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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM
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VOLUME 211
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MAY 2018
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VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
McGowan’s
Musings
Things have not been quiet of late in the
Music fans and audiences are undeniably
town by the sea which I have called home
resilient,
for the past fifty years – (I only intended to
discomforts of queues and cold weather;
stay for a weekend!), any way Brighton has
recent festival research has revealed that
been besieged (even more than usual!) by
one year on from the Manchester Arena
entertainers, actors, comedians, jugglers,
bombing, festival goers are still defiant
clowns etc., since the start of the month. This
after that atrocity and other recent terrorist
is because the annual Brighton Festival, and
attacks, and although aware that they have
the Brighton Fringe have taken over all the
to be alert the majority do not intend to be
theatres, pubs, churches, open-air spaces,
intimidated into staying away from their
cinemas, from morning till late at night.
favoured events. Let’s hope that this year’s
Then, to make sure that everything becomes
upcoming festival season stays safe in every
even more hectic, the music business en
way!
putting
aside
the
minor
masse descends upon us for four days
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2
in May for The Great Escape. The event’s
So, how many of you would be happy to
conference and showcase activity takes over
never ever hear or read the words General
even more venues, and this year added one
Data Protection Regulation ever again!
of its own, with various tents being erected
Email after email drops into the inbox (apart
on the beach.
from when the bloody system is down as happened to me this week – I’m not sure
Still all this gives me a chance to talk about
what’s worse!) with yet another request
the weather - which of course I rarely do!
to sign up, do nothing, turn sideways,
– The Great Escape has operated in some
subscribe, unsubscribe, pretend you’re not
dreadful weather for several editions. The first
actually a robot – which obviously I am, or
year, some thirteen years ago took place in
admit to being human, which I’m loathe to
the most severe wind and rain, I promoted
do as it puts me in the same category as
a show on the pier which people could
Donald Trump and all those who voted for
not reach as they were driven back as they
bloody Brexit!!
struggled to reach the venue! Still this year the sun shone during the days, but some
…well, I feel a bit better for that – ping!, on no, another one…
evenings were very cold, and those queuing for the sold out gigs were seen to shiver. Still,
I think Ladies and Gentlemen, that it’s best
the daytime parties, of which there were
to just get on with the news, unless you feel
many, cheered the guests as the drink flowed
like entrusting me with all your data till the
and the snacks were devoured! Still more of
next issue? Have fun, and I hope the sun
The Great Escape further on in this issue…..
shines on you!
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
UK Arenas Mark the Anniversary of the Manchester Bombing Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com On May 22, the 22 member venues of the
who showed such bravery, compassion and
UK’s National Arenas Association (NAA)
professionalism under the most harrowing
along with government buildings observed
of circumstances.”
a national minute’s silence to mark the oneyear anniversary of the Manchester Arena
A recent inquiry into the bombing, the
bombing.
Kerslake report, praised arena operator SMG Europe and security company Showsec
The arenas – which include the O2 and SSE
for going “above and beyond their roles to
Arena Wembley in London, the Motorpoint
provide humanitarian assistance” to victims
Arenas in Cardiff and Nottingham, Echo
of the bombing, which left 22 dead.
Arena in Liverpool, Genting Arena in Birmingham, 3Arena in Dublin (Rep. of
who were so tragically affected by the
The NAA is collaborating with ILMC, the
Ireland) and Manchester Arena itself. A
Manchester terror attack one year ago.”
European Arenas Association (EAA) and the
statement from the association stated
Association of Event Venues on the second
that the arenas and other buildings fell
The statement continued, “NAA venues
Event Safety & Security Summit (E3S), which
silent at 14.30 on the 22cnd to remember
will also be recognising our friends and
returns to London in a new, larger-capacity
those victims and their families and friends
colleagues working at the arena on that day
venue on 30 October.
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REGISTER NOW FROM €295!
3
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
Emma Banks to receive Music Industry Trusts Award From VIP-Daily News Emma Banks, the CAA executive whose clients include Katy Perry,
if I would accept the award I was honestly dumbfounded. The MITS
Arcade Fire, Lorde and Florence + The Machine, will be awarded with
‘roll of honor’ is packed with people that I admire and respect – I
the 2018 Music Industry Trusts Award to honor her more than 25-
never expected to be added to that list but will do my very best to
year career in the music business.
be worthy of it!”
Banks, who is co-head of CAA London, also represents Kylie Minogue,
Banks began her career at Wasted Talent, later called Helter Skelter.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Muse, HAIM and Paramore, and
She joined CAA in 2006.
is the chair of Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef committee. She will receive the award at the Nov. 5 ceremony held in London. She follows previous recipients Sir George Martin, Sir Elton John, Sir Lucian Grainge CBE, Michael Eavis CBE, Simon Cowell, Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer and Annie Lennox OBE, among others. The gala ceremony benefits U.K.-based charities the BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins. Said Banks: “I am overwhelmed at being honored at the MITS this year. I am rarely lost for words but when David Munns rang me to ask
Emma Banks
CTS Eventim acquires Doctor Music From VIP-Daily News future, we will be able to offer them not only
artists and fans the best services, for an
efficient ticketing, but also a range of tour
unforgettable live experience.”
options. With its international portfolio of artists and inventory strengths, Doctor Music
Last year, Doctor Music announced that it
is the ideal partner for this advance.”
will be reviving Spain`s Doctor Music Festival in the Pyrenean village of Escalarre in July
Live entertainment giant CTS Eventim is
Upcoming shows by Doctor Music will
acquiring a controlling stake in leading
feature acts including Beth Ditto, Bruno
Spanish promoter Doctor Music.
