Eurosonic Noorderslag

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VIP- News›› ›› premium Vol. 121 JANUARY 2010

McGowan’s Musings:

Unfortunately we cannot bring you the Particularly in those areas unused and first News of 2010, without first giving unprepared for heavy and extended cold some thought to those in Haiti for whom weather, snow, and the aftermath, even things could hardly be any worse follow- if the act makes it many of the audience ing the disastrous earthquake, we can only can’t or will not even try, so some venues hope that much needed aid continues to must be struggling to cover their costs, get through and that a more than terrible and I doubt that their insurance would situation improves. There are various mu- cover any of this. If you have direct expe- sic industry benefit events being planned rience of this please let us know and we’ll and we urge you all to get involved and to feature the stories. let us know of anything you are doing so that we can spread the word. We can’t let this first news of 2010 be all bad, and in fact it isn’t, this year’s first ma- So – back to matters that seem relatively Allan McGowan jor conference and showcase event was unimportant in comparison to Haiti’s mas- very positive. Firstly Eurosonic Noorders- sive problems, but are after all, what we do. other story!) – they had to wait till the fol- lag sold out, and those that attended were There was a point last week where I was re- lowing day. there to do business, during the day the signed to not making it to Amsterdam and panels were full, and in the evening the therefore not getting to Groningen for the But in the end, as you will read in this News venues were packed. There were some many and varied things that I was due to all was fine, and a sold out and particularly great bands, I particularly liked Storna- do at Eurosonic Noorderslag. Getting out productive edition of the year’s first ma- way and Everything Everything, but of the house was the first problem as the jor Conference and Festival went ahead many new acts were being talked about pavements were just sheets of ice. OK, OK, pretty much as planned. Unfortunately in glowing terms. The conclusions of the I know a lot of you have much more snow the keynote interview with US blogger su- 20:20 panel which brought together four and it’s always a lot colder every winter preme Bob Lefsetz, did not take place. Any high level professionals with many years than here in the South of England and it of you that read the Lefsetz Letter will be of experience in the music business and just sounds like whinging – but we’re just aware that Bob has been diagnosed with four ‘newcomers’ in their 20’s underlined not prepared for it! What with delayed leukaemia and was advised not to travel; the fact that neither side were despairing trains and closed airports it wasn’t look- all at VIP-Booking wish him well. about the industry, and music, getting on ing good, however, because of an involve- with the job, and the future, are still what ment with the first ever European Festival Talking of the weather, we Brits apparently matters. There was even some good news Awards (see report in this issue) I left a talk of little else, it occurred to me that about recorded music, according to IFPI day earlier and lo and behold – all went although we usually talk of outdoor fes- Sweden music sales in the country posted smoothly! No such luck for those leav- tivals as the events which suffer from the a big turnaround in 2009; music sales were ing from the UK the day later – including effects of increasingly erratic weather pat- up 10.2% -- the first increase since 2000. the whole of the press contingent – flight terns, many indoor gigs of all sizes must cancelled signs was all they got – so apart have been disrupted by the recent snow So, on that positive note, Ladies and Gen- from a hardy and intrepid few (that’s an- that has beset much of northern Europe. tlemen – the News!

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c/o pop And Reeperbahn Festival Enter Into Cooperation Allan McGowan [email protected]

The ongoing saga of the music conferenc- cooperation is a reflection of the fact that the es in Germany which kicked off last year decentralisation of music industry activities after the cancellation of Popkomm and in Germany is something else which has the the stepping up of activity by the other potential to open up a world of new chances German events to fill the gap and attract and opportunities. We would also like it to be the displaced delegates takes another a clear signal to our international partners.” turn with the announcement of a first time The name of the third big city event was cooperation between c/o pop Festival & however not to have its name spoken at Convention (23-28 June, Cologne) and the the brunch! Reeperbahn Festival and Campus (23 -25 September, Hamburg) The Reeperbahn Festival is to present a showcase night at this year’s c/o pop, and The first public display of this coopera- in return, c/o pop will develop new discus- tion took the form of a ‘business brunch’ sion panels which will take place both dur- in Groningen at the Eurosonic Festival on ing the c/o pop Convention in Cologne and January 15, 2010. Having been asked to say at the Reeperbahn Campus in Hamburg. In a few words at this event I was happy to say addition, both festivals intend to expand that I felt that this working together could their international partnerships and have only be considered as a good thing by the already developed a special affiliation international business community as Ger- with the Icelandic conference “You are in many is obviously a large and important control”(1-2 October, Reykjavik). Icelandic territory that should certainly be capable representatives will come to Germany to of sustaining more than one trade event, present a taste of the country at the two particularly if they displayed different German festivals, while the Reeperbahn characteristics. c/o pop CEO Norbert Ober- Festival and c/o pop are to organize joint haus, obviously agrees and stated, “This panels and showcases in Iceland.

Cologne On Pop GMBH Colophon ›› At a Press Conference in Cologne on the with the IMM furniture and interior design VIP-News is published by: 19th January plans were revealed for Co- fair and the »Passagen« Design Week. VIP-Booking 26 York Street logne Music Week 2010. For the second London W1U 6pZ time c/o pop will present a compressed The seventh c/o pop – Festival & Conven- winter edition of the festival to coincide tion, will move from its traditional date, Managing Director: Ronni Didriksen this year it will take place at from June 23 [email protected] – 28. MD Norbert Oberhaus believes that new date brings with it some great oppor- General Manager: Peter Briggs tunities. As well as enabling more interna- [email protected] tional industry representatives to attend, an event outside the holiday period also Writer and editorial: Allan McGowan means that universities can be integrated [email protected] into the conference programme more eas- ily and makes possible collaboration with Writer: Manfred Tari the media forum medienforum.nrw. [email protected] Oberhaus added that the festival and in- For advertising enquiries pls. contact Peter Briggs [email protected] dustry gathering’s new home, Cologne’s or +44 870 755 0092 Rheinparkhallen, has finally brought c/o pop longer term planning security and Lay-out: Pekaye Graphics, Phuket – Thailand that as well as being an attractive new [email protected] venue for concerts, it also provides ideal Norbert Oberhaus

