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McGowan’s A bit more globetrotting undertaken since the
Civil Rights movements, and providing a pow-
those who seem to have everything going for
last News, with Venice, Paris (twice) Stock-
erful soundtrack to the struggle to bring at-
them can be touched by tragedy; however fol-
holm (just to look at the Airport…), Tallinn,
tention and support to the desperate need for
lowing the suicide of Mick Jagger’s girlfriend
Helsinki and Edinburgh added to the 2014
social and political change, the Vietnam war
L’Wrenn Scott, it seems that Jagger has decid-
itinerary.
was another demonstration of how musicians
ed that work is the best therapy. Bob Geldof,
and songwriters were prepared to speak, or
the driving force behind Live Aid, also has had
In the last issue we mentioned the effects on
sing, out against the perpetration of wrongs,
to face more tragedy recently with the death
the live entertainment industry of the civil and
then came Live Aid, Farm Aid etc. In the UK
of his daughter, Peaches.
political unrest in Turkey, Thailand and Ukraine
singers like Billy Bragg supported the Miners
as discussed at ILMC. The continuing problems
Strike and took a stand against racism with
Well, sorry to concentrate on the darker side
in Ukraine and elsewhere have prompted dis-
projects like Red Wedge. It seems that artists
of life in this issue, but sometimes these things
cussions within the music industry in general
and music as an effective force for change
take precedence, even in the entertainment
about the role of the artist in increasingly trou-
has taken a bit of a back seat for some time;
business! Not everything is down though, the
bled times. Back in the 60’s the term ‘protest
maybe it’s harder to rock the establishment
sun is shining on Brighton, though I’m sure
singer’ was an often-used description, with
when you’re rolling along with sponsors etc
many people will be dumbfounded and disap-
many artists in the US becoming involved in
in a business that is perhaps more part of that
pointed to hear that I will not be around to
establishment than it used to be. The relation-
welcome friends from the international music
ship between the state and the freedom of in-
business to my home town as they flock here
dividuals, and music and liberty was however
for The Great Escape in a couple of weeks
to the fore in discussions inTallinn, Estonia at
time – I shall be in Dresden and Berlin, How-
the opening of the sixth edition of Tallinn Mu-
ever I’m sure the ever expanding event (see
sic Week – see Report in this issue.
report in this issue) will cope without me – just
COLOPHON > VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking 145-157 St John Street London Ec1V 4PW
this once! Also strange to see that the man once considered by many to be the leading protest singer
One last thing, if asked to name the first icon-
Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com
in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan,
ic venues that come to mind, I’m sure many
being accused of ‘hate speech’ – See report
would perhaps mention, Madison Square Gar-
General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com
in this issue.
dens, Shea Stadium, Hammersmith Odeon,
Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +44 870 755 0092
2
Musings
and I’m pretty sure, Wembley Arena would be The ongoing living proof of how rock and roll
up there for a lot of people - however prepare
has adapted to pretty much all levels of soci-
to see this name consigned to the past with
ety, (or is it the other way round?), the original
others, and say Hi to the SSE Arena. Doesn’t
anti-establishment band, who caused politi-
quite have the same ring does it? However I’m
cians, church leaders and other pillars of the
sure the shows will be good!
community to warn citizens to ‘lock up their daughters’, The Rolling Stones, are on the
Right, I’m preparing to go to France for Print-
road again, topping festivals throughout Eu-
emps de Bourges, then to Denmark for The
rope. It seemed at one point that these dates
Spot Festival, as ever I’ll report back – in the
may not happen as we learned that even
meantime Ladies and Gentlemen – The News!
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Bob Dylan
BOB Dylan ‘Hate Speech’ Charge Dropped Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
French television news station France24 has
Ivan Jurasinovic, a lawyer for the organiza-
reported that a French court has dropped
tion, insisted that the French Croats were
the preliminary charge entered in Paris
not seeking money or punishment, but
last November following what a Croatian
rather hoped that Dylan, described as “a
organization said was hate speech. The
singer who is liked and respected in Croa-
Representative Council of the Croatian
tia,” would apologize. But, under French
Community and Institutions in France main-
hate speech laws, his comments could have
tained that Dylan had compared Croats to
resulted in a year in prison and a fine of up
Nazis or the Ku Klux Klan.
to €45,000 ($62,000). However the judge ruled that Dylan himself had not authorized
The French government filed the charge after
the publication of the comments in France,
the Organisation complained about Dylan’s
dismissing the case on this technicality.
comments in a September 2012 interview in
That leaves Marc Birnbaum the French pub-
Rolling Stone magazine in which the singer/
lisher of Rolling Stone in the firing line, The
songwriter discussed racism in the United
Wall Street Journal reported that he could
States. He remarked that Afro –Americans
now face the prison or fine penalties having
could sense if whites had slave-master blood
been charged with violating France’s anti-
“just like Jews can sense Nazi blood and the
discrimination laws.
Serbs can sense Croatian blood.”
3
3
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Heidi Aho
Heidi Aho Appointed Managing Director of Fullsteam Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Fullsteam’s long-term Chief Production Manager Heidi Aho has been appointed as the Helsinki based company’s Managing Director, ef-
Juha Kyyrö said, “Heidi has had an important role in Fullsteam be-
fective 1 May 2014. Prior to joining Fullsteam in 2008, Aho worked
coming the best promoter in Finland. I especially appreciate Heidi’s
for Vantaan Festivaalit Oy as festival coordinator at Ruisrock and An-
strong leadership skills, and I am convinced that under her lead, Full-
kkarock.
steam will become an even better cooperation partner and working community.”