Mars, Camila Cabello, Jason Derulo, Katy
2019, after a 20-year absence.
Perry, Parov Stelar, Shawn Mendes and Texas. The acquisition, which includes the legal entities Big Tours S.L. and In Cow We
Doctor Music CEO Neo Sala said: “We were
Trust S.L., follows four acquisitions for CTS
one of the first concert promoters to bring
Eventim in Italy since September.
the greatest pop-rock stars to Spain, 35 years ago. Since then, Doctor Music has worked
Klaus-Peter
4
CTS
tirelessly to put Spain on the international
Eventim, said: “The Spanish market has
Schulenberg,
CEO
of
rock and pop stage. This partnership is a
shown encouraging growth in recent years
huge leap forward for my team and myself,
and is one of the most important destinations
allowing us to tap the resources and the
for artists from across the world. In the
network of a global player to offer both
Neo Sala
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
Entertainment Agents Association Warns of Increase in Email Scams Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com
On the 15 May , The Entertainment Agents’ Association issued a checklist for concert promoters to help ensure that they are dealing with the genuine agent of an artist when booking a show. The checklist was issued following recent scams that have seen fraudsters claim to represent artists including Adele, Justin Timberlake, Dire Straits, Beyoncé, System Of A Down and Eminem. “We’re seeing a worrying increase in this style of email scam,” said
until you have double checked that the ‘agent’ is indeed who they
Association president Neil Tomlinson. “Before agreeing any show
say they are. Please get on the phone to the agents you are doing
and sending deposits, promoters must be 100% sure that they are
business with – everything on email makes these scams so much
dealing with the real booking agent for that artist.”
easier for people to instigate.”
Unless a promoter is sure of an agents’ identity, the Association
Members of the Entertainment Agents Association include 13 Artists,
urges promoters to adopt the following steps…
Asgard, ATC Live, CAA, Coda, ITB, Primary Talent International, UTA, WME & X-ray Touring.
• Check
the email address is correct, in particular the email domain,
and if in any doubt call the agency to confirm it (do not use the telephone number on the email). • Check
the artist’s website for any conflicting touring plans
• Make
sure you have full contact details of the agent you are
Neil Tomlinson
working with and speak to them on the phone at least once. • Before
sending a deposit, call the agency to confirm the booking
and check their account details. • Check
with promoters in other markets to verify the artist is touring
in that region at that time. • If an offer is accepted and seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Please be very careful if you get mails that don’t quite look right,” added Emma Banks at CAA. “Follow the common sense steps that the Agents Association have suggested and don’t send any money
5
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
The Great Escape ’18 Sells Out Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com More than 450 bands played at some 35 Brighton venues at
dealt with carefully chosen and presented topics including
this year’s 13th edition. 13,000 festival goers packed into,
Music Education, Mental Health in the Industry, and the
or queued outside sold out venues, to see, or hope to see
Chinese Market.
such up and coming acts as Bodega (US), La Boom (Ireland),
again entertained in shambolic fashion with Dutch Impact
Echo Vandell (Australia) Paceshifter (The Netherlands),
winning the Export Office of the Year Award, significant as
Beaches (Canada) and many others. 4 days of Conference
the Netherlands were the guest country for this 2018 edition.
The Yearly Music Conference Awards
THE GREAT ESCAPE - an essay from the back of the venue Ville Leppanen - Finnish Co -Founder of
The Great Escape took place last weekend.
happy weekend of music and the business
London based Artist Management and
We were there, along with five of our
that surrounds it.
Production Company The Animal Farm, and
artists. Our showcase was packed, the
sometime guest writer for VIP News, reflects
bands played well and a good time was
It felt good to see our previous work
on his time at The Great Escape, and one or
had. Many other showcases and talks about
experience interns strutting around, having
two other things….
the state of the industry all blended into a
found gainful employment in music. Meeting old colleagues, with some of whom we’ve had working relationships for over two decades, made me realise that having most of our own hair and teeth after nearly thirty years in the business is quite an achievement…! It was encouraging to see a lot of action. There certainly is no shortage of people wanting to make and perform music. No shortfall of managers, labels, promoters, publishers, PR people, A&R people and so on. No lack of options. The hills are alive with the sound of music. That said, it was dispiriting to find so little music actually connecting with audiences. Or maybe people these days just experience live shows differently: via staring at their smartphones while the bands play. At the ends of songs they look up and do that perfunctory whoo-hoo thing that seems to have become the norm in showing one’s appreciation to a performer.
Ville Leppanen
6
Are people pretend-playing pads and mini keyboards while they’re actually performing
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
karaoke along with a MacBook really the
These aren’t conversations that musicians
anyone at all. It isn’t a good enough
future? I should hope not.
who’ve been coming to our studios for
alternative to chart pop, the imagined
the past 15 years have very often, if at all.
enemy of “real music”.
