VIP NEWS
m o c . g okin
PREMIUM > VOLUME 164 > JANUARY 2014
速
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
McGowan’s
Musings
Welcome to the first VIP News of the year,
new year conferenceseason kicked off
and we, and I’m sure many of you, wish her a
I hope you all had a great holiday and that
with anothersold out edition of Eurosonic/
full and speedy recovery.
you’re now in the process of setting up a
Noorderslagin Holland. The VIP team were
successfuland happy 2014! As ever the
out in force and though the weather in
Back at home the rain still fell and everything
Groningenwas not great – too much rain
seemed damp – but then I do live by the
and an excess of grey, the atmosphere in the
sea! But you’ll possibly be glad to know
Oosterport and in the venues and bars was
that the seagulls are up to their old tricks,
to say the least lively and spirits were high.
on my first day back in the office I heard a
Although certain territories were still feeling
tapping at the window, oh no I thought it’s
the economicpinch throughout2013, many
Shitty back to annoyme, but no, it is I think
companies and individuals were reportingvery
(huge resoundinghorror film organ chord
good and in some cases best ever resultsfrom
goes here…) Son of Shitty! Not yet white, still
the year, entering2014 with high expectations
grey and mottled of feather, but somehow -
and a great deal of optimism.A first day panel
presumablygenetically- aware of the art of
looked at the rising internationaltouring infuriating window tapping… I see trouble figureswith the help of Pollstar and promoters
ahead!
from the UK, Holland and Germany were very
COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking 145-157 St John Street London Ec1V 4PW Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com
Sorry about that diversion, but I’m aware that
from the German promoters Association
some people like to know these things… In the
the BDVA, that there had been an overall
world of the live music industry much seems
decline in the live business, this was not the
to be happening in the UK, with a new UK/US
experience of FKP Scorpio, with MD Stephan
Agency joint venture being announced, a UK
Thandscheit reporting a record year. As the
Conference taking itself off to New York (See
first major trade event of the year Eurosonic
stories in this issue), and Festivals falling over
is something of a barometer for the state of
themselves to announce their 2014 line ups
General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com
the current and ongoing business in general
even before the Christmas turkey has been
and without taking too much for granted the
digested!
Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
readings seem encouraging. (See report in this
Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +44 870 755 0092
2
positive. Although there had been reports
issue.)
So, all we need now is a bit of sunshine and the future for 2014 looks bright, as ever make
On the downside Ingela, wife of Eurosonic sure that you let us know how things are organiserRuud
Berends
suffered
an
goingwith your business and in your territory
unfortunateaccident in Groningen, and
in general, so….excuse me, someone seems
had to be hospitalised after falling down a
to be tapping at the window, I’ll have to go.,
metal staircase in the early hours of Saturday
in the meantime Ladies and Gentlemen – the
morning, she is happily now back at home
News!
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
Here Come the
2014 Conferences! Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Following on from Eurosonic the next two
Then of course the 26th edition of the
ILMC is famous for each edition having a dif-
major industry events take place in Cannes,
InternationalLive Music Conference (ILMC)
ferent theme – this year it’s Circus,
South of France and London.
returns to the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington,
But I’m pretty sure no animals, apart from
London from Friday March 7-Sunday March 9.
the odd promoter driven wild by the antics of
MIDEM, the longest running of all the industry
You have to be invited to attend the leading
Agents, will appear on the Conference floors,
events has moved back slightly this year, so
event of the live industry, but if you can get
in the corridors or the bars where the non-
maybe the sun will shine on the Croisette two industry figures that have previously
stop networking will take place!
in Cannes as in olden days, followingpretty
attendedto recommend you, then you are
grey weather in the past couple of years.
welcometo register. Although ILMC proper
We’ll bring you more news on the Confer-
MIDEM will run from 1-4 February, and The
starts on Friday, Thursday sees the third edition
ence Agenda in the next issue.
VIP team will be in attendance alongside
of the ILMC Production Meeting (IPM) and in
luminaries such as Marc Geiger, Global Head
the evening The ITB Showcase takes place
For full details so far go to www.ilmc.com or
of Music at William Morris Enterprises (WME)
at the Archangel while things take off at the
to register apply to registration@ilmc.com
US, Lyor Cohen – Founder 300 – US, Jean –
RoyalGarden with the IPM Closing Drinks.
Michel Jarre – Composer/Producer and now President of CISAC.
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info@in.stuttgart.de www.in.stuttgart.de
13.11.12 18:32
3
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
UK and US Agencies Announce Joint Venture Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
In a Press Release from London and Los Angeles earlier this month
The agreement with CODA will be the second joint venture partnership
the UK’s CODA Agency and the US based Paradigm have announced
for Paradigm, following their agreement with AM Only, a leading
the setting up of a joint venture partnership. This formalisation of a
electronic dance music agency representing such internationalstars
global alliance sees Paradigm acquire a 50% stake in the company
and Grammy winning artists as David Guetta, Skrillex and Tiesto, in
CODA Agency Limited.