According to Aho, her main objective is to support the development of Fullsteam’s existing expertise as well as the company’s growth and
Fullsteam is an independent music company whose activities include
reputation as a reliable actor in the industry. She commented, “Full-
event planning, concert promotion and artist booking, record releas-
steam has an amazing staff with an enormous amount of expertise,
ing as well as management and publishing activities as separate com-
which makes this appointment a great honour. I intend to further
panies. Within the last couple of years, Fullsteam has been the largest
strengthen Fullsteam’s vision and innovative business culture. The
promoter of foreign artists in Finland in the number of shows. In 2013
number of our employees has grown radically during the last couple
the company presented altogether over 1,100 concerts. The parent
of years and hopefully I will be able to offer support and help to en-
company Fullsteam Records Oy made 8.7 million euros in revenue in
sure a creative environment in the future as well.”
2013, and currently the Fullsteam corporation employs 23 workers.
Fullsteam’s founder and main owner Juha Kyyrö will continue as
HYPERLINK
Chairman of the Board and minority stakeholder Johannes Kinnunen
a8395146deee4599aaf587ed128a424f&URL=http%3a%2f%2fw
will focus on administrative management and public relations in the
ww.fullsteam.fi%2f” \t “_blank” www.fullsteam.fi
future. Virpi Immonen will continue as Managing Director of Fullsteam Management Oy.
4
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2014
CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK
May 6-10, 2014 Toronto, ON • www.cmw.net
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
The Concert Market in Finland Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
An Interview with Juha Kyrro of Fullsteam: How is the concert market in Finland cur-
Does the current market situation de-
improve the situation for those kind of
rently doing?
mands change in your business strategies
shows?
– Right now I think the concert market is
or do you prefer to proceed as usual?
– Introducing new artists has always been a
struggling a bit. In general ticket sales are
– We are very strong in our every-day busi-
challenge, but I actually think that currently
lower and not many shows are sold out.
ness so I think that as long as we keep our
the main challenge in the market is to avoid
focus on what we can do the best, we will
the established artists overplaying the market.
do fine.
When there are so many “promoters” trying
According to other players, competition seems to be growing in Finland. Would
6
to get a slice of the cake, artists tend to come
you agree with this?
Does it became more difficult to promote
back more often, which can lead to unsuc-
– There are definitely more and more compa-
concerts with newcomer artists and if
cessful shows.
nies wanting to promote shows, yes.
so do you have any solutions in mind to
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Live Nation apparently is the biggest pro-
How important is MusicFinland when it
moter in Finland. Is Live Nation as domi-
comes to the support of shows by Full-
nant as for instance Mojo Concerts is in
steam artists abroad?
the Netherlands?
– Music Finland is one of the joint efforts
– By number of shows and artists Fullsteam
by the Finnish music industry that I am truly
has been the biggest promoter for a few years
proud of.
now. Live Nation are the biggest in turnover. How much of its business is Fullsteam During the last few years FKP Scorpio has
gaining abroad?
expanded its business activities in Den-
– We are not dependent on it, but helping
mark and Sweden. Would you be con-
artists fulfill their dreams is very rewarding.
cerned or rather welcome it if another big
But I like to think we are a truly international
player would enter the concert market in
company. Besides Finland we currently have
Finland?
offices in Paris and New York.
Juha festivals and venues, so I don’t think we need
– Well I guess it depends on what their strat-
any more industry bodies to be honest.
egy would be. I would always welcome a
There is no live music organisation within
friendly partner who we could work together
the membership of MusicFinland. Do you
on developing the Finnish market, but obvi-
consider this as a deficit or as something
What is next on the agenda of Fullsteam
ously I can’t say that I would be looking for-
that does not really matter for you and
Agency?
ward to having anyone enter the market try-
your company?
ing to destroy us for example...
– We already have SOA (booking agencies’ as-
– Keep calm and don’t let the game change
sociation) as well as organizations for the
who we are.
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7
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
What Expectations for the 2014 Festival Season? Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Dermot O’Flynn, director of Eufest
But if an article in The Observer is to be believed the future prospects of certain festivals are strengthened as they become more and more involved with the package holiday business. As music festivals have ‘matured’, offering once unheard of luxuries such as flushing toilets, cash machines and completely upgraded camping facilities, many events have become less mud soaked basic gatherings based on youth counterculture, but more entertainment holiday destinations. The travel industry now sees many of them as main attractions or at least add - ons to package holidays. Dermot O’Flynn, director of the Eufest travel company told the Observer,”The European scene is booming and young people are realising you can go to a festival abroad and get your flights, airport transfers and ticket for around £350 – the same as a trip to Reading or Glastonbury,” He claims the Company is selling twice as much apartment accommodation in Croatia, for instance, as it did last summer. Barri Coen, head of marketing at Festicket, told the newspaper, “The trend is towards smaller, boutique festivals, and people are increasingly
With the Festival season bearing down upon us like an express train
tieing them in with their summer holiday plans. We’ve seen a huge
what can we expect this year? The biggies are doing what they usually
increase in the number of people booking hotels or apartments.”
do, with the likes of Glastonbury selling out, and The Rolling Stones lending a hand to make life a little easier for those troubled organisers
The Festivals themselves are looking at ways, including joint ticket
lamenting the lack of true headliners. Mick and the Boys will be play-
packages to develop what they have to offer festival ‘punters’. Exit
ing the likes of Turnhout Werchter Classic in Belgium, and Roskilde in
in Serbia has combined with Sea Dance festival in Montenegro, and
Denmark, and others.
