Escape Announces First Bands
AIF Membership Grows For 2011 Festival Season Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The UK’s Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) started the year in very buoyant fashion, looking ahead to the 2011 festival season and welcoming seven new festival members into the fold. These latest additions take membership of the two-year-old organisation up to 31. Joining the likes of Bestival, Green Man, Glade and Creamfields are: Katy B will perform at the Great Escape
This year’s event that brings a multitude of music business people into my hometown (they did ask permission), The Great Escape will take place on 12-14th May. As well as the music business convention, Brighton’s gig venues will present more than bands. Amongst the first to be announced are: Warpaint, Katy B, Brother, Twin Shadow, D/R/U/G/S, Becoming Real, PVT, Dutch Uncles, Tribes, worriedaboutsatan, Teeth, Visions Of Tree, and Seams. Friendly Fires will perform a special show at the festivals main venue The Dome. For more information go to: www.escapegreat.com
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North Dorset’s End of the Road Festival Festival Awards’ Best Small - Festival 2010 Winner, Kendal Calling Jersey’s Grassroots Eco Music Festival Lancashire’s Beat-Herder Festival Deer Stalker Festival Reading’s three weekend long Outside:Inside Festival Derbyshire’s family music festival Bearded Theory
AIF, a not for profit body, was conceived by Bestival promoter Rob da Bank and Graphite’s Ben Turner, and was set up in 2008. The association’s founder members included Bestival, Cornbury Festival, Creamfields, Evolution Festival, Field Day/Underage, Secret Garden Party, Summer Sundae Weekender and WOMAD. The aim was to establish best practice for independent festivals in a variety of areas such as security, the environment and beyond. Successes include its ‘twinning’ initiative, which sees members linking up with like-minded festivals across the world for mutual promotion and exchange of information, the Security Task Force, created to tackle festival related crime, as well as a groundbreaking marketing deal with Visit Britain. The Association offers these new members the benefit of the organisation’s collective power in promoting their interests to the wider music business and government.
ued growth of the AIF membership. It’s a positive reinforcement of the Association’s value, providing a voice that will be heard for the independents. 2010 has seen a host of industry wide issues come to light that will directly affect independent festivals. The need to join together for collective action has never been more apparent.” VIP-News asked Claire to specify a couple of the issues she refers to and to illustrate some of the moves planned to tackle these in 2011: Claire O’Neill: One of the key industry wide issues that AIF and the event industry as a whole is faced with at present is the PRS LP and DP Tariff review. The 31st Dec 2010 was the deadline for interested parties to submit their responses to the consultation, which we have done. We now await the announcement to come from PRS in light of the submissions they have received, and any necessary action will follow. This is coming at a time of VAT increases and a national financial low, which makes forward planning and having a group to talk to who are ‘in the same boat’ very valuable. Late 2010 also saw the police charge guideline review, and also a consulta-
Claire O’Neill, AIF General Manager, said, “We are happy to see the continClaire O’Neill
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tion for review of the Licensing Act 2003. These legislative or licensing decisions can have impact upon festivals large and small, and both sides of the fence welcome a collective voice for their representation in responding to such matters. In 2011 we will also be working collectively towards improved environmental management of festivals and ethical issues, which are of concern to our members such as secondary ticketing.
VIP-News: - Do you envisage more crossover work with some of the bigger festivals that are not AIF members? Generally would you say that your members are optimistic about their fortunes in 2011? Claire: As in the case of the PRS review, legislation, environmental issues etc, there will always be some scope for festivals of all sizes and styles to work together. This is not about entertainment on site etc, but
the external influences that affect the industry as a whole. With the exception of one or two festivals who were sadly cancelled in part due to hiked police charges or land issues, the AIF membership enjoyed a very healthy year with a great number of sell out events. As a whole the independent festival sector who are represented by AIF are looking positively forwards to 2011 and beyond with some exciting projects on the horizon.