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conditions for the further development of wards the creative industry as a whole, the As well as being directed towards the mu- the c/o pop Convention. Despite the finan- festival programme too will receive new sic industry, this year’s Convention will cial crisis, c/o pop has been able to retain impulses. Not only will the fashion/music cater more than ever before to the other existing partners and acquire new spon- format ‘Chic Belgique’ be continued, a eleven creative industries, especially those sors and is now able to plan for the next similar cooperation with Cologne’s design with digitizable content and an interdis- few years. Thanks to the establishment of scene is also being planned. ciplinary structure. The number of inter- the network Sound of Cologne and the national co-operations and speakers is to company’s move to the new creative cen- Once again, unusual venues are the order increase significantly again, and in line with tre cc4711, the foundations of Cologne’s of the day and successful modules such as the expansion of the spectrum of topics creative industry are now considered to be the club night ‘Local Heroes’, showcases by covered, the board of advisers, which con- better networked than ever before. international partners and the ‘Play Gender’ sists of experts from the various creative festival, which was integrated into c/o pop industries, has also been extended. Jericho for the first time in 2009, will be repeated. revealed that alongside classical discussion »We want to become the most On Monday 28 June the Philharmonic Hall rounds, panels and talks, this year’s Con- important platform for the entire will once again play host to a c/o pop convention will include a number of interac- creative industry in Germany« cert. Claudia Jericho, who is responsible for tive and dialogue-oriented events such as - Claudia Jericho the c/o pop Convention programme, pre- more detailed and advanced workshops, sented the thematic focuses of this year’s matchmaking for different target groups Conference and explain its shift in orienta- and open space formats. The objective is to The new head of the music festival, Tobias tion. “We want to become the most impor- tackle the radical changes facing the mu- Thomas, hopes first and foremost that the tant platform for the entire creative industry sic and entertainment industries head on structural changes will create new syner- in Germany. The new festival headquarters through new, more appropriate structures. gies between the concert and conference and our cooperation with Koelnmesse will programmes. He believes that as the Con- enable us to make the Convention even big- Tickets for the Festival and Convention will vention becomes increasingly geared to- ger, and a lot broader in terms of content.” go on sale in the beginning of February.

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by:Larm 2010 Brit Awards Shortlist Allan McGowan [email protected] Announced Allan McGowan [email protected]

Female artists will dominate next The Fear. The ever growing influence of month’s Brit awards, with four nomina- TV talent shows is evident in this cat- tions on the list for the UK music cal- egory, selected by UK radio listeners, endar’s most glitzy night. Lady Gaga, with nominations for Alexandra Burke, Florence and the Machine, Lily Allen Joe McElderry, Alesha Dixon, Cheryl and Pixie Lott were nominated for Cole and JLS, as well as La Roux, Pixie three awards. Susan Boyle however, Lott, Taio Cruz and Tinchy Stryder. by:Larm 2010 despite being responsible for the biggest-selling British album of last year Calvin Harris is up against Dizzee Ras- Norway, which was the focus country was not nominated. cal, Mika, Paolo Nutini and veteran at last week’s Eurosonic Noorderslag, Robbie Williams In the British male will again present its own confer- artist category. Williams is guaranteed ence and showcase event, by:Larm to walk away with at least one award, next month. for his outstanding contribution to music. The best British group category From Thursday 18th to Saturday includes Doves, Muse, Kasabian, JLS 20th February by:Larm will present and Friendly Fires.Bruce Springsteen 400 concerts and 180 artists over 25 and Michael Bublé feature in the in- stages in the heart of Oslo. The pro- ternational male solo artist category, gram features fifty handpicked Nor- while Animal Collective, Empire of the wegian demo bands, thirty Scan- The shortlist was announced at Lon- Sun and Daniel Merriweather take on dinavian artists, twenty or so folk-/ don’s O2 Arena. More than 1,000 record Lady Gaga for the title of international jazz- and roots artists as well as fifty industry and media professionals were breakthrough act. more established Norwegian names involved in the nomination process and ready to break internationally. the winners will be announced at the Industry executives will also vote for Earls Court Arena on 16 February. Kasa- the best Brit awards performance over Head of festival programming, bian, Cheryl Cole, JLS, Florence and the the years. Joakim Haugland says: “ We are very Machine and Lady Gaga, who is in the pleased with this years program. We running for best international female have many intriguing unknown art- artist, international breakthrough act, ists along with established Norwegian and best international album, will per- artists with international potential. form at the event. Also, we have three known names in new exciting formats, such as Todd Florence Welch, aka Florence and the Terje & Dølle Jølle, Skjelvekommode Machine, whose album is currently (Frode Strømstad fra I Was a King and number one in the UK charts after its Frank Tønnesen from Tønes) and Tho- release 28 weeks ago, will compete mas Eriksen, a well established pro- with Bat for Lashes, Leona Lewis, Lily ducer now pitched as an artist.” Allen and Pixie Lott for the title of best British female solo act Florence and Lott again go head to head in the Brit- ish breakthrough act category, along with Friendly Fires, JLS and La Roux. She is is also in the running for album of the year for Lungs alongside Dizzee Rascal’s Tongue n’ Cheek, Kasabian’s West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, and Lily Allen’s It’s Not Me, It’s You.

Lily Allen, whose second album went straight to number one last year, is also in the running for best British single for Lady Gaga nominated for best Female Artist at Brit Awards 4

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Sonisphere Bring ‘Big Four’ Together Allan McGowan [email protected]

Thrash metal’s ‘big four’ - Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax – will perform together on the same bill for the first time in their history at two dates on next year’s Soni- sphere festival tour, in Poland on 16 Jun and the Czech Re- public on 19 Jun. More dates for the big four are expected to be announced, though it’s not clear if the two-day fi- nale at Knebworth in the UK will be among them. How- ever, anyone who buys a Knebworth ticket before the end of the year also gets a free ticket for the Poland event, so if fans can also cover their flights then they won’t miss out on the occassion.

In a statement, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said: “Who would have thought that more than 25 years after its incep- tion, thrash metal’s big four would not only still be around and more popular than ever, but will now play together for the first time... what a mindfuck! Bring it on!”