Sziget in Budapest has partnered with B.my.Lake in the Hungarian countryside.
However, the first alarm bell indicating that some events may again have their problems was sounded in the Republic of Ireland with the announcement that one of the country’s largest annual music festivals will not take place this year. Due to again happen at Punchestown, County Kildare, where it has been held every summer, excluding a break in 2012, since 2004, Oxegen, has been cancelled. Promoters, MCD blamed a lack of headline acts combined with Agencies making onerous financial demands. The combination has led them to conclude that continuing with the event in its current was no longer viable. At the height of its poularity Oxegen attracted crowds of up to 80,000 people, but last year`s event, headlined by David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Snoop Dogg, was downsized from three days to two-and-a-half.
8
Expect more of these developments – watch this space!
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
New Artists For KKT Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The Berlin based concert agency Kikis Kleiner Tourneeservice better
Dieter Meier is known as a millionaire, owner of a restaurant in
known as KKT have taken on new artists. The new arrivals include
Switzerlandand of an organic beef farm in Argentina. As an artist
Tocotronic, Niels Frevert , Dieter Meier, Schmutzki and Antilopen Gang.
Meier is better known as the singer of the pop-duo Yello that had their first hits in the mid eighties. Earlier this year Meier released his
Tocotronic were founded in 1993 and were handled for many years
first solo-album entitled “Out Of Chaos”. At KKT Kiki Ressler will
by Powerline Agency. Niels Frevert started his career with the band
handlethe bookings for Meier in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Nationalgalerie in 1991 that split up in 1996. Soon after Frevert
His first tour will kick off at the beginning of March.
launched his solo career releasing five albums to date.
For more information: KKT - www.kkt.berlin
Dieter Meier - www.outofchaos.de
Tocotronic - www.tocotronic.de
Schmutzki - www.schmutzki.de
Niels Frevert - www.nielsfrevert.net
Antilopen Gang - www.antilopengang.de
9
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Roman Pitone joins Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
start working for Karsten Jahnke as a Book-
For further information please check:
ing Agent and Promoter. The concert agency
www.waybackwhen.de & kj.de/team.html
currently employs 37 people. At Visions Thomas Harsman took over the post from Pitone. Harsman has worked with Visions for four years; the magazine promotes regular concerts and festivals. Other news is that the concert company will launch a new three day indoor festival in five locations in Dortmund. The event will be known as the Way Back When - Festival. The line up
Roman Pitone
will consist of 40 acts, including among others Whomadewho, The Rifles, Mighty Oaks,
Since the beginning of April Karsten Jahnke
Birth Of Joy and Big Deal. The concert ven-
Konzertdirektion has a new team member.
ues are FZW, Domicil, Tanzcafe Oma Doris,
Roman Pitone who worked since 2009 as
Streetartgallery and Kaktusfarm. The dates
head of events for the music magazine Vi-
for the festival are May 29 to 31, the festival
sions moved from Dortmund to Hamburg to
ticket is 51 Euro, day tickets are 23.50 Euro.
IMAGINE if you could go to one website and learn ALL about the European Live Music Industry?
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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 >
APRIL 2014
Gebäude Neun
- Between Hope and Fear Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
The well known concert venue Gebäude Neun in Cologne has received
owner, Frey Immobilien, of a rental contract for 2015, lasting at least one
notice of the termination of its lease agreement with RheinEstate GmbH,
year. But the offer also stipulates some requirements, including the pro-
a subsidy of the Stadtsparkasse Cologne. The leaser intends to sell the
viso that the land development plan has to be adapted and furthermore
whole area including the location of the concert club to an investor.
a noise emission study has to be carried out.
The previous lease agreement was apparently supposed to last until the
The venue has received massive support from fans who, amongst other
end of the year. But according to latest media reports, shortly before
things, set up a Facebook page that quickly received more than 16.000
Easter the club management received an offer from the designated new
likes
Conference Compendium Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
I’m sure I can remember a time when you could count the number of
there are I’m sure, more in the planning. We’ll have to extend the years!
music trade events on one hand with a couple of fingers folded, now it
Anyway, here follows reportage on a couple we’ve recently attended and
seems you’d require the help of the fingers and toes of four piece beat
a ‘heads up’ on others waiting in the wings, all taking place in May!.