The death of guitar music was widely
Musicianship isn’t discussed, isn’t valued.
discussed. Someone pointed out that some
I agree that most chart pop is computer
of the best music in every decade since the
One day, in mid session, I was doing scales
generated muzak fronted by committees of
50s has been made by people with guitars,
on my guitar. The guitarist in the band we
perky, fame obsessed Instagrammers, the
and that we shouldn’t dismiss it too readily. I
were producing looked at me and said: “I
only point of which is to make someone a
concur. Then again, big bands and orchestras
could never do that”.
celebrity. The chord progressions Am, F, C,
made some of the best music before the
G and its variant C, G, Am, F are really nice,
50s. Classical orchestras performed some of
Maybe he meant that he couldn’t ever do
the greatest music ever made for a couple
it out of some weird principle t o continue
of hundred years before Bill Haley rocked
to suck at playing, or he thought that my
I don’t agree at all that rock music needs
around the clock.
ability to move my fingers rapidly and
to be dead or that guitars are obsolete. I
accurately across the fret board was a gift
do think with absolute conviction that both
I was born with.
the artform and the instrument have a lot
Things change and for the genre to reinvigorate itself to avoid the fate of genres,
but hardly the zenith of culture.
to offer to new generations.
which it replaced earlier in time, it, too,
Any blog of mine would not be complete
needs to change.
without mentioning squash, a sport I play
It will start to happen once fundamental
with a degree of seriousness. I recently had
stuff like ability, technique and substance
There’s no denying that rock music is not the
the chance to play in a charity event with
are respected and music is explored with
cultural force it once was. I offer one reason
the world’s top pros. Watching the masters
the genuine desire to create something
for this state of affairs: the people who play
at work is fun when you’re on the outside
new. Both the artists and the men in suits
it can’t impress anyone with their playing.
looking in. It’s only when you’re in the box
have to have that attitude.
with them that the difference between In a recent BBC documentary about Jeff Beck,
what you do and what they’re capable of
In the late 1800s, the British Scientific
Jimmy Page described their first meeting and
becomes wonderfully, joyfully clear.
Society declared that every technological/
the impact that finding a guitarist soul mate
scientific
invention/discovery
had
been
had on his life. They could explore music and
Their rackets do things that mine doesn’t.
made and no more would be forthcoming.
learn how to play together. They’d compete
Their bodies even more so.
They seriously considered shutting down
on who could play the solos on current
shop.
records better. Other guitarists like Clapton,
In contrast, what happens in most venues
Gilmour and Wood chimed in about their
at most gigs is that useless poseurs who
Think about that for a second before you
constant search for a new musical vocabulary.
possess no skill or substance fail to impress
say that everything’s been done.
The great escape
7
HAMBURG/GERMANY
19 – 22 Sept. 2018
150 Sessions · Hans-Holger Albrecht (Deezer, DE) · Mathew Daniel (NetEase Cloud Music, CN) · Bettina Dorn (Warner Music Group, DE) · Milena Fessmann (Cinesong, DE) · Tina Funk (Vevo, DE) · Cherie Hu (Billboard / Forbes, US) · Scarlett Li (CMC Holdings/Zebra Media, CN) · Carl Leighton-Pope (The Leighton-Pope Organisation, GB) · Christopher Mazur (Netflix, US) · Peter Schwenkow (DEAG, DE) · Jean-Noёl Tronc (Sacem, FR) · Jackie Wilgar (Live Nation, GB) · and more 600 Concerts · Bear's Den · Ibeyi · Goat Girl · Jess Glynne · Lewis Capaldi · David August · SIGRID · Tank and the Bangas · Alexis Taylor · Darwin Deez · Bishop Briggs · Okkervil River · Lxandra · Anna Burch · Black Foxxes · Graveyard · The Magic Gang · Soccer Mommy · BOY AZOOGA · Jamie Lenman · Fieh · Poppy · WhoMadeWho · and more Arts · Awards · Education · Film · Meetings · Networking · Showcases · Word
reeperbahnfestival.com Organiser: Reeperbahn Festival GbR & Inferno Events GmbH & Co. KG
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
Intro Magazine to Close Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com of Intro will be the closing edition. The
newspaper Melody Maker with the New
company will be shut down in July, with
Musical Express (NME), leading recently
around 30 people losing their jobs.
in March 2016 after 66 years to to the fact that even this weekly ceased its print
In the joint statement Hörstmann and Koch
version.
explained that the advertisement business for print magazines in recent years had
The monopoly situation in the online
dropped significantly, while the rates for
world where platforms such as Amazon,
online advertisement remain on such a low
Facebook, Google no longer have any real
level that the economics of running a full
competition but cause significant friction in
editorial team simply don’t make sense.
the offline world.
In fact music journalism is hit hard by the
A good definition of what this will bring
rise of social media outlets and streaming
about in the future can be read in a recent
platforms such as Spotify and Youtube. But
article in The Guardian under the headline
music magazines are even harder hit by
“Jeff Bezos vs the world: why all companies
For more than 25 years the music magazine
marketing trends which currently create a
fear ‘death by Amazon.”