Slayer’s Kerry King added: “It’s about fucking time this happened, and about time the fans finally get what they want. This is fucking awesome”. Lars Ulrich - Metallica

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ETEP – A MODERN TRADITION Allan McGowan

With more and more emphasis being put on the importance of the creative industries throughout Europe, for both cultural and trade reasons, national and regional governments are showing more interest in the development of export- able music talent. At the Eurosonic Noorderslag Conference event in Groningen, Holland, a four hour session considered report on the progress, and further details can be found at the movement of European repertoire around the member www.emo.org states of the European Union. European Commissioners listened to presentations by members of the live, record- There are support programs already in operation, and The ing and publishing industries, which discussed problems in European Talent Exchange Program ETEP seems to be one these areas and suggestions of how to solve them and im- of, if not THE most effective initiatives – but even this tried prove and support the free movement of musical talent. The and tested project has had problems in accessing vital sup- EMO (European Music Office) announced the release of a port. We at VIP think that the live business should do all it green paper which will present the findings of a study docu- can to help ETEP develop. The following article states the ment on the present state of music in Europe. VIP-News will present state of play:

ETEP - SEVEN YEARS OF EUROPEAN TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Many areas of today’s turbulent music in- and to encourage an awareness that bands countries playing 89 shows at 41 festivals. dustry are most remarkable for the dispos- from the US and UK were not the only acts Then for whatever reasons EU support ability and the short-term ‘smash and grab’ in town! The efforts of the increasingly im- was withdrawn, this to many seemed dif- approach to the marketing of its products. portant Music Export Offices and the con- ficult to understand as the Programme TV talent shows pushing new ‘talent’ re- tinuing development of an efficient and appeared to fit ideally with many of the cycling previously successful repertoire professional infrastructure of managers, stated cultural aims of the EU Commission. and the generally prevailing devaluing at- agents and promoters throughout Europe ‘The Economy of Culture in Europe’ http:// titude brought about by new technology capable of developing local talents and ar- ec.europa.eu/culture, for instance ac- that music is instantly and freely accessi- ranging shows in neighbouring countries knowledges that, ‘music represents one of ble and shareable can lead one to despair were further major factors that encour- the most vibrant cultural industries in the about the future of new music, the ‘sound- aged Buma Cultuur in The Netherlands to European Union. The contribution of mu- track of our lives’ and an essential element launch the ETEP Programme as an initiative sic to the economy and the growing im- of our culture. With all this in mind it is of the Eurosonic Noorderslag Conference portance of live concerts were also dealt reassuring, and not a little comforting to with financial assistance from The Dutch with in this report, the mobility of artists know that the European Talent Exchange Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign and their work apparently being a prime Programme (ETEP) has endured and de- Affairs. In the second year Jean Francois objective. The report notes, ‘The national veloped to reach the ripe old age of seven Michel of the European Music Office nego- bonding between artists and audiences is years! Many cultures and religions consider tiated further funding from the European important and it’s something that could seven years to be the age at which human Union. The Programme was activated in potentially cross over national borders beings attain the ability to reason, and I for 2003 through the showcasing of talent at into other countries.’ – Sounds like ETEP one think that there is a huge amount of the Eurosonic Festival in Groningen in co- to me.. reason for the continuing existence of this operation with the European Broadcasting programme, and even more reason for an Union (EBU) and YOUROPE, the European However too much had been gained to increase in awareness and support for its Festivals Association. give up and with the essential support of achievements and its ambitions. all the EMO platform members; Ministry of In that first year ETEP, presented a total of Culture and Education Luxemburg, Funda- The Programme (or Program if you pre- 53 shows with 23 artists from 8 countries cion Autor, MICA Music Austria, STIM Sven- fer American English!) was instigated in being chosen to play at 23 festivals in 13 sk Music, Bureau Export de la Musique 2003, in part as an attempt to highlight the countries, by the 3rd edition in 2005 the Française, Music Export Hungary, Fon- growth of domestic talent within Europe Programme resulted in 39 acts from 14 dazione Arezzo Wave Italy, Music Export

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Norway, Finnish Music Information Centre, Wallonie Bruxelles Musique, Muziek Cen- »Eurosonic is an »The most important gathering trum Vlaanderen, Buma Cultuur, Initiative important event for any band in the European live music Musik, Ministry of Culture France, Ministry who wants to get gigging in business calendar« of Culture Cyprus and the Noorderslag mainland Europe. - Pollstar Foundation and Sena Performers. (The Tonnes of fun and seriously Dutch Neighbouring rights organisation), worthwhile« the show went on. - James Yuill ‘The place to second guess who’ll be the big European bands of the year.’ NME (UK) Each Eurosonic since then has seen an increase in these ETEP figures with the 2009 comes with all early shows in bands careers. ‘The most important gathering in the Euro- edition bringing a total of 214 shows with It just so happened that after our show, some pean live music business calendar.‘ Pollstar 75 artists from 18 countries playing at 60 of the audience became fans and thus asked (USA) ETEP festivals in 20 countries. Without us to play on some of the festivals and shows doubt this initiative has opened up fes- that they book and that was very flattering. ‘A great and unique event for up-and-com- tival stages throughout Europe for new From that show we were allowed to discover ing acts.’ European Broadcasting Union talent and has greatly contributed to the some beautiful areas of Europe over the (CH) international success of artists including summer. Parts of Southern Norway, Swe- Under Byen (dk), Teitur (far), Seeed (d), den and even as far as the Czech Republic ‘The place to be’ Intro (DE) Within Temptation (nl), The Soundtrack Of and Poland. We feel lucky to have played, Our Lives (s) Franz Ferdinand, (uk) T. Raum- and proud we won some new fans.” Charles ‘Why can´t this last forever?’ Rockpalast schmiere (d) Beatsteaks (d) Moneybrother Cave, White Lies (DE) (S) Kaizers Orchestra (n) Editors (uk), The Do (fr) Blood Red Shows (uk), White Lies “Eurosonic is an important event for any “Eurosonic was a great opportunity for Fight (uk) and many others. band who wants to get gigging in mainland Like Apes to show off to a European audi- Europe. Tonnes of fun and seriously worth- ence. Soon after their performance, they The following quotes from showcasing while.” James Yuill were booked to play a number of festivals artists, international media and Eurosonic from Spain to Holland. It’s a well run event, Noorderslag Conference delegates speak “Eurosonic is one of those weird showcase big on live, radio and web opportunities.” for themselves: things you do but feel uncomfortable about Niall Muckian, Rubyworks Records (IE) because it’s crawling with music industry “We didn’t feel any pressure at Eurosonic this types and not many real people, a bit like “The best start of the year a festival booker year. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter SXSW. But much like SXSW, if you do a good could ask for.” Rob Chalice, Summer Sun- what job title each member of the audience job of it, you get some way cool stuff out of it. dae (UK) has, they are still potential fans and still have We found that we got offered a lot of good the ability to be moved and excited by your festival slots and started to sell out our Dutch In all ETEP at Eurosonic Noorderslag has music. The whole event is in the beautiful club shows really quickly after doing it, so I seen a grand total of 965 shows by 346 town of Groningen and has a great vibe that reckon it was worth it. It’s also in a really European Artists since 2003, and 2010 fucking cool town.” Blood Red Shoes looks set to again break records, advanc- ing the project and adding significantly “It’s quite simple: we made a car called De to this total. However, as more and more Staat, and Eurosonic Noorderslag was our people from all areas of the music indus- ticket to the freeway. Sure, we’ve done our try are becoming aware of the event and share of dirt roads, playing local bars and the Programme, organiser Peter Smidt small festivals. People might had heard of De of Buma Cultuur, and his colleague Ruud Staat, but Noorderslag really got the thing Berends know that there is no room for moving. After our showcases at Eurosonic complacency if, as is their wish and inten- and Noorderslag 2010 we started playing tion, they are to expand ETEP into new clubs, and before we could hear one bird territories. Further nurturing is required whistle, we were set for the summer. Festivals if it is to continue its work in helping de- like Pinkpop, Lowlands, Dour, The Great Es- serving talent to cross as many borders as cape and Sziget are now gigs we can proudly possible. In order for all to benefit from brag about.” De Staat, NL the obvious opportunities offered by ETEP support and lobbying will be need- ‘One of the most important platforms there ed from the industry – that’s YOU, as well is for bands looking to break into the Euro- as regional, national and international pean Market.’ Music Week (UK) cultural and trade organisations. Charles Cave, White Lies

