VIP News Premium - September 2019

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PREMIUM > VOLUME 226 > SEPTEMBER 2019

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VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

McGowan’s

Musings

Of course my Easy Jet flight back from

many gigs were sold out and if you didn’t

hopefully you can always believe a Beatle –

Hamburg to Gatwick was late, but the

get there early delegate badges and guest

although I think Ringo is a Brexiteer!

Reeperbahn

worth

lists weren’t able to get you through the

attending. This is the opinion of the whole

doors! So – careful planning, and sticking

On the subject of European politics, there

VIP team, and I’m sure many others! There

to a schedule is the thing! My own schedule

was a Brexit session at Reeperbahn which

is so much to choose from at this event

included moderating three panels, partying,

I unfortunately was unable to attend,

which grows each year, that it is difficult to

seeing and enjoying Australian, German

however I chaired an interesting session

complete your personal schedule without

and Dutch bands, and staying up too late

entitled, ‘Europe Calling’ which addressed

getting that feeling that you’re missing out

chatting in the hotel bar!....But then I never

the on-going topic of “Music Moves

on things. Panels, parties, politics, people,

really learn!

Europe’, Olaf Furniss from Scotland, Timo

Festival

was

well

producers, how can you pack them all in?

Kumpf, Germany, Ivan Milivojev, Serbia, and

However, this is how it is with this and other

I mentioned producers in my previous

Linnéa Svensson, Norway (a reasonably pan

international events of a similar ilk and you

listing, and Reeperbahn was graced by the

– European panel I think!) debated what the

just have to learn to be grateful for the

presence of two very famous practitioners

European Union will actually bring to the

extreme hard work of organisers and make

of this essential element of recorded music.

future of the music industry. Manfred Tari’s,

the most of what you can fit in. As ever

Tony Visconti, responsible for David Bowie

‘Talking Politics” interview with Member of

albums and others, was there to be a judge

the European parliament Niklas Nienaß in

at the Anchor Awards. Bob Rock, known for

this issue continues the discussion.

Metallica and Mötley Crüe hits and others

COLOPHON >

was also present, and, would you believe it,

A trip to London’s Camden Town for this

that’s his real name!

4th, sold out edition of the International Festival Forum completed a busy week. It

VIP-News is published by: VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Attrup 8444 Balle Denmark Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen rd@vip-booking.com General Manager: Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan am@vip-booking.com

seems that everyone who is everyone ,

make smoke come out of my ears! However

agents, promoters et al, connected with

perhaps I can take comfort from knowing

the Festival industry had made the journey

that there is now support for Remain from

to North West London.

Paul McCartney who told BBC News that

the agenda was ILMC founder Martin

he now thinks that Brexit is “probably a

Hopewell’s interview with Rock Werchter

mistake”, and like many others he’ll be

founder Herman Schueremans. One of my

“glad when it’s all over”. Also, the Supreme

few claims to fame is selling Herman his first

Court’ s declaration that Boris’ proroguing of

UK artist, Kevin Coyne, in the early 70’s!

Parliament was illegal was good to hear!

I’ve always had a great respect for him, and

A high point in

was taken by his quote in this interview,

Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

Paul McCartney reckons that the UK voting

“Festivals sustain the live industry just as

to leave the European Union was “probably

the Amazon rainforest sustains the world’s

For advertising enquiries please contact:

a mistake”. So that’s his view, if you wish to

climate,” he said. “They’re the lungs of live

know. Speaking to BBC News, Macca said

music business, and we have to take care to

that the political chaos we now find ourselves

protect them.”

Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480 Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496

2

The mere mention of the word Brexit tends to

in has “been thrust upon us through the referendum, which was probably a mistake

Right! A fairly serious Musings, so that’s

... and now I don’t think anyone knows

enough for now – Ladies and Gentlemen –

quite what to do with it”. So, there you are,

The News!

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

16 Artists nominated for Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2020 From VIP-Daily News The nominees for the Music Moves Europe

An international jury will select eight

expression of Europe’s cultural diversity.

Talent Awards 2020 were announced at the

winners. From all 16 nominees, music fans

Music Moves Europe, the overarching

Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany.

across Europe will also vote for their favourite

framework for the European Commission’s

This annual EU prize for popular and

artist, the Public Choice Award winner. All

initiatives and actions in support of the

contemporary music celebrates emerging

the winners will be revealed during the

European

artists who represent the European sound of

award ceremony on 17 January 2020 at

Europe, the EU funding programme for the

today and tomorrow.

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) Groningen,

culture and audiovisual sectors, aim to help

The Netherlands.

the music sector flourish by, among other

The 16 artists nominated for the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2020 are:

music

sector,

and

Creative

things, supporting the annual Music Moves Each winner selected by the jury will receive

Europe Talent Awards.

a prize worth 10.000,- to be spent towards 5K HD (AT)

promoting

careers.

The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are

Anna Leone (SE)

Moreover, the winner of the Public Choice

organised by ESNS and Reeperbahn Festival

AU/RA (DE)

Award 2020 will also receive a prize of

in partnership with Yourope, Independent

Beast in Black (FI)

5.000,-.

Music Companies Association (IMPALA),

their

international

Charlotte Adigéry (BE)

International Music Managers Forum (IMMF),

Flohio (UK)

Celebrating European Talent

Liveurope, Live DMA, European Music

Fontaines D.C. (IE)

Compared to Anglo-American music, the

Exporters Exchange (EMEE), Digital Music

girl in red (NO)

total percentage of music originating from

Europe (DME) and media partner European

Harmed (HU)

continental Europe is relatively small. The

Broadcasting Union (EBU), with support from

Hugo Helmig (DK)

Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are

the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and

Kimberose (FR)

designed to accelerate the international

Science, Province of Groningen and the City

Meduza (IT)

careers of upcoming European artists.

of Groningen.

