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VIP NEWS
PREMIUM > VOLUME 239 > NOVEMBER 2020
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
A light at the end of the tunnel
Peter Briggs er - VIP-Bookin g.com
General Manag
After months of uncertainty with renewed lockdowns and tough restrictions around the globe there was finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon with the announcement that early data from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine candidate showing around 90% effectiveness. This announcement sparked optimism that shows might return to some normality during 2021 and this was immediately reflected in the share prices of Live Nation, DEAG and CTS Eventim as they all soared in double digits. Our hopes were further boosted by announcements from both Moderna and AstraZeneca leading us to believe that the light at the end of the tunnel will be brighter early next year.
COLOPHON > There is no doubt that demand will be huge once shows do return, a sentiment underlined 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 Writer: Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
by a Live Nation survey with fans which showed that 95% planned to return to live music shows when restrictions are lifted and that 83% of fans have opted to keep their tickets for rescheduled events. Ticketmaster’s new technology plans for digital ticketing in partnership with health information companies such as IBM’s Digital Health Pass and Clear Health Pass could see event goers being cleared for attending events, further strengthening the hope that events will be able to go ahead safely and that consumer confidence will be restored. Besides the boost of confidence and optimism echoed by the corporates we’ve also seen a healthy influx of new companies appearing on the scene this year and over the coming months we will be highlighting some of these new entrepreneurs. First up in this issue we interview Jon Ollier, formerly at CAA, Matt Hanner, formerly at ATC, and Kasper Due, formerly at Copenhagen Music as they give us their views on how they expect their new companies to
For advertising enquiries please contact:
fair in our disrupted industry.
Peter Briggs pb@vip-booking.com +46 70 77 60 480
Although the live industry has been turned upside down during the pandemic we believe
Charlie Presburg cp@vip-booking.com +44 (0) 7980 817496
that the emergence of new independent companies appearing on the scene coupled with the many other changes taking place will see a healthier, more creative and competitive business once things get back to normal, stimulating opportunities for more players to get a piece of the pie.
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VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
ILMC 2021 goes virtual From VIP-Daily News
Organisers of the International Live Music
“It’s important that the whole industry is
Conference (ILMC) have launched ILMC 33,
able to come together at such a pivotal time
the 2021 edition of the conference and the
for the industry’s recovery,” explains ILMC
first in an all-virtual format.
head Greg Parmley. “With that in mind, we’ve decided to open up ILMC to the wider
Without
the
physical
confines
of
a
live music family for the first time, ensuring
conference space, the event which typically
as many delegates are possible are able
welcomes 2,000 professionals annually,
to exchange ideas and benefit from each
will programme an expanded schedule of
other’s expertise.”
panels, meetings, workshops and keynotes. ILMC 33 also includes a fully online version Also announced today is ILMC 2021’s first
of the Arthur Awards, the live music
keynote
legendary
industry’s Oscar equivalents, which feature
music executive Irving Azoff. Hosted by
interview,
featuring
several new award categories – including
Ed Bicknell, ‘The (Late) Breakfast Meeting
Unsung Heroes and Tour of the Decade that
with Irving Azoff’ sees Azoff join the
will be voted for live on the night. The ILMC
raconteur and former Dire Straits manager
Production Meeting (IPM) and Green Events
to discuss his remarkable career in music,
& Innovations Conference (GEI) will both
from managing Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, to
precede ILMC on Tuesday 2 March.
Greg Parmley
running Ticketmaster, to being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
4
Confirmed speakers for ILMC 2021 already
In addition to three days of conference
include Tim Leiweke (Oak View Group), Bob
sessions, the ILMC conference platform
Given the unprecedented circumstances,
Lefsetz (Lefsetz Letter), Emma Banks (CAA),
will feature hosted networking lounges,
ILMC will be opening its doors to non-
Sam Kirby Yoh (UTA), Tony Goldring (WME),
speedmeetings, virtual exhibition spaces,
members for the first time in 2021,
Tom Windish (Paradigm) and Phil Bowdery
while a schedule of nighttime events also
allowing a wider range of live music
(Live Nation). The first conference sessions
includes a series of livestream showcases
professionals to attend.
will be announced in the coming days.
from emerging artists.
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
Jon Ollier launches One Fiinix Live From VIP-Daily News Jon Ollier the award-winning UK booking
Also joining Jon at One Fiinix Live will be
agent whose clients include Ed Sheeran,
Emma Davis, who was his long-time right-
Anne-Marie, Lauv, 2Cellos and JC Stewart
hand at CAA.
among others, has unveiled plans for a new, independent live booking agency.
Among his many achievements include the booking of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Divide’ tour, the
Headquartered in London, One Fiinix Live
highest grossing and best attended tour of
has been launched following the end of
all time, inclusion in Billboard Magazine’s
his near six-year tenure at CAA , which was
“Power Players Impact List 2020”, the
announced in October. As CEO of this new
Music Week award for ‘Live Music Agent’
venture, Jon retains his personal roster and
in 2016, alongside nominations for Pollstar
has set out a vision that includes providing a
Magazine’s annual ‘International Agent’
first-class service to his existing clients while
award.
investing time and resources in to developing new innovations and strategies to maximise
Read the interview with Jon Ollier on
opportunities in a post-COVID world.
page 14.