Festival Awards Europe Winners Announced Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
The best European festivals, artists and promoters of 2010 were revealed at a sold out ceremony, which took place at Groningen’s Stadsschouwburg in The Netherlands, on the opening night of the 25th Anniversary edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag. Decided by a combination of public vote and industry juries, Festival Awards Europe is the only event solely dedicated to recognising the contributions and achievements of the event organisers and performing artists that generate billions of Euros for local economies and brighten up the summer for tens of millions of festivalgoers each year. For the 2009 Awards Belgium did extremely well, coming away with multiple prizes, but this year Ireland led, taking 3, Poland and Germany took two each. Muse also took two awards, but were unfortunately not there to receive them. More than 350,000 votes were cast by fans to decide the winners in the following categories: - - - - -
Best Major European Festival: Heineken Open’er Festival - Poland Best Medium-Sized European Festival: Electric Picnic Music & Arts Festival Ireland Best Small European Festival: 5 Tauron Nowa Muzyka Festival - Poland Best New European Festival: Temple House Festival - Ireland Best Indoor Festival: Rolling Stone Weekender - Germany
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Best European Festival Line-Up: Oxegen - Ireland Best Newcomer: Florence and the Machine Best Headliner: Muse Festival Anthem of the Year: Muse - Uprising
The following winners were chosen by an industry jury, which included prominent journalists, booking agents, managers, artists and promoters: - - - -
YOUROPE Green ‘N’ Clean Festival Of The Year: Boom Festival - Portugal Artist’s Favourite European Festival: Melt! - Germany Virtual Festivals Europe presents Promoter Of The Year: Kilimanjaro/K2 Yourope Lifetime Achievement Award: Leif Skov
Stefan Lehmkuhl from Melt Festival Germany was surprised to win the artist best festival award saying “It was the greatest honour” adding that “according to Noel Gallagher Melt Festival looks like the inside of Marilyn Manson’s brain”
vals we have invented and defined for the world a new set of values that lie above and beyond a standard set of values that can be measured.” James Drury, MD of Festival Awards Ltd, which organises the Awards said: “With over 350,000 votes and a 37% increase in the number of events our second edition demonstrated the breadth and strength of feeling among fans and festivals across the continent. This was a great celebration of the world leading festival scene.” Christof Huber, General Secretary YOUROPE commented, “It was a major step forward from last year’s awards. We are really looking forward to the next edition and are confident that they will continue to go from strength to strength.” There were performances on the night from Alice Gold, Laura Jansen and Ben L’Oncle Soul. http://eu.festivalawards.com/
Leif Skov, one of the pioneers of Denmark’s Roskilde Festival was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In a moving and inspiring speech on receiving his award, he said: “People and music together can move mountains and change opinions. And through all of our work with our festiLeif Skov from Roskilde Festival received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Gronningen
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Australian Live Music Business Weighs in to Help Flood Relief Appeals Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
I mentioned the weather at a couple of European music trade events in the Musings, however I realise that none of us have any right to real complaints about the effects of the weather when compared with the extraordinary floods that have recently decimated Queensland, Australia, with three quarters of the state being declared a disaster zone. The authorities and people from all over Australia are involved in helping the area in its recovery. The music business is of course pitching in. Organizers of Big Day Out have pledged$20,000 for Queensland’s flood-relief efforts, and a recent concert held in Brisbane, Float On...A Brisbane Flood Relief Benefit featured live performances from Kate Miller-Hedike, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Little Scout, Custard and more with all proceeds going to the Premier’s Flood
Relief Appeal. Also Industry heavyweight promoters are discussing the prospect of a benefit concert. Event producer Mark Pope, promoter Michal Chugg, booker Joe Segrato and promoter and label boss Michael Gudinski have apparently met to
begin planning the prospect. The event may be modelled on the Sound Relief concerts, held simultaneously in Melbourne and Sydney last year in the wake of the Victorian bushfires, which raised over $9million.
Hungry Kids of Hungary
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25th Years of Eurosonic Noorderslag – Successful as Ever! Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Rather than writing a full journalistic report there are occasions when it is better to let industry professionals give their reactions in their own words. Manfred Tari took a wander around Groningen and spoke to a variety of Eurosonic Noorderslag delegates: This report reveals an unfiltered chorus of opinions and covers a spread of news items that concern all of the industry, not just those that attended the anniversary edition of a very successful edition of the one and only Eurosonic Noorderslag music convention in Groningen in the Netherlands. VIP-News talked to some of the Eurosonic Noorderslag visitors and asked them for their observations of the event as well as their expectations for business in 2011.
My favourite band, I love all kind of bands that discover their roots - they’re completely Bavarian and this comes across so well on stage. Ben Howard was really good but I think as usual the best thing about Eurosonic is that you meet all the other people to drink beer together in a relaxing atmosphere. And to find out about who is buying which acts…” VIP-News: What do you expect for the business year 2011?