VIP-BOOKING.COM oningen thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands 13 oningen EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands friday VIP- News - January 2010 14 t oninge n Gr EuroSonic noordErSlag saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor THE EUROPEAN MUSIC CONFERENCE 15 oningen AND SHOWCASE FESTIVAL JANUARY

WWW.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL oningen 2011 oningen thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands oningen

13 thursday EUROSONIC 13downtown Gr the Netherlands oningen the Netherlands thursday EUROSONIC downtown Gr

13 oningen EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands friday 13 14 oningen oningen t EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands friday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands oninge n FACTSHEET 2010 2009 2008 2007 friday EUROSONIC downtown Gr the Netherlands saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr Total number of visits 18.000 18.000 15.500 15.050 friday Nationalities present 34 34 35 29 14 ProfessionalTHE EUROPEAN participants MUSIC CONFERENCE2.800 2.650 2.48715 2.200 ArtistsAND performing SHOWCASE FESTIVAL259 265 237 JANUAR221 Y 1414 Radio stations present 24 22 23 24 internationalWWW.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL festivals present 237 123 76 201169 t ETEP participant festivals 59 59 59 54 t

Number of stages @ EuroSonic 31 32 29 25 t Number of stages @ Noorderslag 10 9 9 8 Number of European journalists present 193 140 138 65

We would like to thank everybody for attending the 2010 edition, Registration and artists submission is open from may 1st 2010 oninge n

we do look forward to welcome you at the 2011 one! onwards on www.euroSonic-noorderslag.nl, oninge n saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr

Deadline for artist submission is September 1st, 2010 oninge n saturda y NOORDERSLAG De Oosterpoor Gr THE EUROPEAN EUROPEAN MUSIC MUSIC CONFERENCE CONFERENCE 15 ANDTHE SHOWCASE EUROPEAN FESTIV MUSICAL CONFERENCEJANUAR Y 15 15JANUARY WWWANDAND.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL SHOWCASESHOWCASE FESTIV FESTIVALAL 2011 JANUARY WWWWWW.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL.EUROSONIC-NOORDERSLAG.NL 20112011

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EuroSonic Noorderslag – A Success - Not Only in Numbers Manfred Tari [email protected]

Just going by the basic figures, this 24th Besides the European Festival Awards Noorderslag. Thanks to everyone for their edition of EuroSonic Noorderslag can be the “European Border Breakers Awards” support. Looking forward to the 25th edi- judged a smash hit. 2010 broke all previ- (EBBA), the “Lex Van Rossen Award”, the tion.” ous records in terms of the fastest ticket “Pop Media Prize”, the “Interactive Award” sale ever and the highest number of par- and the “De Veer”-Award being presented. Having once referred to Smidt as one of the ticipating professional delegates and fes- In fact it was actually eight prizes, as Peter main architects who designed or paved tival punters. Some 2.800 business visitors Sikkema, the Festival Manager of Euro- the way for EuroSonic Noorderslag and its made their way to Groningen in the North Sonic Noorderslag and Creative Director surrounding projects such as ETEP (Euro- of the Netherlands. The Oosterport con- Peter Smidt found out to their surprise. pean Talent Exchange Program), it is now vention centre was packed, and the same During the official opening ceremony Pe- about time to declare Smidt a highly effi- goes for many clubs and concert venues in ter Rehwinkel, the mayor of Groningen cient spin doctor. Bearing in mind all that Groningen. Bit in all ways, to say the least, interrupted Smidt, as he was finishing off is going on during EuroSonic Noorderslag EuroSonic Noorderslag was very well re- the opening ceremony and out of the blue at least reveals that he has a certain ability ceived by participants and festivalgoers. awarded both Peters the ‘Jans Cats”-Price to compile or to develop some of the es- 2009 for their engagement with the city of sential assets that helped to put EuroSonic While the official dates were January 14 to Groningen. This tribute was elected and Noorderslag on the roadmap of the Euro- 16, for the first time the organizers opened presented by the business community of pean music business. up EuroSonic Noorderslag on Wednesday Groningen. (January 13) with the presentation of the Nevertheless EuroSonic Noorderslag it is first ever European Festival Awards. In fact In his conclusion of this year’s edition even the combined skills and the input contrib- awards ceremonies became a vital element Smidt refers to two awards saying: “We are uted by Sikkema, Ruud Berends (manager for the conference agenda of the 2010 delighted with this extremely successful edi- for ETEP), Robert Meijering (booker of Eu- event, seven different awards were hand- tion of Eurosonic Noorderslag. Very happy roSonic), and actually the entire team in ed out during the weekend. But what the with the European Festival Awards, more Groningen and at Buma Cultuur that run Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant described media and broadcasts for European Border this event, that made this convention the as the “Prize Circus” took on a somewhat Breaker Awards, the new venues worked very multilayered music business top gather- different aspect on closer inspection. well and there were some fantastic shows at ing it now is. Furthermore it has to be said EuroSonic Noorderslag benefits from the extraordinary network of its domestic and international partners.

