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McGowan’s Musings

So – welcome to the first issue of VIP News in never appeared because their fee was better shows fail, people continue to buy enormous an odd numbered year which is sure to yield spent being donated to charity….? Actually, amounts of tickets at primary, and still it some odd happenings both in our business I’ve worked with bands like that… However seems, secondary, prices, and halls and in the world in general. A certain Mr the departing incumbent - by the way did and festivals generally fill up. Even terrorism Trump will I’m sure be involved with many of you know his surname in reverse is the Latin and shootings, though these outrages these predicted shenanigans (it just felt right for ‘I will love’? – had no problems in booking continue, with the shootings in Istanbul, to use that word somehow!) The new leader a turn for his bash. He just held open the Orlando and Playa del Carmen, Mexico, are of the Western World, as we must now door, and in walked the Boss (he’d been not enough to put them off completely. consider him, has nor started his tenure with quite a regular visitor over the last few years), Prodiss, the association of French promoters, the blessings of the live I think guitar at the ready, to deliver a 15-song festivals and venues, says although it’s safe to say… Madonna even ‘thought’ farewell gig for the president and his staff. I audiences at live shows (as opposed to about blowing up The White House following think that says something – don’t you… festivals specifically) declined slightly in 2016 his installation – but I believe her when she (-4%), a greater proportion of French people said it was a metaphorical threat don’t you? Talking of Bruce, he’d had quite a good year now feel attending is important Attempts to secure a leading act to entertain altogether, he and the E-Street Band finished to combat the “atmosphere of crisis” that those lined up to attend the inauguration ball up as the highest-grossing musical act of has prevailed since the Bataclan massacre in resulted in all sorts of refusals and rejections, 2016 according to our friends at Pollstar November 2015. We should be proud of our finishing up with a ‘legendary act’ which Magazine. The tour generated $268.3m audiences! from sales of 2.4m ticket sales. While we’re in determined and optimistic Beyoncé came second in the world, but first mode, one other heartening observation COLOPHON > in the US. came third overall, but in at least, is that the number of sold more tickets, 2.7m in fact – now why grassroots gig venues has remained stable VIP-News is published by: does that remind me of the way the US for the first time in a decade! Over the VIP-Booking.com Enghaven 19 Presidential election panned out? And yes, past ten years the City lost about a third of Attrup 8444 Balle The Stones were in there again, and Mick still its smaller venues. However, Londoners,

Managing Director: had time to have another child! So, overall, tourists, the Mayor Sadiq Khan, and our new Ronni Didriksen much as 2016 had its problems, terrorism, Night Mayor, are happy to hear that research [email protected] festival weather, not to mention the demise found 94 venues operating last November – General Manager: Peter Briggs of a distressing number of artists, the the same figure as November 2015, with new [email protected] business itself, like the Stones, boogies on. sites opening to replace those lost! Writer and editorial: For the 10th consecutive year since opening Allan McGowan [email protected] its doors in 2007, The O2 topped the So how was 2016 for you and your businesses,

Writer: worldwide venues list with more than 1.5 and what are your aspirations for the year? Manfred Tari million tickets sold in 2016! Let us know. In the meantime, having only [email protected] just really recovered from Eurosonic, and For advertising enquiries please contact: It seems that whatever happens audiences preparing for Where’s the Music in Sweden Peter Briggs [email protected] stay determined to go to the shows they next week – I can’t imagine it’ll be colder than +46 70 77 60 480 want to see, although there are occasional Brighton right now – Ladies and Gentlemen I drop offs in attendance, and of course some leave you with The News! 2 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017 Second Bucharest Nightclub Fire Allan McGowan [email protected]

Following the fatal fire at the City’s Colectiv fire at Bamboo earlier that day, issuing Club in 2015, The Bamboo nightclub in nearly 45,000 euros in fines and shutting Bucharest was destroyed this weekend in one venue down on safety grounds a fire injuring more than 40 people. There were claims that smokers in the venue Local Codruta Vulcu told VIP started the fire. It was also claimed that the News that the two clubs were very club did not have an operating license. different, the Bamboo was an expensive, up-market club which was burnt to the A number of venues were closed in the ground, with even the metal structure Romanian capital over safety concerns collapsing and buckling. Codruta said, after 64 people were killed in the fire of “Nobody really understands what the Colectiv club in 2015. Four of the five happened, whereas it was obvious with the Codruta Vulcu members of the band playing at Colectiv Colectiv venue. The Bamboo didn’t have a on that night, Goodbye To Gravity, were license but legally it didn’t have to have among the fatalities. one till June 30th” She continued, “After a mobile ambulance on hand within 15 the Colectiv fire the authorities checked minutes of the emergency calls. Commenting on this weekend’s fire, out all the clubs to make sure they had new Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said exits etc. They imposed strict regulations, From June 30 a written license to operate that Bucharest had been “very close to so this was what saved things from being will be required in Bucharest. Codruta another big tragedy; rules and laws have worse at The Bamboo. The changes to is a member of the new promoter’s apparently been broken again”. doors and exits allowed people to get out organization that has has been working in time, some people said that nothing had with the venues and the authorities, to Local media report that the authorities changed but it did otherwise many would improve all aspects of club, concert and staged spot checks on 162 clubs across have died!” Apparently the authorities festival promotions, including health and on Saturday night following the had 35 ambulances, fire trucks, and even safety of course.