January 2012.
CODA Music Agency celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012 and
Marty Diamond, Paradigm’s Head of its East Coast Music Division
has grown rapidly in recent years representing over 500 artists and
said, “We have been working closely and successfully with CODA
DJs from numerous genres. The company’s Directors are Agents Alex
for many years and share common values and a deep commitment to
Hardee, James Whitting, Marty Diamond, Rob Challice and Tom
artist development. This new partnership is the next logical step as we
Schroeder supported by Greg Bestick, Dave Hallybone and Managing
continue to carefully grow our Music Division with the artists interests
Director Claire Horseman. The company currently works with artists
always at the forefront of our planning.”
including: Bastille, Bon Iver, Disclosure, Ellie Goulding, Emeli Sande, Imagine Dragons, Jake Bugg, Rudimental, The XX, The Lumineers and
Sam Gores, Chairman and CEO of Paradigm said, “We could not be
many others.
happier to start the New Year with this partnership with CODA, a terrificgroup of agents who are dedicated to growing artists careers
Paradigm is one of the entertainment industries major talent
the right way. This furthers our strategy of aligning with agencies
agencies , with 130 agents in Beverly Hills, New York, Nashville
around the globe that share our values and our commitment to the
and Monterey, guiding the careers of an elite roster of clients in
highest quality representation.”
motionpictures, television, music, theatre, comedy, publishing, digital media , physical production, commercials and voice-overs.
VIP News spoke to Coda MD Claire Horseman and Director/Agent
Considereda taste maker in the Music business, Paradigm represents
Rob Challice about the new joint venture:
a wide range of highly respected artists including; Aerosmith, Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Ed Sheeran, Eli Young
Claire Horseman only took over as MD at CODA in March last year,
Band, fun., Imagine Dragons, Janelle Monae, Jason Mraz, Phish and
having previously had a successful career working for BMG and
Toby Keith amongst many others.
Columbia.
Rob Challice, Coda Agency
4
Claire Horseman, Coda Agency
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
How did your move to Coda and into the Agency business
as an LLP, so we formed CODA Agency Ltd as the entity to complete
come about?
a 50/50 partnership.
– Horseman: Someone said to me I’ve seen a job that’s got your name written all over it! So I went in and met all the Partners. I only really
What do you think are the main strengths of the coming
knew Alex Hardee (Coda Director/Agent), we worked together on
togetherof these two Agencies?
Calvin Harris’s debut album project. He was probably the only Agent
– Horseman: For a start, unlike some Agencies, the Directors are
who I worked closely with back then. I had never thought that labels
all still Agents, Marty Diamond of Paradigm is also on the Board of
worked well, or closely enough, with Agents (except perhaps if you
CODA and it’s my job to run the business side. Both Paradigm and
were working indie/rock acts), and when marketing budgets got
CODA are very strong in an A & R sense and tip each other off when
squeezed the need for tour support always got questioned. Now it’s
they come across something of interest. The main thing is that with
much more integral, and of course live is a massive part of an artist’s
both Companies the main motivation is whatever’s right for the artist.
development and career.
The joint venture will enable the two agencies to pool their expertise and resources on a global basis.
How has it been since you took over looking after the Coda business?
I was wondering whether this deal would be exclusive enough
– Horseman: It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster ride since moving from
to stop you working with other agents in the US or will it allow
the record industry side to the live business, but it’s allowed me to
you to continue working relationships with other agents that
bring in some fresh ideas and a new approach, and the deal with
you have worked with previously?
Paradigm has certainly followed on from that.
– Rob Challice: Coda will continue sharing clients with other agencies in USA, i.e. where we book an act in Europe and they book the act
What do you think was the main reason for this deal coming
in North America. The same applies to Paradigm, where they have
together when it did?
clients they book in North America and there are other agencies
– Horseman: The two Agencies have worked together for quite a
booking the band here. We firmly believe in managers placing their
while and there is a lot of mutual respect. Following the completion
artists with the most appropriate agents in respective territories. Also,
of their deal with AM Only, Paradigm was looking for other areas in
we don’t want to go down the route of ‘making’ one of our agents
which to expand, and it seemed quite natural to approach CODA.
represent a band that they don’t believe in, that ethos remains at the
Other Companies had made approaches, but Paradigm has a very
centre of how we make decisions.
similar style and there was a lot of common ground. CODA was set up
Marty Diamond, Coda Agency
Sam Gores, Paradigm Agency
5
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
Concert-To-Go with
Simple Minds Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The’ Take Away Concert Experience’ continues.... German company
audio-merchandise -item will consist of recordings delivered in an
Bleeker Street Entertainment will join Simple Minds on their European
MP3-formatand delivered on 4 gigabyte USB-sticks.
tour and provide fans with instant live recordings on USB-sticks throughout the UK act’s upcoming tour.