Jon Ollier
ESNS conference program taking shape From VIP-Daily News Having already announced that conference
We all want to go ahead with our music
Other new additions include Sam Distaso,
and showcase festival ESNS (Eurosonic
and our business, but the fact is that we
Vice President of Business Development
Noorderslag) will be a fully digital edition in
are all still in ‘waiting mode’. What does
at Sandar and responsible for introducing
2021, the conference program is now taking
‘the road to recovery’ of our beloved music
the world to cutting-edge virtual live event
shape with more speakers and discussion
sector look like and when are we allowed
technology, Justin Bennington, founder and
topics announced.
to start up again? What’s the status on
first engineer at Somewhere Systems, based
the vaccine and when can we finally go
in New York City which builds bleeding-
Taking place from 13 to 16 January 2021,
ahead with test events and instant testing?
edge AR experiences for the music industry
the main focus of the 35th edition of ESNS
Is streaming here to stay? How does the
and others and Ryan Miller, CEO, Club
will be moving forward and the ‘the road to
pandemic affect the work of songwriters
Quarantaene, who will discuss the new and
recovery’ with key speakers including;
and performing artists? What will VR and
exciting virtual world of VR and AR.
AR add to our live experiences? These are Aly Gillan (Bandcamp), Anita Barisic (Warner
all questions and subjects that ESNS will aim
Addressing the re-start of live activities,
Chappell), Claire O’Neill (A Greener Festival,
to give the necessary insights into during
ESNS presents the ‘Successful Covid-19
Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week), Keith
their conference.
Festival Formats’ with Michal Kascak (Pohoda
Harris (Keith Harris Music Ltd), Michael
Festival), Helen Sildna (Tallinn Music Week),
Chugg (Michael Chugg Entertainment),
Joining the already announced keynotes and
Kate Wenster (Base Camp Festival) and
Michal Kascak (Pohoda Festival), Sammy
panel speakers is Steve Strange of X-Ray
Raphael
Andrews (Deviate Digital), Scott Cohen
Touring, agent for Queens of the Stone Age,
moderated by Gordon Masson (IQ Magazine).
(Warner
Music),
Steve
Strange
Meyersieck
(Electrisize
Festival),
(X-Ray
Eminem, and Coldplay who will feature in a
Touring), Tom Windish (Paradigm Talent
keynote interview with the famous promoter
Rutger Ansley Rosenborg, Digital Strategy
Agency).
Michael Chug.
Lead and Jason Joven, Manager Content
5
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
and Insights at Chartmetric will host two
The Dutch spoken panel ‘Live streaming: this
The Dutch Music Publishers Organization
presentations on streaming analytics. The
is the way forward’ will see the participation
NMUV will shine a light on how they deal
first, will look at the effect of COVID-19
of
at
with talent scouting and development
on the global music business: data of live
copyright organisation Buma/Stemra, artist
during Covid-times, also going into the
streaming suggest that when artists go live
manager and music entrepreneur Marc
matter of creating new material if working
on Instagram and/or YouTube, existing fans
Hofstede of Ambassadors of Entertainment,
closely together in studios or writing
are more likely to engage and new fans will
singer-songwriter Ed Struijlaart and Maurice
sessions is limited. Bobby Sukhraj, music
follow. Followed by ‘International Trigger
Endeman, general manager of the venue Het
publisher, producer and manager at Houston
Cities for European Artists; according to
Podium in Hoogeveen that launched the live
Comma, will discuss the art of songwriting
analysis of Trigger Cities in Southeast Asia
streaming concept Locked & Live, talking to
during Corona crisis with Anita Barisic,
and Latin America, European artists might
moderator Martijn Crama.
AR/Creative Manager at Warner Chappell
Michiel
Laan,
Manager
Online
want to consider looking beyond North
and Daan Determeijer, A&R responsible at
America and Northern & Western Europe to
The European Composer and Songwriter
MusicAllStars Publishing, a sister-company
find streaming success, connect with highly
Alliance (ECSA) calls for an open debate with
of the world’s leading dance label Spinnin`.
engaged audiences, and, eventually, tour.
various parties to have a critical look at the business- and revenue-models and discuss
The Dutch composers and artist organization
Keeping it on the subject of streaming;
the way we can create a ‘fair music value
BAM! Popauteurs will discuss the effect of
Bandcamp’s Aly Gillani, the European Label
chain’ for all parties, with Aafke Romeijn
the pandemic in regard to the daily routine
Representative, will take part in a panel
(from BAM! Popauteurs) as moderator and
and work of composers and musicians with
discussion on ‘How to get the most out of your
Arriën Molema (ECSA board member and
Dutch artists like San Holo, Áslaug, Pip Blom
live streaming concerts’, hosted by Helienne
songwriter), Helen Smith (IMPALA) and
and Bas van Wageningen (Di-rect), with Rita
Lindvall. More panel speakers to follow.
Annabella Coldrick (MMF) as panel members.
Zipora moderating this panel.
