Festival promoters capitalise on ‘golden era’ of EDM
European festival organisers are capitalising on the growth of electronic dance music (EDM) with new dedicated events.
Next year, Primavera Sound Porto in Portugal will hold an extra day on Sunday 15 June dedicated to EDM – the lineup and details of which are yet to be announced.
The 12th edition of the festival will return to the city’s Parque da Cidade between 12–15 June 2025, the week after Primavera Sound Barcelona.
Charli XCX, Central Cee, Jamie xx, Beach House, Deftones, Fontaines DC, HAIM and Turnstile are among the acts that were today confirmed for Primavera Sound Porto 2025.
Elsewhere, FEST Team is planning to launch Bulgaria’s first major EDM festival in Sofia next summer.
Belgian DJ and record producer Lost Frequencies is the first confirmed headliner for the three-day event, named Aura.
Having brought international EDM stars such as Armin Van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike to the market, FEST Team CEO Stefan Elenkov told IQ that he’s banking on the genre.
“I really believe we will be recognised as the company that organised the best EDM party in the country,” he says.
The global dance music business saw 17% revenue growth in 2023 to a valuation of $11.8bn
Meanwhile, Belgium has gained a new five-day festival and conference dedicated to EDM called Abrupt.
The inaugural edition took place in Brussels earlier this month and comprised seven concerts, six club nights and numerous debates and workshops.
Organised by the non-profit Arty Farty Brussels, the festival took over iconic music venues and clubs such as Botanique, the C12, Bozar and the Ancienne Belgique.
The increasing popularity of EDM is not just underscored by new events but also by the growth of pre-existing ones.
C2C Festival in Turin, which has spawned 22 editions, has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
Organisers yesterday (6 November) reported the highest attendance yet for the 2024 edition, which was the third consecutive sell-out.
This growth is further evidenced by the IMS Business Report 2024, which declared a ‘golden era’ for the global dance music business after 17% revenue growth in 2023 to a valuation of $11.8bn.
Take a closer look at key numbers and trends that are shaping the global electronic music scene here.
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‘Bulgaria is open for international stadium shows’
FEST Team founder and CEO Stefan Elenkov has told IQ that the Bulgarian market is open for international stadium shows.
Founded in 2012, the Sofia-based full-service promoter organises festivals such as the Sofia Solid series, Hills of Rock Festival, and Spice Music Festival, and has worked with artists including Arctic Monkeys, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, Lenny Kravitz, Franz Ferdinand, Editors and Pantera.
This year, FEST Team realised a long-standing ambition of expanding into stadium shows with international artists, promoting concerts with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli at the National Stadium in Sofia.
In the past decade or so, Bulgaria has hosted just a handful of stadium concerts by international acts such as Imagine Dragons (2023), Roger Waters and Bon Jovi (2013) and Guns N’ Roses (2012) but FEST Team has been determined to make the country a viable tour stop for A-list artists.
“Bulgaria is an undervalued market,” Elenkov tells IQ. “Many people think that in Bulgaria you cannot sell tickets at decent prices because the economics is bad but we’ve proved otherwise. People have decent incomes and they can afford to pay good money for quality entertainment.”
There was no better proof of concept than Sheeran’s first-ever performance in Bulgaria in August, which sold 60,000 tickets and drew an audience comprising 98% Bulgarians. FEST Team also hailed “great success” with Andrea Bocceli’s show, which took place two weeks later at the same stadium.
“People have decent incomes and they can afford to pay good money for quality entertainment”
“I believe that, now, more and more artists will see that the Bulgarian market is ready for big artists,” Elenkov tells IQ.
Until now, Sofia’s National Stadium has been the only viable venue for international stadium shows but it has lacked the infrastructure needed to seamlessly host big tours, according to the FEST Team CEO.
“You could not drive a big truck inside of the stadium, which is a big logistic problem that usually delays tours,” explains Elenkov. “It’s why we missed out on hosting Coldplay because they didn’t have time to load in and out, outside the stadium.”
But in a massive win for FEST Team, the stadium and its associated stakeholders have agreed to construct a new tunnel to allow trucks to enter and leave the premises.