Intro has enriched the German media
radical shift towards social media platforms
landscape. Launched by and until recently
like Facebook, viral campaigns or even
By the way, will the majority of not so well
kept alive by Matthias Hörstmann and his
sales driven on Amazon or the other usual
paid employees at Amazon in the future be
team. On April 27 almost out of the blue
suspects like Google or Youtube.
able to afford high price tickets by the likes
Hörstmann together with the editor in chief
of U2 or Coldplay or do the Bono’s of this
Daniel Koch issued a statement, saying that
The departure of Intro is the newest episode
world already start thinking of only playing
only more issue is to be published before
in the decline of music magazines, that
private shows for Jeff Bezos, followed by
the media venture will close down.
actually begun in 2000 in the UK with
intimate after show parties, discussing new
the merger of the 1926 founded weekly
innovative tax optimization strategies?
Intro was a sort of mother ship, and used to be the incubator for many other enterprises. Intro
Verlag
belongs
to
Hörstmann
Matthias Hörstmann
Unternehmensbeteiligungen, which besides Intro also includes the Festivalguide the first annual magazine dedicated to festivals only, Praise, a magazine for sneakers and live style, Sneakerness, a Sneakers Convention. Historically pop culture driven it also used to be home base for the indoor festival format Introducing, the music video portal Putpat and the Helga, probably one of the best award shows dedicated to festivals that in recent years took place in Hamburg during Reeperbahn Festival. This year’s edition of the Festival guide will be released as scheduled and the July issue
9
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
London Mayor launches ‘Sounds Like London’ Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Celebrating live music & supporting the capital’s grassroots music scene, a new summer programme will take place across the capital – with gigs and events taking place every single day throughout June. The initiative is part of a package of measures from the Mayor to help support and protect the capital’s grassroots music scene.
The
Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has announced the full programme for ‘Sounds Like London’ - a month-long celebration of live music taking place throughout June 2018 which aims to encourage Londoners and visitors to support grassroots music venues. Sounds Like London will feature more than 200 gigs across the capital, with events taking place every day during June. The full programme
Sadiq Khan
of events can be viewed online at: www.london.gov.uk/sounds-like-london Even though women make up almost
feature all-male line-ups and only five per
Sounds Like London will also shine a light on
two-thirds of entry-level roles in the music
cent of DJs, producers and sound engineers
women working in the music industry and
industry1, they are underrepresented at a
are women2. Sounds Like London will include
is part of the Mayor’s #BehindEveryGreatCity
senior level – from label management and
a number of gigs and initiatives to encourage
campaign, which celebrates the role of
promoters to board members and senior
more women in the music industry and shine
women in the capital.
executives. Two-thirds of UK live music acts
a light on female role models.
International Festival Forum Earlybird Passes Sold Out Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com Summer Rate passes available., though these
previous topics have included everything
are being taken faster than ever this year, so
from corporatisation and global deals to
those planning to be at this most influential
gender, hypothetical scenarios, tech and
meet-up in the international festival business,
data.
it’s advisable not to hang about. If you have a topic to discuss or a suggestion
10
Earlybird passes have been snapped up
With two mornings of dedicated panels and
for a speaker, IFF would love to hear from
for IFF 2018, and the Summer Rate passes
workshops at IFF, the conference is (mostly)
you. For any and all suggestions related to
have now all gone as well. However, the
serious
the IFF agenda, please email Ruud Berends
organisers sat that there’s still plenty of Late
focussed on the festival and agency worlds,
business.
With
subject
matter
ruudberends@gmail.com.
VIP NEWS >
MAY 2018
Loveparade Trial Continues Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com On May 22 the owner of Lopavent, Rainer Schaller, the promoter of the Loveparade appeared as a witness in the on-going trial in Düsseldorf. Three days are scheduled for the questioning of Schaller, who as the owner of McFit took over the brand Loveparade, using the event as a “marketing-tool” to promote his chain of gym-studios. Before he appeared in court Schaller apologized for what had happened at the event in Duisburg, where 21 people died and more than 600 were injured. It wasn’t a natural disaster, it was a human made failure, he said. According to media reports the examination of Schaller lasted six hours, which generally revealed, that he completely left operational tasks in the responsibility of the production team for the Loveparade. In fact none of the high ranked decision takers responsible for the event taking place in Duisburg are accused in the trial. Neither Adolf Sauerland, the former mayor of Duisburg nor Schaller or anyone at Ruhr2010, the umbrella brand of the former EU Capital of Culture under which banner the Loveparade was moved from Berlin towards the Ruhr district. In fact only 10 people are officially accused, four people working for Lopavent and six employees of the City of Duisburg. Also nobody from the Police are officially facing charges. The trial is supposed to
Rainer Schaller
last until autumn.
Loveparade tragedy 2010
Need to know who is touring Europe?