Bamboo Nightlub

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U.S. based private equity firm Providence controlled more than half of the local festival James Barton, former president of electronic Equity Partners has bought a 70 percent market, but international growth was too music for Live Nation and founder of stake in Hungarian Sziget Festival, aiming to expensive, Sziget founder and co-owner Festival. expand the events internationally. Karoly Gerendai said. Providence participates in sponsorship Sziget draws about 500,000 people every “Now we can dream big,” Gerendai, whose agreements of the Formula One car race year to its flagship event in Budapest and team will retain a 30 percent stake in the series, and has other stakes in businesses thousands more to half a dozen other company, told a news briefing. from sports to entertainment, opening new festivals around Hungary. Now in its 25th synergies for Sziget, Gerendai said. season, it has received several “best festival” The current management will retain titles from the European Festival Awards. management rights and operational control Sziget had total revenue of about 10 billion of the festivals of the Sziget brand. forints ($34.6 million) in 2015, and Gerendai Rhode Island`s Providence, which has told the daily Vilaggazdasag last year that he total assets of about $47 billion under The team will be supported by several expected 2016 revenues to be higher, with management, expects to build a portfolio of international festival promoters such as an EBITDA of around 1 billion forints in 2016. about eight to 10 festivals in a few years, said Paul Bedford, a Providence representative.

“This was a cornerstone acquisition for us,” Bedford said. “We have in mind a federation of festival brands. They will work together as much and as often as they want to. There is some strength in numbers in this game.”

The companies did not disclose a purchase price.

The new investors will take the Sziget brand Sziget Festival global, they said. In Hungary, the firm has Further Investigation of the Ticketing Sector Allan McGowan [email protected]

International scrutiny of the ticketing sector, took place on Jan 26th in Milan. The event investigation into the country’s ticketing particularly in reference to the secondary attracted a sizeable international delegation. sector. The government agency says it market is hoting up. (Manfred Tari will file a report in the next will investigate “suspected breaches of Issue.) competition law in relation to the provision of In Italy, where regulatory measures have tickets and the operation of ticketing services been recently introduced, ‘No Secondary The latest country to take action is Ireland, for live events. The investigation will focus Ticketing International Conference’ instituted where the Competition and Consumer primarily on potentially anti-competitive by promoter Claudio Trotta of Barley Arts Protection Commission has announced an conduct by operators including those 5 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017

involved in providing tickets and ticketing a public consultation on the issues around services, promoters and venues”. touting.

Secondary ticketing has been a talking point Though the CCPC investigation will seemingly in Ireland of late, as in the UK and elsewhere, go further than that. The watchdog said with particular chatter about how quickly yesterday: “As part of the investigation, the tickets for U2’s show at Croke Park in Dublin CCPC has issued witness summonses and later this year sold out, before appearing formal requirements for information to a at majorly hiked up prices on the touting number of parties involved in the sector. The platforms. Irish MPs called for regulation CCPC welcomes contacts from parties in the of the ticket resale sector earlier this week sector who may have information that they Claudio Trotta as the country’s government announced feel is relevant to the investigation”

Eventim launch Vaddi Concerts From VIP-Daily News

German Ticketing giant Eventim has launched a subsidiary live in Freiburg since 2007. Koko & DTK is now believed to be promotions business, Vaddi Concerts GmbH, in ’s Freiburg falling into liquidation following Oßwald’s exit. Alongside Oßwald, area. the joint Managing Director of Vaddi Concerts will be Dr. Frithjof Pils.

Vaddi Concerts becomes part of Eventim’s Medusa Music Group According to Eventim, the duo will “take care of a wide-ranging arm, and will be run by Managing Director Marc Oßwald (pictured). event program in Baden-Wuerttemberg and the surrounding Oßwald became known through his activity as manager and regions in Bavaria, Austria, and France”. In addition promoter of Dieter Thomas Kuhn & Band. to the location in Freiburg a second office is planned to open in Tuebingen in September 2017. Since 2001, he managed the affairs of Koko & DTK Entertainment GmbH before leaving in Q3 2016. He has also led the Zelt Musik Marc Oßwald said: “I’m looking forward to the new challenge as a part of the CTS EVENTIM-group! We will build a strong team which will ultimately benefit the whole region.” Marc Oßwald

Dr. Frithjof Pils added: “We are happy to have won, with Oßwald, another outstanding promoter personality for our activities. His experience and network will help us to quickly develop Vaddi Concerts into a major force in the south-west German live event scene.”