Perfect Son (PL)

Music Moves Europe

The awards are implemented in close

Pongo (PT)

Music is one of the most popular forms

cooperation with the European Commission

Tribade (ES)

of art, widely consumed, and a vibrant

and financially supported by Creative Europe.

Naaz (NL)

3

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

Jetty sets new standards for Event Management systems for festivals and large venues From VIP-Daily News Swedish based Jetty AB and Danish company

sharing and modern digital tools to support

principle, making it useful for any type of

VIP-Booking.com have entered into an affiliate

their workflow. They turned their frustration

event and in the way that the client wants it to

partnership in order to deliver a full schedule

into creativity and by 2010 decided to

be set up. A modular approach makes it very

solution for Live Music Industry Professionals.

build an event management system that

easy to add, adjust, or remove functionality in

The partnership will include joint sales efforts,

could assist the production of live music

real time, making sure Jetty always suits the

marketing and knowledge exchange.

events - for bookers and for those working

current need of our users.

within

communication

(Marketing

and

Jetty AB has developed a business system for

PR), production, safety, and hospitality.

VIP News: Your ambition is to sell Jetty

Event Management. Jetty is a so-called SaaS,

Jetty already had customers before the

to the International Live Industry. Do you

software-as-a-service-system, that is used to

system was launched who played a big

plan to open offices in other European

plan and execute operations within the event

part in development. Some of them remain

countries?

industry. Examples of Jetty’s target group

customers today and are invaluable on the

include festivals, sporting events, meetings

journey we are taking right now.

Dan Sonesson: I wouldn’t rule that out, but initially we will work through close

and conferences.

VIP News: Who is using Jetty today and

partnerships, like the one between VIP-

VIP-News asked CEO Dan Sonesson to tell

which is the main segment your users

Booking.com and Jetty.

us more about the company and the new

come from?

VIP News: Jetty AB is listed on the

generation of Jetty.

Dan Sonesson: Festivals and Venues, our old

Swedish Spotlight Stock Market. What

VIP News: Please tell us about the

core businesses, are still the largest segments

are the advantages and disadvantages of

background of Jetty AB and the idea

using Jetty. Since the launch of the new

being listed?

behind your tool?

generation of Jetty we are signing on new customers within B2B Events, Conferences

Dan Sonesson: One large advantage is that

Dan Sonesson: Jetty was born when a

& Congresses, Sports and E-sports. The

it will help us with the expansion into the

number of professionals from various fields

Nordic countries are our biggest geographical

International Live Industry. Being publicly

within the event and live music industries

markets today. We recently launched Jetty in

traded also helps us to operate on a more long

became frustrated by the lack of information

The United States, based out of Austin, Texas,

term basis (even though you might think the

and we are starting to market Jetty in other

opposite). We deliver a business critical service

parts of Europe as well. I believe we will see

to our customers, and when owner-operators

further international expansion soon!

lose interest or venture capital decides to withdraw their funding, we are owned by a

Dan Sonesson - CEO Jetty

4

VIP News: On your website you use the

large number of people and companies that

catchline “The New Generation of Event

want the company to grow and make money.

Management”. What’s new about Jetty

That means that our customers can be sure

that hasn’t been available before?

that Jetty is here to stay.

Dan Sonesson: In one word: flexibility. Other

The main disadvantage, I would say, is the

Event Management systems, as well as the

need for secrecy, and all the formalities

old versions of Jetty, tend to be static. Their

around how we communicate. Rather than

solution is ready made for one vertical, like

celebrating a new cooperation, a formalized

festivals or venues. The New Generation

press release must be made first. However,

of Jetty is built with flexibility as a guiding

that is a small price to pay.

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

Aldi goes Ticketing Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com The discount chain Aldi is undertaking an

ticketing landscape, which is predominantly

business. What makes this presale so special

attempt to grab a piece of the cake of the

controlled by CTS Eventim and Ticketmaster.

is that Aldi, the strongest supermarket brand

profitable ticketing-business. To start with,

This move can be considered as sort of

in Germany, will sell the tickets exclusively.

the low cost supermarket is launching an

significant with the announcement by retail-

Tickets will be sold in the branches as well as

exclusive pre-sale phase for the ticket sales

giant Amazon to launch its own ticketing

online on their own ticket portal www.Aldi-

of nine arena shows for German hip hop act

sales channel, even if Amazon has until now

tickets.de, a co-operation together with our

“Die Fantastischen Vier “ in 2020.

not succeeded with its ticketing-mission.

new partner Medion AG.

The operation will be carried out by White

VIP News: White Label E-Commerce is

VIP News: The discount chain Aldi in

Label E-Commerce, a ticketing service

partner in crime for the ticket sales for

Germany is a giant, with more than 4000

provider based in Hamburg, who will be

the upcoming 30 years anniversary tour

branches. How will the ticket sales be

supplying both its online platform and

of “Die Fantastischen Vier” in Germany.

promoted at the point of sale?

service.

What does this mean for your company

VIP News spoke with Arndt Scheffler, managing

director

of

White

in terms of work load and operative

Arndt

requirements?

promotions within the stores as well as on

Scheffler:

There

are

numerous

the outside, for example the weekly flyer

Label but

Arndt Scheffler: An exclusive presale for a

which is delivered to almost every household

foremostly the impact of this deal. In fact this

stadium tour of one of the greatest German

in Germany, screens inside stores, out-of-

sales campaign is a meaningful indication

acts obviously requires a lot of work and

home media, cinema advertisements as well

of how an external player can change the

coordination but for us that is regular

as radio and TV. Not to mention a whole

E-Commerce,

about

the

settings

variety of online marketing activities, Aldi’s

Arndt Scheffler

media power is impressive.