Partners such as the EBU (European Broad- cast Union), Network Europe, Yourope, the various music export offices and media partners, come together to create a con- vincingly strong and unique network that benefits the visitors to this event. It is this combination that makes this convention so different from most other music industry events, and this could also be seen as an example of the manner in which the music business will have to act in the future in order to deal with the challenges this industry faces.

Festival visitors 18.000 (sold out) Conference visitors 2.800 (sold out) Nationalities 34 Artists 259 Journalists & Media 183 EBU radio stations present 24

Peter Smidt

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The European Festival Awards Manfred Tari [email protected]

A Family Entertainment: a “music business only audience” received the award ceremony with a very rare feed- warm and appropriate applause. back for this type of shows: authenticity! The unspectacular sets and abandonment This is probably the biggest reward and of the usual award glamour and pathos The EFAs benefited from the fact that the certainly a compliment for the organiz- identified the first edition of of the Euro- audience consisted of festival promoters. ers of this award, besides the unexpected pean Festival Awards (EFAs). Initiated by Their reactions and participation provided flood of Belgium awardees… Steve Jenner, founder and director of the website virtualfestival.com and Christof Huber, the chairmen of Yourope, this The winners generated out of an online poll at the website Virtual Festivals award ceremony went ahead simply and Europe are: efficiently. Best Major Festival: Heineken Open’er Festival (Poland) This type of understatement seemed to be Best Medium-Sized Festival: Dour Festival (Belgium) Best Small Festival: Cactusfestival (Belgium) in line with the mentality of the majority of Best New European Festival: Openfields Festival (Belgium) the visitors to this award show. It projected Best Line-Up: Rock Werchter (Belgium) its very own charm of being some sort of Festival Anthem Of The Year (in association with EBU): Coldplay - “Viva la Vida” “family entertainment” for the European Best Artist Newcomer (in association with Eurosonic): White Lies community of festival promoters. Best Headline Artist: The Prodigy

The winners selected by a business insider jury are: With this in mind it wasn’t surprising that the host for this award show, was none Green ‘N’ Clean Festival (in association with Yourope): Öya Festivalen (Norway) less than Allan McGowan, the chief edi- Artists’ Favourite Festival: Rock Werchter (Belgium) tor of this publication. Smart as always Promoter Of The Year: Herman Schueremans (Live Nation, Belgium) he politely guided the show, even having Lifetime Achievement Award: Jan Smeets (Pinkpop, The Netherlands) Herman Scheuermans, boss of Rock Wer- chter dedicate his first award to McGowan in recollection of the fact that he had sold him his first UK act, Kevin Coyne, way back in the mid 70’s.

In general it could be said that across the board, Belgium won. In about five catego- ries out of twelve, Belgium festivals and one Belgian received an award. McGowan commented on this development, when Schueremans ran out of words after re- ceiving three awards, surprised to be the undoubted winner of this first edition of the EFAs.

This award show was so understated, that McGowan did not even have an assistant helping him, so opened envelopes with one hand, while holding awards in the other! The atmosphere of the EFAs-ceremony was just friendly and smart. Even the standing ovations for Jan Smeets for his prize in the “life time achievement” category appeared to be nothing more, nothing less than what was required.

The same goes for the acts that performed during the award show. The Band Of Skulls and Adiam Dymott played two songs each and unlike many performances in front of Jan Smeets from Pinkpop won the Lifetime Achievement Award

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - January 2010

Kyteman’s HipHop Orkest Win Dutch Pop Prize 2009 Manfred Tari [email protected]

The announcement of the winner of the Pop Prize. But this year’s audience reaction among the Dutch punters. The band fol- Dutch Pop Price in the Oosterport as part was compared to previous years outstand- lows a distinctive and consequent policy. of the Noorderslag-Festival was some- ing. It probably would have caused riots if The collective refuses offer from major re- what different to the relaxed and smooth Kyteman’s HipHop Orkest hadn’t won the cord companies as only played shows with atmosphere of the EFAs ceremony. One prize. the complete ensemble. At the press con- year ago the music collective led by Colin ference after the prize ceremony the band Benders played as one of many acts at the Within just one year the band played all furthermore emphasized that they see Noorderslag-Festival. One year later the relevant festivals in the Netherlands such themselves as musical project. With this in 12 piece band and the 10 masters of cer- as Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz, Lowlands and mind they declared that they would per- emony received the 10.000 Euro d Dutch gained an absolutely impressive following form abroad and not in the Netherlands.

The Delegates View of EuroSonic Noorderslag

VIP-News took the opportunity to speak Hungary, Misha Loots from the Oppikoppi the next issue we have interviews with to some EuroSonic Noorderslag visitors. in South Africa, Pascal Hunkler from Sofa Christof Huber, the chairmen of Yourope For the current issue we bring interviews Agency in Switzerland and Peter Sommer and Robert Meijerink, the booker of the with Fruszina Szep from Sziget-Festival in from WDR-Rockpalast in Germany. For Eurosonic-Festival.