The ‘official bootleg’ costs 30 Euro and will be offered in the concert venues or can be bought afterwards on the web site
Every concert will be recorded, mastered and made available for
www.bleecker-street-shop.com/
purchaseby fans immediately following each show. This special
1-4 February, 2014 Palais des Festivals Cannes, France
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6
MIDEM_MusicWeek_224x155_1312.indd 1
03/01/14 16:27
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Competition Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Emily Eavis, Glastonbury
Glastonbury Festival has announced the
Once entry closes, a panel of around 40 of
Last month Arcade Fire were announced as
detailsof
the UK’s top online music writers will help
the first headliners for this year’s festival,
competition , which gives unsigned artists compile a longlist of 120 acts. The longlist
which will take place between 25 and 29
from the UK and Ireland the chance to
will then be whittled down to a shortlist of
June at Worthy Farm in Somerset.
competefor a slot on one of the main stages
eight artists by judges including Glastonbury
at the festival.
organisers Michael and Emily Eavis, before
this
year’s
emerging
talent
a live final showcase in April decides the Scouting For Girls, Stornaway, Treetop
winning act.
Flyersand The Subways to name a few have all taken part in previous editions of
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said:
the competition . Last year’s winners Bridie
“We get very excited about new music, and
Jacksonand the Arbour played five sets at
the emerging talent competition is just a
Glastonbury last year.
brilliantway for us to discover fresh talent.” “Our stage bookers come down to the live
Acts will be able to enter the competition
finals, and dozens of the acts who’ve entered
between20
over the years have been given a slot at the
and
27
January
via
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/information/
festival.”
emerging-talent-competition-performing/”
“We can’t wait to see what this year’s
festival’s website.
competition brings.”
7
14 - 17
januarY 2015
groningen, nl
The
European
music platform The
The
European
music platform
The
European
European
platform
platform
music
Thank you for attending
EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG EUROSONIC WORDT GEORGANISEERD NOORDERSLAGWORDT DOOR WORDTGEORGANISEERD GEORGANISEERDDOOR DOOR
Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014
See you next year Early bird registration and act submission open May 1, 2014 Act submission closes September 1, 2014
SPONSOREN
music
Previous edition in numbers Total amount of visitors (sold out) . . . . SPONSOREN SPONSOREN Conference visitors (sold out) . . . . . . . . Nationalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of stages @ Eurosonic . . . . . . Number of stages @ Noorderslag . . . . Media & journalisten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EBU radio stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETEP festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . International festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38,500 3,275 39 337 36 11 307 30 89 419
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
> INDEPTH STORY > EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2014
Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014 - Peace, Love & Business Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Groningen
in
January
has
become
a
Memorable moments? Stefan Lehmkuhl
it is not yet known whether this organisation
lovelytradition. A host of players from the
from Melt Booking confessing while winning
will install and maintain an office in Brussels,
European live music business and even from
the price of the festival line up 2013, that
the political and administrative nerve centre of
further afield, make this pilgrimage to the
he never expected to win an award for a
Europe, to continue to lobby for the benefit
famoustown in the North of the Netherlands
moneylosing festival and Ivan Milivojev of
and the needs of popular music.
each year, celebrating the start of the new
Exit Festivalwho sharply concluded regarding
year with a stimulating trip involving talents,
RFID-systems for festivals “I am using it to
Eurosonic Noorderslag has reached a level
tokens and travel adventures...
make money, not to promote it!”
where many things occur simultaneously – it’s busy! It has become almost impossible to
Without any doubt, Eurosonic Noorderslag is
With the ‘beer crate sessions’ Eurosonic has
followup on all of the developments, notable
one of the best music conventions in Europe.
created a new conference format, presenting
information or concerts during this event.
With a slight increase in concert goers and
single speakers in a cross between a lecture
Meanwhile the event continues to deliveran
officially 25 more international delegates,
and a personal Q&A session. The informal
ongoing flow of valuable issues and encounters
anothersold out edition of this convention
character of these sessions actually seems to
that are essential to the present and futureof
yet again provided a fresh opening to the
work better than the more official speeches,
the European music business. With all this in
business agenda for a new year.
such as the keynote by Karel Barták from
mind, the Eurosonic Noorderslagteam once
the European Commission, who presented
again delivered an extremely well produced
There is certainly no lack of talent. As usual
CreativeEurope, the new culture support
and fruitful convention.
Eurosonic Noorderslag provided a well-
program from the EU.
chosenbill of new artists and for the business
There was only one real gripe which
buddies an interesting line up of keynote
Apropos Creative Europe, following the
concernedthe
RFID-payment-system
in
and panel speakers and interviewees such
demiseof the European Music Office (EMO)
the delegate bar on Saturday evening (the
as CAA’s Emma Banks, Lucy Dickens of ITB,
which was forced to file insolvency in October
Noorderslag show which concentrates on
Folkert Koopmans of FKP Scorpio, and a
2013, a group of 17 music export offices met
Dutch talent) in the main venue Oosterport.
video message from a well known German
during the convention and agreed on to join
In reference to Ivan Milivojev’s previous
promoter at the European Festival Awards.
forces in order to fill the gap left by the closure
statementthis RFID-system needs to be
of the office. The new network will be known
improved, as the payment-procedures took
as ‘European Music Exporters Exchange’ but
three-times longer than a beer is be tapped...