VIP News: The usual payment procedures at the checkout in supermarkets are highly

optimized.

Time

is

money

and the shopping experience at cash registers in supermarkets can turn into stressful situations for consumers with long queues. Don’t you fear that ticket buyers won’t be supplied with proper information about price categories or seating options when purchasing the tickets of their choice?

Arndt Scheffler: The checkout is definitely a critical part during the shopping experience in a supermarket. This is why we have reduced the complexity as far as possible and communicate the options and processes upfront. All the customer needs to say for example is “Two tickets for Stuttgart, price category one, please”, it’s as easy as that.

The receipt will contain one ticket-code per ticket as well as instructions on how

5

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

to redeem the code and choose the seats

VIP News: Simultaneously with the start

online. Afterwards the colour tickets will

of the pre-sale for this tour, Aldi is going

be delivered without any additional fees – a

to launch their website “Aldi-tickets.

real unique selling proposition for the fans,

de.” Please explain what this means for

which never happened before.

the ticketing market in Germany?

VIP News: Aldi is running the exclusive

Arndt Scheffler: We are glad to see an

sale of tickets for this tour for two

alternate

and

more

democratic

way

weeks. Will there be tickets available

VIP News: Aldi is known for cheap prices

of selling tickets which is reflected in

on the websites of CTS Eventim and

and low cost products, but so far not

the campaign’s claim “Exklusiv für alle”

Ticketmaster afterwards or perhaps on

for concert tickets. How will this sales

(Exclusive for Everyone), so everybody has

the websites of the arenas for this tour?

mission will be promoted and advertised?

the opportunity to get a ticket. Giving artists a greater variety of options for their ticketing

Arndt Scheffler: Aldi will sell all tickets of the

Arndt Scheffler: Aldi has successfully been

is a desirable approach, which was one of

“Die FantastischenVier – 30 Jahre Live” tour

working on changing their image and

the main reasons to found White Label

exclusively within Germany. For the first two

concept, low prices and good, reliable

E-Commerce in 2012. Keeping this in mind

weeks, these will be available only through

quality.

numerous

we are constantly looking for additional

their local shops, after that they will be

brands and celebrities cooperating with

channels to get more reach for our partners.

available online as well. In addition to this,

Aldi to the benefit of both sides. Therefore

We firmly believe in the autonomy of artists

the artists’ own shop will offer a few tickets

ticketing is a consequent extension of

and promoters, who take great risks on a

to those who prefer buying their tickets

the existing product range rather than

regular basis. For that reason, we love the

directly from the band.

following a new strategy.

approach by Aldi.

There

are

already

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VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

Another record year for Reeperbahn Ivana Dragila

The fact that Hamburg’s Reeperbahn district attracts tourists with any kind of entertainment is internationally known. But when the annual Reeperbahn Festival takes its course, the district turns into a melting pot for exciting international music acts, the music industry, film, art and literature. This showcase event, which took place from 18 to 21 September, proved this once again.

What once started small has now grown up and is in its 14th edition. The festival recorded 50,000 visitors, including 5,900 trade visitors from 52 nations. There were around 600 concerts from 412 acts in 90 venues – with Australia as this year’s partner country.

On every corner there was non-stop music, panels, workshops or sub-conferences of different associations such as Yourope, the German association BDKV or the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) nonstop, would be the best way to describe the

offices of the Dutch and Eastern and

on the red carpet: Hollywood star Matt

atmosphere.

Central Europeans, German promoters such

Dillon, who gave two keynote interviews

as Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion, FKP

over the coming days, Woodstock co-

In addition: The event included meetings

Scorpio and Neuland Concerts or companies

founder Joel Rosenman, who took part in

and receptions from labels such as Universal

such as Amazon and Live Nation Branding.

the Q&A for the European premiere of the

Music, Sony Music and BMG, music export

music documentary “Creating Woodstock”, Well-known guests

and producer legends Tony Visconti and Bob

Those who wanted to attend all this needed

Rock, who presented the ANCHOR Award

either a good time management system or

nominees as jury members (see more about

a good team of colleagues. The Reeperbahn

the award shows on the following pages).

organizers in addition, realized the need

Musicians Peaches and Kate Nash also gave

for an extra day to integrate all the topics

a preview of one of Reeperbahn’s central

into their conference and festival schedule.

topics: Gender Equality.

For the first time, the festival started on

As usual VIP-Booking attended Reeperbahn Festival

Wednesday evening with the Doors Open

International Gender Balance Initiative

opening gala in the Stage Operettenhaus

Pitchfork editor-in-chief Puja Patel, musicians

- with Charlotte Roche and Ray Cokes as

Kate Nash, Peaches and Reeperbahn Festival

extremely entertaining presenters.

CEO Alexander Schulz announced the new goals and catalog of measures for the second

The event was bigger and more glamorous

phase of the international gender balance

than ever before, with many famous faces

initiative in music at the Keychange 2.0 press

7

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

conference. Amongst other initiatives was

festival Wacken Open Air (As reported in VIP

New

the declaration of intent, the so-called 50/50

News, February and August).

Planetarium and the Millerntor Stadium

pledge to offer gender-balanced programs by

venues

included

the

Hamburg

Players’ Tunnel. For the first time, the Future

2022, which will be extended from festivals

No wonder that the keynote speech with

Playground was held in the Festival Village

to many other organizations in music, such

Matt Schwarz, COO Live Nation Germany,

with the presentation of sustainable social

as labels, venues, radio stations, orchestras

Switzerland and Austria (GSA), and the

visions and UN sustainability goals as well

and conservatoires. In the process, gender

interview with the two Wacken Open Air

as the Music Makers Playground, where

equality in music was negotiated in almost

founders Holger Hübner and Thomas Jensen

instrument manufacturers presented their

all formats and individual events. In addition,

were extremely well attended and were

products.

a database will be set up for all participants

further discussed outside the panels.