ESNS
6
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
CAA agent Ben Kouijzer dies at 36 From VIP-Daily News Ben Kouijzer, a music agent for CAA UK who
that he shared will remain with us forever.
audio systems design. He worked as an
represented electronic acts such as 808 State
We send all of our love and condolences to
agent for MN2S, The Agency Group and
and Meduza, has died of kidney and liver
Lotte and to Ben’s family and friends.”
UTA before arriving at CAA. His roster of
failure after battling cancer. He was 36.
clients included 808 State, Meduza, Tough Bowser also paid tribute to Kouijzer in a
Love and Bearcubs.
Kouijzer was diagnosed last summer with
heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “While
malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor,
the pain of losing you is ripping through
Members of the electronic dance community
or MPNST, and underwent surgery and
every cell in my body, I would’ve rather
took to Twitter to remember Kouijzer.
radiotherapy, according to his GoFundMe
experienced a love like this for 7 years – so
Meduza wrote a heartfelt message on
page. But in April, he learned that the cancer
deep, so intoxicating and so unconditional –
Instagram, saying: “Throughout the last 2
had metastasized to his lungs.
than to have never loved or be loved at all.
years you have been inspirational for us. We
I will love you forever, in this lifetime and in
had so much more to do together, so many
every other lifetime to come.”
more fun times to share, so many more plans
Kouijzer and his fiancé, Lotte Bowser, moved to Tijuana, Mexico in September for
to implement and enjoy together, you made
treatment, and Kouijzer tested positive for
Kouijzer attended the University of Derby,
our teams craziest dreams come true in such
COVID-19 in late October.
where he studied music technology and
a short period of time.”
His death was announced via GoFundMe on Sunday. “It is with deep sadness that we
Ben Kouijzer
announce the passing of Ben. He fought so hard and we are so so proud of him but in the end it was too much for him,” the post reads. “A combination of factors lead to kidney and liver failure and he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning. We are beyond devastated. We are all hurting together.” Emma Banks, co-head of CAA’s London office, issued the following statement to Variety: “Today is such a sad day for everyone at CAA and particularly those who worked closely with Ben in the music department. It’s a testament to the man that while he had only been working with us for a couple of years, we are mourning a lifelong friend. Everyone who encountered Ben immediately loved him – he was a fantastic agent but more than that, he was simply a great human being. He was so brave tackling his cancer and with his beloved fiancée Lotte by his side he was determined to try every possible option to beat the disease. Ben is an inspiration to us all. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten and his spirit, soul and the love
7
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
New electronic booking agency launches in Germany From VIP-Daily News Frills
agency
has
launched
in
Berlin’s
lasting and meaningful profiles and brands
agent for Temporary Secretary, representing
Kreuzberg district with a pledge to shake up
through organic evolution, whilst being
Dixon, Ame and others.
the electronic music scene.
sensitive to the fast-changing pace of music and entertainment culture.”
“Our method is anything but conventional,”
The agency brings together a team of
said Heller. “We opened our office one week
specialists in artist development to offer
With 25 years’ experience in the world of
before Covid-19 shut down the entire global
a multi-faceted range of services, from
electronic music, Heller led the bookings
events industry! But that means we’ve been
bookings, marketing and brand creation
team for Solomun’s Diynamic roster of artists
able to structure our team and processes
to business affairs, consulting, record label
before going on to manage the global event
from the ground up, without relying on any
management and event production.
series Hyte.
one artist to influence the overall direction of the roster. We want to announce our
“We forge and nurture relationships with
For this new venture into artist development,
partnerships with artists gradually to reflect
electronic music artists based on trust,
Heller has teamed up with music industry
our approach to building the company -
friendship, integrity, honesty, transparency
entrepreneur David Lewis, co-founder of
selecting every artist for their individual
and loyalty,” said co-founder Aga Heller
David Lewis Productions, Alda and Armada
merits, sharing their objectives as partners,
(pictured).
Music. The pair first met in 2000 when Heller
team members and friends.
“Our
primary
focus
is
to
help artists develop their profiles and personalities
by
providing
was working at Warner Music.
customised
concepts and services. “2020 has proven to us that artists and
“We want to nurture every aspect of Lewis went on to establish global event
an artists’ career and that involves a
brands and has worked with international
commitment from both parties that goes
artists across the electronic music spectrum.
deeper than fleeting trends or overnight
their team needs to be adaptable now
social media success. House and Techno are
more than ever. Traditional structures of
The booking department will be led by
labels, but we operate beyond the borders
manager, agent, PR, and social media teams
Catherine
career
of genres. We want to help shape the next
are expensive, slow, and outdated. We’re
includes stints with Richie Hawtin’s former
generation of electronic music for decades
redefining that by bringing everything
M-nus bookings roster at Clonk Artist
to come, from behind the scenes, in the
under one roof so we can work on the big
Booking and more recently as a booking
booth and on the dancefloor.”
Stoy,
whose
15-year
picture - applying resources where they’re needed in relation to an artist’s career in a dynamic, fluid, and efficient way. This allows us to bring value in a way that traditional agencies cannot.” The holistic approach to artist management combines booking management, marketing and PR as well as business affairs to form the overall strategy. “The concepts and methods we employ are defined by our team together,” according to a company statement. “Everyone plays a key part, working hand-in-hand to achieve the goals of our artists, step by step. We work to raise awareness, grow audiences and build
8
Aga Heller
ESNS 2021 GOES DIGITAL Register now for the digital edition of ESNS with panel discussions, keynotes, sessions, speed meetings, network opportunities and lots of new music at esns.nl.
THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
COVID-19 and the Live Industry: How Are we Coping? It goes without saying that these are challenging times with the Live Music & Events Industry being one of the worst hit by the current coronavirus crisis and with the lockdowns and restrictions on events imposed by governments all over the world. Although there is some hope on the horizon with many tours already being rescheduled for the Spring 2021 there is still a lot of uncertainty remaining. We asked 2 professionals from different countries about their current situation and how they are dealing with the problems facing their businesses.
Marina Beniashvili, Agenda Production International, Germany We are a family business and my parents together with my
not perform but this gives us time to create new concepts and
Grandparents built up this live entertainment company over 30 years
performances for our shows. During season 21/22 we will celebrate
ago. Agenda Production is an International cross over full service
2 new Premiers with our Russian Circus on Ice: The Wizard from Oz
production company for producing, touring, and corporate events,
on Ice and Music Highlights of Frozen – a Firework of Ice Dancing and
based in Berlin.
Acrobatics with live singers on stage.
With over 500 performances per year, We create innovative
At the same time we are planning the touring season 20/21,
productions, to name a few, Havana Nights Dance Musical (from
developing and thinking about new creative ways, how to advertise
Cuba, nominated for best show of the year at the Live Entertainment
our shows for 20/21 and conceptually optimizing our already existing
Award Germany), The Russian Circus on Ice (Fairytales on Ice), The
productions on stage, as well as the integration of new technologies,
Russian National Ballet, which we are famous for the biggest Ballet
so that as soon as the season 20/21 starts, we will be able to present
tour in Europe (200 Performances per Season), Tango Revolution (from
an even more impressive show program.
Argentina), Fire of Georgian Dance (Georgia), Sheketak – Rhytmn in Motion (Israel), and corporate events for Fabergé, Hermès, Bulgari and
Have you received any financial support from your government
many more to explore on our website www.agenda-production.com
and if so are you still receiving support?
We have also organized in Germany on several occasions, the Oscars of the Ballet world: “Benois de la Danse”.
So far we have received 2 smaller amounts, relative to our needs and by the end of this month we were promised to receive support with
How is your company coping with the current crisis and how is
a larger budget. The Federal Association of the Concert and Event
the re-opening schedule looking in your country?
Industry (BDKV) informs us regularly about funding programs that we try to take advantage of.
All our performances from this March 2020 until April 2021 were
10
postponed to December 2021-April 2022. In total about 350
Have you managed to promote any shows or booked any gigs
performances were postponed. During this season 20/21 we will
for your artists at all during this period of uncertainty?
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
The Russian National Ballet and The Russian Circus on Ice were
Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or
performing in Russia. We also created in Germany with new hygiene
do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?
concepts a Ballet Gala – Swan Lake & More (with highlights of Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker and Contemporary Dance Repertoire) with
Since we are a big creative family in the live entertainment industry, I
Stars and Principal Dancers of the German State Ballet Theaters. This
am sure that we will come together to the right agreements.
Ballet Gala was planned for this December across Germany but due
to the new lockdown regulations it is postponed until next year.
Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over?
Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if so how?
Yes as we see now a tendency in the USA, and it might be possible in Europe.
During this Summer Season our artists of the Russian National Ballet
were using outdoor venues on the lake to perform Highlights of the
What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have
Ballet World, as Swanlake and offered a free stream for the audiences
on the future of the Live Music Industry?
and fan base of the Russian National Ballet. As we are already experiencing this year, there will unfortunately be Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the
a reduction in the number of companies in our industry, but we are
future even when things get back to normal?
sure that together with the new and young creative generation, new companies will be rebuilt. It may not return to the way it was, but this
It is definitely an additional platform for viewers who cannot attend
gives us the chance to start again and build a new scene for the Live
the concerts live, but our core business is live entertainment and we
Entertainment Industry.
love this live feeling and believe that no other medium can replace it and we will do everything we can to enliven Live Entertainment, to
The Show must go on and the Show will go on!!!
continue to realize performances and to keep it alive. Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as usual next year? We remain optimistic in every situation, despite the current circumstances. The Show must go on, and the Show will go on! How do you think the recent announcement of a vaccine will affect the re-opening of the live music business? In this case I am quoting the statements of our politicians: According to the government in Germany, as soon as the risk groups have been vaccinated we can start the full reopening of the live music and live entertainment business, and we believe that as soon as the theatres reopen, that the audience will be very hungry for live entertainment and our normal social life, so that we can sell out the venues as it was before the corona crisis. How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor audience safety at future events? Difficult!!! It is difficult for the older audiences who visit our shows to install this app and it is difficult for the younger audiences, as not everyone agrees with it, but we hope that the monitoring of audiences for safety variants will no longer be needed as soon as the vaccine is administered to the risk groups.
3 Generations of Agenda Production International during the Russian National Ballet Tour inside the Nightliner. Marina Beniashvili (back), Zina Wachsmann (front left) and Rimma Wachsmann-Beniashvili (front right).