Networking at Eurosonic 2014
9
The Winners Of the European Festival Awards YES Group H&S Innovation Award Presented in association with the YES Group and ICM&SS Paleo Festival Best New Festival B.my.Lake Festival Anthem of the Year Daft Punk - Get Lucky
Jungle / 7 Royal Blood / 5 Milky Chance / 5 Sam Smith / 4 George Ezra / 4
Eurosonic Noorderslag in figures
Best Indoor Festival Metal Hammer Paradise
out): 38.500 Total visitors ESNS (sold
The Green Operations Award In association with the GO Group Way Out West
(previous year: 35.000) out): 3,2 Conference visitors (sold
Acts: 337 (304)
Newcomer of the Year In association with Eurosonic Noorderslag Imagine Dragons Artist’s Favourite European Festival Lowlands
rosonic: 36 (36) Number of stages at Eu orderslag; 11(12) Number of stages at No (404) Media & journalists: 307 ) EBU radio stations: 30 (31 ETEP festivals: 89 (78) 419 (417) International festivals:
Headliner of the Year Arctic Monkeys
The Winners of the European Border Breaker Awards 2014
Promoter Of The Year FKP Scorpio Best Small Festival FUSION Festival (Romania)
The EBBA’s celebrates European artists that have achieved cross border success with their first international release.
Best Medium-Sized Festival In association with Eventbrite Melt! Festival
Disclosure (UK), Icona Pop (SE),
Best Major Festival in association with Intelligent Venue Solutions EXIT Festival Marek Lieberberg
Jacco Gardner (NL), Envy (NO), Zedd (DE), Lukas Graham (DK), Kodaline (IE), – also won the celebrated EBBA ‘Public Choice Award’ GuGabriel (AT), Asgeir (IS) and
10
75 (3,250)
Nationalities: 39 (45)
Best European Festival Line-Up Berlin Festival
Lifetime Achievement Award Marek Lieberberg
The First ETEP-Chart 2014
Woodkid (FR).
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
> INDEPTH STORY > EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2014
The Return of Barnaby Harodd to Eurosonic Noorderslag The delegates at this edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag ranged from
– I think it’s both, you know. We meet a lot of people and it’s always
RFID-providers
from New Zealand and tekkie masterminds from
good to see people that you’ve been in contact with by e-mail. I’ve
SXSW Interactive in Austin/Texas. However, VIP News picked on
seen a lot of people this weekend who I only exchanged e-mails with
BarnabyHarodd from Mercury Wheels in Madrid and asked him
before. And that’s a very good thing, when you see someone you
about his experience of the current edition of this convention:
can look them in the eyes, you can actually relate to somebody a lot more, it’s very helpful. So, when you send the next e-mail next
What is your impression of Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014?
Tuesdayor even a few weeks later, you already have a closer bond
– It’s great, crazy madness that is my impression. It’s good crazy
with this personbecause you’ve seen him, you’ve had a beer with
madness!
him, you’ve laughed. That’s important.
Are you here for the first time?
We’ve also seen some acts we really like, so we’re looking for talentsas
– No, I came here like 10 years ago and then I stopped coming
well and we’ve made a lot of deals. So, pretty much all of it, checking
becauseearly January is the only time where I can have my holidays
out talents, making business deals and seeking new partners.
and where I can turn my mobile-phone off. But now they’ve changed to a later date, I think it’s now nearly the third week, it that means I
What’s the next convention you’re heading to?
can come again. It’s changed a lot, it’s much bigger now.
– Texas, South by Southwest. Oh, actually no, the next convention is the annual meeting of the Spanish promoter association APM, that’s
Do you come more for business relations or to see bands here?
in mid February. It’s going to take place in Saragossa and there will be
– I came mainly for business; how should I put this….we’ve drafted
some new promoters I think. There I will sit down with all the Spanish
a couple of agreements. We haven’t signed anything yet, but one is
promoters, some of them are really rivals, you know, we’re fighting
about to confirm. But we have also made some deal proposals that
about bands. But when we meet and have a nice glass of whatever
we will take up again on Monday and Tuesday next week. I’m working
then we are friends again.
with Daniel Poveda who has been doing a festival in NorthernSpain, the Vida-Festival. It is a much loved and well respected festival, it’s
Has the market in Spain got a little bit better?