More than 140 million tickets for more than 200,000 events are marketed annually via EVENTIM group systems.Music Business Worldwide.

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6 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017 German Collecting Agency for Promoters Neighbouring Rights Publishes First Tariffs Allan McGowan [email protected]

In autumn 2014, the Gesellschaft zur to learn that the clock runs much slower in events. As a collecting society for event Wahrnehmung von Veranstalterrechten this business and that one needs a lot of organisers in Germany and other European (“Collecting Agency for Promoters’ Rights”, patience. I’m glad that this is the second countries, the GWVR is thus safeguarding GWVR) became the thirteenth German major step after the official approval for the the event organiser’s ancillary copyright collecting society to be approved by the society makes sure that event organisers according to Paragraph 81 of the German German Patent and Trademark Office. The finally will receive first payments.” Copyright Act for all recordings of events GWVR has now set rates for the licensing exploited in Germany. The sole proprietor of audio and audiovisual recording media. In addition to concerts, the GWVR audio of the GWVR is the Bundesverband der These rates were published on 25 January and audiovisual rates apply to recordings of Veranstaltungswirtschaft (“German Federal 2017 in the German Federal Gazette. They comedy shows, cabaret, revues, musicals, Association of Event Organisers”, bdv). “By regulate the amount promoters receive for opera, theatre and other events. With their efficiently safeguarding their rights, event live recordings of their events when they publication in the German Federal Gazette organisers will for the first time be able to are released on CD, DVD or BluRay. “Both, the rates are in effect. “It finally became an enjoy a lasting benefit from their services the approval process for the society and economic reality that event organisers have that allows them to generate a long-term the discussions on setting the rates were ancillary copyright to their events and can profit – as opposed to fleeting success from quite difficult and time-consuming,” said Dr have a reasonable share in the proceeds of individual concerts,” said bdv President Johannes Ulbricht, Director of the GWVR. the commercial exploitation,” says Ulbricht. Prof. Jens Michow, commenting on the new “But in my position at the GWVR, I’ve had Further rates and comprehensive contracts development. for usage online and for radio and television broadcasts of event recordings are to follow Should you have any further questions, in the near future. In addition, the GWVR is please do not hesitate to contact GWVR at working on developing distribution schemes any time. and concluding collection agreements as well as processing a growing stream of membership applications. Gesellschaft zur Wahrnehmung von Veranstalterrechten mbH The Gesellschaft für die Wahrnehmung Postfach 20 23 64, 20216 Hamburg von Veranstalterrechten (“Society for Tel.: +49 (0) 40 – 41 30 52 78 the Safeguarding of Organisers’ Rights”, Fax: +49 (0) 40 – 46 88 14 17 GWVR) was founded in order to allow Email: [email protected] promoters to share in the profits generated www.gwvr.de Jens Michow from exploiting recordings of their 7 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > JANUARY 2017 The 2016 Experience And Other Observations On The Concert Market In Sweden Manfred Tari [email protected]

The event that gained the biggest international media awareness in 2016 was this year’s edition of the , held on May 14 in the Globe Arena in Stockholm. According to the promoter European Broadcasting Union (EBU) the event attracted European-wide recognition from more than 200 million viewers. This 61st edition was staged in Sweden after the Swedish singer Måns Zelmerlöw won the previous contest held one year before in Vienna.

Måns Zelmerlöw However, the Swedish live music sector is doing well in recent years after undergoing a market consolidation, particularly in the sector. According to STIM the revenue the live music sector. At least no bigger festival sector, from 2010 to 2013. Figures results for this part of the music sector alone bankruptcies occurred, but there are other for the business year 2015 by Musik Sverige went up14 per cent. From 2014 to 2015. difficulties and challenges the industry revealed a revenue result of 4,8 billion has had to cope with. Unlike most other Swedish Cronas, contributing 53 per cent However, industry insiders say that 2016 European countries Gender issues played a to the total revenue of the Swedish music also appears to have been a good year for bigger role than elsewhere. Gender equality in Sweden has a high priority in politics and society and also became meaningful for the music sector, rather as a guideline than any compulsory regulation, amongst promoters who confirm in discussion that they nowadays receive requests from journalists, as to whether or not they have booked an equitable number of female artists for their festivals. The same goes also for speakers at conference programmes or the number of employees at companies.