11
VIP NEWS >
NOVEMBER 2020
Zoltán Mészáros, Managing Director, Veszprémfest (Hungary) Veszprémfest, Hungary is a cultural and art festival that has taken
How do you think the recent announcement of a vaccine will
place annually in mid July since 2004. The performing artists represent
affect the re-opening of the live music business?
a variety of genres from pop, jazz, soul through to r&b, reggae, and even classical.The extraordinary historic outdoor surroundings lend a
We definitely trust that it will pour oil on troubled waters.
very special atmosphere to the venues. How do you see new technology being introduced to monitor There are four major stages including the beautiful Bishop’s Garden,
audience safety at future events?
which was the summer residency of the city’s Bishop 200 years ago, the Baroque square of the old town, the nearly 300-year-old Jesuit
I believe it is still early to speak about that but an immediate Covid
church as well as the local arena.
test, taken from saliva for instance, could greatly help the re-start of the music business.
How is your company coping with the current crisis and how’s the reopening schedule looking in your country?
Will promoters continue to pay huge advances in the future or do you see artists/managers/agents taking more of the risk?
Our government announced an emergency situation until 8 December 2020, and nobody knows what’s coming up next.
It will depend on the future stability.
Unfortunately the pandemic data does not look promising at the moment.
Do you see a sway back to more independent promoters and agents once the current crisis is over?
Have you received any financial support from your government and if so are you still receiving support?
We believe some independent promoters may not survive the crisis without financial help so this will be more difficult for them.
Yes, we have received some support in the form of employers’ taxes and we also participated in a tender where you could apply for a part
What long term effects do you think the current crisis will have
of this year’s loss.
on the future of the Live Music Industry?
Have you managed to promote any shows or booked any gigs
It is difficult to tell this today, but I personally believe that the first
for your artists at all during this period of uncertainty?
Covid 19 compatible season will only be in 2022. By then we can certainly say that the vaccination is ready and we will be a proper
Yes, we managed to book some artists for 2021.
distance from the current crisis. There is certainly a chance that Covid 19, similarly to the flu, will be a virus we live with once everything is
Have you managed to monetize any live streamed gigs and if
back to normal.
so how? Not yet. Do you see live streamed gigs being a revenue stream in the future even when things get back to normal? Not really. Are you optimistic that festivals will be able to go ahead as usual next year? It’s difficult to answer this question as we are still waiting, however we cannot really wait with our decision longer than March 2021.
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Zoltán Mészáros
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
The No 1 Information Resource For The Live Entertainment Industry Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. We have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc.
ÂŽ
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
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
NOVEMBET 2020
New company interviews Despite incredibly tough times for all of us in the Live Music Industry and news of layoffs from many of the majors, we are still seeing people taking the big step to launch their own companies. VIP-News will be speaking to several of these new entrepreneurs over the coming months to get an insight into their new ventures. Did you bring your full roster with you?
Name: Jon Ollier Company: One Fiinix Live Country: United Kingdom Type of company: Booking Agency
I have brought all of what I considered to be my “personal roster” with me, there were other clients that I worked on as part of a team who have stayed in what is really their natural home. How do you see the potential for your company in this disrupted Live Music industry?
Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your own company?
I think you have a choice, you either mourn the world we had before and let that consume you, or you try to turn it in to an opportunity
I started my career at booking agents Helter Skelter before moving to
and make the best out of the situation with the hand you have been
Free Trade Agency in 2008 working with artists such as Ed Sheeran,
dealt. I took a lot of time to consider this over the summer and I have
JP Cooper and Jamie Lawson. In 2015, I moved to CAA as a senior
decided to make the play that I believe in. I certainly don’t profess to
agent and expanded my roster to include Anne-Marie, Lauv, Calum
have the answers, but I think this is a uniquely good time to launch
Scott, 2Cellos and classical star Hauser among others.
a new business as we enter the next phase for live music. There
will be huge opportunities as we create new ways of thinking and I
Have you taken on any employees yet and/or planned on
believe One Fiinix Live is poised to play a leading role in that positive
growing or is it a one-man band?
disruption. I am keen to turn the current challenges we are all facing into possibilities.
We are in the fortunate position that, while others are forced to contract and consolidate, we are looking to expand wherever there are sensible ideas. Why did you decide to start your own company? After almost six years at CAA where I learned a huge amount from some inspirational colleagues I felt it was time to launch my own venture and realise the vision I had for a forward thinking, innovative agency that could empower artists and help them reach new audiences. What is/was your biggest concern about starting up your own company? I think the biggest challenge that you face when going from a large corporate set up and out on your own, is that you have to entirely change focus. The things that in one environment are considered weaknesses, now need to be exploited as your strengths and vice versa. I have the advantage though, of having worked at both small and large companies and we have the aspiration to play our own game rather than compete head-to-head.
14
Jon Ollier
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
NOVEMBET 2020
wasn’t to be my way to go. I actually did turn
Name: Kasper Due Company: Independent Music Agency (IMA) Country: Denmark Type of company: Agency
down two acts that wanted to join me at the time, just for the reason of keeping a good vibe with my former employer. How do you see the potential for your company in this disrupted Live Music industry?