“We are at the stage where the architects are done with all the calculations and we’ve submitted all the documentation to the municipality and the Ministry of Sport for approval,” he says. “The actual reconstruction work will probably start at the beginning of February and it’s estimated to be finished by the beginning of the summer season which would be great.”
With a clear run at summer 2025, FEST Team has already confirmed its first stadium show for next year and is in the process of confirming another two.
“This has been our biggest year ever as a company and next year will be even bigger”
Elsewhere, construction has also started on a new 16,000-capacity stadium in Sofia, which is expected to be complete by spring 2026.
Though the venue will primarily be used by Sofia’s professional football team, it could open up further opportunities for stadium tours, says Elenkov.
As the stadium-level market develops, FEST Team is also expanding to accommodate healthy demand for mid-tier acts.
The company recently took over and refurbished the 7,000-capacity open-air Sofia Velodrome, where acts including The Smile, Bruce Dickinson, Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeath and Corey Taylor performed this summer.
Meanwhile, the company’s festival portfolio has expanded with the acquisition of urban city festival Sofia Live, and the launch of a new EDM festival called Aura.
And with an offer placed to purchase Eastern European promoter, talent buyer and artist agency Charmenko, it’s perhaps no surprise that 2024 has been a historic year for FEST Team.
“This has been our biggest year ever as a company and next year will be even bigger,” says Elenkov.
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Balkan conference marks successful second year
SoAlive Music Conference gathered more than 600 delegates, 36 bands and artists from the region, reaffirming its mission to connect Balkan music talent with leaders from the global music industry.
Staged in the capital city’s National Palace of Culture between 2-4 October, the event was organised with financial support from the Ministry of Culture, Musicautor, Sofia Municipality, LiveEMX, and ANMIP-BG, allowing it to schedule 19 conference panels, five workshops, and 36 concerts across six stages.
The official opening of the conference was attended by the event’s patron, Maria Gabriel, and Sofia’s deputy mayor for European policies, international affairs, and tourism, Nikola Barbutov.
Minister of culture, Nayden Todorov, also was a guest taking part in a session which focused on composing music for video games. “Music plays a crucial role in video games,” Minister Todorov told delegates. “Over the years, I have played strategic video games, and I must admit that I have chosen certain ‘maps’ specifically based on the music they featured. Realising this, I understood that there is something much more significant behind the music in video games.”
“Sofia has the potential to become a hub for the development of the music industry in the Balkans”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nikola Barbutov, Sofia’s deputy mayor commented, “Sofia has the potential to become a hub for the development of the music industry in the Balkans. Art brings sustainable development to cities and regions, but at the same time, it requires a supportive environment for its growth.”
IQ editor, Gordon Masson, was among the international delegates, moderating an innovative session that linked the SoAlive participants with peers at the ReConnect conference in Brno, Czech Republic.
Another exciting moment at the conference was the presentation of the SoAlive Music Video Awards, where Cypriot artist Ody Icons collected a €10,000 prize for his song, Sose.
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Bulgaria’s first trap music festival announced
Bulgaria is set to host its first trap music festival this autumn, it has been announced.
Menace to Society Festival will launch at the 18,000-cap Sofia Arena in the Bulgarian capital on 16 October, topped by American rappers Tekashi 6ix9ine and NLE Choppa.
The event is a collaboration between booking and event companies J-Noah and Whoop Events, who have previously worked on with acts such as Tyga, Gucci Mane, Offset, Quavo, DaBaby and Sean Paul, in partnership with promoter Sofia Music Enterprises (SME).
“After trap became one of the most popular and most listened to styles all over the world, it was only a matter of time when such an event would be organised in Bulgaria as well,” says a message from organisers.
The event will also feature more than 10 domestic trap artists, groups and DJs
Tekashi 6ix9ine will be performing in Bulgaria for the first time, while NLE Choppa played a sold out show at EFE Hotel Marinela in Sofia back in 2022. As well as the two headliners, Menace to Society will feature more than 10 domestic trap artists, groups and DJs.
Early bird tickets start at BGN80 (€41). General admission ranges from BGN100-180 (€51-92), with VIP seats priced BGN250 (€128). Ultra VIP tables for five people are also available for BGN1,250 (BGN250 per person).