combo or pop band to count the available international events – and
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12
some of our clients that #sellmore
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Wide Days – Edinburgh Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
- Support of German Consulate for a German exchange also allowed Wide Days to boost its international profile and Berlin duo Schwefelgelb are set to return to Scotland. Olaf Furniss told VIP News: “We have reached the point where Wide Days is recognised internationally as an event which adds a personal touch, while offering both quality panels and showcases. The partnership with the German consulate played an important role in helping us to develop Wide Days as the event which provides a bridge between Scotland and the international music business. I am delighted that it has not only led to interest in our showcasing acts from Scotland, but is also set to lead to booking for Schwefelgelb, our My parents came from Scotland; Glasgow to be precise, so I’m always
guest act from Berlin. I am particularly pleased that sales of our pre-
aware when in Edinburgh that they like other Glaswegians felt that
mium ticket, which includes collection from the airport and a guided
the capital city was a bit too ‘full of itself ” for their liking, although
tour of Edinburgh, tripled this year. The message is getting out that
they usually used more colourful terms! However putting that long
the calibre of speakers at Wide Days is high, and that it is a place
established rivalry aside it’s true to say that Edinburgh is a fascinating
where you can do business.”
city, with a lot of hidden, sometimes dark, secrets overlooked by its Castle. Wide Days founder and co-organiser Olaf Furniss, well known
Olaf Furniss
to many on the European Conference circuit, and a one-time city tour guide, took we speakers and ‘special people’ on a really interesting bus tour, with a commentary somewhat adapted from his normal tourist script, which taught me and everyone else I’m sure, a lot about this Royal City. Wide Days is not a big event, but it is certainly growing in both numbers and effectiveness. A few facts: - This year’s accreditations were up more than 22% from 150 in 2013 to 185. - Sales of premium passes almost trebled [these include the tour, plus airport collection, this service was available for the first time and was very welcome – thanks to Jim, father of co-organiser Michael Lambert. - The Showcases are already generating a lot of interest among those delegates who were there on the Thursday. - Flux FM, winner of Best Radio Station Worldwide at Musexpo, carried a one hour report from Wide Days - German partnership finalised exchange with Reeperbahn Festival and is set to have Wide Days host a Scottish showcase during the Hamburg event.
13
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
SPOT Festival 2014 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Elin Kåven
This edition of SPOT Festival will apparently be the biggest program SPOT Festival has ever presented in its 20 year history. Between 1st and 4th of May the Aarhus, Denmark based event will present 165 live shows, 38 films, 30 seminars along with the SPOT Interactive conference. Amongst the interviews, I will have the pleasure of speaking with Folkert Koopmans, founder of Germany’s FKP Scorpio. SPOT Festival has always presented a broad variety of bands from the Danish and Nordic music scene. This year some of the bigger players on the Danish music scene have been included in the program to generate a bigger international awareness. Christopher, Turboweekend, Mads Langer and Choir Of Young Believers will appear alongside newer acts such as Broken Twin, Go Go Berlin, Kellermensch and Blaue Blume. Nordic acts will include: – Grísalappalísa (IS), Amason (SE), Elin Kåven (NO) and Jaakko Eino Kalevi (FI). SPOT will also be hosting a big film program featuring 38 films that won’t require wristbands for admittance. SPOT Film will step into the footsteps of SPOT Music and gradually create a forum to showcase new Nordic film talents and tendencies. VIP News will report back from Aarhus.
14
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
The Great Escape 2014 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Chloe Howl
As I said in the Musings I will unfortunately, for once, not be in my
conversation reviewing the innovative funding initiative’s first twelve
hometown of Brighton to welcome the many international delegates
months. Plus 50 years of pirate radio in the UK will be marked by
that will attend the Great Escape – a shame to miss them, and the
bringing together the people behind some of the seminal stations.
event itself! A full session-by-session guide to the Convention, which
On Friday afternoon The Great Escape’s official charity War Child will
will take place in from May 8-10, is now online, along with this year’s
lead a discussion on what makes partnerships between charities and
conversations programme. Industry legend Seymour Stein, who I had
the music community work, with War Child’s own Ben Knowles plus
the pleasure of interviewing in Tallinn a couple of years ago, will dis-
Muse manager Alex Wall, Cake CEO Mike Mathieson and Xfm Man-
cuss his talent scouting exploits in emerging markets, plus PRS For
aging Editor Chris Baughen, with The Guardian’s Johnny Dee asking
Music presents Chloe Howl In Conversation, discussing an exciting
the questions.
year that saw her win plaudits aplenty, rack up over a million Vevo
Full timetables areavailable to check out:
views and secure a Sony Music record deal.
Building A Fan Business, Maximising Music Rights, The Festival
One year on from the launch of the Momentum Music Fund at The
Business, New Product Strategies, Global Digital Markets and Blurred
Great Escape 2013, Arts Council England CEO Alan Davey will lead a
Lines. The full festival schedule is also available on the TGE website
PrimaveraPro 2014 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Delegates from Brazil, Italy, Luxembourg, The Baltics and Valencia will gather from Wednesday 28th to Friday 30th for PrimaveraPro in the Born neighbourhood in the centre of Barcelona The DayPro Conference will run from from 11am to 6pm, in the new PrimaveraPro daytime headquarters Convent de Sant Agusti with a complete programme of conferences and meetings.The programme will be completed by showcases from the different participating countries, that include Brazil, Chile, Italy, Israel, Luxembourg, the Baltic States, Poland and Valencia (Spain), which will take place in La Seca - Espai Brossa and in the restaurant El Foro and for the first time this year will be open to the general public.