VIP-News: Well, what were your favourite bands? Batzen: I’ve seen several very good acts. I wouldn’t say musically politically correct because Swiss guys playing Zydeco and Cajun music and the Bavarian Ska Dub. It´s not the next big thing but it is really good and honest music, played by very good musicians. VIP-News: What are the name of the bands? Batzen: Mama Rosin and LaBrassBanda from Germany. Stefan Reichmann, Haldern Open Air in Germany says that he liked: “LaBrassBanda.
»I think it’s an improvement over the last 2 years. The program was even better and the surroundings were improved« - Roman Pitone
Reichmann: I don’t know. I think everything will work out. As a German saying has it; the farmer says “it’s going deeper and deeper”. I expect a wonderful year. “
VIP-News: What’s your impression of Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011? Bernard Batzen - Azimuth Productions in France: As usual very good. I saw some exciting new bands. The new thing is that you can also discover a lot of bands who are not in the official programme. I think it’s quite impressive because 400 bands are playing during 4 nights and it’s just incredible. I think it makes Groningen now the new centre for Europe emerging talents.
in a very good position, festivals are even in a great position. I think club promoters and smaller promoters have adjusted to the recession and basically I think the business is in a good position.
VIP-News also talked to Roman Pitone who is the head of booking at the German music magazine Visions: “I think it’s an improvement over the last 2 years. The program was even better and the surroundings were improved. For journalists they have this new media centre booth in the Oosterport, this was really great.” VIP-News: What were the most interesting bands you have discovered?
Rob Challice
Rob Challice from Coda Agency in UK said: “I think I am going back and for the first time booking a German band and one from Switzerland. LaBrassBanda and Mama Rosin.” About the convention itself Challice said: “Everything’s fine except the weather, the rain. Some people say some years are better than the others but it is really about how hard you work, how many bands you are going to see. I like to arrive on the Wednesday, it really makes sense. I am not sure if the European Festival Awards were useful three hours of my life. I rather prefer seeing bands and networking more. VIP-News: What is your expectation for the business year 2011? Challice: I think its overseeing the issues over the last year or two and some of the things that took us by surprise like less attendance on certain levels, but business is
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Pitone: First of all the onethat impressed me most which is probably one of the festivals favourite because everyone was chasing them was ‘Dry the River’ I think from England I´m not too sure, and obviously Kvelertak from Norway. What else? ‘The Joy Formidable’ and some Dutch bands which I saw at ‘Ray’s Dutch Impact Revue’ which were Moss and Laura Jansen, which were both really good…. Everybody does interviews with Rob Berends, chairman of Network Europe and owner of Paperclip agency in the Netherlands. So we thought it is about time to start talking to his business partner Hilde Spille as well. VIP-News: What’s your impression of Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011? Spille: I had some very good meetings during the day time about special projects I am working on for Network Europe and I’ve just visited a panel about Eastern European festivals and found it very useful.
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I saw great bands last night and the night before and I am amazed that it been running for 25 years. So, congratulations to Eurosonic Noorderslag! VIP-News: What do you expect for the business year 2011?
they’re brilliant, and Murder from Denmark and that’s about it. VIP-News: By the way, what is going on at Rheinkultur? Schmidt: We will decide next week whenever we will go on or not. But I am quite hopeful that we can make it.
knew that these acts are just guys who created their music on a computer and now put it on stage. That was actually good. VIP-News: Which acts did you like most? Kralisch: I was really impressed by the energy of Crystal Fighters, I really like their album from last year and I was really happy to see it come across so well on stage.
From Melt-Booking in Germany Stefan Lehmkuhl, Alexander Kralitsch and others attended Eurosonic Noorderslag. Lehmkuhl who also accepted ‘The Artist Choice Award’ for Melt-Festival at the European Festival Awards presented in Groningen on the Wednesday night, didn’t see as many good bands as his company colleague Kralisch.