SME, which was founded by Dimitar Kovachev and Ivan Nestorov in 1991, also has upcoming concerts with acts including Vandeberg, Unleashed, Led Zeppelin Symphonic and Kosheen.
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Bulgaria’s FEST Team acquires Charmenko
Bulgaria’s FEST Team is set to acquire Eastern European promoter, talent buyer and artist agency Charmenko.
The deal, which is expected to close later this summer, also includes Charmenko’s live events arm, Charm Music, and its artist agency, Charmworks.
The Istanbul-headquartered firm, founded in the late 1980s, will retain its name, staff and offices in Poland, Czechia & Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia.
FEST Team is a Sofia-based full-service promoter, founded in 2012, which organises festivals such as Sofia Solid series, Hills of Rock Festival, and Spice Music Festival.
The firm has also promoted concerts with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Andrea Bocelli, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, Lenny Kravitz, Franz Ferdinand, Editors and Pantera.
Charmenko and FEST Team have previously worked together, maintaining a co-promoting partnership in the Baltic States and Bulgaria.
“This acquisition represents a transformative opportunity for Fest Team,” says Stefan Elenkov, CEO of Fest Team. “It is a privilege for us to join forces with such renowned and respected company in the music industry. By combining Fest Team’s expertise in organising large-scale music events with Charmenko’s robust artist booking capabilities and industry know-how, we aim to create synergy that will redefine the Eastern European music landscape. This strategic integration will streamline our ability to connect artists with venues and festivals, offering comprehensive solutions that enhance the overall experience for performers and audiences alike.”
“I feel that it’s time for us to join a bigger grouping in order to take the next step towards a pan-East European promoting, talent buying and servicing organisation”
FEST Team says the acquisition marks a significant advancement in Fest Team’s growth strategy, aiming to bolster its regional presence and expand operations across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, the Baltic regions and more.
Charmenko’s founder and owner, Nick Hobbs: “As a group of companies working throughout the East European region, we survived Covid and have returned to the growth we had towards the end of the 20 teens. The odds are stacked against independent promoters yet, with too many ups and downs to mention, the company has opened new offices and doubled in size since 2021 without incurring any debt. I feel that it’s time for us to join a bigger grouping in order to take the next step towards a pan-East European promoting, talent buying and servicing organisation which can integrate creativity, synergies and professionalism with a long-term strategy that puts artists, audience and clients foremost in our thinking.”
Hobbs founded Charmenko in London in the 1980s before relocating to Istanbul in 2003. The firm later opened offices in Czechia and Poland (2004), Serbia (2018), and Croatia (2021). The company promotes live shows and acts as a talent buyer in these markets.
Charmenko also acts as a talent buyer for events, venues and concert organisers in Finland, the rest of the former Yugoslavia, Romania, Moldova, Greece & Cyprus, the Caucuses and Egypt, as well as the Baltic States and Bulgaria.
The company adds, “As soon as the war is over, we look forward to returning to Ukraine, and as soon as the Russian and Belarussian regimes collapse, we look forward to returning to Russia and Belarus.”
Charmenko has promoted concerts with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Måneskin, The Chainsmokers, Arctic Monkeys, Marshmello, Rammstein, The National, Green Day, Die Antwoord, Central Cee, Franz Ferdinand, Sting, Tame Impala and Iron Maiden.
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Local promoters hail record Ed Sheeran sales
Local, independent promoters have spoken to IQ about how they’re breaking ground in their markets with record ticket sales for Ed Sheeran’s 2024 European tour.
The European leg of Sheeran’s + – = ÷ x (Mathematics) Tour is due to kick off on 8 June 2024 in Italy, making 20 stops at a mix of stadiums and festivals across the continent.
The first stadium stop on the AEG Presents promoted-outing will be at Ta’ Qali National Park (cap. 30,000), marking the 32-year-old’s first-ever concert in Malta.
According to one of the show’s local promoters, Nigel Camilleri at NNG Promotions, the 26 June 2024 concert has broken “all records” in the island country.
“The number of tickets in an hour, total number of ticket sales in one day, as well as total gross amount of ticket sales in an hour and in a day,” lists Camilleri, who is promoting the gig alongside AEG and Greatt.