Fruszina Szep from Sziget-Festival in Hungary

VIP-News: How was EuroSonic Noorder- sphere, and it’s a great festival. This year ILMC yet. So I don’t know. And I heard it’s slag for you? the line-up was really good and we’re defi- on invitation so I don’t know if I can go. nitely booking some of the acts that we But I definitely want to go to Printemps Fruzsina Szep: Great as always. saw for Sziget. de Bourges for example which is in April. I’m not going to MIDEM this year, I’ve been VIP-News: Great in what particular way? VIP-News: How was the festival season there before but this year I won’t attend., 2009 and what are your expectations for and then maybe I will go to the Spot Fes- the festival season 2010? tival in Aarhus, Denmark. So those are the »It is a good thing, a good ones I know I will definitely go to, and the atmosphere, and it’s a great Szep: Booming, still booming. We have a others we’ll see. festival l. This year the line-up lot of festivals in Hungary, mostly smaller was really good and we’re ones. Sziget is really the biggest in the VIP-News: Did you see anything of the definitely booking some of the country and also in the region. We had EuroSonic Noorderslag conference pro- acts that we saw for Sziget« a very good year, but also we were a bit gram? - Fruszina Szep afraid because of all this bad news around the world, referring to the recession and Szep: Yes, to be again very honest, I was the global financial crisis. However for us it only in two panels where I was also a pan- Szep: Well, I always like the atmosphere a was even a better year than two or three ellist. But I really enjoyed them. Especially lot although I have to say this year it was years ago. We had a really nice edition and as also the two moderators were very qual- even colder than the years before. I think also a very nice atmosphere at Sziget, and ified I have to admit. And the? that Festival the organisation is highly professional. I hope I can say we had a pretty good line- Panel was very funny and I like the English There are almost no delays of the concerts, up in 2009. For 2010 we’ve already started humour. And Cor Schlösser from the Melk- of the showcases, which is really great. So our bookings preparation and we have our weg was in other one was and that was you’re really know that you have to really first big Sziget press conference at the be- about how to find European cultural fund- be on time if you want to see a band. In ginning of May or end of April. So by then I ing for your event, and that was also very general really for me every year it’s like a have to be ready with the whole program- interesting. Many, many people attended must to go. It is not only to see the bands ming. both and it was not boring and we could but also to see my colleagues from all over have stayed there, I think, for a couple of the world or meet new ones from Europe, VIP-News: Are you going as well to ILMC or more hours. Just to exchange views and and to have my first meetings there and any other conferences? there were lots of really good questions also just to see everybody at the start of from the audience. I also enjoyed them as the year. It is a good thing, a good atmo- Szep: To tell the truth I’ve never been to a panellist.

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - January 2010

VIP-News: Have you some experience with say inadequater funds or do we have to good to receive feedback, not just a letter applying for European funding? What is invest more to convince politicians or offi- saying “Sorry, you’re not submitted and your general impression about backing of cials in administrative organisations? take care. All the best and whatever try the political organisations or governmental next time.” organisations for, let’s say, popular music Szep: Yeah, definitely. But this is only one or anything that has to do with music? thing. We also have to learn how to fill out VIP-News: Do you think there is a lack of these applications in a very correct way so qualification within the European Commis- Szep: I’m super disappointed. Nothing is that you’re really don’t make any technical sion to acknowledge good or bad projects? really happening. Nobody is really inter- mistakes for example. I’m not a bureaucrat ested but I think the more we as people so I don’t know. But if I would sit in a com- Szep: I don’t know what to say about this working in that business keep on talking, mission and I would see a good applica- because I don’t know exactly how the proj- we keep on lobbying. In that sense I’m tion, which is really European also involv- ects get selected and I don’t know about still positive and motivated that some- ing many Eastern European countries and the committees that select these projects thing will happen. I would buy everybody Western European countries, which really or are giving these projects to read. But it a very expensive bottle of champagne in feels that is not just some empty words would be really nice if the commission now the European Commission if finally they and there has also been some work done has the platform and these advisers from would wake up and realise that popular in the past, but in filling out the applica- the popular music industry that they’re re- music and its genres are part of our Euro- tion they make like a technical mistake ally using them as consultants or as a like pean culture and really give some kind of or something this or that, I would at least a last double-check before they decide on a green light that it is not only “blablabla”, give them call or say “Hey guys that is a such projects, because it is very different and not only going to some nice European good stuff but you made a mistake. We if you’re a bureaucratic person or a person festivals and talking empty words, that cannot take that now but please hand it who works more in the classical music field they’re finally really going to start taking over the next time and watch more care- or in the theatre or other cultural genres. things seriously. Maybe I’m a bit cynical fully. Something like this so that they could Maybe they’re not really much aware of now but I’ve just have a kind of a bad ex- treat some of these applications in a dif- music festivals or those cultural operators, perience on this. ferent way. Because I know that there are people, professionals that submit such a not too many applications that are about application. So sometimes it would be at VIP-News: Why do you think this it so? Is popular music or are about popular music least really nice just from the commission it that the lobbying by the music business involving many European countries. So on that they also involve these professional itself is too weak or not fruitful due to let’s one side we also have to learn. But it is also people in these processes.

Having the right tools for the job is often the key to success. Through our ongoing communication with key Live Entertainment Industry Professionals, we have developed a range of services to meet the demands of agents, promoters, talent buyers, venue bookers etc. It’s no coincidence that we are now considered to be the No. 1 information provider for this thriving industry.

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VIP-Booking.com The VIP-Book VIP-News VIP-Booking.com is now the most widely used online The ultimate print directory for the Eu- Written by our highly merited journalists, Al- information service for the European Live Entertainment ropean Entertainment Industry, packed lan McGowan and Manfred Tari, with over 50 Industry with subscribers in over 25 countries. Using the latest with contacts and easy to use. An es- years of experience between them in the En- technology and state of the art tools, the service provides in- sential reference book for every oﬃ ce tertainment Industry, VIP-News brings the lat- depth information streamlining the day-to-day operations of providing basic contact information est news and views directly to your computer industry professionals, saving both time and money. and a solid overview. keeping you up to date at all times.