Hilde Spille
Spille: I have no idea what the future will bring. We will just have to see. I think that it will get a bit tougher for Dutch venues. I see that some of them are booking fewer concerts, in the recent months there have been less concerts than in the years before. So, competition will grow harder. It will be more difficult for upcoming acts. But in general I think it will still be a healthy year. Holger Schmidt from Rheinkultur-Festival in Germany, a free event which suffered a financial loss after the last edition was hit by very bad weather and less visitors due to the Football World Cup, said about Eurosonic Noorderslag: “I had a very nice weekend here actually. It was the first time I had the chance to moderate a panel. We did something about ‘Green’ events and I was really surprised by the huge audience we had there. We had about 80 people, usually we discuss this subject before only 10 or 15 people. and it was a very, very fruitful session. I again met all my colleagues from the European festivals and this was good as well. I saw a couple of bands, but it’s always a gamble whether you see the good or not so good ones. Anyway, I saw Kvelertak, which I found very good. Yesterday I saw Inspector Clouseau from France,
Lehmkuhl said: “It was nice as every year. It is my eighth time now, I think. I have not seen that many good band performances this year but I met a lot of interesting people. I think it is important as well to meet people as well as to see acts here in Groningen. But I noticed a trend; many of the electronic acts are developing into good live acts. Whereas previously many of those acts appeared on stage with just a laptop, they have now merged into real bands in order to be booked and to play at festivals. This goes for instance for Crystal Fighters who have developed in to a real electronic band within two years. I presume that these bands do so in particular to be attractive for festivals and I therefore assume that festivals are also becoming more important for these kinds of acts. VIP-News: Who was your favourite this year? Lehmkuhl: Crystal Fighters, James Blake and SBTRKT. Differing from Lehmkuhl, Kralisch said, “First of all a lot of good bands and surprises from some I did not expect to be so good.” But like Lehmkuhl Kralisch also observed, “I found it very interesting that a lot of bands which I just knew from the internet and from the songs that I heard, that were really electronic are now are able to put on their music on stage like real bands, that was really surprising. Bands like Crystal Fighters, James Blake or Monarchy, you
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Baris Basaran
Baris Basaran from Charmenko Music Organisation in Turkey said of the business event: “I think the variety of showcases was better than before. They were richer, from my point of view; compared to previous years I was able to discover more interesting bands. Also in my personal opinion the panels were more approachable than in recent years. VIP-News: Any particular panel you’d like to mention? Basaran: I found the festival panel, chaired by Nick Hobbs (of Charmenko) with people from Exit Festival and Sziget Festival was so far the most interesting panel for me. VIP-News: Which were your favourite artists? Basaran: A couple of favourite acts. One of them was Frankie & The Heartstrings, but also K-X-P, Mount Kimbie and SBTRKT VIP-News: How do you think business will be this year? Basaran: I hope it’ll be up, because 2010 was a terrible year for Eastern Europe. It needs to be better in 2011.
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The Dutch Impact at Eurosonic Noorderslag Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Although the vast majority of Eurosonic Noorderslag delegates enjoyed their trip to Groningen there were some potential obstacles for the business that caused particular concern for the Dutch visitors to the event. The biggest threat for the live music industry in the Netherlands is the VAT increase on tickets from 6 to 19 percent. VIPNews spoke with Dick Molenaar of All Arts Tax Advisors and others about this topic. VIP-News: What do you think about this years edition of Eurosonic? Dick Molenaar: I like it very much. There are a lot of people, it’s very international and also Dutch, with interesting panels and interesting people and a very nice atmosphere in this city. Groningen is ideally built for this conference and such a festival. VIP-News: Do you think that the increase of the VAT on tickets here in the Netherlands is featured appropriately within the conference programme of Eurosonic Noorderslag? Molenaar: Yes, I did a panel on this myself. I was the chairman of the panel and it was very good. Everyone was happy with how we discussed it because, as one, we have the option to challenge it under the VAT directive of the European Union. It is not in line with the VAT directive, that is one thing, and we are going to do it. The venues organisation decided to really go for it and also Mojo Concerts will fight it, so that is one thing. The second is everybody still wants to lobby the politicians, so it’s not over yet and the third thing is
Eurosonic
that we discussed how we are going to deal with it if goes through, and there is a mutual understanding of how to do it. So I think there is quite a good chance that it will not take place.
the obligations of the European directive, and that’s a very big thing.
VIP-News: Do those various actors like the VNPV and Mojo Concerts now get find it easier to get together over something like this?
Molenaar: Yes, but the negative effect on the shows will be more expensive.
Molenaar: They already lobbied against it in the last months and the cooperation is good, but we have to fight a new government. The tax increase was one of its first proposals, so they were very strong on pushing it through. If they hadn’t done it, perhaps the cabinet would have fallen. It was really a principle for them. So, we have to be very clever and smart to keep fighting it and there was a good understanding in the audience and in the panel about how to do it.
Molenaar: I am also active in this, but there is a tax advisor company in Amsterdam who wrote a piece about it and they will also take the lead. It will start next month and we go to the European commission and we will initiate cases here in the Netherlands to see if the Dutch government is right, I believe they are not right.