Gives us a brief update on your career
tons of artists, it works for some, but not for
before launching your own company?
me. I’m an entrepreneur, no doubt. Starting
I think there’s a bright future ahead for live
Independent Music Agency is not about
music in general once Covid19 is under
I got into the music business at the age of 15
being the biggest agency, it’s about being
control and when things get “normalised”,
(now 38) working as a backliner, switched
the best for the artists we select to work
the audience will be so ready for shows.
to PM & TM work later on. After a couple of
with and to have fun while doing it. I started
There might be an over-flood of shows and
times around the world with bands such as
the agency together with longtime music
tours at the end of 2021 and even deep
Mew, Volbeat and Refused I joined a newly
friend and now also business partner Mr.
into 2022 and therefore perhaps a buyers’
founded Danish agency called we:made
Anders Nørgaard and we’re both very much
market, but again the demand for shows
created by the legendary music manager
hands-on / get it done kind of guys. We’ve
will be big. It seems that humanity is dying
Mr. Thomas Børresen. From there on I slowly
actually just launched a music management
to get loud music, flashing lights and thin
started the “selling” part of an agent’s job
company as well, working on developing
overpriced beer…even moshpits!
which was a new thing for me back then.
new talents. Hopefully I’ll have them on the
At a start-up agency, everybody has to work
agency roster one day.
hard and deliver, so its hands on from day
I feel deeply sorry when I see promotors, venues, festivals or agents who have lost a
one, I loved that. After some mergers with
What is/was your biggest concern about
lifetime of work due to Covid19, I hope these
other companies I decided it was time
starting up your own company?
people will bounce back. In the agency-
leave in February 2020, just before Covid19 exploded in Europe.
world it seems to be the time for new indie Remember it was before Covid19 and I
agencies, I’ve never seen so many agencies
honestly did not fear it that much, as I have
being launched – Love to see that!
Have you taken on any employees
been a part of so many company startups
yet and/or planned on growing or is
and mergers. I know it’s hard work, but I also
I think it a combination of big companies
it a one-man band?
know I can perform well under that pressure.
firing agents, but also agents wanting to be
Of course, the game changed once the
free to work with whom they want and how
I share an assistant with my business partner
virus completely shut down the live music
they prefer in terms of venues, promoters,
at IMA, which will do for now. We got shut
business all over the world and suddenly
ticketing etc.
down by Covid19 a few days after starting
the survival game was on and first priority.
the agency, it was really bad timing. The
But now the conditions are more or less the
But hey! let’s talk in 2023, I’ll give you the
plan is to grow bigger, maybe add an agent/
same for any agency anywhere in the world
correct answer to this question!
or partner, and more bands if the right ones
so it doesn’t matter if you’re a big corporate
come along. But right now, we want to make
or a one-man indie.
it post corona by keeping all costs down. I’ve just turned down taking on one act because
Did you bring your full roster with you?
it would put too much financial risk on the company to fulfil their expectations, that’s
No. One act joined me which is an act
reality these days.
(AQUA) I’ve worked with for some years now. I honestly tried to leave the former agency in
Why did you decide to start your own
a decent way or as good as possible, it’s a
company?
small world and one day you’ll have to work together on some project. I’ve seen other
I’ve been working at a big corporate agency
people bury themselves in enemies after
and it’s kind of equal to an IKEA just with
exiting an agency with 1/3 of the roster, that
Kasper Due
15
VIP NEWS > NEW BIZ >
NOVEMBET 2020
a step into the unknown. Once that had been navigated I think
Name: Matt Hanner Company: Runway Artists Country: UK Type of company: Booking Agency
my main concern, especially in the current circumstances, is that I would become isolated and not be able to keep up to date. Fortunately through my experience but also the support of other independent agents I’ve got a good network, I speak to other people a lot over the phone or Zoom which means despite being a little cut off physically (as a lot of us are at the moment) I’ve been able to keep up.
Gives us a brief update on your career before launching your
own company?
Did you bring your full roster with you?
Immediately before starting Runway I was an agent at ATC Live,
I didn’t bring every artist that I have been working with previously,
based in London. I’d been there a couple of years building a roster
the changing touring landscape and my change in circumstances
of my own having moved from Paradigm agency at the start of
meant that I felt some artists would be served better elsewhere. Plus
2018. While at Paradigm I was booking a range of artists on behalf
I was wary of not overloading myself knowing that I would have to
of some of the senior agents and by the time I left I had been there
deal with the admin side of the business for the first time as well,
for more than six years. I was a local promoter and studied music
alongside the usual booking responsibilities. However I was really
business before that, seems like a long time ago now!
encouraged by the response I got from the artists I did approach and
it gave me a really solid foundation to get the agency up and running.
Have you taken on any employees yet and/or planned on
growing or is it a one man band?
How do you see the potential for your company in this disrupted Live Music industry?