been running for 10 years and in the last 3 years it’s been sold out. It
– They say it’s getting better, we had a 0,3 percent growth in the last
started as a small festival for about 1.500 people, but now Danny’s
quarter, but I still think our problem in Spain is the VAT, which went
got to move to a bigger capacity for about 10.000 people. I’m doing
up from 8 up to 21 percent.
the international booking for this festival. So one of the reasons why I’m here is to check out possibilities and availabilities for bands for the
Do you expect that APM will be able to find a way to resolve
summer season.
this tax issue? – They’ve tried very hard, we’ve had some fairly good answers from
In terms of the economic situation in Spain these days, how is
the Government, there are couple of ministers that say that maybe
it when you are talking here to UK agents or other European
it was a bad idea to increase V.A.T. on culture tickets. APM will join
agents?
up with the cinema and the theatre people and will create a single
– We made an offer, a very big offer, I can’t say who it is, but it was
culture lobby. We will continue to raise awareness and we will show
a big act. In the end it didn’t happen because the offer from another
them how many jobs are being lost. We’ve got nearly 50 percent less
bidder was twice as much as what I was offering. I thought my offer
tours, that’s too much for everybody. Some promoters are going out
was already a high one and when I called the agent he took the
of business; some promoters have laid people off. We pay 30 percent
phone and said “Ah, Barnaby, the guy from the other country ran out
on tax and royalty deductions, so what shall we do? Our rivals in
of money.” I think that says it all.
France are paying 11 percent. So, of course I lose tours and I lose bands. That’s more a problem for us than the actual financial crisis.
But what matters most for you, looking for talent or rather to meet the right people that can ensure a proper future for your
For more information please check www.mercurywheels.com
company?
11
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
> INDEPTH STORY > EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2014
At the Bar with Robert Meijerink
Robert Meijerink – Booker at Eurosonic
12
It is one of these traditions at Eurosonic
ourselveshow we could move it up to
only the delegates, can find their way, so
Noorderslag,
Robert
anotherlevel. How can we re-invent the
they can enjoy the program in the best way
Meijerinktowards the end of the event.
heart of Eurosonicand try to make things
possible. When the cancellation of a venue
Meijerinkis the booker of the Eurosonic
better, learn from the faults of the previous
comes so late in the game, it’s like you really
festivaland as such the most relevant talent
year. That’s always a good position to start,
have to start all over again.
supplier or coordinator for the European
but when it comes to booking you have to
TalentExchange Program
deal with lots of music and you have many
When did this news reach you?
choices. Every year, in that process, it’s
– In mid September and the deadline is first
VIP News: Are you happy now?
always hard to find a way; but in the end
of November. Normally we start with the EBU
– Yes, I am really happy, yes.
we do find our way. Now about the negative
(European Broadcasting Union) program first,
catching
up
with
things – we had to deal with difficult things
every EBU act was confirmed, and so we had
What have been the biggest pleasures
in the booking-process, like, the confirmed
to re-schedule every act from the Huize Maas
and what were the most unlikely things
venue Huize Maas was badly damaged by
to other venues. In the end we succeeded, we
that you experienced at this edition of
a fire last year. As a booker you look at the
managed to have the Magic Mirror and also
Eurosonic Noorderslag?
entire festivalfrom a helicopter perspective.
the Der AA-Kerk. That’s just a particular thing
– To answer the first question: When we
You try to give every artist the best spot that
affecting the booking-process, this is not a
startedbooking this festival, we asked
is possible and ensure that the people, not
game that you play everyyear; every year
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
> INDEPTH STORY > EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2014
it’s something different . Music first, there
developed over the last few years. I think it
wait for one year. He had a massive success
are many upcoming talents, so how you are
is important to have media on board and
with his debut-album in Iceland. I saw him
goingto book the festival, who is going to
I’m really glad that we have group media
on stage in Iceland and I thought this is really
be selected and why? When I start booking
attendingEurosonic, because we have so
everything an act needs in order to make the
the festival then I rely on the venues we
many acts that are investing in their careers.
next step, not only content-wise. His father,
have, and as one big venue like Huize Maas
For me as a booker it is very important to
who is a famous poet in Iceland, wrote his
is gone…wow, that was my personal biggest
have the right people at the right place,
lyrics. It’s a big story and he’s a great musi-
set-back of the year. It was really like a slap in
becauseI care about the acts who come
cian backed up by his friends, maybe more
the face, it pushed me not in a wrong way, of
with a growing ambition, with a strategy, a
experienced and also great musicians. It was
course, but we had to deal with it and I think
dream, however you want to call it. Media is
a great show at Eurosonic but not everyone
we’ve found a great solution by having both
very important but not only the media, the
was aware of that fact. He played twice and
venues to accommodate the acts. No one
professionals in general, people who come
one year later he earned so much success,
was talking about the ‘Huize-Maas-Effect’,
to discover the talents and invest in them, of
John Grant from Canada translated his lyrics
so I think that is a good thing.
course. It all makes sense.
and a UK Label released a UK edition.