Reeperbahn welcomes Denmark

so that they can network in order to develop Extended program

With such a comprehensive program, the

The Reeperbahn organizers added even more:

Reeperbahn Festival impressively showed

Hot discussions

New this year were two opening concerts

how music connects and how a showcase

Delegates who wanted to get the latest

by Dope Lemon and Feist, an evening

event establishes itself as an industry must in

news about industry topics were spoilt for

presentation by the BBC and a showcase by

a colorful and energetic way. We are already

choice. Next to the industry topics such as

the Country Music Association (CMA).

looking forward to the 15th edition, due to

both artistically and economically.

the festival situation, secondary ticketing and

take place between 16 and 19 September

green solutions, big discussions were started

For the first time, the organizers offered

2020 with Denmark as partner country. We

about international company consolidations

the Film & Future theme strand and the

will be curious to see the mixture of the

and acquisitions of private equity companies

Next Generation module, which was aimed

Danish way of joy and music and their typical

such as Superstruct, which recently took

specifically at 16 to 21-year-old visitors in order

relaxed nature and coziness – hygge. Ahoi

over German independent heavy metal

to gain an insight into the music industry.

and vi ses!

Verti Music Hall was hosting one of the many gettogethers at Reeperbahn

8

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

Awards 2019 – presented at this year’s Reeperbahn Festival re presented as part of we s ard aw s rou me nu , ain ag ar ye This iew: the Reeperbahn Festival. An overv ANCHOR Awards alyona alyona (UA) New Music Award of the young ARD

broadcasters

Newcomer of the year: Majan Starter of the year: Giant Rooks Helga! Festival Award Best Festival: Open Flair Festival Best Booking: Haldern Pop Festival Best Inclusion: Zurück zu den Wurzeln FEST Best Bargain: WAT T EN SCHLICK Best Reinvention: Artlake Festival lumr Most Inspiring Festival Idea: alínæ IMJA - International Music Journali

Argentina Buenos Aires: Duki & Co. Take Over Arte/Tracks nalism - Multimedia The Year’s Best Work of Music Jour site - Beehy.pe Web // ts - English: Various Journalis er 30 - German: Und sm, nali Jour ic Best Work of Mus - Mona Lina; Lina Burghausen // 365 Female MCs : Warum Deutscher Viele Malcolm Ohanwe // Wir Sind Zu er Rundfunk; risch Baye t Pop Nicht Mehr Weiss Bleib rt, Darf Bei Feie s lnes Rea Z’ GZU Johann Voigt // Wer hören - Vice ** Seiner Frauenfeindlichkeit Nicht Weg withdrew the ors (** Due to legal concerns, the edit website) r thei from submitted/nominated text

sm Award

Year: Jon Chapple, Best Music Business Journalist of the IQ Magazine German: Juliane Best Music Journalist of the Year s, frequent pop ioein Rad t, nalis Liebert // Author & Jour 2, Spiegel, SWR ung, Zeit che euts texts for the Südd Rolling Stone English: Vivien Best Music Journalist of the Year ician Mus & or Auth Goldman // Journalist, ch: Adrien Fren Year the of st nali Best Music Jour tibles Durand // Among others Les Inrockup sm - Text nali Jour The Year’s Best Work of Music an? - Kaput Hum A t Ain’ // ejad German: Aida Baghern - Text sm nali Jour ic Mus of k Wor The Year’s Best ic Mus and Nature English: Laudatio for Joshi Hardik // - Music Plus nalism - Text The Year’s Best Work of Music Jour coup, À La Folie Beau Peu, Un // ur Ecoe French: Robin Musicale Et La ie - Un Web-Documentaire Sur L’Industr Racontr / zaï Gon Santé Mentale Des Musiciens - Audio sm nali Jour ic Mus of The Year’s Best Work hiavelli - The Mac // d Golo ili Vass & elke German: Jan Kaw o Podcast on Rap & Politics - WDR Cosm nalism - Audio The Year’s Best Work of Music Jour - Disgraceland land race Disg // English: Jake Brennan sm - Multimedia nali Jour ic Mus of k Wor The Year’s Best Kutscher // Rap in - German: Isabel Röttger & Michael

ISA - International Sound Awards nger Audio Grand Prix | Audio Branding: Axel Spri DE H, Gmb s bird Branding | why do Music, IL Social & Culture: CyMagic | Healing | Dear Reality T Product: dearVR SPATIAL CONNEC GmbH, DE Costa Rica | Audio branding: ICT - The Sounds of Publimark Mullen Lowe, CR ic for all | Social & Culture: Inclusion Rocks! Mus DE e.V., rei ieref Handiclapped - Culture Barr GB , free Loop | free Loop Social & Culture: ient Sound: Grand Prix | Soundscapes and Amb Children’s Hospital | New Soundscape Design for Helsinki Aalto University, FI Sounds of Silence | Soundscapes and Ambient Sound: Idee und Klang GmbH, CH ping | Lexter Universal Design: Swedbank Soundsca Ljuddesign AB, SE v Music: Music Services and Sound-startups: Wea Evolved | Weav Music Inc., US VIA - VUT Indie Award Best Newcomer: Alice Merton Best Label: Greenland Records Best Act: Apparat a” Best Album: Picture Book - “Mea Culp (feat. Spawn) Jlin & don Hern y Holl nt: rime Best Expe tis” (installation Man “The “Godmother” and Nik Nowak z and Moritz Live ite Infin e9, and performance with Kod Stumm) h VIA Special Award: Matthias Hornschu

9

Jetty is a part of the process. With you in every step.