In fact Sweden therewith raises an issue that in the international music business until now has been widely neglected, as so far no female CEO, neither at a corporate record or a live music company has ever been appointed. In line with this movement Swedish festival market doing better awareness amongst Swedish female artists 8 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > JANUARY 2017

is rising. At the beginning of the year the about five rape cases and other cases of and Säljerydsfestival near Växjö. The media blog Hymn.se released an overview of sexual harassments that took place during awareness for this issue is also backed by notable female artists currently doing well the festival. statistics, saying that Denmark and Sweden in Sweden. On the list are artists such as have the highest rate of sexual assaults in Hanna Järver, Iman, Mabel, Beri, Adée, Besides the overall success of the event, the the EU. Léon, Toxe, Nola, Miynt, Lava Bangs and postings by Mumford & Sons on Facebook Ana Diaz. Remarkably is all of them are caused wide-ranging international media However, the festival delivering high quality repertoire in terms of coverage especially in US-media and led promoted by Luger, a subsidy of Live Nation song writing and production standards. to FKP Scorpio releasing a press statement, Sweden attracted 33.000 visitors to its tenth reporting on their efforts of extensive anniversary edition, a new visitor record. The Anther aspect drawing media attention is security and safety measures on the festival event takes places in Gothenburg in August the incidence of sexual crimes at live music site. Among others, in spring prior to the and featured headliners such as Morrisey, events. Due to very strict laws in Sweden event the promoters launched an awareness Libertines and Massive Attack. But like some any sort of sexual harassment is considered campaign entitled, “We Are The Festival - Vi festivals elsewhere in Europe Way Out West as a case of rape. The Swedish Branch of Är Festivalen”, informing the audience and had to cope with bad weather conditions the CTS Eventim company FKP Scorpio is the entire staff of the event how to behave this year. Way Out West is an inner city promoting Bravalla, which within just four responsibly and respectfully at the event. festival, the festival concept for Putte i years became the biggest music festival in Parken is takes place in four cities. Besides Sweden. For the current edition with 52.300 Nevertheless, although the police considered Karlstad it is also staged in July between visitors the promoter reacted to complaints the current edition of the Bravalla-festival Hune in Örebro, Leksand and Stockholm. by the bands Mumford & Sons, Rammstein the “safest and calmest festival ever” other The free event this year gained a total visitor and Volbeat , headliners of the festival, festival promoters have been confronted figure of 250.000. saying that the band intended to boycott with media reports, questioning the risk the event in the future, if the promoter of sexual violence incidents at live music Just Last November Live Nation announced and the police did not increase their efforts events. Amongst others there have been a take over of Sweden Rock Festival. The to prevent sexual crimes at this festival. media reports about sexual crimes at the metal festival has a capacity of 33.000 Mumford & Sons referred to the news festival edition Putte i Parken in Karlstad visitors now the sixth festival promoted by

Håkan Hellström at Ullevi

9 VIPNEWS > INDEPTH STORY > JANUARY 2017

the Swedish branch of the concert global Tele2 Arena, Friends Arena in Stockholm, especially for the lower financed level of the player, besides Way Out West, The Island Pustervik, Sticky Fingers, Oceanen, music sector are on hand. Festival, Popaganda, Stockholm Music & Trädgår’n, Lisebergshallen, Scandinavium in Arts and Summerburst. Gothenburg and Babel, KB, Malmö Arena, Sweden which is often considered to be Malmö Live in Malmö. Interestingly the following progressive policies appears very Live Nation operates more than 80 festivals Malmö Arena is faced with a new nearby conservative in comparison, even ignoring worldwide. The 25th edition of Sweden competitor, with the opening of the Royal the fact that the music sector as part of the Rock, held in mid June obtained 33.000 Arena in Copenhagen in February 2017 creative industries as an industry on a par visitors, featuring headlining artists such as with the film or art sector, is supposed to Slayer, Anthrax and Queen + Adam Lambert. Also Live Nation who also owns the receive appropriate development support ticketing company announced schemes. The biggest Swedish concert in 2016 was in September the launch of branches of promoted by Hakan Hellström at Ullevi. At the secondary ticketing portal Seatwave, Livemusik Sverige additionally working the beginning of June Hellstörm improved a Ticketmaster subsidiary, in Sweden and together with Nordic Travel on the his previous record of 69.300 concert visitors Finland. A spokesperson of the live music development of a scheme for live in 2014 this year pulling in 70090 visitors. In organisation Livemusik Sverige said that music promoters to benefit from music total for two shows on June 4.& 5. he sold the Ministry of Justice, unlike in Denmark, tourism arising from festivals and music 130.000 tickets. Previously the concerts by France, Italy or the UK currently does events. The organisation merged at Hellström were promoted by Live Nation, not intend to launch a law against the the beginning of January with the but for his new shows in 2017 FKP Scorpio unauthorized resale of tickets in Sweden. MoKS, (Musik- och Kulturföreningarnas will take over as his new promoter. An Samarbetsorganisation) an association for insider told Music & Copyright that this Currently high on the political agenda of non-profit music and culture organisations. deal indicates just how corporate concert Livemusik Sverige is a campaign entitled The leading music conferences are Sweden companies have changed the business “We are still playing pop (but we are about Live held in January 2017 in Linköping, settings in the live music sector in Sweden, to die).” The campaign is addressing the backed among others by Blixten & Co, when financially strong players can afford to conservative culture policy in Sweden that Headstomp, LifeLine, Live Nation/Luger, gain significant advantage by laying out the considers all types of popular music, apart United Stage, 2Entertain and Livemusik sort of fees that headlining artists demand from classical music or as being not Sverige and the showcase festival Where’s these days. While the competition between eligible for funding or support. Politicians the Music promoted by FKP Scorpio in Live Nation and FKP Scorpio enters a new in Sweden apparently consider popular February 2017 in Norrköping. Its 2016 stage, there are still other promoters such music as being commercial, differently edition pulled 4702 festival goers, 471 as United Stage, Blixten & Co, Appelgren + than in France, the and lately delegates and staged 120 concerts at 11 Friedner, Triffid and Danger Concerts and even Germany, where supporting schemes stages. Rootsy Music serving the Swedish concert market.