®
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11
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MAY 2018
Black Box Brussels Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com Preparatory action for the Music Moves Europe initiative
“The Preparatory Action has four specific objectives:
proceeds to the next level. To develop a better understanding of the market trends and to Currently many of us are busy with the new “General Data Protection
propose sustainable mechanisms on how to monitor them, as well as
Regulation” the new EU-law for data protection and privacy coming
to identify the funding needs of the music sector;
into effect on May 25. The terms and definitions of the regulation are defined in an 88 page document which is a masterpiece of
To identify innovative and sustainable distribution models that would
jurisprudence and almost impossible for those that did not attend a
support European music diversity (such as promoting the circulation
law school to understand. The adoption of the new law interacts via
of local repertoire beyond mainstream international hits).
e-mail inboxes with the daily life of of music industry professionals and the European music community, offering various versions of how
To promote the cross-border mobility of artists through implementing
this law should be responded to and interpreted.
different cross-sectorial training schemes bridging industry silos and addressing the most relevant gaps in knowledge of the sector.
Sometimes the subscribers of newsletters who want to be kept on a mailing list need to do nothing, sometimes they need to re-confirm
To develop a strategic approach for the promotion of European music
their subscription while replying to a mail or clicking a checkbox on
on the international market.”
a website. Don’t forget, that even photos showing people in the audiences of concerts without permission could easily lead to a legal
At first glance, so far, so good. But let’s take a look at how this works.
case in the future.
The easy versions are two “calls” concerning application for EUfunding, dedicated to:
Moving on to Music Moves Europe there are certain regulatory similarities to be spotted. Brussels is currently a hotspot for formalities,
a.) Music Moves Europe – Training scheme for young music
a perfect environment for lobbyists, graduate experts and those who
professionals
have certain understandings for administrative law.
b.) Music Moves Europe - Online and Offline Distribution
For Music Moves Europe-newbies this is it what the European
Both calls are accompanied with application forms consisting
Commission is currently investigating in the first steps towards getting
of only 16 pages, including questions about: general and specific
the highly anticipated support programme for the music sector in the
objectives, a description of the implementation of the main activities,
upcoming budget period starting in 2021 up and running:
the methodology of the implementation, expected results and their use and of course, among others the “sustainability of the project’s achievements.” The budget for the training scheme in total is 550.000 Euro, available for ten applications requesting a maximum budget of 55.000 Euro each. The one for Online and Offline Distribution is 300.000 Euro, limited to 30.000 Euro per application. But these two calls are just those for beginners. The more advanced and financially more lucrative include one feasibility study on a study for the establishment of a “European Music Observatory, and a gap analysis of funding needs for the music sector”, valued at 350.000, and a study on the development of a “proposal for a European Music Export Strategy,” equipped with a grant of 300.000 Euro.
Tibor Navracsics Music Moves Europe
12
These two tenders can be found on ted.europa.eu and include considerations of more than 60 topics. Let’s look into the targets of the study:
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MAY 2018
“Description of the procurement: The first specific objective of the study is to provide a state-of the art assessment on current market trends, explore opportunities offered to music by the digital economy, especially in relation to fairer structures of remuneration. The study will explore for each identified trend: - What is currently being addressed sufficiently by the Creative Europe program and how;
Well, to cut a long story short: The realisation of Music Moves
- What is currently not being addressed sufficiently by the European
Europe might not be only a political challenge. It seems likely to
funding instruments and how its successor program could better
also be a bureaucratic challenge. Lets very much hope, that at least
address it.
the study for the observatory eventually discovers that the aspect of
- Provide convincing justification for the need of future support on
less complex application forms might help to install a proper support
European level, taking the principle of subsidiarity and the European
programme for the music sector that feeds the needs of the branch
dimension into account.
and not only the preferences of those familiar with administrative laws.
The second specific objective of the study is to undertake a thorough stakeholder analysis by ensuring transparency of identification and
Perhaps EU-politicians and officials may have noticed that anti EU-
inclusion of all relevant partners of the music sector with a focus on
parties won not only elections in Eastern Europe but also in Austria
the European level.”
and most recently in Italy...
ImagIne if you could go to one website and get aLL the contacts you need for the european Live music Industry?
WeLL you Can! www.vip-booking.com
®
145-157 St John Street | London Ec1V 4PW United Kingdom | Phone: +44 (0) 870 755 0092 www.vip-booking.com | vip@vip-booking.com
vip-booking.com
13
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MAY 2018
Let’s Talk Politics
(And About Music Moves Europe) Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com With Christoph Storbeck
industry conference Linecheck, part of Milan
Christoph Storbeck: It’s an initiative from
Music Week.
the European Commission to support the music sector, at first through a few pilot
VIP News interviews Christoph Storbeck from Striker Entertainment about his experience
He has also booked tours, tour managed and
programmes, in order to see if the music
of running a typical music company in
promoted and produced concerts in Italy and
sector justifies more support potentially
today’s business environment for SME’s
abroad, represented labels and coordinated
through a future programme.
(Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.)
international releases. Storbeck is German born and raised but has been a frequent
More support would be very welcomed
Storbeck manages the songwriter Fabrizio
Italian traveller for almost 20 years, and was
by creators and industry organisations and
Cammarata
a founding member of the young Music
institutions, including the IMMF of which our
Managers Forum in Italy.
young organisation MMF Italy is a member.
and
XIXA,
handles
the
international PR and logistics for the award
Indeed I learned of it some time ago through
winning indie rock tastemaker festival Ypsigrock in Castelbuono and is the head
VIP News: What do you know about
the IMMF thanks to their participation in the
of the conference programme of the music
Music Moves Europe?