Event Management System Festivals | Venues | Corporate Events www.jetty.se

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

ATC Live agent Chris Meredith passes From VIP-Daily News Chris Meredith agent at ATC Live and

While at ATC, Meredith represented with a

director of the Neverworld Music Festival,

roster that included Black Belt Eagle Scout,

has died a the age of 37.

We Are Scientists, Beverly, The Veils, Sleeper,

Chris Meredith

and The Futureheads, among others.

His passing was confirmed by his colleagues at ATC via social media but they did not

According to IQ Magazine, which first

provide a cause of death for Meredith.

reported his passing, Meredith did stints as an agent at Coda and ITB, as well as

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden

Nozstock: The Hidden Valley Festival, and the

passing of our colleague & friend Chris

Red Rooster Festival.

Meredith. Our enduring memories of Chris will always be ones of laughter, joy and his

“Chris was a very lovely guy who still had a

love of his friends, family and artists. He had

lot of friends at Coda ( I know we are called

a young age. Condolences to the family,

touched the lives of many people and will be

Paradigm now) – it has really hit some of

he will be sorely missed,” Paradigm’s Alex

remembered with great fondness.”

them hard that he is now gone and at such

Hardee told IQ Mag.

FKP Scorpio opens new office in Poland From VIP-Daily News German concert promoter FKP Scorpio

with the Ed Sheeran concert in the fantastic

The first official concert organized FKP

announced an international expansion with

atmosphere of the PGE Stadion Narodowy

Scorpio’s new Polish unit will be Netherlands-

the opening of FKP Scorpio Poland.

in Warsaw,” says Folkert Koopmans, CEO of

based singer Duncan Laurence, who won

FKP Scorpio.

the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.

The new company, with offices located in Warsaw, will be led by Executive Director Filip Potocki, who has been Managing Director of Arcadia Live in Austria since 2015 In

addition

to

Potocki,

FKP

Scorpio

announced the hire of Jan Brzoza, who will handle Administration, Marketing and Ticketing;

and

Krysztof

Czarniakowski,

who will oversee Project Management and Ticketing for the company’s new Polish division.

“I have been following the development of the Polish live music market for a long time and see great potential there. We had a first experience [in the market] in 2018

Filip Potocki

11

VIP NEWS >

SEPTEMBER 2019

Emma launches EMMMA – The European Music Managers Mentorship Activation From VIP-Daily News During the Reeperbahn Festival last week,

taxation, understanding streaming data and

the EU. This is a big win for the future of

the European Music Managers Alliance

making a business out of your band.

European music.”

ever pan-European mentorship programme

After

programme,

Virpi Immonen, Vice Chair of EMMA and

for music managers, after a successful bid to

participants will be responsible for providing

Chair of MMF Finland added: “MMF Finland

the EC’s Music Moves Europe fund.

a one-year business plan for at least one of

is proud to be the project coordinator of this

their artist, songwriter or producer clients.

groundbreaking pan-European mentoring

(EMMA) announced the launch of the first completion

of

the

The European Music Managers Mentorship

programme. Management can be a tough

Activation (EMMMA) will look to foster

Speaking at the launch, Per Kviman,

and stressful gig, in what is often a solitary

knowledge sharing and increased commercial

Chair MMF Sweden and Chair of the

career, and so our aim with EMMMA,

opportunities by linking managers through

European Music Managers Alliance, said:

and with support from the European

across the EU.

“Diversification and fragmentation of the

Commission, is to start pooling and sharing

traditional music industry has undoubtedly

the vast knowledge base that exists across

Consisting of both a mentoring scheme

elevated the role of music managers, who

the continent, and to help upcoming

and networking programme, EMMMA will

are now required to be experts in all aspects

managers

facilitate upcoming European managers to

of their client’s business – from songwriting

business. In turn, that will offer even greater

team up with experienced mentors from

and recording deals, to live touring, brand

opportunities to support the careers of our

each participating country – combining face-

sponsorship, online marketing and a host of

artists, our songwriters and our composers.”

to-face meetings over the course of a year at

other areas. This much-needed programme

MaMA Festival, by:Larm, Tallinn Music Week

will enable managers to share expertise and

Applications for EMMMA will open soon. To

and The Great Escape, with bi-monthly

build their artists careers across borders.

get news of the process as soon as it’s open

Skype sessions and specialised workshops

We hope it will grow over time and help

visit emma.community and subscribe to

on areas including live music, touring and

build a strong network of managers across

the mailing list.

to

successfully

grow

their

EMMA board

Pictured [L-R]: Per Kviman, Chair, MMF Sweden; Ania Kasperek, MMF Poland; Eivind Brydoy, NEMAA, Norway; Magdalena Jensen, Chairperson, MMF Poland; Cecilie Torp-Holte, Chief Officer NEMAA Norway; Keith Harris, Chair, EMMA; Annabella Coldrick, CEO, MMF UK and Virpi Immonen, Chairperson, MMF Finland.

12

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

SEPTEMBER 2019

Let’s Talk Politics with Niklas Nienaß Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

The live music sector has without doubt

European Parliament

become the biggest income gainer for the music business. There is also no doubt that the live music industry is politically almost invisible, at least in terms of trade bodies on an international or a European level.

Over the years, VIP News has regularly published

articles and interviews with the

headline “Let’s Talk Politics.” However, this one with Niklas Nienaß is almost a premiere as he is a proper member of the European parliament. At 27 years of age, Nienaß is a freshman at the European Parliament, as he enjoys his first season as a member of parliament at the political stage in Brussels. and concerts, as opposed to the majority of

entitled “Cultural Creators Intergroup.”