On the club level the departure of the well known concert venue Debases Medis in Stockholm at the end of the year marks another trend. As in most bigger cities in Europe concert venues come under pressure due to gentrification and significantly increased prices for real estates in urban areas. The 1.000 capacity concert hall Debaser Medis will leave a gap for concerts of this size in Stockholm.

Other notable venues and arenas in Sweden are Debaser Strand, Södra Teatren, KB Malmø Kägelbanan, Cirkus, Berns, Ericsson Globe, 10

VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017 Tallinn Music Week launched the new festival season with a new design and website From VIP-Daily News

Tallinn Music Week (TMW) launched its new website with the design of the upcoming festival edition. The website of the biggest Nordic city festival was created by design studio Velvet, the author of the new visual identity is designer Mariana Hint-Rääk.

The task of the new design was to layers. The festival audience oriented outer other channels Gurov used a punk-inspired visualise precisely and metaphorically layer of TMW is the enjoyment of a packed DIY ethics, a more abstract visual language the main topics of this year’s festival: entertainment programme from music to and handy tools – spoon, grass, paper knife, sustainable development in all its facets design and food. However there is always dishwashing sponge, match and whiteboard from environmental sustainability to urban a deeper meaning and impact behind. All marker – to create the illustration. development, from cohesive communities these colorful parts of the programme to promotion of equal rights. compile a many-fold entertainment as The new visual continues the traditional well as honest and critical analysis of the two-colour combination in order to make processes in society.” the festival recognisable around the city. Mariana Hint-Rääk designed an identity The main colours are bright dark pink and based on the symbol of portals. Mariana says The illustration that opens behind the portal grey that is balancing the intensity. the visual developed from moving between was created by the graphic designer and the several layers and levels of TMW: “The street artist Viktor Gurov. With the new visual also a new official font image of portals is the main element as it “GT Eesti” has been adapted by TMW. symbolises the movement from the bright To stand out from the text and photo based facade of the festival towards deeper shiny surface of the festival’s website and The international font designers group Grilli Type, led by Reto Moser, derived the new font from the Cold War era graphic phenomena “Zhurnalnaya Roublennaya“ and Soviet era Estonian children’s books while making it modern and dynamic as is fit for the festival. The font exists in Latin and Cyrillic letters.

More info: www.gt-eesti.com

The new website of TMW was created by design office Velvet. The main aim has been to design a practical assistant for festival guests as well as delegates and artists by Tallinn Music Week enabling easy navigation between different Photo by Tonu Tunnel festival layers, artist presentations and web 12 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017

shop. The web follows the logic of the new from 27th March to 2nd April will present department of Estonian Academy of Arts. visual by consisting of different layers and the music festival line-up and two-day TMW 2017 is presented by Nordea bank, portals that allow to look underneath the industry conference, a series of free City the partners are Telia and Spotify, Estonian surface. Stage concerts, a selection of eateries Ministry of Culture, Estonian Enterprise, within TMW Tastes; TMW Arts programme, Eesti Meedia and Nordic Hotel Forum. TMW 2017 programme will be launched on curated by the Estonian Contemporary the website on 1st February together with Arts Development Centre, Design Market The multi-genre festival programme of My Festival Schedule tool. showcasing the most exciting Baltic and about 200 local and international artists will Scandinavian brands and designs, TMW be released on 2nd February. Tallinn Music Week (TMW) is a weeklong Talks series with topics from music to science celebration of talent, curiosity, creativity, and societal issues, and City Space activities Additional information: freedom and equality. This year’s edition in collaboration with the interior architecture www.tmw.ee/programme

Voting Season For The Best German Concert Club Manfred Tari [email protected]

Livekomm, Backstage Pro, Clubs am Main and Musikmesse Frankfurt have launched online voting for the best concert club in Germany. Livekomm, the leading organisation for concert clubs in Germany together with its partners will celebrate the Backstage Club Award on April 5 in the Milchsackfabrik venue in Frankfurt. The event is part of the programme surrounding the Musikmesse Frankfurt, a fair for music instruments and other technical music goodies.