“Hopefully, this will open more doors which were previously closed or only ajar”
“The adrenaline rush when the ticket sales opened was indescribable,” he continues. “It’s not often, at least in Malta, that one gets to promote a concert of an artist who appeals to such a wide-ranging audience.”
Camilleri says hosting a star of Sheeran’s size helps to put Malta – which is isolated from mainland Europe – on the map for other blockbuster tours.
“It is a great triumph for us because we have proven that the Maltese market can sustain an A-level artist such as Ed Sheeran,” he adds. “We have been working towards and building up to this moment for many years and admittedly there was an element of luck with the stars aligning for it to happen.
“As a company, it is a major feather in our cap and hopefully, this will open more doors which were previously closed or only ajar.”
Bulgarian promoter FEST Team is also hoping the success of Sheeran’s show at Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia (31 August) will be a calling card for other A-list artists.
“[We hope] more prominent artists will acknowledge Bulgaria as a substantial market with tour potential”
“Our aspiration is that the success of this event will encourage more prominent artists to acknowledge Bulgaria and the Balkan region as a substantial market with tour potential,” FEST Team’s Stefan Elenkov tells IQ.
The Sofia-based full-service promoter sold all 60,000 tickets to the Bulgaria date in the first 24 hours of the on-sale. It beat the previous record set in 2009 by Madonna who sold 19,000 tickets in the first 24 hours for a 55,000-capacity show.
“This indeed is a truly remarkable achievement,” says Elenkov. “It is important to mention that a show of this magnitude hasn’t taken place in Bulgaria since 2009.”
Staging the biggest-ever concert in Bulgaria, which is yet to be included in the Schengen Area, hasn’t been without its challenges but Elenkov says his team has been “excited to embrace them”.
“After dedicating eight months to negotiations and detailed planning, we managed to successfully overcome various infrastructural and logistic challenges associated with the venue,” says Elenkov.
“Ticket Station Bulgaria is handling a show of such magnitude for the first time and has met the tour’s criteria”
“Anticipating Bulgaria and Romania’s inclusion in the Schengen area, we expect even fewer logistical challenges, making future tour planning considerably more structured. The routing Budapest – Bucharest – Sofia – Athens—would essentially become practically borderless.”
Another source of pride for FEST Team is the reported absence of tickets for Sheeran’s Bulgaria date on Viagogo.
“This demonstrates our success in implementing stringent security measures, ensuring that only real people have bought tickets for the show,” adds Elenkov. “This marks an important milestone – Ticket Station Bulgaria is handling a show of such magnitude for the first time and has precisely met the tour’s criteria.”
Sheeran’s team has long taken an aggressive stance against the secondary ticketing market, opting to use 100% mobile digital ticketing technology to keep tickets in the hands of fans.
The tour’s local promoters in Lithuania also have a lot to celebrate after sales for Sheeran’s two 2024 dates in the country broke “all previous entertainment sales records” across the Baltic states.
“By selling the most tickets of any artist in the Baltics, Sheeran has set yet another record”
According to L Tips Agency – which is organising Sheeran’s concerts in the Baltics for the third time – the first concert sold out in just over 24 hours the second is already more than 50% sold out, nine months in advance.
Provided both dates in Lithuania sell out, Sheeran will perform to 90,000 fans across the 3 and 4 August at Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas.
“In 2019, he set the record for the most visited international artist show of all time in Latvia with an attendance of approximately 50,000 people,” says Gints Putnins, owner of L Tips Agency. “Now a new record has been set for the whole of the Baltics!”
The Agency, which is one of the largest independent promoters in the Baltic States, is promoting the concert alongside FKP Scorpio.
Folkert Koopmans, founder & CEO of FKP Scorpio, adds: “By selling the most tickets of any artist in the Baltics, Ed Sheeran has set yet another record. We’re proud and happy to be promoting the shows and couldn’t have done so without the support of all local stakeholders and our partner agencies. L Tips Agency’s work has been invaluable in making the second-ever music concert in Kaunas stadium possible. We’re already looking forward to seeing everything coming together in August 2024!”