15
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Tallinn Music Week: Pres. Ilves Opening Speech and Pussy Riot Interview Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com TThe last weekend in March saw the sixth
on the freedom of the individual within the
of the conference given over to an interview
edition of this now extremely popular Nordic/
State related to rock music and liberty, and
with the Russian punk protest group Pussy
Baltics event. It was my third visit, and the
used to preface the aspirations of a music
Riot.
second sold out conference in a row.
industry event! Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokh-
Tallinn Music Week hosted 227 artists from 20 countries performing on 34 stages, with
An aspect of freedom, he continued, was to
ina were interviewed in English by Russian
22,858 concert visitors. Venues included the
be able to come together and sing, without
writer and broadcaster Artemi Troitsky, how-
City’smost prominent music clubs and con-
restriction. He was of course referring to Es-
ever the girls chose to respond in Russian,
cert halls, and the City stage programme
tonia’s ‘Singing Revolution’, which helped
with the help of an interpreter. Troitsky began
extended the festival to bookshops, music
bring about the country’s independence from
by asking the girls why they had chosen punk
stores, galleries and cafés with free after-
the Soviet Union. He warned that the Arts
as their style in which to make their protest.
noon concerts.
are most vulnerable, as they have the abil-
They replied that they were fans of, “…bad
ity to threaten and deny the status quo in-
words, not great music. Punk offers access
813 delegates and representatives of music
sisted upon by totalitarianism, they are often
to anyone, so that they could choose to do
organizations attended the conference, 508
the first to suffer. An example was Estonian
the same thing as us. Like Hip-Hop etc we
of them from abroad and 307 from Estonia.
composer Arvo Patt, who was forced to flee
search for stages that can cost you freedom.”
There were participants from 28 countries, a
the country. Rock and Roll, he continued has
– There were times when the girls seemed to
large number from Finland (173), Latvia (78),
always offended sensibilities, Elvis, Lennon,
disagree with each other, but one aspect of
UK (41), Lithuania (37), Russia (36), Germany
Johnny Rotten were all considered danger-
their message was clear, they were protest-
(27), Sweden (16), Denmark (13), Belarus
ous, though now much of their material can
ers first, musicians second. Troitsky said that
(11), France (9), Holland (9), Iceland (8) and
be listened to on nostalgia tours! He con-
promoters had wanted them to put things
Poland (6).
cluded, to great applause, that, “Freedom is
together to become a real live band, tour-
not an abstraction, it is the basis of our lives.”
ing festivals etc, and asked why they didn’t
As in the last few editions the opening
do this. The answer was, “This goes against
speeches were made by the president of
Helen Sildna continued the theme, asking if
the basic foundation of what Pussy Riot was,
Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and head of
TMW was a political festival, “…The human
“We declined such offers, and will continue
TMW Helen Sildna. This time the head of
right to express oneself freely, that basic right
as we were.” They described their protests
the event’s co-sponsors Nordea Bank Estonia,
should be stood up for – so maybe that is
during the Winter Olympics, and being ar-
Andreas Laane also took to the podium.
politics.” Helen suggested that along with in-
resred by police who told them they agreed
vesting in creativity, the message brought by
with them and wanted to take photos and
But when it comes to speeches, particularly
the international artists should be, “Let’s just
‘selfies’ with them.
focusing on the abiding theme of TMW
love each other.” More enthusiastic applause
Eventually the question came from the floor,
presentednext door to Russia, rock’n’roll
seemed to indicate that all in the room had
“Do you support economic sanctions against
and freedom, the President is a hard act to
no argument with that!
Putin? Have they gone far enough, or is vio-
follow. Wearing his customarybow tie the
16
lence the only language he understands?”
President displays a matchlessknowledge
There was no mistaking the emphasis on the
Tolokonnikova responded: “The problem
of, and enthusiasmfor, all genres of music,
crucial meaning of freedom of expression for
with Putin is that it’s impossible to talk to
accompaniedby a firm belief in its power
the development of creativity and the under-
him, because he doesn’t understand when
for good in society. I’ve not previously heard
lying importance of tolerance for free and
he is talked to. We do not invite anyone to
Scottish philosopher John Locke’s writings
prosperous societies, with the opening slot
use weapons against weapons. Our idea is
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
that Europe should use economic sanctions against him. No matter how much he talks
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
about the Motherland, the only thing he and his team are interested in is money. If you stop him making illegal money, maybe he will think about his actions.” Alyokhina said that they ntended to go to the European parliament, “ – to talk about sanctions against Russia and Putin which will negatively influence our lives. Prices are going to go up. So Russians need to take to the streets; they’ve gotten too comfortable on the couch at home.” Tolokonnikova concluded, “There is a mood of apathy and pessimism which dominates Russia’s liberal circles. But saying that, I want people to know that what we do is not antiRussian but pro-Russian. In Estonia you have legal chances to partake in politics, but in Russia, the only way to do politics is through artistic creativity. Protest is creative.” Other speakers included Estonian superstar KERLI who in a lengthy interview disclosed her lessons learned and shared her personal story behind the success, stating, “Ego is the
Helen Sildna
worst enemy of genius”. Robert Levine, writer of “Free Ride” examining the debate about the future of culture and Bob Stan-
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina of Pussy Riot spoke with journalistsand musicians at Tallinn Music Week. Photo: Sergey Chernov / SPT
ley, musician, producer and author of “Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop”.