VIP-News: How will the lobbying take place? Molenaar: The most important move at this moment is to set up cases in which we challenge the fact that it is not in line with the European VAT directive, The Netherlands is only picking out performances and leaving film, museums and others at the lower VAT rate. That is not in line with Dick Molenaar
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VIP-News: Won’t it cost a fortune to get rid of the tax increase in a legal way?
VIP-News: How will this all take place?
Willem Venema of Double Vee Concerts ventures a slightly different and more sceptical point of view than most other Dutch people when answering questions regarding this VAT increase and its effect on ticket sales. In 1998 it went from 17.5 percent down to 6 percent, a rise to 19 percent on tickets, as well as a proposed significant 20 to 25 percent cut back on culture subsidies in 2013 does not bode well for business. VIP-News: Are Dutch artists and the domestic music industry doing enough to
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fight against the new tax law and the subsidy cut back for culture in the Netherlands?
the forthcoming elections in sight. That is also why none of them is showing up in Groningen.
Willem Venema: Apparently not enough; I doubt very much if the industry in full and in particular the individual artists are aware of the negative consequences of cutting governmental money sources. There is a total misunderstanding about the fact that the taxlaw was changed by January 1 2011, but it will only be delayed until July 1.
VIP-News: Do you believe that this issue had been covered appropriately within this years edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag?
The right wing claims that ‘the market’, ‘private mecenas (patrons)’ and ‘industry sponsoring’ will solve all consequences and problems, forgetting that cutting and losing jobs and possibly closing venues will cost the government more money in the end. Apart from the fact private mecenas and sponsoring in music industry has never reached a healthy substantial level in Holland or guaranteed continuity (check Parkpop, Lowlands, Pinkpop etc). No healthy business climate can survive without a lively cultural infra-structure, a phenomena that already takes books and writers to unbelievable theories in terms of citymarketing (Austin, New York etc). The industry has had no real discussions with the politicians or the government, which is avoiding any discussions of the subject to avoid endangering the stability of their actual government with
»Now it is almost a dead issue, because everybody thinks either the deed is done or it is not going to happen, whilst both are wrong« - Willem Venema
Venema: “No, because the panel(s) don’t get to the public and the Eurosonic debate hasn’t reached the press. I have accused the Seminar, its main financers the Dutch copyright collection society and its subsidiaries (Buma-Cultuur, Sena etc) of not taking an official firm stand and deliver a loud and clear statement against the government. The idea that Dick Molenaar is going to solve the issue at EU-level is fantastic but is not a good enough answer. The VAT issue was a hot-issue as the new government almost got into great trouble in the first Chamber of Parliament. Now it is almost a dead issue, because everybody thinks either the deed is done or it is not going to happen, whilst both are wrong.
Willem Venema
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European Talents and the Booking Philosophy of Eurosonic Noorderslag Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Robert Meijerink -is the one, the manager of the artistic profile of an event that is more than just a festival; Eurosonic Noorderslag has its very own framework which is unlike any other convention. The European Talent Exchange Program was and is a masterpiece that makes Eurosonic Noorderslag unique, ETEP and therewith the role of the Eurosonic Noorderslag as a showcase event for the European music industry requires a much different booking policy than the majority of other festivals or music conventions. VIP-News: Are you from Live Nation? Robert Meijerink: No, but I am still alive! VIP-News: How was Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011 for you? Robert Meijerink: I think it was a really successful edition with good vibes and good energy. So, we can be happy about it. VIP-News: What is the feedback when you talk to agents or promoters? Are they all pleased so far? Meijerink: I hope so. Based on the ETEPMeeting and those I spoke to, the festivals and also other people, they told me that it was worth visiting Eurosonic again to discover new talents.”
VIP-News: What about the share of UK artists, is it increasing? Meijerink: “I think it is the same as last year. It is one of our jobs to keep the balance. In the Netherlands we have the London Calling festival in Amsterdam and Eurosonic is not London Calling. Eurosonic is a festival that searches for European music and of course also UK bands. There are many talents in UK and that is definitely also a part of our job. VIP-News: Willem Venema and also some other players complained that there is lack of awareness for Dutch talents at Eurosonic, would you agree with this complaint? Meijerink: No, not really, I think, if you read the history of Eurosonic the last couple of years and see the focus features we had so far than you can see that we had an average amount of bands playing within those focuses. We discuss a lot what to serve and not to serve, and we try to serve the export ready acts. That is one of the main things we are asked for, and we discuss it with managers from these bands and their record labels and we try to serve those bands, to also make it easier for the professionals that are ready to tour Europe. VIP-News: Have you changed your booking policy?