The 32-year-old’s forthcoming Dubai concerts could become the best-selling shows in UAE history
Sheeran’s record-breaking streak doesn’t stop at independent promoters, nor does it stop in Europe. As previously reported in IQ, the 32-year-old’s forthcoming Dubai concerts could become the best-selling shows in UAE history, according to All Thing Live Middle East CEO Thomas Ovesen.
The British singer-songwriter is due to play the Sevens Stadium from 19-20 January 2024 in what are being called the largest open-air concerts ever to take place in Dubai.
The dates, which will see Sheeran perform “in the round”, will be his first in the Middle East since playing at the city’s Autism Rocks Arena in November 2017, which attracted a sell-out 23,272 crowd.
Last month, Sheeran concluded the North American leg of his Mathematics tour, with the final date on 28 October at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sheeran is represented by Marty Diamond and Ash Lewis at Wasserman for US and Canada, and Jon Ollier at One Finiix Live for the rest of the world.
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LGBTIQ+ List 2023: Boyan Pinter, SPIKE
The LGBTIQ+ List 2023 – IQ Magazine’s third annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business – has been revealed.
The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s third Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.
To get to know this year’s queer pioneers a little better, we interviewed each of them on the development of the industry, the challenges that are keeping them up at night and more.
Throughout the next month, IQ will publish a new interview each day. Check out yesterday’s profile with Frederik Diness Ove, founder of Queer Music Agency in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The series continues with Boyan Pinter (he/him/his/they/them/theirs), founder/director at SPIKE Bulgarian Music Showcase in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Born in Bulgaria, educated and matured in the US, Boyan Pinter (Boiadjiev) has been working in the music industry for over 20 years. He is a college-educated musician, linguist, music manager, and soon-to-be solicitor.
Boyan has worked with the Lotus World Music Festival in Bloomington, IN; Sofia Music Enterprises (Live Nation); and as a freelance production specialist and promoter for a number of concerts at the Antique Theater Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Their current roles include A&R for Believe Music in Bulgaria; director at SPIKE Bulgarian Music Showcase; booking and production at the Green Futures Field at Glastonbury Festival; and as a promoter with PanHarmony/Blue Hills Events.
Tell us about the professional feat you’re most PROUD of in 2023 so far.
We are breaking new ground for the Bulgarian music industry, and I am happy to have brought a good number of “firsts” in terms of opportunities and contacts to the local community. I am quite proud of the success we’ve had with SPIKE over the course of the three years it has been in existence. We try to tackle many issues under the blanket of ‘showcase festival and conference’. Much like peeling layers of an onion, it can be unpleasant to get to the core, and it comes at a cost, but in the end, we are able to both deliver on what the local music industry needs and converse about the difficult issues that contemporary society is facing. Tolerance and inclusivity of the queer community in the local industry being one of the focus points. Thanks to the connections made at SPIKE, this year we were able to facilitate the first professional songwriting camp for one of Bulgaria’s best and brightest pop stars. Songwriters from Sweden, Latvia, Romania, and Bulgaria wrote the material for her upcoming album in a little under a week. Another positive “first” for the local industry.
Name one queer act you’re itching to see live this year.
Oh, there are so many. If it must be just one, then it will have to be Lil Nas X on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival this year. I also heard that our friends at Block 9 have got something special planned, so I am itching to see that. I am also excited to see the artist Satch perform at Brighton Pride this August. Locally, I am excited to see the band IVA. They have been growing in leaps and bounds.
What advice could you give to young queer professionals?
Even though it may be difficult, find the space where your authentic and creative self can develop and thrive, and make that space your own. Learn to trust your instincts and strive to be fair and balanced in your judgements. It may surprise you, but you are very much not alone in this, so don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone whom you can trust for advice or just a chat. You will also do well to erase the abbreviation “FOMO” from your lexicon. Especially the word that starts with “f.” We can’t be physically present in two places at once, so learn to enjoy every interaction at every event you will visit as a professional. Be in the moment and immerse yourself in experiences. You’ll be pleasantly surprised in the connections you make this way.
“I keep reminding myself that lasting, and hopefully meaningful, change takes time to seed, sprout, and take up roots”
What’s the best mistake you’ve ever made?