Nienaß is a member of the German Green

politicians who have yet to be spotted on

Apparently, this group intends to raise

Party, a political party that the live music

camp sites at festivals, let alone building a

awareness of the interests of “authors,

sector in particular should be aware of. FKP

tent on their own.

performers and other cultural creators” at a political level.”

Scorpio will remember the local members of this party, voting in 2018 against the staging

VIP News: “Which concert or festival did

of an Ed Sheeran concert, due to take place

you most recently attend for which you

Niklas Nienaß: “One of my main political

in a parking lot as this would have meant the

purchased your ticket yourself?”

priorities is ensuring fair working conditions in

felling of 100 trees.

the

cultural

sector.

When

twelve

Niklas Nienaß: “Live music has always been

European umbrella associations of authors’

However, in perspective of the live music

an important part of my life. During my early

and performers’ organisations approached

sector, this interview reveals even more.

youth, I was even on stage myself as a singer

me a few weeks ago, I asked them what

Nienaß is a self confessed supporter of

in the Aachener Dom Singschule Choir, one

I as a new MEP could do to support the

composers and authors, a peer group of the

of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe. The

work of the hundreds of thousands of

music sector, known for ‘just not getting

most recent festival I attended was Immergut

individual

enough’. Unlike the live music sector,

this summer, a small independent indie rock

composers, musicians, writers, directors,

this particular group is politically active in

festival in Neustrelitz, a small town in my

photographers, artists, actors all over

Brussels. So if the live music rank and files

constituency Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Europe. In this spirit, the intergroup I am

members

they

represent

–

planning to set up seems to be a suitable

are happy to pay concert royalties of over 100 percent per ticket, they will need to

I also had tickets for the Fusion festival in

way to make their voices heard in EU

watch out what happens when politicians

late June, but due to my new obligations

politics. With nearly 20 MEPs currently from

such as Nienaß gain power.

as member of the European Parliament,

five political groups, we want to focus on

unfortunately I was unable to attend.”

social and labour rights for authors and performers. They are a crucial part of the

The positive thing about Nienaß is that he at least belongs to the young generation

Vip News: “On Instagram, you posted

cultural sector, and fair working conditions

of politicians that has actually a firsthand

a logo for your initiative to launch

for them will bring benefits to the creative

experience of enjoying popular music festivals

a

industries as a whole.”

parliamentarian

working

group

13

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

SEPTEMBER 2019

VIP News: “Looking closely at the role

authors and performers, or from any other

exist without concert promoters, music

of the lobby organisations for this peer

citizen. This is my job as a politician. Based on

managers and record labels, and vice versa.

group, the question is, are you aware

all information gathered, I am making up my

This considered, the intergroup, provided

that, among others, some of those

own mind.”

it will be established, is going to strive for a

involved are responsible for the unfair

close cooperation with the cultural sector as

distribution of royalties in European

VIP News: “If the intention of the

a whole, including the creative industries. My

copyright collection societies and even

“Cultural Creators Intergroup” is to

personal focus, however, lies in supporting

for the lack of democratic structures

highlight the interests of “authors,

creators and their rights.”

within copyright collection societies?”

performers and other cultural creators”, what is your key message for other

VIP News: “Please let us know your

Niklas Nienaß: Naturally, the distribution of

interest groups within the music sector

views on current market developments

royalties is an important issue to address when

such

in almost all parts of the music sector

discussing the working conditions of authors

managers and record labels?”

as

concert

promoters,

music

regarding the massive consolidation processes

and performers. As an MEP without any pre-

instituted

by

external

existing affiliation within the cultural sector,

Niklas Nienaß: The cultural sector is a complex

investments from the financial sector or

I am ready to listen to every single concern

ecosystem that needs to be well balanced in

corporate music companies?”

brought to me, whether it comes from an

order to succeed for the benefit of everyone

organisation, a company, or from individual

involved. Authors and performers cannot

Niklas Nienaß: “Creativity can only improve if there are many creative individuals in the community, pushing and inspiring each

Niklas Nienaß, MEP - photo by European Union 2019 - Source / EP

other. A large net of mutually independent producers,

managers,

publishers

and

labels can assure good living wages for all creators, good working standards, good contracts, and thus improve creativity in the cultural ecosystem as a whole. Big financial investments from people outside the sector are a reality, but certainly lack the creative and cultural approach that is crucial for the wellbeing of the sector. Let me be clear, both as a Green politician and as a music lover: External investments without any cultural dedication can be a threat to a diverse and sustainable music sector. They manifest the dictate of a free market, resulting in the same boring watered-down stories and songs we have seen and heard a million times before.”

VIP News: “With Music Moves Europe, the European Commission is currently developing

a

support

programme

for the music sector to be launched in 2021. The agenda of the formal preparatory action proceeding foresees the funding of projects to evaluate opportunities for “training programmes for young professionals”, for “online and offline music distribution models” for “Professionalization and training” measures and for the “Cooperation of

14

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

SEPTEMBER 2019

small music venues.” There also seem to

VIP News: “Would you support a

the Labour party in the UK, to deliver

be further plans in the pipeline, however,

concept for Music Moves Europe that

a speech at Glastonbury Festival 2017.

considering

information

foresees the entire live music sector

Which artist or live music event would

available. Would you say that the

being supported with subsidies for

you consider a perfect match for a joint

European

environmentally friendly methods of

activity with yourself?

the

public

Commission

is

handling

these proceedings in a transparent and

running events and concerts?”

accessible manner?”

Niklas Nienaß: I would guess that Bernie Niklas Nienaß: “Sure. The whole music

does not listen to Cardi B in his free time.