Meijerink: “No, there aren’t so many changes. I think one of the most important things of Eurosonic is that we try to show people an overview of European music and this means that we, I and my colleagues in the booking team need to keep the balance of countries and promote and try to stimulate the European bands from all territories in Europe. It’s a European festival and it’s organised in Europe with bands from Europe and people like the music from whatever where are they from, be it Croatia or France. VIP-News: When it came to international talents did you see any changes compared to the previous years? Meijerink: “Yes! There is a development going on. I think some territories are getting stronger and I noticed that there are more and more bands with a higher standard of quality If you look at Spain for example we had a couple of bands in different styles and I think they have a very standard. But also from Czech Republic, Slovenia and Estonia. There is something going on in Europe. I think we live in a time where especially young people are really creative in making music and try to make music and mix up styles with their own creativity. I think they are not copying each other and they do not copy from bands from America or other countries. VIP-News: Is Europe ready for more European talents? Or should I say is Febosonic… (Febo is the late opening fast food outlet in the centre of Groningen where people meet up after the various showcase to soak up the beer and chat) Meijerink: “Febosonic!?! What are you doing there? There is no music in croquettes….” VIP-News: As Eurosonic Noorderslag is one of the most important gateways to launch careers for upcoming artists; I was really surprised when I heard from some Dutch people here that they are not happy with the amount of Dutch artists or their results gained out of Eurosonic. Do you think that Europe is ready for more European talents?
Robert Meijerink
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Meijerink: “I think so. As long as radio station or web radios play new music and people want to buy tickets for concerts, Europe is ready for talents. I think it is always a matter of do you like an act or not. That is the main question. I think music is a personal matter and you can’t say that Europe isn’t ready for its music. There are so many bands, so-called one hit wonders that succeed and tour all over Europe just based on the success of one hit single. So, as long as the people like these songs they buy the tickets of these bands. It’s the power of music!” As Maurice Spijker of Mojo concerts observed the interview with Robert, VIPNews asked him: Are you happy with Robert? Maurice Spijker: I think he’s one of the best programmers in Holland and he is so valuable for something like Eurosonic.
VIP-News: What do you say regarding the complaint that Dutch talents are neglected within Eurosonic Noorderslag? Would you agree? Spijker: “No, specifically this year I totally disagree with this complaint. Of course the focus was on the Netherlands but in general I would say that Eurosonic Noorderslag picked exactly the right artists which have the potential to go abroad. VIP-News: Vat increase on ticket sales in the Netherlands. What do you expect for the business year 2011? Spijker: “I actually think that this will make quite an impact and I specially think it will affect the smaller shows of upcoming bands which are very sensitive for ticket sales and low ticket prices. People will start to make choices but I do not see that this will have a big effect on the big sure shots where peo-
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ple have to pay like 65€ or 70€ for tickets or 85€ or 90€ for acts such as Lady Gaga. I do not see any differences on this level, but I do expect that people making choices for the new and small upcoming stuff where they have to pay instead 12€ or 13€ and will now have to pay 15€ or 16€.” VIP-News: Robert, what is your point of view on this one? Meijerink: “I think Maurice is right. I think it will have an effect on the investment for new artists. Everybody is complaining right now. I’m the booker of the venue in Nijmegen and I really believe in the people who go to the clubs. I believe that they will still want to come if the VAT on tickets will be increased. But they start doubting and that’s a big issue that´s what I’m worried about. I think people make up their minds and they think twice before they buy a ticket. Everybody is angry about this topic.
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Business News Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
FKP Scorpio Expand into the Northern Europe Festival Market A top item of news discussed between delegates at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011, was the move to expand his business activities into Sweden and Denmark made by FKP Scorpio MD, Folkert Koopmans. FKP Scorpio currently employs a team of 60 people and promotes 12 festivals including Hurricane and Southside, Mera Luna and Area4. According to Koopmans the festivals business segment contributes one-third to the total gross of FKP Scorpio. The company belongs to the CTS Eventim group of companies, but since last year Koopmans again holds the majority share in his company.
VIP-News: What is your impression of Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011? Koopmans: “Briefly, very good as always. Loads of nice people and new bands, very interesting. VIP-News: Which were your most favourite bands here? Koopmans: Dry the River was the favourite.
tival market with the purchase of Hultsfred Festival. What made you decide to do this?