The voting is divided in to three categories “Best New Concert Club”, “Backstage Of The Year” and “Club Of The Year.”

Votes can be submitted on: www.backstagepro.de/clubaward

13 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017 Dua Lipa wins EBBA Public Choice Award Allan McGowan [email protected]

The winners of the 2017 European Border European festivals, including , The EBBA are funded under the European Breakers Awards (the ‘EBBA’), the European Frequency, and Way Out West Union’s (EU) Creative Europe programme. music awards for emerging artists, were and charted in countries such as Denmark, With the EBBA, the European Union wishes honoured at the The Netherlands, Germany and Austria. to highlight the success of 10 emerging festival in the Dutch city of Groningen. European artists in selling and Dua Lipa came out as the big winner of the The EBBA show also featured outstanding touring outside their home territory. evening, taking away the ‘Public Choice performances by all 2017 winners: Award’ by an overwhelming amount of online voters. Alan Walker (no), Jaakko Eino Kalevi (fi), Namika (de), Hinds (es), Filous (at), Jain Dua Lipa is a cool singer- from (fr), Dua Lipa (gb), Natalie La Rose (nl) and London, who writes love songs with a grand Walking on Cars (ie). Also, and EBBA was sound and a twist: strings, melancholic awarded to Era Istrefi (al). In the upcoming lyrics, electronic beats and dark, sensuous year the EBBA TV show will be broadcast by vocals. Hits include Be The One, Last Dance several European public channels. and Hotter Than Hell, proving that Dua Lipa Dua Lipa EBBA Awards 2017 is a mature artist in her own right, Over the Parts of the show can be watched through By Jorn Baars last year, she performed at a multitude of the EBBA’s Youtube channel.

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14 MIDEM_VIP BOOKING_163x115.indd 1 26/01/2017 18:42 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017 Eurosonic Noorderslag Opens the 2017 Conference Season Manfred Tari [email protected]

The 31st edition of this music highly official press conference of. ETEP initiated by and resulted in a working paper “The AB respected and established convention Eurosonic together with Yourope and the MUSIC Working Group Report” , to be proceeded as ever in Groningen on January European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 2003 found on here: 11-14, with 4,200 delegates in attendance, is without any doubt the most successful https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/ slightly up on the figure of 4.124 in 2016. and effective support programme for the creative-europe/sites/creative-europe/ The packed conference agenda delivered circulation of artists in Europe. It is one of files/ab-music-working-group_en.pdf some new insights and information on the very few initiatives dedicated to popular what currently concerns the music sector music that even receives funding from the It is a tricky and very ambitious political in Europe. While the European issue except EU-programme Creative Europe. mission initiated by the European for one meaningful panel was perhaps Commission itself. Driving forces behind this underplayed, other sessions like the special Staying in line with the subject of Europe panel has were Fabien Miclet, coordinator programme “Music Meets Tech” delivered the most notable panel to be mentioned of the programme also funded by Creative the more sensational stuff. was the one entitled Music Moves Europe. Europe, Liveurope, a support scheme for This panel delivered an update on the club concerts in 12 European concert venues Other sensations were delivered by the current situation regarding the intention and Peter Smidt, founder of Eurosonic European Talent Exchange Program (ETEP) to launch within upcoming budget period Noorderslag and creative director of the for which a new all-time record of 500 artist of the European Union a made to measure industry event. bookings for festivals was reported. In 2016 support programme for the music sector. the number of bookings amounted to 404 First consultations and hearings with music In recognition of the importance of this as Christof Huber, chairman of the festival industry representatives went on in the time measure, Eurosonic Noorderslag even organisation Yourope reported at the event’s frame from December 2015 to June 2016 released a press release with statements by the speakers on this panel: Anna Hildur, head of the European Music Export Exchange Network (EMEE), emphasized the ‘important steps that have been taken in the last months to materialise and develop a common position in the view of establishing a proper EU music programme by 2020.’

‘Over the last twelve months, six meetings and workshops involving representatives of the music sector have taken place in Brussels, Cannes, Lyon and Groningen,’ said Fabien Miclet: ‘These events enabled the commission to better assess the long-tem needs of European music.’