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Misha Loots from Oppikoppi in South Africa made his way all up to Groningen

VIP-News: How was Noorderslag? C’mon & Kypski about coming back and 2010 to be equally busy and there are a we also had Balthazar from Belgium last few festivals we taking on. So we’re defi- Misha Loots: That’s fun. I love that festival. year. So we are looking for a variety. nitely up on numbers in 2010. It’s one of my favourites. VIP-News: And what is going on in South VIP-News: Was there a big cut back in VIP-News: Is there any band that may come Africa in 2010? sponsoring fees? to your show? Loots: The World Cup. That’s gonna be Loots: Well, there was a bit of a cut back Loots: There are a few options, and I’m crazy and fun. We’re very busy, so we’re but not enough to stop us. It’s been a looking for one tonight. Looking for a nice not really doing stuff around the World good year. Dutch act to bring down. We saw tour- Cup so it’s going to be interesting how this ing bands, which we saw here last year or works out. VIP-News: What is the average ticket price before touring South Africa almost every in South Africa? year it’s been good. VIP-News: How was the business year 2009 for you and what are your expectations for Loots: For a local line-up anything be- VIP-News: What type of band are you look- the business year 2010? tween 5 and 15 Euros maybe. ing for here? Loots: 2009 is our best year, which is great VIP-News: What do you charge for the Op- Loots: Anything good. We had “Lucky considering the recession and all. We sold pikoppi Festival? Funds” last year, “Voicst”, “Lucky Funds” 100.000 tickets more than the year before, coming back this year, we will speak to so this was a big jump. We’re expecting Loots: It is 400 Rand that is 40 Euros for the

MW_vip_170x126_0901 26.11.2009 17:13 Uhr Seite 1 – THE PULSE OF MUSIC

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VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - January 2010

weekend ticket with camping. It’s cheap Loots: That is the plan. compared to what you guys pay. VIP-News: Any other conferences you nor- VIP-News: Are there a lot of international mally go to? acts appearing in South Africa normally? Loots: No, it is this one and the ILMC. We Loots: Yes, there are some. There is a com- once went to SXSW but this not really our pany called Big concerts bringing in all the cup of tea. big acts. We’re not playing that game. We haven’t brought any big acts last year be- VIP-News: Have you anything in common cause of take chances during the recession. with the tourist thing? Are there also Euro- but there’re some things we are working peans coming to your festival? on for this year. Loots: Not a lot. If they are in the country VIP-News: Are you going to the ILMC as and know about the festival then yes they well? come but not a lot.

Pascal Hunkeler from Sofa Agency in Switzerland

VIP-News: How was EuroSonic Noorder- don’t understand Dutch. But by the way I slag for you this year? think the organisation is really top at the moment. But something which has not Pascal Hunkeler: Like always a big plea- changed is this shuttle thing. This is still sure to meet all my friends from all over not well organised. Europe in one place and that’s the first time every year where we meet together VIP-News: What do you think about the in this great thing to see new bands, new showcase and the concert program? acts and we love Groningen for that. It is a good town and it is good business. Hunkeler: Perfect, exactly the bands on which we are already or soon working on. VIP-News: What do you think has changed So you have the first chance to see them for the event in the recent years? Do you live on stage and you have the first impres- see a development that moves it on to sion and you see the band before they something else? come to your country. That is always good things because you know exactly what Hunkeler: Ah, that is a good question. you are selling and you can say they are I think the panels are getting more and great live and you can better explain and more attractive. I think it is a good idea to better sell your act when you have seen have more and more panels in English as I the band.

Peter Sommer from WDR-Rockpalast in Germany

VIP-News: How was EuroSonic Noorder- Sommer: That there is so much interest, so slag 2010 for you? many new people, so you can’t even get a hotel anymore. I’m not sure if this festival Peter Sommer: Great again. We’ve seen can grow and grow and grow. Or if there so many good bands, we covered around must be a certain point where the organis- 14, I guess. And hopefully we’ll make a er says, “We stop it”. Now it’s a good size good 90-minutes documentary together and we live with the size and say ok. The with interviews and unplugged things small thing is the better, to think about the out of it. quality rather than thinking about making it bigger and bigger and bigger. VIP-News: What do you seen as the major changes for EuroSonic Noorderslag in the VIP-News: What is the output for WDR, recent years? why are you are involved into in EuroSonic

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - January 2010

on one hand but also with festivals else- event where we do, let’s say, our own pro- VIP-News How is the collaboration with the where? How much it is it related to Euro- duction. All the other things are basically radio people? Sonic? How does it all come together? festivals run by other guys and what you see is a band right in January and later on in Peter Sommer: It is not personal because Peter Sommer: You mean band wise? the summer you meet the bands again on we have this main guy Henk here at Euro- an open air festival or what ever. So that’s Sonic who is very helpful also Laurent who VIP-News: Band wise and also in terms of very interesting to see a band let’s say is let’s say head of EBU. It is just about an your TV-show. growing or so and., every band you see or email. Sending an email every year in No- a lot of bands you see here you see them vember, October, can we go on like we Peter Sommer: Through the years there twice during the festival season or maybe did? And they say “Yes” and that is simply have been bands who where very inter- a year later or two years later and our out- all. That’s works all well. So we have to esting like The Grand two years ago or so put here is I think just three hours TV. I don’t show the agreements and then we get the which had been invited to our small Cross- what the 1Live festival guys do but we have sound and without the sound we would road Festival. The Crossroad is the only an output of 3 hours. not be able to cover EuroSonic in the way we do.

VIP-News: And that’s provided by the ra- dios?

Peter Sommer: That is provided from all our unknown but well working European colleagues, yes. I appreciate that very much.

VIP-News: When you are talking to festival promoters what is your impression of how they see the festival season 2009 and what they probably expect for the festival season 2010?

»I think the festival market has changed. So many festivals and I don’t know which will stay« - Peter Sommer

Peter Sommer: No idea. I think the festival market has changed. So many festivals and I don’t know which will stay. So many festivals coming up like Area4, a new festival in North Rhine-Westphalia in the Ruhr district. They tried to build up something and I can see it is growing and maybe financially it’ll work out yet. But if it will stay and if there will maybe another festival, another guy in the area will earn money on music but if it works out at the end of the day I have no idea.

VIP-News: Do you think there are too many festivals?