Commission’s series of roundtables. VIP News: Do you think the European Commission handling of the on going proceedings for Music Moves Europe is transparent and informative? Storbeck: Due to some intense work with the artists and festival I am fortunate to be involved with, I am not always able to closely follow the Commission’s work, one of the reasons I value being a member of a trade association. There have been quite some events around MME (Music Moves Europe) at Eurosonic, our event Linecheck and others. Though, speaking with other colleagues, I reckon the full importance of the Commission’s vision hasn’t slipped through to all the single players yet, me included. The information though is discoverable - of course - and when you ask you will learn what you want, but that’s the reason why MME and CE (Creative Europe) is again on our agenda for Linecheck conference 2018, and will give the associations and the Commission itself, space to promote its plans and inform the
Christoph Storbeck
14
community. Usually these topics are quite a hard sell to very busy people in business with
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MAY 2018
very limited time, but they directly impact
So it’s not the enemy of European music, it’s
Storbeck: I’m the head of conference at
the industries trading environment.
a possible partner: the centralistic approach
Linecheck (22-24 Nov 2018, Milan) and we
to promote artists is only one of the possible
had a very diverse programme, so I didn’t
ways to go.
manage to see all of the panels. But yes,
Though, whether MME or CE, every such EU project is a lot of work: to stay informed
attendance was good and the audience is
about calls, to apply and when accepted to
Though I’d expect, if run reasonably and
very interested. Most of all it showed that
actually do what you’re supposed to do and
successfully, MME can lead to encouraging
even the Majors recognise its necessity and
then also virtuously create added value.
more professional and creatively courageous
potential: the panel was actually suggested to
players in the European music industry,
us and hosted by Italian’s IFPI, FIMI (Federation
throughout the entire EU.
of Italian Music Industry) and featured FIMI’s
Sometimes it seems projects are run for the sake of running projects and secure
Enzo Mazza, Florian Druecke from BVMI and
a tentative alternative income stream to
As a manager, I hope the infrastructure
cross-finance, instead of a necessity for
gets better throughout Europe, leading in
Guillaume Leblanc from SNEP.
your cultural business or an endeavour to
the long run, to generally more musically
This year we’ll host the Impala board
participate in such a project, but that’s a
well educated audiences that appreciate
meeting and MME and CE will be part of
different topic. European funding is a world
live music in better equipped venues etc.
the discussions in and beyond the Italian
(and a business) in itself. In the end... every
National support for the creative industries
context.
funding project is a lot of work.
should become streamlined throughout VIP News: Currently Music Moves Europe
Europe, too.
seems to be an exclusive battlefield
Transparency and reporting can never be good enough, not only for MME, but for
As a Sicilian Indie-Rock festival we hope to
for lobbyists. Only those who can
CE. Check quickly what projects have been
be able to build up professional talent in our
participate or raise their flag in Brussels
funded, who the partners are, if there’s
region and be able to maintain the talent,
and have the financial resources to
something that connects to you... Quite
and see more exciting talent from all over
invest in lobby activities. Would you say
some work.
the place drawing paying audiences.
this is an appropriate way of handling
When digging into the matter, it seems quite
As a conference in Milan we hope to be a
transparent though and the online presence
platform for all of the above.
the development of such a programme? Storbeck: Not in an ideal world. In Utopia,
of the EU in general has improved massively.
the EU would already have internal market I’d expect that the European Commission
experts that are so informed that they know
VIP News: As somebody working in this
gets a proper understanding that first comes
better than from learning from lobbyists...
sector what are your expectations in
the education of managers, recording-rights
But in the end it’s what it is and in Brussels
terms of Music Moves Europe?
holders, agents, but most of all realised that
there are rotating politicians that usually
musicians and creatives achieve realistic self-
have a different education than a music
Storbeck: Generally I hope that MME
understanding and stimulate great diverse
business professional. So there’s no way
leads to the much desired objective, i.e.
creativity instead of pure copying.
around getting organised, to stand up within
to significantly raise the European budget
the association and umbrella organisation.
of Creative Europe and/or make it a
But in the end, as much as you force and
So you have to have your voice heard. But
proper programme to feature diversity,
support the business, it’s the professional’s
that’s not limited to the music sector...
digitalisation, creativity, and to strengthen
education and the artist’s comparative
Europe as competitive markets.
international
quality
that
makes
the
difference.
VIP News: The latest results of the Italian elections, similar to those in Austria, Poland or Hungary, not to forget
I share the objectives of strengthening and augmenting European production and the
VIP News: You had a panel regarding
Brexit,
professionalization of music, though I of
Music Moves Europe as part of the
and populist parties gained more votes
revealed
that
course recognise the international legitimacy
conference agenda at Line Check in
than
of UK-US and also Australian and Canadian
November 2017. Was the panel well
parties. Are you concerned about these
music business. There’s a high grade of
attended and can you say anything
developments and as a European citizen,
organisation of the business and especially
about the audience reactions on this
what are your assumptions regarding
in the UK the business itself seems “pop”.
panel?
the reasons for these movements?
pro-European
Anti-European
(except
France)
15
VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >
MAY 2018
Storbeck: Yes, very concerned. People, not
That in company with the populist very right
only in Italy, rarely see anything beyond their
wing Lega Nord is even more frightening.