VIP-News: Everybody is aware that you have expanded your range of business activities into the Northern European fes-
Koopmans: Well, I had a look at when I found out that this festival had gone bankrupt. Everybody was saying that this festival won’t happen anymore. But then I got the opportunity to bid at the official receiver auction for the brand rights and the domain, which I got. After that I went to the city council and did a long term deal with them; we have set up a 3 year plan to re-establish the festival. VIP-News: How did you get Gunnar Lagermann on board? Koopmans: I’ve known Gunnar for more than 20 years. Actually he, Leif Skov, Klaus Mack and I, among others, belong to the group that founded Yourope, which Christof Huber is still running today. Gunnar’s been out of business for a while. He wanted to do something different so I gave him a call and he was very interested in getting back in. VIP-News: What will Gunnar’s position be at the festival? Koopmans: “We have a production team and this team will work on Hultsfred now as well, but as it is in Sweden I need somebody to run the office in Hultsfred, so this will be done by Gunnar. Regarding the booking I will mainly do it, but also in conjunction with the expertise of Gunnar, who has the local knowledge. For everything else, we have a production team. At the moment we do not have a festival on
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that weekend. So, I can take up most of my production team to Sweden, when it comes to producing the festival.” VIP-News: Will you also promote Hultsfred through your promotion channels in Germany? Koopmans: I don’t think so. I mean not particularly as I believe there are enough festivals in Germany for people can go to. Hultsfred was one of the leading festivals in Sweden and I would love to make it the leading festival again. I know that there is some more competition right now but I think this site is beautiful. I still think that the brand is really strong, everybody knows the area and the festival name, so I think it must be possible to re-establish the event. VIP-News: What is your relationship with Brian Nielson? (MD of Skandinavian in Denmark) Koopmans: “We have a long term relationship, because we have been working together on some acts for a long while and he came up with the idea to found a new festival in Denmark which I got involved in. This festival we are really building from scratch, so last year we did 5000 people with local acts. This year we will have some international acts and we are aiming to reach 10000 this year.” VIP-News: What’s the name of this festival? Koopmans: Northside Festival. VIP-News: So, taking both new business relations into consideration that means that you are expanding your business into non-German speaking countries? Koopmans: “Yes, but I think there is not such a big difference between Germany and Scandinavia. I guess it will be much more difficult to go into Eastern Europe and promote events over there. I think that Scandinavia is quite simple. I am relying on good partners as well, like Brian Nielson and Mats Soerenson from Beatbox, who is partly looking after the booking for the festival in Denmark.” VIP-News: You even bought back one percent of your company from CTS Eventim... Koopmans: No, I didn’t, that’s not true. VIP-News: Why? But CTS... Koopmans: Well, you’ll find out later. But yes, CTS gave away their majority on FKP Scorpio, so that the only thing that I can say on that at the moment…. VIP-News: What are your expectations for the business season 2011? Koopmans: You never know but I think it will be the best year ever. We have scheduled festivals now with the Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, Blink 182, and we have tours on with the Foo Fighters, Blink 182, James Blunt, the Gaslight Anthem, Within Temptation, so I expect it is going to be a good year.