Peter Sommer: Yes, there is too much music! When I was young it was very simple to have an idea of what was around, now with the internet and all these things you are lost in music. Yes, too much. Peter Sommer - WDR-Rockpalast Germany

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - January 2010

Business News Manfred Tari [email protected]

No News On The Merger – Yet! artist avails ›› Live Nation Shareholders agreed on the merger: Michael McDonald While official information or comments on the pending merger are very Territory: Europe rare, it still remain unclear if the fusion between Ticketmaster and Live Na- Period: June 2010 Agency: William Morris Endeavor Ent. tion will take place or not. Some media reports say that the US-Department Agent: Sheraz Qureshi of Justice (DOJ) will announce their decision on an approval of the merger at Phone: +44 20 7534 6947 the end of January. On January 8 the shareholders of Live Nation in principle E-mail: [email protected] agreed on the merger. At the annual meeting the majority of Live Nation Homepage: www.wmeentertainment.com/ michael_mcdonald/summary/ shareholders of about 99 percent of the issued shares provided the man-

agement of the company with their approval for the merger. Lady GaGa Territory: Europe But this approval won’t mean anything as long as the DOJ still don’t come Period: Spring 2010 onwards Agency: William Morris Endeavor Ent. to a decision, of course that several news reports have speculated on this Agent: David Levy subject. However, at least it seems that the chances are good, to finally re- Phone: +44 20 7534 6800 port in the next issue of Vip-News about the outcome of this long lasting E-mail: [email protected] proceeding. Homepage: www.ladygaga.com Cushh Territory: Worldwide Period: On Going Agency: Mission Control Artists Agency Agent: Craig D’Souza Phone: +44 (0) 207 252 3001 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.missioncontrol.net

Fischer-Z Territory: Europe Period: 01/07/2010 - 31/12/2010 Agency: Artist Agency Agent: Bart Quintens Phone: +32 16777670 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.artistagency.be

Cyndi Lauper Territory: Europe Period: June 2010 Agency: William Morris Endeavor Ent. Agent: Sheraz Qureshi Phone: +44 20 7534 6800 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.cyndilauper.com

Sweet Territory: Worldwide Period: Generally available Agency: ABS Agency Agent: Nigel Kerr Phone: +44 208 399 3474 E-mail: [email protected] Homepage: www.thesweet-now.com

More Artist avails on: www.vip-booking.com

Post your Artist avails on: www.vip-booking.com

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News News - August - January 2005 2010

notice board ››

Another new service in the improved and redesigned VIP-News is the Notice-board, which is available for all readers. Reader’s messages will be posted on the Notice-board as a free service, passing on announcements, job postings, buy- ing and selling notices, inquiries or alike. Announcements should be emailed to [email protected]

Statement from Aliona Chernaya - City Concerts International Artists, Moscow

I thought that show business was criminal he took the money and then made a false John hasn’t paid them money and ignores in Russia and Eastern Europe only but it cancellation statement. Isn’t this fraud? their emails, avoiding communication. turned out that a manager of a well known European band with a 20 year history can It seems that Orlando John has used the Now the question is why don’t we pro- run away with money in the 21st century. same scenario before. ceed with legal action? The answer is very simple: SIA Urbania Group was put into I booked Ace of Base for Barvikha Concert My Russian college Alexander Uneshkin bankruptcy and Orlando John has recently Hall in Moscow and paid 100% upfront in from Radio Record, Saint Petersburg had moved to Thailand, where he is running a May 2009. The show was postponed twice a similar experience with Orlando John in venue called Supper club. and eventually cancelled. As of yet, mid 2008. The company is still operating under the January, I have not received any money same name and has some activity in Thai- back. “We booked MC Hammer through Urba- land and in all probability another legal en- nia group for SuperDiscoteque-2008. A few tity has been registered in Sweden. There More than two months ago, Orlando John, months later we received a statement saying are several gigs announced on the web- Urbania Group (the former manager of that the artist could not perform his obliga- site including Tiesto and Ferry Corsten’s Ace Of Base), sent me a statement saying tions and that the advance payment would shows. I personally find it very amusing, that the Ace Of Base brand was terminated be sent back shortly. that artists of this level can involve them- and that the band had to cancel all shows We then contacted MC Hammer directly selves with a promoter with such a contro- and that money would be refunded within only to find out that he had no idea about versial history. two weeks. This was the last thing I heard this festival and never received any pro- from him. posals. We booked him directly then, but We have now initiated a criminal investi- we never received any money back from gation and are trying to solve the problem When I spoke to Ulf Ekberg, the singer of Urbania. Interesting that Orlando John pre- through the police. However, we would Ace of Base, he said the band was still to- sented himself as the exclusive agent for MC like to warn all the artists and promoters gether and was not aware of this show and Hammer, who said, he had never heard this who come across Orlando John - please be that they never received any money and name before.” careful, this agent likes easy money. didn’t sign a contract for this show. Or- lando John was fired in August, meaning Some of our partners in the Baltic coun- that he was negotiating on behalf of Ace tries, where Urbania was very active, and Aliona Chernaya, General Manager of Base without their awareness and that an artist in Sweden, reported that Orlando City Concerts International Artists, Moscow

VIP-Booking ApS cannot be held responsible for loss or damages incurred as a result of transactions with individuals or companies through the notice board. We recommend all to make the necessary enquiries before entering into any agreements.

VIP-Booking ApS may not, for reason of space, be able to post all announcements received. Announcements should be emailed to [email protected], including name and email address. Please shorten your message to the extent possible, to make room for as many notices as possible.

VIP-BOOKING.COM VIP- News - January 2010

Member presentation ››

In this section we offer members of VIP-Booking.com some space to present their company to VIP-News readers. If you would also like to present your company please contact Peter Briggs at [email protected]

Solar Penguin Agency

Solar Penguin Agency is a succesfully operating german promoter and event agency, located in the heart of Germany, Frankfurt on the Main (Frankfurt am Main).

Founded almost twenty years ago by its CEO Michael Schuh the agency has a specific focus on live music and DJing. During the years Solar Penguin has come up with an exceptional great global network they can rely on. Therefore, the company does not only act nationally, but performs worldwide.

Solar Penguin Agency offers a wide range of different genres such as rock, hiphop, punk and independent music and use to work with established artists and newcomers. They have already work/worked with acts like Fatboy Slim, Kosheen, Masters At Work, Soul II Soul, Groove Armada, De La Soul, IAMX, Public En- emy and many more. Solar Penguin Agency

About Our Company

VIP-Booking’s core product is the Internet’s oldest and largest data- Today VIP-Booking offers a range of tools for the industry – inclu- base for the European Live Entertainment Industry www.vip-book- ding VIP-News, VIP-Booking, VIP-Book and VIP-Contract. ing.com developed as a tool for industry professionals. Since it’s launch in the year 2000, we have consistently offered our subscrib- Please visit vip-booking.com for further information. ers the very best in database services and now boast subscribers in over 30 countries. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

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