The best mistake I made was to manage artists whom I strongly believed in, as early as possible in my career. Evidently, things didn’t work out as I hoped they would, but these experiences taught me to cope with the feelings of disappointment and frustration, which unfortunately come with the territory. This was a way to build resilience and to keep one’s head above water. Once you become familiar with your authentic self and you are aware of your own methods and approach to the work you do, it becomes easier to say “yes” or “no” to engagements.
In terms of challenges in the industry, what’s currently keeping you up at night?
I am frustrated that change is slow to take place. However, I keep reminding myself that lasting, and hopefully meaningful, change takes time to seed, sprout, and take up roots. That viral dance hit from last year came and went very quickly, but the message in the songs of k.d. lang, Tears for Fears, or Leonard Cohen have grown stronger with time. There are many things that worry me on a local and global level. In my trips, I still see a reluctance to innovate and integrate new approaches and practices into our work routine. The arts are in a constant state of refinement and experimentation, so we have to allow for this to spill over to the professional side of the industry. We must meet the artist halfway and not shy away from getting our hands dirty. There is a lot of lofty commentary about it, but at the end of the day, someone will have to get things done.
How do you see the live music business developing in the next few years?
I can already see a palpable change in the industry. A new generation of artists and music consumers has arrived in the Balkans, which is driving productivity, music consumption, and of course, revenue. I am also incredibly grateful to have many mentors today, legendary movers and shakers that were agents of change in the past have embraced this new role in the industry and are helping us navigate the new business landscapes by taking a page from their books. Their knowledge is worth its weight in gold.
“In creating a closed group that services a particular echelon in our industry, we seem to be moving away from understanding”
Name one thing you’d like to see the live music business change.
This is a very difficult question to answer because the layers of our industry, in my mind, work like an ecosystem. Changing one factor will inevitably cause a ripple effect down the line. I think we need a change in recognising the value of diversity and the multiple intelligences that our fellow professionals bring to the table. This would create an internal system of checks and balances that would prevent problems with communication, increase transparency, move toward a healthier life-work balance, and ultimately increase the financial and human resources we can all partake in.
Name one thing the industry could do to be a more equitable place.
We could refocus our efforts on inclusivity, rather than exclusivity. In creating a closed group that services a particular echelon in our industry, we seem to be moving away from understanding, relating, and communicating with the diverse pool of fellow professionals we have and toward an exclusive, closed group, for members only. I see this as being contrary to the values that we aspire to defend and nurture. I realise that many of my fellow professionals feel that “it’s our time now,” and we are in a better position to make decisions about our present and future in the industry. However, with this newfound power comes even greater responsibility. We must not lose focus on the fact that we fought to have an equal standing in the industry, and once that door is opened, we must keep it ajar for those who wish to follow in our footsteps.
Shout out to your biggest ally in the live music industry.
I must note that I wouldn’t be able to do what I do and be myself in the industry without the support of my partner. I would like to give a shout-out (with much gratitude) to Sandy Graham, Peter Åstedt, and Anca Lupes for being amazing. I want them to know how much I value our friendship. We are stronger together!
Do you support any LGBTIQ+ causes?
I support and make frequent donations to Allout.org.
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LGBTIQ+ List 2023: Meet this year’s queer pioneers
IQ Magazine has revealed the LGBTIQ+ List 2023 – the third annual celebration of queer professionals who make an immense impact in the international live music business.
The ever-popular list is the centrepiece of IQ’s third Pride edition, sponsored by Ticketmaster, which is now available to read online and in print for subscribers.
The 20 individuals comprising the LGBTIQ+ List 2023 – as nominated by our readers and verified by our esteemed steering committee – are individuals that have gone above and beyond to wave the flag for an industry that we can all be proud of.
The third instalment comprises agents, promoters, tour managers, marketing executives, consultants, founders and more – all of whom identify as LGBTIQ+ and, in the face of adversity, have made enormous contributions to their respective sectors.