Niklas Nienaß: “As you rightly mentioned,

branch, as well as all other artistic domains,

What I want to say is: It is not up to me to

Music Moves Europe is currently running

performing arts, festivals, or filmmaking,

decide if my favourite musician wants to

as a preparatory action, which, due to its

should act towards reducing the harsh

team up with me, but rather for any artist

nature, certainly does not have the desired

impact on our environment, for instance

to support a message that resonates with

level

accessibility.

by respecting green mobility, or by offering

them and many other people. If KORN let me

Without wanting to justify this circumstance,

green camping that many festivals already do.

onto their stage to talk about the needs for

I do believe though that the programme has

Such good steps in the right direction should

immediate climate action, for higher living

proven to be quite successful. Putting it on

be supported by EU funding. By the way, this

wages and less core working time, for a

a new level as part of the Creative Europe

is not only about the environment, but it also

united yet multicultural Europe and a better

programme from 2021, concerns regarding

opens up festivals for a larger audience, for

future for our kids, I would gladly take that

transparency and accessibility have become

instance families.”

swing. Nevertheless, I will leave the choice to

of

transparency

and

less reasonable. The new Creative Europe

artists if they want to help shape the future

programme is currently being negotiated in

VIP News: “The funding gap between

the so-called trilogue between the Council,

classical music and popular music is

the Parliament and the Commission. As for

significant. You belong to the generation

VIP News: “Ursula von der Leyen,

the CULT Committee, I can say that the whole

group of young politicians. Do you

the designated President of the EU-

process has been very transparent so far.”

consider such cultural policy preferences

Commission, presented her line up of

or just sing about it.

and variations as up-to-date and fair in

appointments

VIP News: “Do you believe that the design

reference towards those members of

She nominated Mariya Gabriel as EU-

of such a programme is appropriate when

society that are more in favour of popular

Commissioner for Innovation and Youth,

the process is predominately triggered

rather than classical music?”

while among others being supported

by consulting companies and lobbyists regularly present in Brussels?”

for

EU-Commissioners.

in terms of the subject of “Culture” by Niklas

Nienaß:

“Classical

music

needs

the “Directorate-General for Education,

support to stay alive. But so do pop and rock

Youth, Sport and Culture.” Being aware

Niklas Nienaß: “Brussels is full of lobby

and every other music sub-group. Let us

of how strict Brussels is in terms of

organisations. The financial sector is trying to

not rattle classical musicians up against pop

wording and hierarchy, the matter of

lobby as much as Greenpeace or the WWF.

artists because of the division of the funds

culture therewith will be downgraded

In fact, every single person is a lobbyist for

we have. Let us rather ask the question

towards the level of a Directorate-

themselves. We as politicians have the

why there is no willingness to invest more

General instead of the one at the level

responsibility to listen to a big diversity of

in culture. Only about 0.01 % of the EU

of an EU-Commissioner. Do you consider

interest groups and their concerns of any

budget is spent on Creative Europe. There

the move by von der Leyen as a good one

topic. Therefore, I would not say that lobbying

is clearly something wrong here! Only a

or do you assume that the issue “culture”

is bad per se. However, politicians should be

united coalition of the whole creative sector

is less meaningful for her?”

held accountable for their meetings with

together with consumers will be able to

lobbyists, and people should know whom

convince Commission, Council, especially

Niklas Nienaß: “It says a lot about the

they meet. If the Commission was advised

the Council and Parliament to change the

importance of culture for the designated

by only one group, that would be a problem.

EU’s financial contribution to a crucial public

President of the Commission if the word

For us Greens it is important to have a broad

matter such as culture.”

“culture” does not even appear in the job

view on certain points. This is why we also

title of any of the commissioners in charge

meet lobbyists who are not based in Brussels,

VIP News: “The US Artist Cardi B just

of culture. My colleagues in the Committee

or why we invite representatives of the civil

recently

US-

on Culture and Education (CULT) and I were

society to the Parliament.”

politician Bernie Sanders, the leader of

quite shocked about it. We are fundamentally

teamed

up

with

the

15

VIP NEWS > INDEPTH STORY >

SEPTEMBER 2019

concerned about the meaning of cultural

Niklas Nienass - photo by European Union 2019

policy for the new European Commission, and that it might play a minor role in the future. Culture is not an extension of the necessities of life, but it is a basic pillar of our society and a basic need of the people of Europe and this must also be reflected in the commissioners’ job titles. By the way, there are a total number of seven commissioners dealing with topics covered by our CULT committee in the European Parliament, this is insane. As for the commissioners’ titles, there might still be some changes, as requested by several political groups. But leaving the title discussion aside, there is something much more important - money.

Titles are rather symbolic, but money does make a huge difference. As the Parliament, we would like to increase the budget for the cultural sector significantly. Creative Europe, Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps and many other programmes deserve a much better funding. Unfortunately, it seems that the Member States within the Council are of a different opinion.”

VIP

News:

“German

artist

Herbert

Grönemeyer made a very emotional

is exactly the reason why right now is the

We have to fight the circumstance that

statement at a concert in Vienna, in

time where it needs politicians with courage,

labour is taxed higher than capital gains,

which he argued that it is up to society

ready to prove a clear stand against racism

and that pensions throughout Europe are

“when politicians are slightly weakened”

and exclusion not only in their statements,

too low to value a lifetime of work and very

to oppose tendencies for “exclusion,

but especially in programmatic actions, in

often are not sufficient for a dignified life.

racism

the implementation of political projects and

Poor people are getting poorer and the rich

in the proposed solutions for the future.

richer. We have been aware of this state for

and

baiting.”