I only noticed today that the venue was
In the past you had concerts presented
And he also won an award…
not in the listings for this year.
by Visions and particularly Intro in
– Yes, he did.
– Yes, I was there one week after the fire, it’s
Germany. What happened to them?
not totally destroyed but it’s badly damaged.
– Well, we don’t want to grow bigger in terms
Would you say that the ties between
of selling more tickets. It’s almost impossible
EBBA and ETEP are a little bit closer than
I’ve been told that Eurosonic Noorderslag
in terms of the past years, in regards to the
before?
was sold out in fifteen minutes. Can you
conference and also the live-show cases, we
– I think it’s hard to say. I think Ásgeir is an
confirm that?
do need every single thing in order to fulfill
exceptionand also a great example of how
– Yes, that’s right
the bookings. It was fine to work together in
we would love to see a development, like a
the way we did, with, for example, Visions
total unknown act who is upcoming, new, it’s
Is that normal or is it a record?
or Intro, who were always great and helpful
not about winning an award, it’s more about
– No, it’s like last year.
partners, in order to present the new acts,
the fact that he is touring as an headlineract
but we also want to work with the media in
through so many territories around the world
Have you had problems with secondary
a more targeted situation as we did this year.
right now.
ticketing?
We think that it makes more sense. If you
– Yes, of course. I think that secondary
have an Intro night, it’s always a great night,
Are you also in contact with the festival
ticketing is an unacceptable way to make easy
well-attended, great musicians, but at the
bookers of ETEP, do they tell you, for
money. They are not doing their job, they are
end it’s not about Intro, it’s about the artists,
example , that they have a certain
profiting from the efforts of someone else.
you know?
demandfor dancehall or alternative artists?
How was it that there was a StubHub
Looking back at the ETEP edition in 2013,
– I’m in touch with a few of them; of course I
receptionin the Oosterpoort?
are you pleased with the results of the
like to talk with them about their preferences.
– I don’t know. That’s really interesting, that
Programme and the EBBA Awards? Was
There are so many festivals involved at ETEP,
is new to me, really. Secondary ticketing is
there any highlight for you, something
so many genres. It’s about there being so
a hot topic, as you know. Not only in the
that surprised you in any way?
much diversity Europe. Eurosonic is focused
Netherlands, it’s all over Europe.
– Oh, that’s a pretty hard question. There
on pop music in general, dancehall and metal
were quite a few acts who broke through.
is always a part of it but we don’t have a rich
I’ve seen so much of a media presence
Kodaline won an award, Ásgeir played his
history in booking metal acts.
here; maybe I’m wrong but it seems far
first show outside of Iceland, and exactly one
more than previously. What does it mean
year ago he was an EBU act. He is just 18 years
What is next on the agenda?
to you in terms of productions? Do you
old and for me it is great because I discovered
– Finishing this edition, surviving this evening,
have a higher number of requests from
this act in Iceland and in cooperationwith the
celebrating the success. Every year a couple
media companies or is it pretty much as
radio station RAS we confirmed him as an act
of weeks after Eurosonic we sit together and
usual?
to play at Eurosonic. We discussed whether
we review what we did and then we look
– We have more requests than before, it’s
it was really the right moment or should we
ahead to the next edition.
13
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
> INDEPTH STORY > EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2014
On the Move with Fabien Miclet Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com emerging Europeanacts you book, the more money you get. On top of this, we’re also striving to build a sustainable, ever-growing network of venues working together and learning from each other. We will submit an application for EU funding in March of this year. You are probably one of the very few persons in the music industrythat have an idea of what is going on in the political cosmos of the European Parliament and the European Commissionand its related administrative bodies in Brussels. Please let us know what is happening there that might affect the music industry... – Well, there are many subjects on the table in Brussels that have a direct impact on the music industry. A European directive on collective rights management is being discussed at the moment. The new 20142020 cultural funding Programme, Creative Europe, has just been launched. The negotiations on the free trade agreement with the US started last year, and the European Parliament elections are going to take place in May. The composition of the new Parliament will be importantfor the music sector; this institution is responsible for
Fabien Miclet
voting on a great variety of legislations, some of which have a direct impact on the music industry, in a variety of policy fields including
Fabien Miclet is one of the very few people in the music business
copyright, licensing, taxation, visas, work permits, broadcasting rules,
who has a decent awareness about what really goes on in Brussels.
and many more subjects.
Although , to be accurate there is a lot going on in the political universeof the European Parliament and the European Commission,
Creative Europe is the new culture support program by
but unfortunately very little in favour of the music business.
the EuropeanUnion. Do you see a difference between the forerunnerprogramme and the new one?