Skype Award goes to Odd Hugo Tallinn Music Week main sponsor’s Skype Award goes to the indie folk band Odd Hugo from Tartu. Having just finished its second European tour the band will receive a 3500 Euro prize together with the prestigious title of the Skype’s Go Change the World Award. Tallinn Music Week 2009 Skype award winner was Popidiot, in 2010 Iiris, in 2011 Ewert and the Two Dragons, in 2012 Talbot and in 2013 Elephants From Neptune. Tenfold Rabbit received the most nominations.
comments, “For me it’s a charming mix of
The delegates of Tallinn Music Week and in-
My friend the Danish Radio host Jan Sneum
Tartu and Texas.”
ternational press selected the winner of Sky-
has played Odd Hugo in his programmes pre-
pe’s Go Change The World Award. Next to the
viously but after the last Tallinn Music Week
The seventh Tallinn Music Week takes place
winner I Wear* Experiment, State of Zoe and
he dedicated a whole hour to the band. Jan
from 26th to 28th March 2015.
17
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Ibiza International Music Summit 2014 Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
Back for its seventh year, the International Music Summit returns to Ibiza for 2014 at the new Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza from May 21 – 23 with a speaker line-up of influences and thought leaders from every aspect of the electronic music industry including artists, labels, executives, managers, agents and more. The electronic music and technology-driven summit, which has earned a reputation as ‘the TED of music conferences’, will bring together the genre’s most important and influential decision makers. This year’s theme is ‘Filtering the Future’ and will focus on the curatorial opportunities for the genre – in a world of overload, how do things manage
Paul McGuinness, long-term manager U2
to cut through? The event is hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong MBE. IMS has also announced that Corona will be headline sponsor of this
Danny Tenaglia (legendary New York DJ – Artist Panel)
year’s summit. Corona have a strong history around the genre of elec-
Andrew Scheps (producer/engineer/Pro-Tools creator – Keynote Interview)
tronic music, and a series of 2014 activity will be announced with this
MK (famed remixer Marc Kinchen – IMS Anthem Remixer 2014)
partnership. Last year’s summit featured exclusive interviews with Fat-
Alfredo (original Ibiza Balearic DJ – Keynote Interview)
boy Slim, Sven Vath, Nile Rodgers, Idris Elba, Paul Van Dyk, legendary blogger Bob Lefsetz and many more. The line up for 2014 includes:
Industry Icons: Paul McGuinness (Long-term manager, U2)
18
Artists:
Daniel Haver and Mate Galic (Founders, Native Instruments)
George Clinton (Parliament / Funkadelic – Keynote Interview)
Horst Weidenmueller (Founder,!K7 Records)
Steve Angello (Size Records - Keynote Interview)
Alison Wenham (Founder, AIM: Association of Independent Music)
Annie Mac (BBC Radio 1 – Keynote Interview)
Eelko van Kooten (CEO, Spinnin Records)
Jamie Jones (Hot Natured / Hot Creations – Artist Panel)
Miles Leonard (Chairman, Parlophone / Warner Brothers UK)
Seth Troxler (Resident Advisor poll winning DJ – Artist Panel)
Bruce Eskowitz (COO, Red Light Management)
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Marcel Avram Invests In EDM-Event Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Industry veteran Marcel Avram has teamed up with IBZ Entertain-
August 5.– 7., Anatolia, Turkey:
ment and launched a new festival format. The event is entitled “Isle Of
Above & Beyond, Alesso, Apollonia, Autoerotique, Avicii, Chuckie,
Dreams” and will take place from August 5 to 10. The festival is designed
Dubfire, Fedde le Grand, Jamie Jones, JP Candela, Kaz James, Nervo,
as a travelling event and will start of in Anatolia in Turkey, move on to the
Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, R3hab, Sasha, Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve
Sea of Galilee in Israel and finish off in Allmend Gunzgen in Switzerland.
Aoki, The Martinez Brothers.
Danny Whittle and Mark Netto from IBZ Entertainment have developed
August 7.– 9., Sea of Galilee, Israel.
the concept for Isle Of Dreams. Before founding IBZ Entertainment
Alesso, Apollonia, Avicii, Axwell, Chuckie, Carnage, Danny Avila, Fedde
Whittle worked for many years as the brand director for the Pacha Club
le Grand, Jamie Jones, Jp Candela, Nervo, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong,
in Ibiza, he left the well know dance club in April 2013.
R3hab, Sasha, The Martinez Brothers.
The new event foresees the combination of headlining DJs and up-
August 8.– 10., AllmendGunzgen, Switzerland.
coming domestic acts in unique locations in a natural environment.