The

audience

reaction to this was massive but this reaction could also be understood if it

16

15 years, yet politicians do not provide good

agrees with Grönemeyer that the current

It does not help telling people not to vote

and sustainable answers to these problems.

generation of politicians suffers from a

for Nazis because they are Nazis. Instead,

Instead, they discuss the “black zero”, call for

lack of credibility and confidence. What

politicians have to find solutions to the

“no inheritance tax” or claim that “the social

went wrong in recent decades that led

problems of the people. For example,

market economy is good the way it is”. I am

to the model of liberal democracy and

in recent decades the average income

tired of hearing such wishy-washy talk.

its politicians coming under so much

(purchasing power parity corrected) has not

pressure nowadays?”

risen for the vast majority of people, but

We need a new generation of politicians who

rents have increased. People have to work

are courageous, who make demands, who

Niklas Nienaß: “Maybe politicians have

more, but earn less, and many jobs are no

allow themselves to develop utopias and who

become shyer of conflicts. After waves of

longer safe thanks to temporary contracts.

look to the future with an insatiable urge

right-wing populism in many European

We politicians have to do something

to shape, rather than sticking to a Prussian

countries, it can be explained that quite a few

about the fact that poor people are

administration-mania. The current right-wing

politicians prefer to follow such a path, at

categorically excluded from education, social

populism is not a whim of nature, but the

least partially accepting ring-wing demands

advancement and culture, face worse health

product of unprincipled, short-sighted and

or even their nationalist rhetoric. But this

care and die earlier.

egotistical politics of the last two decades.”

STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG

STICHTING EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG

VIP NEWS >

NAMES & JOBS

SEPTEMBER 2019

Kobalt appoints new CPO From VIP-Daily News Kobalt has announced Johan Land as Chief

a management consultant at McKinsey in

Ahdritz continued, “Simon has been a

Product Officer (CPO). Kobalt’s current CPO,

Europe and India.

pivotal part of Kobalt’s achievements and

Simon Dennett, moves to a non-exec board seat at AMRA, Kobalt’s collection society.

growth story to date. He has worked closely Based in London, Johan will drive the next

with me over the years, and has consistently

evolution of Kobalt’s products and platform

delivered across leadership roles in strategy,

Prior to joining Kobalt, Land worked as a

to handle the rapidly increasing volume and

product, commercial and operations. I am

product leader in Silicon Valley for the last

complexity of data.

pleased he is remaining part of the Kobalt

decade. Most recently at Waymo he led the launch of the first commercial self-driving

Kobalt Founder and CEO Willard Ahdritz

cars service. Before Waymo, Land worked

says, “Kobalt has always been at the heart

Simon Dennett added, “I am really proud of

at YouTube on topics ranging from music

of technology and innovation in the music

the team at Kobalt and everything that we

to Youtube TV. Within Google, Johan has

industry and Simon has been a big part of

have achieved together. Johan brings a huge

held a set of other roles ranging from ads

that. I’m excited to have Johan on board to

breadth and depth of experience with which

optimization to Google Books. Land has

continue this trend. He has an impressive

to lead the product team to new heights.

also founded a set of companies ranging

pedigree as a product leader and innovator,

After 13 years, the time is now right for me

from e-commerce for hardware retailers, to

and I am confident he can continue our

to focus on new challenges and help steer

real estate valuation, to online gaming and

stellar track record of delivering industry-

AMRA’s contribution to Kobalt’s mission to

meat logistics/sales. Land also worked as

changing products and services to creators.”

serve artists and creators the world over.”

Johan Land

18

family as a member of the AMRA board.”

VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >

MUSIC IN SHARES

SEPTEMBER 2019

Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com

CTS Eventim - Staying above

likely is one thing, the other thing is that the DEAG shares have since increased from the previously reported 3.65 to 4.04 Euro.

Keeping the level of certain share price borders is meaningful. CTS Eventim does so with a current share price of 50.15 Euro on August 26, when this report went to press, CTS Eventim is holding the 50

Live Nation - Can’t Keep The Level

Euro per share-line successfully, just a bit lower than 50.55 Euro on August 23, as reported in the previous issue of VIP News.

From $70.72 to $67.48, as previously mentioned, certain price borders mean a lot in the financial community and although this share price peaked in August at an all time high of $73.72, the current share

Eventbrite - Slightly Down

price is still high enough to please early bird investors.

From $19.11. to $17.09. Stability is nice to have, particularly in the case of Eventbrite, this share price cannot in fact keep an upward

Spotify - Keeping Investors Surprised (Continuously)

trend that manifests a stable turnaround of a share price recovery.

The shares of Spotify impresses by volatility. In August, it was still at $138.00 and this time has fallen to $118.22, such fluctuations will at

DEAG - Driven By Speculations

least keep investors awake.

The news that a hedge fund has increased the holdings of DEAG shares by more than 10 percent created reports that DEAG was supposed to become a takeover candidate. This assumption being

19

VIP NEWS > MISC >

SEPTEMBER 2019

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 LES NEGRESSES VERTES Territory: Europe excl. France Period: 2020 Agency: Artistagency Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 1677 7670 E-mail: paul@bereal.agency Homepage: www.artistagency.be

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“The first Qstock festival in Finland took place in 2003. The small-scale event attracted over 7,000 visitors instead of the expected 3,000. During the next three years, the event attracted some 20,000 visitors every year.”

MAMADOU KELLY Territory: Worldwide Period: 2019-2020 Agency: Clermont Music Agent: Chris Nolan Phone: +1 5187 555089 E-mail: chrisanolan3@clermontmusic.com Homepage: www.clermontmusic.com/mamadou-kelly/

ZAP MAMA Territory: Europe Period: 2019 Agency: Artistagency gent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 16 77 76 70 E-mail: bart@artistagency.be Homepage: www.zapmama.com

SKALD Territory: World Period: 2019 - 2021 Agency: Phenix Agency Agent: Julien Pagnon Phone: +33 6869 11017 E-mail: julien@phenix-agency.eu Homepage: skaldvikings.com

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20