Till November 2013 Miclet was project manager of the European
– Yes, and I would say that progress has been achieved since the
Music Office (EMO) and handled the business of the organisation
Culture Programme’ - 2007-2014. To begin with, music is now
untilit unfortunately went into administration. It has to be noted that
recognizedas an actual sector in the eyes of the EU, while it was
Miclet took over this post after the financial problems had already has
considered only as one among other components of the ‘performing
been caused. Nevertheless it was he who handled the last months of
arts’ in the last Programme. In the past, popular music projects had
this so far one and only office that until now was the one and only
to compete directly with theatre, ballet, opera and other art forms
organisation that actually undertook at least some lobbying efforts
which traditionally heavily rely on public funding and have decades
for popular music. And this in an political environment that is very
of experience in securing subsidies. Another improvement we have
well known for mainly supporting large scale farming, financial or
triggeredis that the new Creative Europe Programme will now
chemical industries.
include topics such as new business models, access to finance, and touring in its guidelines. This wouldn’t have been conceivable a few
After EMO you started working for the concert venue Ancienne
years back, when the priority of the Culture Programme was mostly
Belgique in Brussels. What are you actually doing there?
to provide funding in support of the ‘intrinsic value’ of culture and the
– I’m currently coordinating an application for EU funding for a
preservation of cultural heritage.
very exciting project involving AB and 12 more likeminded music venues from all across the European continent. Our idea is to create
Within the proposed budget for Creative Europe, 55 percent
a platformof concert halls and clubs encouraging the circulation
of the 1.46 million Euros is dedicated to the film sector. Any
of emerging artists. It will work through a bonus system: the more
idea why the designers of Creative Europe are so crazy about
15
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
> INDEPTH STORY > EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG 2014
supporting the film and movie industry and thereby neglecting
unbalanced. Would you recommend that in particularthe live
other creative sectors?
music sector now should launch a political campaign regarding
– It’s safe to say that the cinema industry is way ahead of most
the unfair policies of EU-burocrats and politicians?
cultural and creative sectors when it comes to securing EU funding.
– This is a very interesting question. At the core of the cinema
In fact, before the Creative Europe Programme, the audiovisual sector
industry’slobbying strategy, you find three principles: teamwork,
had its own distinct Programme, called the MEDIA Programme, which
differentiationand visibility. Teamwork means that all branches of the
was concentrating on most of Europe’s cultural funding. All financial
sector will speak with one voice on certain subjects (and of course,
envelopes have now been merged through the Creative Europe funding is one of these). Differentiation: in all aspects of the advocacy Programme, but cinema is still vastly over-represented within this new
work, the film sector presents itself as substantially distinct from
system. There are various reasons explaining this ‘patronage’ in favor
other cultural sectors, arguing the peculiarities of its value chain and
of the film industry. The first that comes to mind is that all components
its relative economic importance. And perhaps the most important
of this sector (directors, actors, authors, studios, etc.) have been
point is visibility: Often when an important subject is discussed at EU
lobbyingtogether in Brussels for much longer than othercultural
level, the film sector invests in briefing movie stars and acclaimed film
players. The cinema industry holds a well-established, well-endowed
directors and bringing them to Brussels. And guess what: EU officials
and panoramic lobbying position in Brussels. This discrepancy in the
will always prefer a chat in person with Lars Von Trier, Almodovar, or
allocation of funding within the Creative Europe Programme is the
Daniel Bruhl over reading yet another policy paper on private copy
result of a 30-year old collective lobbying effort. No other cultural and
levies or cross-border licensing. Can you blame them?
creative sector has invested that much for so long in its presence in the environment of the European institutions.
There is no objective reason why popular music should be treated with less regard than the film sector. They’re equally useful soft-
The support schemes for the film sector are well developed
powertools for Europe, they are both essential for cultural diversity
and serve exactly the needs of this industry. The needs of
and they contribute to the EU’s economy in equivalent proportions.
the music sector are to even a very far extent not so well
If the music industry manages to put together a comprehensive and
specifiedand documented as thoseof the film industry. What
catchy advocacy strategy, it will achieve better results. But the sector
went wrong?
would first need to invest much more in lobbying, to start working
– Far too recently the music sector became aware of the importance
together, to believe in itself and to mobilise its artists and creators as
of advocating its case in Brussels. Besides, its lobbying effort is too
often as possible. To answer your question, yes, ambitious campaigns
disparate, torn between larger organizations focusing exclusively on
should be launched, but complaining about ‘unfair’ policies won’t
piracy and copyright, others advocating for music as a non-industrial
solve much. We need to do more in order to achieve more.
sector, and those who try to have a more streamlined impact on the industry as a whole. Another thing is the industry’s relative timidity
Since the end of December it is possible to apply for funds
regarding investment in lobbying compared to the cinema sector. A
withinthe various sub-programs of Creative Europe. Within
structure like EMO, which had a transversal approach to the issues
the previous culture program only a handful of popular
faced by the European music sector, as well as an unmatched sectorial
music-relatedprojects actually received funding. The formal
grasp of EU funding mechanisms, was shut down recently due to lack
requirementsare tough, the bureaucratic burdens even
of funding. The popular music industry needs to realise that Brussels
tougher.Does it make sense to submit an application within
is where a large part of its future is being decided: be it for structural
such a pop-music-hostile-environment?
funding, digital rules or trade and export regulations, many important
– I agree, these forms are quite heavy, and the requirements to
decisions are now made at EU level, not in the Member-States. I hope
becomeeligible for funding are sometimes difficult to work with. But
the initiative launched last week at Eurosonic (the idea of creating a
it’s really worth it, and I see no reason why successful EU-funded
new European network of national music export offices) will go in
initiatives like ETEP or the EBBAs should be the only ones out there.
that direction.