Above & Beyond, Alesso, Apollonia, Avicii, Calvin Harris, Chuckie, Da-
“The whole idea for Isle of Dreams was to present a festival that really
vid Guetta, Eva Shaw, Fedde le Grand, Gareth Emery, Jamie Jones, JP
spans all the genres of electronic music, from the bigger sounds on the
Candela, Kaz James, Nervo, Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Sasha, Sebas-
main stage to the more underground cutting edge sounds of the other
tian Ingrosso, Zedd.
arenas,” commented Whittle on the concept of the festival in a press release. “ We aim to top this off with not only spectacular locations but
For further information please check: www.isle-of-dreams.com
also incredible production values. For us to meet someone like Marcel Avram who had the same vision was a dream come true and ultimately
Marcel Avram
we aim to make dreams come true for all the fans of electronic music that will attend the events. This is why Isle Of Dreams was our obvious name for these amazing events. So see you all either on the beach in Turkey, next to the Sea of Galilee in Israel or in the Fields of Switzerland. All are going to be very special”. The promoter for the festival is Marcel Avram. No information has been given about the capacities of each edition of this festival. The dates and program for Isle Of Dreams are:
19
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
Lanxess Arena – Preparing For Sale Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com According to media reports the biggest German Indoor Arena is apparently up for sale. The Multiplex Arena opened its doors in October1998 and is part of a real estate complex, which, besides the arena, includes two officebuildings, a sports training hall and a multi-storey car park. The Manager Magazine reports that the arena complex was built with the financial input of around 70 private investors assembled within the “Immobilienfonds Köln-Deutz Arena und Mantelbebauung”. The fund belongs to the group of so called Oppenheim-Esch-Fonds, a joint venture between the previously private bank Sal, Oppenheim and the building tycoon Josef Esch. The bank meanwhile went bankrupt and is now owned by the Deutsche Bank. According to various media reports the group of owners of the Arenacomplex agreed at a stakeholder meeting in March to instruct the
In 2012 CTS Eventim took over the management company that oper-
Oppenheim-Esch-Fonds to prepare the sale of the various parts of
ates the Lanxess arena. Currently the annual lease for the arena is
the Arena complex. According to the local newspaper Kölner Stad-
thought to be 6.6 million Euro, but in order to recoup the building
tanzeiger the arena itself is expected to cost 200 million Euro.
expenses it would have to bring in 10 million Euro per year.
Michael Rapino at Amsterdam Dance Event Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com It is a bit of a surprise and paradoxical too.
of dance music assets, although this still has
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino is to do a
to recoup and to deliver its return of invest-
question and answer session at the upcoming
ment.
edition of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) on October 15. Live Nation, the biggest corporate
On the other hand, in terms of missing a
concert company took over the EDM-festival
trend, the Live Nation situation reminds us a
brand Creamfield in 2012 and seemingly left
little bit of MTV, or more accurately its par-
the currently booming rest of this market seg-
ent company Viacom losing the bidding war
ment to be taken up by SFX Entertainment.
for Youtube in 2006, acquired in the same year by Google. Anyhow, there are still many
Since within just two years SFX Entertainment
EDM companies out there that would love
bought almost a complete 360 degree value
to talk to Rapino, so the arrival of Rapino in
chain of dance music related events and ser-
Amsterdam is a valuable bonus for ADE and
vices, the trip of Rapino to ADE comes a little
probably still a very worthwhile educational
too late; certainly not for ADE but certainly
journey for the Live Nation boss.
for Rapino. The rise and success of electronic
20
Rapino visitors. The festival will take place from Sep-
music in recent years would have been a val-
By the way, ADE partner in music Electric Fes-
tember 3 to 7.
uable contribution towards the portfolio of
tival Aruba has extended this year’s edition
the business activities of Live Nation too. But
from three to five days. ADE is the confer-
For further information please check:
instead it has been SFX Entertainment that
ence partner for the festival in the Caribbean.
http://.electricfestival.com/
has meanwhile compiled a global network
Last year’s edition attracted 15.000 festival
www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/
&
http://
N
D
NE 20 JU14 20 EA LI D
E
SMA
TE
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Networking Showcase Festival Trade Fair Conference Film Screenings Awards virtualWOMEX
Santiago de Compostela Galicia, Spain 22 — 26 October 2014 www.womex.com
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS > APRIL 2014
MUSIC IN SHARES
Music in Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim – Annual Meeting In May:
announced that it has bought the remaining stake and now holds
CTS Eventim aims to restructure its corporate structures and accord-
100 percent of the company. Live Nation Entertainment president of
ing to legal statutes must ask its shareholders to agree on the in-
international and emerging markets Alan Ridgeway commented on
tended measures. The agenda for the upcoming annual meeting on
the measure: “As we continue to expand our global network, we
May 8 therefore foresees, besides the usual validation of the man-
wanted to assume full ownership of Live Nation Japan. Although we
agement board, a couple of further formal measures. First of all the
still expect to work together on some projects, this allows Live Nation
management board of CTS Eventim intends to make the legal conver-
to pursue our own interests and work with a variety of partners.”
sion “from a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) into a partnership limited by shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien)” Secondly the
No information has been made about the purchase price. On January
company plans to undertake a 1:1 share split and to increase its equity
2 the share cost $20.19 now it stands at $21.17.
capital from the previous 48 to 96 million Euro. Current shareholders receive one additional share for each share they currently hold.