‘The European Commission is committed to creating the right conditions for music stakeholders at EU level. We are very happy with the work that has been done so far, and we look forward to a continued Panel at Eurosonic dialogue in the coming months and years’, 15 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017

said Barbara Gessler, Head of Unit for the of Europe have installed something for the culture programme of Creative Europe at music sector in the future. the EC. With this in mind it was a bit obvious that Matthieu Philibert of IMPALA described more panels and debates dealing with ‘a favourable political climate and a good European and other political issues was momentum for the music sector at EU missing. 2017 is spiked with elections in the level” and a “great working spirit within Netherlands, France and Germany. But unlike the sector’. The Commission welcomed the in the US, where many prominent artists efforts of the sector to work collectively. actively ventured their concerns regarding ‘We have to continue building on this the policies of the recently inaugurated US dynamic’ said Barbara Gessler. president Trump, it seems that in Europe only a minority of artists have undertaken Matthieu Philibert of IMPALA Helen Sildna, founder and director of significant efforts to protest against populist Tallinn Music Week, noted: ‘Music is a very movements by neo-nationalists who wish to important tool of soft power diplomacy, change the current political landscape. of us expected. Another one is ticketing- since it brings people together around payments with the online currency “bitcoin” creativity. In a uncertain world, it’s in However, it became exciting when Frank that furthermore includes the possibility for the EU’s interest to unleash music’s full Lucassen on behalf of Buma/Stemra promoters to actively ban illegal secondary potential.’ She added: ‘This is about the reported on some of the results of the ticketing. future of music in Europe, but also about keynote speeches and panels that took place the future of Europe itself.’ during the “Music Meets Tech”-sessions at Yes, there were plenty of other panels Eurosonic Noorderslag. Lucassen explained and keynotes, but to discover Eurosonic Being aware of that the majority of folks the features of the latest tech innovations Noorderslag in full detail it simply needs from the music sector in general do not in process. Among other tekkies one was a much bigger editorial team. Anyhow, show so much passion for political issues experimenting with artificial intelligence the rank and files of the European live and especially not so much for a common able to compose songs. This certainly is a music sector headed as usual at Eurosonic Europe, this panel at least provided a sign development where science fiction became Noorderslag in full swing into the New Year. of hope that in the best case the officials reality more quickly than probably most Let’s hope it will be good one...

Helen Sildna, founder and director of Tallinn Music Week

16 VIPNEWS > JANUARY 2017 NAMES & JOBS

New Director UK Music CEO to step down for Midem From VIP-Daily News From VIP-Daily News

Trade body UK Music’s chief executive, Jo Under her leadership, UK Music successfully France exec Dipple, will stand down in June 2017 after challenged BIS in the courts over new Alexandre Deniot has joined Reed Midem as five years as CEO. copyright legislation, helped introduce a Director of its annual music industry trade Live Music Act, amended DCLG planning conference, Midem. Deniot replaces Bruno Dipple, who will continue to run the law, launched an anti-piracy education Crolot who left Midem after five years in organisation until June, previously spent campaign, published Measuring Music July 2015 and has since been named MD of three years as the trade body`s head of and Wish You Were Here and prevented France and Benelux for Spotify. government relations. Government from cutting BBC music services. Midem’s new boss brings with him over 15 “UK Music will attract the very highest years of experience within the music sector, candidate to take this role,” she said. “Her work in launching the UK Music mainly at Universal Music Group where “It is a unique body with an exceptional Skills Academy led to a sea-change in he was Business Development Director for membership. I am privileged to have training strategy for the sector. Seventy UMG’s Paris-based digital division. worked with successful industry bosses and new apprenticeship jobs were created and supremely talented musicians and creators. there exists now a structured approach to Deniot started his career in the music Music is part emotion and part business and improving entry-level access, ensuring open business in 2001 as part of the UK gets both right over and over again. recruitment and driving diversity policies. Entertainment’s sales marketing team in The founders of UK Music were determined Lyon, France. to secure the very best regulatory landscape “Jo has built an outstanding team full of for this outstanding industry. Its members talent and ambition and has made UK Music Commenting on his new role, he said: will continue to bring a practical and into a highly visible presence. I have really “This is an exciting time to join the Midem business-like approach to opportunities and enjoyed working with her over the course of team. Midem has faced the same challenges challenges ahead.” more than eight years.” as the global music industry. Midem has the foundations to grow again, in line UK Music chairman Andy Heath added: “Jo UK Music will now begin the process of with the music ecosystem. It is resolutely has led the organisation to robust health. searching for Dipple’s successor. international, resolutely business-oriented and resolutely committed to innovation.“

Jo Dipple Midem 2017 will take place in Cannes, France, June 6 – 9.