Moreover, as I said, the new Programme is now less unfavourable to the music sector, the focus is more business-oriented and competition
16
Looking at the document ‘Commission Staff Working Paper for
is less distorted with the other performing arts sectors. Unfortunately
establishing a Creative Europe Framework Programme’ the term
EMO isn’t there anymore to help with the paperwork and to give
‘film’ is mentioned 220 times, the term ‘music’ 41 times. Digging
advice for projects, but there are specific ‘Creative Europe Desks’ in all
a bit deeper, the term ‘cinema’ 65 the term ‘concert’ 6 times. The
EU countries which are very helpful. It always makes sense to submit
document itself consists of 170 pages. With other words, this
an application as long as you have a good idea. It’s never a piece of
document even proves that the creators of Creative Europe are
cake, but if you get through, financial support can be consequent. No
obviously film enthusiasts and created a program that is very
pain, no gain…
VIP NEWS >
JANUARY 2014
Ralf Scheffler and the Rebirth Of Batschkapp Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Batschkapp
untranslatableword for a well designed guideline of health and safety settings for venues and locations.- Ed.) Planning and opening a new concert location always comes
Ralf Scheffler
along with some surprises. – Any exciting examples that caused your astonishment?
After 37 years the well-known concert venue Batschkapp in Frankfurt
Not really - except one perhaps: the fire brigade requested an
has found a new home. It is one of these rare stories of a re-location
emergencypower supply for the smoke extractor, two very big
of a famous concert club that has existed for ages starting all over
ventilatorsthat start working in the case of fire and suck in smoke in
again in new location. VIP News spoke with Ralf Scheffler, boss and
the, from my point of view unlikely event, when a power black out
business mastermind of Batschkapp:
in the town district occurs by sheer chance at the same time a fire starts... A quite unlikely coincidence that would eventually only occur
What led you to re-locate Batschkapp?
in the case of war or a terror attack. However, this requirement wasn’t
– Our aim was to obtain a capacity up to 1.500 people. In fact we
to be discussed...
have been aware of the fact that extensive renovation measures were necessary to keep the ‘old’ Batschkapp in business. So we thought it
How big is the investment and are you pleased with the
is more reasonable to invest our money in a new project.
backingby your bank and the local authorities in Frankfurt? – The investment is around 2.7 million Euros. The real estate office of
When planning the new Batschkapp, what have your priorities
Frankfurt purchased the premises exactly for this purpose as the City
been for the new venue?
of Frankfurt was highly interested in keeping us in the city. The banks
– We wanted to obtain a better room and technical facilities for artists
actually played no role at all within this process, in fact the entire
and for the audience as well.
investment has been done completely without any support by a bank. In particular our bank, which we worked pleasantly together with for
Have you or the architect had to consider many new obligations
37 years, has covered itself in this regard with particular fame.
and requirements by the building authorities? – Well, we had to consider the very well known and highly respected
For further information please check
„Versammlungsstätten Verordnung“. (A German masterpiece and
www.batschkapp.tickets.de/de
17
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > JANUARY 2014
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music in Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
No exciting mind blowing news by the corporate concert companies when this newsletter went to print. Only some variations within the share price overview are to be reported: CTS Eventim passed the 40 Euro border:
Live Nation above $21
40.60 Euro for a CTS Eventim share on January 24 compared to 36.79
$19.82 for Live Nation one month ago, this time already at $21.26
Euro on December 24... SFX Entertainment - Where has the Christmas Bonus Gone? One Nil Less for DEAG: But also commas could make a difference on figures... 4.60 for DEAG compared to 4.19 Euro on Christmas Eve.
18
From $11.45 on Christmas Eve, down to $9.91...
VIP NEWS > MISC > JANUARY 2014
MEMBER PRESENTATION
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at an evening gala, trade fair, product presentation, kick-off function, company anniversary or incentive event. We advise you on what stars fit in with your concept and we offer cost-effective celebrity endorsements according to the type of event, your budget and their availability. But our work doesn’t stop with negotiating a celebrity appearance. We also offer professionaladvice in all legal aspects of the events industry. Examples include contractlaw, non-performance or deficient performance of contracts, limited tax liability(known as non-resident tax), sales tax, artists’ national insurance contributions, copyright and ancillary copyright / GEMA and GVL [German performing rights and
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