very limited micro-social system. I am such
It means also that the political education
a frequent traveller to Italy. I consider it my
has failed terribly, but that’s probably a
second home, because of European projects
different interview and goes way beyond my
and the facility to travel and do business, so
expertise.
comfortably. Every time I get upset when
politically active wouldn’t have been there:
realising how much money one is losing in
VIP News: In 2017 the leader of the UK
exchange rates, visas, work permits, widely
Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, delivered
withholding-tax payments and recouping
a speech at Glastonbury Festival. On
So yes, the sector must be politically active,
money to double taxation agreements. Wish
the other hand hardly any UK-Artists
or at least aware of what’s going on and be
it were even more streamlined. Sure there
(except Blur in a one sentence statement
organised in solid associations that help to
are downsides, but in itself, rather try to
in the newspaper The Guardian) spoke
divert existing public monies into the music
improve the system then split it up.
up in 2016 for staying in the European
sector. Education though should be a priority
Union. Should the music sector become
for the music sector to push for, since we’re
We’ll have to see how this develops, but to me
more politically active or is this, due
talking not only about our next customers
it seems the ideas of the Five Star Movement
to the current generation of European
but also our next politicians.
are mainly against a system but pretend to be
politicians, an indication that this is not
with “the people” with obviously very vague
of interest for those people representing
VIP
ideas on how to finance their plans. That is
culture
observations in terms of the election
concerning. It’s even more concerning for
community for those people?
battle in Italy?
Europe’s biggest but also one of the world’s
Storbeck: Regarding the artists, that’s a
Storbeck: Culture wasn’t a topic in the
top 10 music markets. The music market
fragile thing. Not all artists have that mind-
elections, not sexy enough I reckon.
grew steadily over the last years; the general
set and character. A good start is to convince
progress seemed to go quite ok too. But
through great and diverse products that go
In the last years a few good programmes
there’re quite some question-marks now.
beyond the mainstream, scratch the surface,
were initiated in Italy. The Ministry of Cultural
invite the audience to reflect and do things
Heritage and Activities and Tourism MiBACT
differently to the others.
seemed to open the cultural financing to
or
in
particular
the
music
Eurosonic is just the tip of the iceberg.
News:
What
have
been
your
such a big economy as Italy, not only one of
Fortunately it’s not all Italians and somehow the political establishment dug its own
rock and pop music festivals, the S’Illumina
grave leaving plenty of frustrated citizens,
But while artists come and go, usually the
programme by MiBACT and handled by
but considering a choleric comedian writing
music professional remains in business and
SIAE distributes monies coming from private
on blogs and shouting into crowds and
sees generations changing. For me it’s only
copies into new creativity and infrastructure.
cameras, for a political movement whose
been a little over ten years, but still, you
Last year was the first Milano Music Week.
major communication tool is owned by
see what effect well crafted programmes
Puglia Sounds has been doing good things.
private company, is definitely frightening.
can have to build things that without being
Since November Italy is probably the last nation in Europe to finally have a national Italy Music Export - Office powered by the SIAE that is starting to do a great job. After years of basically spending all creative/ cultural-money on movies, it seems at the Trade Commission people finally start to understand that music is an efficient way to export with a good return on image. Also European Projects like Europavox (Estragon) and NIMPE (Assomusica) have Italian partners and many more deserve support.
Milano music week 2017
16
For further information please check: www.striker-entertainment.com
ARTIST APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY OPEN! ESNS: EU
APPLY VIA WWW.ESNS.NL STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
ESNS: EU creative europe
STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
MAY 2018
Kilimanjaro Live adds two new promoters From VIP-Daily News Kilimanjaro Live has welcomed two new
I’m both honoured and excited to become
representing Kilimanjaro in the incredibly
promoters to its ranks.
part of their team,” said Anderson.
competitive live music scene of the UK.
Jamie Anderson who previously worked
Previously promoter assistant, Denmark-
“We’re all immensely proud of the artists
at PCL Presents in Scotland, and Peter
born Tomsen will work with new music
we work with and these appointments are
Tomsen, who joined Kili in 2017 as part of
artists and singer-songwriters, including his
a recognition of the need for us to maintain
the company`s internship programme, have
main passions of indie and scandi-pop.
our eyes and ears out at shows whilst also
both been added to the booking team.
providing the best service we can to our “It’s all hugely exciting for me, I can’t wait
existing clients.
Anderson has worked on shows by artists
to get started and repay the trust that has
such as Catfish and The Bottlemen, Jack
been shown to me by the great Kili family,”
“Peter and Jamie are here to build their
White, Noel Gallagher`s High Flying Birds,
he said.
own careers as well as those of the artists
Liam Gallagher, Vampire Weekend, Haim
they bring in and we’re excited to have
and Arcade Fire. He has also been closely
London-based Kilimanjaro, which celebrated
them on board and to be able to contribute
involved in Scotland’s biggest multi-venue
its 10th anniversary earlier this year, was
to their development in the industry. I
festival, the Stag & Dagger Festival in
crowned Best Promoter at last month`s
sincerely hope each of them loves working
Glasgow.