In alphabetical order, the LGBTIQ+ List 2023 is:
Christina Austin, music agent, United Talent Agency (UK)
Hila Aviran, director of entertainment & tours, PixMob (US)
Johanna Beckman, senior creative curator and promoter, FKP Scorpio Sweden (SE)
Amy Greig, booking agent, Runway Artists (UK)
Adem Holness, head of contemporary music, Southbank Centre (UK)
Kane Kete, client development manager, Ticketmaster (AU)
Ippei Kimura, booking/marketing/tour manager, Creativeman Productions (JP)
Katherine Koranteng, marketing & campaigns manager, Festival Republic (UK)
Stefan Lehmkuhl, freelance curator & live entertainment consultant, BMG/Ruined My Rainbow (DE)
Lucy Mackenzie McNae, tour manager (Josef, Twin Atlantic), Two and a Half TMs (UK)
Saskhia Menendez, innovator at Keychange, board of directors at F-List Music (UK)
Dev Mistry, global internal comms manager, DICE (UK)
Frederik Diness Ove, founder, Queer Music Agency (DK)
Boyan Pinter (Boiadjiev), founder/director, SPIKE Bulgarian Music Showcase (BG)
Scott Robson, event manager, ASM Global (UK)
Roman Samotný, director, Queer Slovakia (SK)
Marie-Christine Scheffold, senior booking agent manager, Selective Artists (DE)
Karim Siddiqui, senior booking manager, Live Nation (US)
Areti Tziorta, marketing manager, TEG Europe (UK)
João Pedro Viana, music agent, WME (UK)
Throughout the next month, IQ will be publishing full-length interviews with each person on the LGBTIQ+ List 2023.
Subscribers can read the full Pride edition now. Click here to subscribe to IQ from less than £8 a month – or see what you’re missing out on with the limited preview below.
Check out 2022’s cohort of queer pioneers here, and 2021’s cohort here.
The vibrant music scene of the Balkans
Prepare to have your expectations shattered and your creative senses tingling because the Balkans are about to unleash their full artistic potential! Yes, you heard it right. The region that brought you stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a healthy dose of self-irony is now making waves in the music and artistic world.
Picture this: major record labels and big promoters, who once thought the Balkans were just a charming vacation spot, are now scrambling to establish their presence in this vibrant region. Why? Because they’ve finally realised that hidden within the Balkans is a goldmine of untapped opportunities and unbridled creativity.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. We all know that certain countries have faced their fair share of challenges. Russia, with its restrictive regulations, has put a damper on the music industry’s growth. And Ukraine, although we have high hopes for its comeback, has been facing obstacles in the live music sector. But fear not! The spotlight has shifted to the Balkans, and it’s ready to shine brightly like never before.
The Balkans, with its rich tapestry of cultures and an eclectic music scene, is a breeding ground for innovation and collaboration. It’s where traditional folk music dances with contemporary genres like pop, rock, and electronic music. Artists, producers, and industry professionals are flocking to the region, recognising the wealth of talent and the potential for groundbreaking cross-genre projects.
Now, let’s talk about why the Balkans are the place to be for music and artistic advancements:
The Balkans, with its growing economy and increasing disposable incomes, is the perfect breeding ground for a thriving music industry
Untapped Market Potential:
Imagine a market ready to embrace music and entertainment with open arms. The Balkans, with its growing economy and increasing disposable incomes, is the perfect breeding ground for a thriving music industry. Artists and music businesses have the opportunity to captivate a fresh audience, build a loyal fan base, and establish a strong presence in a market hungry for new sounds.
Cultural Diversity and Fusion:
Prepare to be dazzled by a diverse melting pot of cultures, traditions, and musical genres. The Balkans offer a vibrant tapestry of artistic expressions that range from traditional folk to cutting-edge electronic beats. By tapping into this cultural diversity, music businesses can create unique and captivating projects that resonate with a global audience. Collaborations with local artists will result in mind-bending cross-genre experiments that push boundaries and ignite imaginations.
Cost-Effective Touring and Production:
Forget about draining your bank account on extravagant tours. In the Balkans, touring becomes a cost-effective affair. The region’s smaller size and proximity between countries make it a breeze to navigate and perform in multiple markets without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget about production costs. The Balkans offer a fertile ground for creating and recording music without draining your creative budget. It’s a win-win situation for artists and music businesses alike.