My hope is definitely to bring in some help at some stage, however with income being as it is currently I haven’t been in a position to
I think in uncertain times there’s a huge amount of potential for
do that yet.
smaller independent companies who are more nimble and able to
react to changes quickly. There are more and more artists coming
Why did you decide to start your own company?
through, more and more artists who want to tour and while there’s never been a one size fits all solution the increased competition
I left ATC as a result of the pandemic and the financial struggles that
does mean that agents need to be an increasingly creative and
all agencies have been facing, so starting my own company was a
enterprising part of an artist team. I believe that as an independent
proposition that I hadn’t particularly considered to a great extent
I’m now in a good place to be able to do that for my artists. When
up until that point, but it put me at something crossroads. I could
I started the company I definitely didn’t want to pigeonhole it as
choose to try to forge a new path, potentially away from live music,
a live agency, I want it to be fluid in terms of the services that we
walking away from the artists that I’ve been working with or I could
can provide and if it makes sense to work in other areas in order to
view it as an opportunity to try and create something new and
help my artists build a fanbase and sell tickets then that’s very much
exciting that I feel serves my artists as well if not better than being
something I’ll be considering. Overall, despite the challenges, I think
part of a large company. I’ve always thought that I would work for
it’s a very exciting time to be going out on your own.
myself in some capacity at some stage - I like the independence and being the master of your own destiny, there’s more space for creativity and you can avoid some of the pressures that come with being part of a bigger company with greater overheads. What is/was your biggest concern about starting up your own company? The main hurdle initially was to bring my artists with me, and I must say that Alex at ATC was incredibly helpful through the whole process and the company didn’t stand in my way as far as bringing artists with me, but obviously I had to make sure that the artists were happy and wanted to come with me – it was something of
16
Matt Hanner
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
NOVEMBER 2020
Aren Gelfond joins eps america as Managing Director
Lina Pettersson promoted at Live Nation Sweden
From VIP-Daily News
From VIP-Daily News
eps, one of the world’s leading providers of
position. I am looking forward to wading
Live Nation Sweden has appointed booking
event infrastructure such as event flooring and
through the waters of these unprecedented
agent Lina Pettersson as the new head of its
crowd control solutions, has announced the
times for our industry and coming out on
agency division.
appointment of Aren Gelfond as managing
the other side to build eps america beyond
director of the company`s US operations. He
its potential.”
will be fully responsible for the US business.
Previously, Pettersson was both an agent and head of sales for the company, stating that she
Okan Tombulca, CEO and founder of the
is “driven by being part of, and strengthening
Aren Gelfond began his career in the events
eps group, adds: “I have come to know
the work of, a progressive agency that
industry in 2005, when he served as a
Aren as a competent project manager with
manages and develops the artists’ live careers,
production coordinator for several live event
extensive experience, in-depth knowledge
from booking to touring.
shows across America. He joined eps in 2013
and an understanding of all aspects of the
as a project manager and, over the years,
events and infrastructure industry. Therefore,
Mattias Behrer, who was appointed Live
become responsible for major productions
I am very pleased to see the personal
Nation Sweden MD earlier this year, said: “I
such as “EDC Las Vegas”, “Coachella”,
development of Aren in the eps group. I
am incredibly happy about the opportunity
“Desert Trip”, the Fare Thee Well shows, and
welcome him today as the new managing
to promote Lina Pettersson to take over
the Rolling Stones` “No Filter Tour”.
director of eps america. With his harmonious
responsibility for Live Nation’s agency
personality and deep understanding of
operations. Lina has solid experience as
Aren Gelfond says about his new position:
our industry, I am convinced that he will
both agent and manager of our booking
“I have fallen in love with the work and
successfully master the challenges of this
team and is appreciated throughout the
the company from day one. Therefore,
time and consistently proceed with our path
organisation, as well as by our artists and
I am pleased and honored by the faith of
of steady growth in the US. I am happy that
partners. She stands for strong and inclusive
our shareholders to be able to contribute
we could fill this very important position with
leadership, relationship building, strategic
my knowledge and experience to this new
one of our young talents.”
maturity and creativity.”
Aren Gelfond
Other Live Nation businesses in Sweden include leading promoter Luger, festivals Summerburst, Sweden Rock and Lollapalooza Stockholm and agency Appelgren Friedner, which joined Live Nation last year.
Lina Pettersson
17
VIP NEWS >
NAMES & JOBS
NOVEMBER 2020
Andras Berta joins EXIT Festival From VIP-Daily News Festival-marketing
expert
Andras
Berta
recently joined Serbia’s EXIT festival team as
Sea Star (Croatia), Sea Dance (Montenegro) and No Sleep (Belgrade, Serbia).
their new International Marketing Director, gearing up for the festivals 20th Anniversary
The 42 year-old Hungarian has worked with
celebrations in 2021.
several events in the last few years, always with the aim to increase international
18
Berta previously worked for Sziget between
brand-awareness and subsequently the
2010 and 2017, in charge of the international
ticket sales. He’s known to put much
marketing, PR and ticketing of the Budapest-
effort into an efficient workflow, creating
based festival. Since 2016 he is also the leader
harmony between communication and
of Yourope’s marketing and communication
ticket sales, while he’s also active in
platform, the EMAC Group. His main focus
building international networks, working
at EXIT will be the Serbian promoter’s main
closely with agencies in several countries to
event (EXIT Festival), but he will also work
find the right positioning of events in the
with the company’s other festivals, such as
given markets.