SFX Entertainment - Continues Shopping? The SFX Entertainment list of acquisitions still grows. The latest ad-
At the time this report went to press the CTS share stood at 45.91
dition to the company portfolio is the merchandising company Per-
Euro, at the beginning of year the share price was 38.24 Euro.
ryscope Productions or Norman Perry. The one and only Robert FX Sillerman, Chairman and CEO of SFX Entertainment says, “Perry a
DEAG – Aims to Tender for Open Air Venue Waldbühne:
true innovator in merchandising. He will expand the brand awareness
DEAG filed an interim injunction against the Senate of Berlin regard-
of our many SFX properties and ensure high-quality, cutting-edge
ing the renewal of a lease contract of the open air location Waldbüh-
merchandise and collectibles will be available at events and wherever
ne at the responsible district court. DEAG-CEO Peter Schwenkow told
EMC fans shop.”
the local newspaper Tagesspiegel, that the injunction should prevent the renewal of a lease agreement for the location with CTS Eventim
Prior to this a picture of Sillerman showing off his middle finger when
without a call for tender, allowing him to also present an offer to run
leaving his private jet on arrival in Miami circulated widely in the world
the open air site. The current agreement will expire at the end of the
wide web. The picture has been used to illustrate various articles that
year and the new lease will last five years.
reported a conference call soon after the annual results for 2013 of the company were released. During the call the share price dropped
A spokesman for the senator of the interior told the newspaper that
by 20 percent when the analyst Ben Green of BD Capital asked Siller-
there is no call for a tender to prolong the current arrangement with
man about, “…accounting adjustments to brush over shitty deals.”
CTS Eventim. The reason is that the Senate has a leasing contract with CTS Eventim and not a facility management he argued.
The share price dropped to $5.70, but meanwhile recovered, climbing up to $7.33. However, on January 2nd the share price still was at
Live Nation – Completed Acquisition Of Live Nation Japan:
$11.36. For 2013 SFX reported revenue of $170 million and a net loss
When Live Nation Japan was created in 2012, the company Creative-
of $119 million.
man still held a minority stake in the company. Live Nation has now
22
VIP NEWS > MISC > APRIL 2014
MEMBER PRESENTATION
ARTIST AVAILS Chloe Charles Territory: Europe Period: September/October Agency: Paperclip Agency / Agent: Hilde Spille Phone: +31 243239322 E-mail: hilde@paperclip-agency.com Homepage: www.paperclip-agency.com
ORBITAL ñ 25th year anniversary tour in 2014 Territory: The World excluding USA Period: May onwards Agency: Value Added Talent / Agent: Dan Silver Phone: +44 207 704 97 20 E-mail: dan@vathq.co.uk Homepage: www.vathq.co.uk
Bulgarian Live Music is a company, which started its activity only a few years ago, but has already become well-known for organizing music events in Bulgaria. A good example for the professional qualities of Bulgarian Live Music is the successful events in which world famous artists from all genres had taken part. <b>ROCK/METAL</b> The company organizes and manages the biggest rock festival in Bulgaria – Kavarna Rock During the three day edition of the festival in 2012 the audience heard the energetic
Alan Parsons Live Project Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: JPR@JohnRegna.com Homepage: www.AlanParsonsTourPromo.com
Glasvegas Territory: Europe Period: 2014 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Ben Winchester Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: ben@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.glasvegas.net
Dio Disciples, Glenn Hughes, Michael Schenker, BTR, Commanda 5, Stryper, Dokken, Big Noize & Sebastian Bach, D2 & Dicho, Lizzy Borden, Kamelot, Rhapsody of fire, Renegat And Ahat. Last summer “Kaliakra” stadium in Kavarna city gathered more than 20 000 fans of the legendary bands Deep Purple, Accept, Doro Pesch, Alisa, Analgin, Aria, Thunder and Cherno Feredje. The festival went on for 2 days and gained popularity and positive response from the Bulgarian fans as well as from those from other countries. On the 28th and 29th of June 2014 as a tradition at Kavarna Rock guests will be legendary artists like Europe, Helloween, Sabaton, Krokus, Gotthard, Pretty Maids, Jon Uli Roth и Jorn. The ambition of Bulgarian Live music to support young artists is followed by the challenge Black Sea Battle of the Bands 2014 – a contest for young rock musicians from the Black sea region.
THE ORCHESTRA starring ELO former members Territory: Worldwide Period: 2014-2015 Agency: World Entertainment Associates of America Agent: John Regna - Artist Agent/Manager Phone: +1 407-993-4000 E-mail: jpr@johnregna.com Homepage: www.THEORCHESTRAonline.com
Afro Cuban All Stars Territory: East Europe, Middle East Period: July Agency: Greensmith Agent: Dragan Greensmith E-mail: dragan@greensmithltd.com Homepage: greensmithltd.com/artistprofile/ afro-cuban-all-stars/
BALKAN/FOLKLORE The genre variety of events was supplemented with “The Great Balkan Outplay” which was held on 15th of October 2013. Some of the biggest orchestras from Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria took part in it. Representatives of Bulgaria were the clarinet’s genius Ivo Papazov – Ibryama and “Trakia” orchestra, well-known world
MORE ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM POST YOUR ARTIST AVAILS ON: WWW.VIP-BOOKING.COM
wide with their improvisations and Bulgarian folklore. The Serbian musicians Boban and Marko Markovich and their orchestra, consisting of 13 people, took part in the event, too. Their music is can be heard in Emir Kusturica’s movies “Underground” and “Arizona Dream”. In the outplay were included the Romanians from “Fanfare
Orbital
Ciocărlia” ( “Lark orchestra”), known as the fastest brass band in the world – the orchestra became popular because of the high-energy sound, complex rhythms and high-speed clarinet, trumpet and saxophone solos.
23
VIP NEWS >
APRIL 2014
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