Networking and Collaboration:
In the Balkans, the music community feels like one big, supportive family. The close-knit environment allows for meaningful connections and collaborations to flourish. From local festivals and industry conferences to impromptu jam sessions in cozy cafés, the opportunities for networking are endless. You’ll meet like-minded individuals who share your passion and vision, opening doors to collaborations that will take your artistic endeavors to new heights.
Filming and Creative Resources:
Lights, camera, action! The Balkans are not only a playground for musicians but also a paradise for filmmakers and creative professionals. Imagine picturesque landscapes, rich historical heritage, and cost-effective production options. It’s no wonder that blockbusters like 300 and music videos for artists like Ellie Goulding and Dua Lipa have embraced the Balkans as their backdrop. The region’s creative talent is also booming, with designers, photographers, videographers, and writers offering high-quality services at competitive prices. Outsourcing creative work to the Balkans is a smart move that guarantees exceptional results without breaking the bank.
The Balkans serve as a gateway to emerging markets, acting as a bridge between Central and Eastern Europe
Games and Technology:
Get ready for a gaming and tech revolution in the Balkans! The region boasts a talented workforce skilled in software development, design, animation, and more. With universities offering specialised programs tailored to the gaming and tech sectors, the Balkans are producing a pool of skilled professionals ready to innovate and create. The cost advantage of operating game development studios and tech companies in the region allows for investment in research and development, leading to high-quality products that are capturing the attention of the global market. Governments and local authorities are supporting this growth, providing funding, infrastructure, and incentives to nurture startups and foster collaboration. Brace yourselves for a wave of gaming and technological innovation from the Balkans.
Already, the region has showcased its prowess with standout games that have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Dive into the intense action and humour of the “Serious Sam” series developed by Croteam in Croatia. Embark on epic adventures in the long-standing MMORPG “RuneScape” with a dedicated development team in Serbia. Master the art of stealth and strategy in the critically acclaimed “Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun” from Bulgaria’s Mimimi Games. And explore the human impact of war in the gripping survival game “This War of Mine,” with contributions from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 11 bit studios.
But it’s not just about games. The Balkans also excel in providing top-notch IT services and software development, serving clients around the globe. From software development to cybersecurity, the region’s thriving industry is making its mark in the tech world.
Gateway to Emerging Markets:
The Balkans serve as a gateway to emerging markets, acting as a bridge between Central and Eastern Europe. Artists and music businesses who establish themselves in the Balkans gain access to a broader network and exciting opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations. Proximity to Turkey and the Middle East adds a sprinkle of spice to the mix, allowing for exploration of new markets and exposure to diverse audiences.
Now, the cherry on top of this artistic feast: the SoAlive Music Conference. This event is your gateway to the vibrant music scenes of the Balkans. From 19-21 October, the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria, will be buzzing with industry professionals, artists, and music enthusiasts, all eager to connect, share knowledge, and seize business opportunities. Whether you’re an established player in the industry or a rising talent, the SoAlive Music Conference is your ticket to expanding your horizons and staying ahead of the curve.
Secure your spot now and join us as we celebrate the creative powerhouse that is the Balkans. It’s time to unleash your full potential, network with like-minded individuals, and embark on a thrilling journey of artistic growth and innovation.
Get ready for the Balkans to shake up the music and artistic world. The stage is set, the spotlight is on, and the world is waiting for you to make your mark.
See you at the SoAlive Music Conference: 19-21 October, Sofia, Bulgaria! Click here to sign up to this year’s event.
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Bulgaria’s FEST Team plans new concert series
Nothing But Thieves and Franz Ferdinand will perform their first-ever concerts in Bulgaria as part of a new series organised by FEST Team.
The two UK bands will be joined by Finnish-Bulgarian act Hayes & Y for the first concert in the Burgas Summer Live series, on 11 August.
The 11,000-capacity series will take place in the seaside city of Burgas, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, with more concerts to be announced.
The 11,000-capacity series will take place in the seaside city of Burgas, with more concerts to be announced
Fest Club members tomorrow (24 March) can purchase discounted tickets starting at BGN 88 (€45). The general sale starts on Monday (27), with tickets starting from BGN 99 (€51).
News of the new concert series comes a week after FEST Team, Bulgaria’s largest live music company, cancelled two of its marquee festivals for 2023.
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