Alexandre Deniot

17 THE EUROPEAN MUSIC PLATFORM

ESNS: EU

LIVE MUSICESNS: EU creative europe - CONFERENCE - NETWORKING - INNOVATION VIPNEWS > BUSINESS > JANUARY 2017 MUSIC IN SHARES Music In Shares Manfred Tari [email protected]

CTS Eventim - Strengthen The Defense Line Live Nation - Still Hungry For Festivals

CTS Eventim is creating new assets and management strategies in The festival BottleRock in Napa Valley is the latest newcomer to the order to keep investors happy and able to set something against list of festivals belonging to Live Nation. The event is supposed to the success of Live Nation in Europe. Among others it took Simon pull around 120000 visitors and featuring besides headliners such Lewis on the board, the former “President of Sponsorship and as , Maroon 5 and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers an Concerts for Live Nation Europe”, to form a new division for extensive food and wine programme. Live Nation purchased a marketing partnerships and sponsorships. majority stake from the promoter Latitude 38 Entertainment. The upcoming edition to be held on May 26-28 is already sold out, but The news became public two weeks after Lars Oliver Vogt of of course is offering tickets with some sort of a mark up on its the German company Sponsor People announced his new role secondary ticketing platform. as the head of the newly formed company “Live Nation Brand Partnership and Media GmbH.” In previous years Vogt looked after In the UK Live Nation completed its deal with Metropolis, one of the sponsoring for MLK festivals such as Rock Am Ring and Rock the biggest promoters in the UK which also is a stakeholder of the im Park as well as for events by FKP Scorpio such as Hurricane and V-Festival. Southside. The share of Live Nation went up from $27.24 to $ 27.88. As a new local promoter in the Southwest of Germany, CTS Eventim teamed up with Marc Oßwald, who will lead the new company “Vaddi Concerts”. Oswald previously was one of the Maroon 5 owners of KOKO & DTK Entertainment GmbH. Koko who was also a co-promoter of the will be liquidated after the company filed losses in the business years 2013 and 2014. Vaddi Concerts is supposed to also operate concerts besides in South Germany and in the nearby regions in Austria, Switzerland and France.

The current share price for CTS Eventim is 32.31 Euro (January 24), much better than one day before Christmas 2016 with 29.28 Euro

DEAG - No News For Rockavaria Yet

While there are still no dates and news for the festival Rockavaria published the website of the event, the company confirmed for its festival Rock The Ring in Switzerland in June at least Die Fantastischen Vier besides Deep Purple, Gotthard & Krokus and John Fogerty as a headliner.

Since December 23 the share went from 2.82 Euro up to 3.30 Euro when this report went onto press. 19 VIPNEWS > MISC > JANUARY 2017 MEMBER PRESENTATION ARTIST AVAILS

MUSICAL YOUTH Territory: UK / Europe VeszprémFest Period: March - September 2017 Agency: SAS Agent: Steve Hughes from which the festival’s complete Phone: +44 77 7925 7295 technical and backstage infrastructure E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: sas-ents.com is controlled. The centuries old Palace

hosts both the artists’ dressing rooms PATRICIA KAAS Territory: Worldwide and catering facilities. The artists literally Period: On demand walk onto the main stage from the Agency: Richard Walter Productions Agent: Jean-Hugues Feugeas Palace. Phone: +33 432 600 599 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.rwprod.org/en/artistes/patricia-kaas.html Another great venue of the festival is the local arena, which is Hungary’s second PHIL RUDD BAND (EX AC/DC) largest provincial sports and events Territory: Europe Period: April to June 2017 inclusive VeszprémFest, started in 2004, is one hall. Headliners at Veszprémfest have Agency: Fizzion and Frusion Agent: Ian Smith of Hungary’s most popular music and included Emeli Sandé, Diana Krall, Lisa Phone: +44 77 9169 9889 cultural festivals happening mid-July Stansfield, Jamie Cullum, Craig David, E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.fizzion.eu/artist.php?id=139 each year. It features exceptional musical Katie Melua, Gregory Porter, Kool & The

productions at several breathtaking Gang, Roger Hodgson, George Benson, MAXIMO PARK Territory: Europe locations and also provides a home for Herbie Hancock and many more. Period: 2017 exhibitions and theatre productions. Agency: Primary Talent International Agent: Matt Bates The main square of the 1000-year- Since the beginning, our mission has Phone: +44 20 7400 4500 E-mail: [email protected] old Veszprém castle is the festival’s been to provide premium programs Homepage: www.thewombats.co.uk key location. This beautiful square is featuring great artists at remarkable surrounded by 17th – 18th century classic locations with a unique atmosphere. ANDREW STRONG Territory: Europe Baroque style buildings next to an old Period: October 2016 - December 2017 Agency: AMA Music Agency Ltd. Palace. Veszprémfest’s main stage is also For more info: Agent: Mark Downing Phone: +353 862 504 795 connected to the Archbishop’s Palace, www.veszpremfest.hu E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.amamusicagency.ie/andrew-strong/

BLONDE REDHEAD Territory: Europe Period: June - August 2017 Agency: Ponderosa Music and Art Agent: Giuseppe Ponti About Our Company E-mail: [email protected]

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