Andras Berta
LIVE MUSIC’S GLOBAL GATHERING REBOOTS TO A NEW VIRTUAL REALITY
REGISTRATION OPEN 33.ilmc.com
ILMC33_Trade_Ad_A4.indd 1
27/11/2020 12:47
VIP NEWS > BUSINESS >
MUSIC IN SHARES
NOVEMBER 2020
Music In Shares Manfred Tari mt@vip-booking.com
Almost half time? The recent news of an
twenty years ago caused and stimulated a
companies where hope is back on track with
expected ‘market’ introduction of various
growth phase for the live music business.
a current share price of $16.90...
a share price rally. The US stock market index
Those who are working in the highly diverse
Live Nation - When Euphoria turns
Dow Jones peaked for the very first time to a
business field of the “Experience Economy”
into Confidence
new record level of 30.000 points. Even the
have already gained a kind of experience
shares of CTS Eventim, DEAG Live Nation
and expertise, enabling them to evaluate
The news of soon to be available vaccines
benefitted shortly from assumptions that the
the likely results in almost every term,
has had the same effect on Live Nation’s
arrival of vaccines may lead to the concert
what this means for their business over the
share price as the arrival of a huge load of
industry re-starting and so enabling them to
coming months. Well, let’s wait and see how
ecstasy pills at a rave party: Up from $55 to
run their businesses again.
this ‘exciting’ partnership of investors and
$69.00 and is almost where the share price
shareholders in this market segment will
stood before the pandemic...
vaccines against Covid19 has at least caused
The assumption however of ‘almost half
respond to these movements...
Spotify - The New Normal Has A Price
time’ in the best case scenario may only apply for the duration of the pandemic, which is in
CTS Eventim - Courageously Confident
itself a highly optimistic expectation. In terms
Even if the streaming giant Spotify isn’t able
of the business situation for live music events
On October 26 stood at 42.50 Euro, on
to keep it’s previously reported share price
it is more than likely that frictions caused by
November 26 at 49.94 Euro. Its business
of $283.83, with a current share price of
the pandemic will last a lot longer.
report
quarter)
$270.09, it still shows that certain tech and
for
Q3-2020
(third
released on November 19 says, amongst
digital companies have cemented an overall
The live music sector is similar to the aviation
other things “Solid financial foundation
confidence for these types of companies in
and tourism industries in that they are all
underpinned by around 800 million Euro
the investment community...
having to cope with significant shifts and
in cash and cash equivalents”, very much
modifications. The leisure sector has, in the
a meaningful argument in the heydays for
same way as high street businesses, been
the absence of prosperity...
confronted by a transformation process that has been esclalated by the disruptive
The last issue VIP News reported a share
DEAG - Regained Confidence
momentum of Covid19, bringing wth
price of $15.03 for Tencent Music. This time it is $16.70, a little better but still yet not
it related economic impacts and greatly
In its business report for Q3-2020 published
changed consumer habits.
on November 26, DEAG states: “The
significant...
company also has a solid liquidity position
Warner Music - Where Confidence
The consumption of music once again enters
of around 50 million Euro” and additionally
Means Continuity
a new phase of transformation, this has in
expects to “at least break even” for the
fact already started and is for the immediate
ongoing business year. From a previously
The decrease from $29.06 down to $28.85
future being steered by a very tough
reported level of 2.32 Euro this time it is up to
doesn’t really say anything. The company
consolidation process, it will certainly be a
3.08 Euro, an indicator that speaks for itself...
has in the meantime issued its full business
while before the term ‘recovery’ will come into effect.
report for the last twelve months, which
Eventbrite - The Mechanism of
among other things includes statements
Confidence
such as: “Total revenue was down 0.3% or
The related consequences will be more
20
Tencent - Speculatively Unexciting
up 0.4% in constant currency” or “Net loss
substantial than those caused by the
With a share price four weeks ago of $10.18,
was $470 million versus net income of $258
digitalisation process, which more than
Eventbrite now belongs to that group of
million in the prior year”...
VIP NEWS > MISC >
MEMBER PRESENTATION
NOVEMBER 2020
This space is dedicated to present some of our clients using VIP-Booking.com. Companies presented here have our best endorsement...
Marshall Arts 2020 sees Marshall Arts celebrate 44 years in the entertainment
A full list is attached for reference, but they include Paul McCartney,
industry. The company has assumed many different roles over
Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, The Spice Girls,
those years - Artiste’s Management, Agency, Production & Site Co-
Elton John, Cher, Whitney Houston, Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie,
ordination, all logistics relating to the presentation of events, but
Backstreet Boys, Elton John, George Michael, Rod Stewart, Dire
primarily have Promoted and arranged international and, indeed,
Straits, Destiny’s Child, Elvis Costello, Mary J. Blige, Eurythmics, Al
worldwide tours for many major Artistes.
Jarreau, and many more!
The Artistes with which the company have been associated are extremely varied, and we have been fortunate to have maintained longstanding relationships with many of them.
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 subscribers in over 50 countries.
®
vip-booking.com
21
HOW TO USE
1
Use VIP Analytics to lo cate where your artist has the most in terest:
VIP-Booking.com for Agents/Managers
2
ues Use our Tour Builder to locate ven or agents within a given area:
3
Find the Talent B uyer and relevant other contact s:
ÂŽ
The No. 1 information resource for the European Live Entertainment Industry vip-booking.com