Music Week Awards and will be promoting
for Kilimanjaro like our whole team do and
15 dates of Ed Sheeran`s upcoming UK
I wish them the best of luck out in the field
stadium tour, which begins next week.
and hope they find and develop industry
He
will
be
responsible
for
booking
and promoting his own artists as well
relationships that allow them to fulfil their
contributing to the Kilimanjaro festival
Company director and senior promoter
potential to the max along with that of the
programme.
Steve Tilley said: “I’m delighted to welcome
artists they bring into the company.’’
Peter and Jamie to the fold and have them
18
“Having known Kilimanjaro and its strong
join myself, Carlo Scarampi, Alan Day,
Pictured:
reputation in the industry for many years,
Georgie Donnelly and Mark Walker in
Jamie Anderson and Peter Thomsen
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
MAY 2018
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
CTS Eventim
Since the last issue the number of law firms seems to have increased
- Pleasure Booster For Share Holders
steadily, similar to the share price of the company which since then went up from $40.11 to $43.64.
With a revenue growth of 32.5 per cent and earnings results up 22.8 per cent, CTS Eventim delivered satisfying figures for the first quarter
Spotify
of 2018 (Q1-2018.) The revenue went from 207.2 in Q1-2017 up to
- Industry Share Holders Are Cashing In
274.5 million Euro, the Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) increased from 45.4 up to 55.4 million Euro.
The debut of Spotify at the New York stock Exchange earlier on in April lead Sony Music and Warner Music to reduce their stake of shares in
The ticketing division of CTS Eventim growth as usual, revenue nearly
the company. Warner Music sold 75 per cent of their share earlier on
up10 per cent from 92.6 to 101.8 million Euro with the usually highly
in May, while Sony Music previously sold 17.2 per cent of their shares .
impressive profit margins, summing up from 36.5 up to 40.4 million Euro.
Anyhow, the previously reported share price for Spotify has been $158.40, this time it is $156.75.
The most impressive result was achieved by the Live Entertainment segment of CTS Eventim, a revenue growth of 50.8 per cent from 116.1 up to 175 million Euro. Contributors to this development have been the recently acquired Italian promoters and additionally gained revenues due to the sale of the festivals Northside and Tinderbox. Soon or later the acquisition of Spanish company Doctor Music will furthermore boost the revenues for this part of the company On April 23 the share price was 38.80 Euro, on May 24 it rose to 40.42 Euro.
DEAG - Annual Meeting Scheduled On June 27 DEAG will hold its annual meeting in Berlin. A positive report will have to be that since the last issue of VIP News the share price of DEAG went from 2.62 up 3.10 Euro.
Live Nation - Class Action Case Gains Awareness As recently reported several law firms called on Live Nation share holders to join a class action case against the company regarding false and misleading statements due to the news that US Department of Justice investigating of the company undertook business practices that are not in line with a consent decree once agreed by Live Nation when merging with Ticketmaster in 2010.
19
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MAY 2018
MEMBER PRESENTATION
This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...
ARTIST AVAILS THE HORRORS Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Steve Backman E-mail: stevebackman@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.thehorrors.co.uk
TRACK DOGS Territory: orldwide Period: August onwards Agency: AMA Music Agency Agent: Mark Downing AMA Music Phone: + 353 862504795 E-mail: mark@amamuscagency.ie Homepage: www.amamusicagency.ie/trackdogs
Rockhopper Agency is an independent and international agency which have offices in Helsinki and Los Angeles. Rockhopper combines the agility of an aggressive new, boutique agency with the vast experience of its agents. Rockhopper Agency concentrates on international agency representation and local promotion. We are also putting our efforts on acquiring U.S.-based artists in need of European booking services. Juha Juoni has long and distinguished career in the music business. He started at
FIREHOUSE Territory: UK, Europe, Asia Period: November / December 2018 Agency: ARM Entertainment Agent: Dana Strutz Phone: 6514838754 E-mail: ds@armentertainment.com Homepage: www.armentertainment.com/firehouse
FOREVER KING OF POP Territory: World Period: 18/01/2018 - 01/01/2020 Agency: Summum Music Agent: Rosa Alfageme Phone: +34679002969 E-mail: rosa@summummusic.com Homepage: www.foreverkingofpop.net
Welldone Agency that later became Live Nation Finland. He moved on with his agent/ promoter career at RedBerg Agency as an owner of the company before he started Rockhopper Agency. Juha worked for ten years for Provinssirock, one of the biggest Finnish festivals.
SMOKIE Territory: Worldwide Period: 2019 Agency: NOW Music Co Agent: Jason Colombick Phone: +44 (0)1484723557 E-mail: jason@now-music.com
Archie Dani enjoys a long-time working relationship with Mr. Juoni, and brings to Rockhopper a wealth of experience and talent. As a former recording artist herself, enjoying a lengthy career while under contract with Universal, Ms. Dani also has a vast network of professional contacts throughout the industry.
About Our Company VIP-Booking’s core product is the largestdatabasefor the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-booking.comdeveloped as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscribers the very best in database services and now boast subscribersin over 50 countries.
PHOENIX Territory: Europe Period: 2018 Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Peter Elliot E-mail: peter_elliott@primarytalent.com Homepage: www.wearephoenix.com
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