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artist avails ›› Adler’s Appetite Territory: Europe Period: 31/8/2011 - 31/12/2011 Agency: ARM Entertainment Agent: Dana Strutz Phone: +1 651 483 8754 E-mail: ds@armentertainment.com Homepage: www.adlersappetite.com Bauchklang Territory: Worldwide Period: 2011 Agency: Georg Leitner Productions Agent: Nina Pernica Phone: +43 1 914 8615 E-mail: npernica@glp.at Homepage: www.glp.at Within Temptation Territory: Worldwide Period: March 2011 and onwards Agency: X-Ray Touring Agent: Paul Bolton Phone: +44 (0) 20 7749 3500 E-mail: paul@xraytouring.com Homepage: www.xraytouring.com Groove Armada Territory: Europe / Worldwide Period: Worldwide 2011 Agency: WME - William Morris Endeavor Entertainment Agent: Steve Hogan E-mail: SHogan@wmeentertainment.com Homepage: www.groovearmada.com Ledfoot Territory: Period: Agency: Agent: E-mail: Homepage:
Europe March - August Vox Artist Eivind Brydoy eivind@voxartist.no www.ledfoot.no
Martha Reeves and The Vendellas Territory: Europe Period: 15/02/2011 - 30/03/2011 Agency: Sport Star Management ApS Agent: Carsten Hilding Larsen Phone: +45 4071 7722 E-mail: chl@sportstarmanagement.dk Homepage: www.sportstarmanagement.dk
More Artist avails on: www.vip-booking.com Post your Artist avails on: www.vip-booking.com
VIP- News VIPNews - A u-g J u sat n2 u 0 0a5 r y 2 0 1 1
Monthly featured Artist ››
SIC Origin: Style: Tour period: Territory:
Faroe Island Hardrock & Metal 2011 Europe
Agency: Name: Email: Phone:
Jan Z Management Jan Zachariassen janzmanagement@gmail.com +45 2932 1703
PRESS QUOTES
DISCOGRAPHY
“Dynamic, trippy, fast, outraged, rhythmical, tight… Those are some of the words I’d use in order to describe this album.” – ROCK HARD MAGAZINE (GREECE)
“PANDEMONIUM” (TUTL RECORDS, 2007) / (PRODUCED BY TOMMY HANSEN & SIC)
“What more can I say about these mates? They kicked the living shit out of me and I just can’t stop listening to their debut masterpiece! If this is their first full-length effort, what the fuck will they release next? Guys take a close look at these guys, because as it seems we will be seeing them a lot in the future.” – METAL-TEMPLE.COM “This is a highly enjoyable and strong debut, full of promise, and it will be exciting to see how they manage to build upon it.” – THE REYKJAVIK GRAPEVINE (ICELAND) “The first and only impression we had was an energetic band who are truly enjoying their show on stage. With members jumping around the stage, head banging their dreads non stop, they were giving it all.” – METALRAGE.COM
“FIGHTERS THEY BLEED” (RELEASE, TBA) / (PRODUCED BY JAKOB HANSEN, MIXED & MASTERED BY TUE MADSEN) LIVE ACTIVITY (Highlights) • February - May 2009: 1st European Tour / 47 Live Shows in total: Opening act for HATESPHERE (26 dates) / Headliners in the U.K. (15 dates) and Norway (6 dates) / Opened for GOJIRA twice during the tour • June 2008: Performed at Sweden’s Metaltown Festival • Countries Visited: Faroe Islands, UK, Iceland, Greece, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, The Czech Republic.
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Member presentation ›› In In this this section section we we offer offer members members of of VIP-Booking.com VIP-Booking.com some some space space to to present present their their company company to to VIP-News VIP-News readers. readers. If you would also like to present your company please contact Peter Briggs at pb@vip-booking.com If you would also like to present your company please contact Peter Briggs at pb@vip-booking.com
Big Star Promotion Ltd. Nick (Loris) Loridas established DIDI Music in 1984 as a record label. In 1987, with the cooperation of NANA TRANDOU, Big Star Promotion was created as a department of DIDI Music, specializing in concert promotion. Gradually, the record release department of the company has been surpassed by the growing agency sector.
national Live Music Conference. DIDI MUSIC is established in the Greek market as the provider of high quality services that guarantee safety and top the most demanding performing requirements, through our efforts, commitment and high investments in exclusive technical and stage equipment.
DIDI MUSIC / BIG STAR PROMOTION has made the breakthrough in the local market, organising events and hosting artists of international importance. The company is also the exclusive booking agent for two of our nation’s best selling pop/rock bands arranging for both bands to tour abroad, something that local groups rarely have a chance to do. Since 1997, we successfully organise the ROCKWAVE Festival attracting thousands of people, featuring great acts and a plethora of other activities. Our festival has always been devoted to promoting social awareness, having stands on site giving out brochures and information leaflets concerning AIDS and the HIV virus, Greenpeace and Amnesty International. ROCKWAVE Festival, no doubt, contributed in the last few years to change our country’s image, making it an equal member of the global music entertainment scene.
We are currently developing our company image to strengthen our identity as the leading service providers in Greece for organising outdoor and indoor events. Meanwhile, we have expanded in the ticket distribution market through TICKET HOUSE, a national network of ticket outlets with growing dynamics.
BIG STAR PROMOTION is a member of YOUROPE, the most important union of European festival promoters. Ms Nana Trandou, our managing director, has been elected in the Board of Directors of YOUROPE, as well as, leader of the workgroup on the Performance Royalties Society (PRS). We are also represented in ILMC, the Inter-
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest database for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.com developed as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers in over 30 countries.
Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry – including VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
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