Música no Coração boss on future of the company

Música no Coração MD Luis Montez has announced the cancellation of Sudoeste festival, which has been held in Zambujeira do Mar in Portugal since 1997. Montez said that the event – which this year hosted international artists including Martin Garrix, Tems, Don Toliver, Charlotte De Witte and Anitta – will take a break in “preparation for a new chapter”.

The decision was made due to not being able to find a sponsor for the event, Montez tells IQ, adding that it was “difficult to compete” with free concerts from city councils in a year of local elections.

The cancellation comes months after it was announced that Música no Coração would no longer organise Super Bock Super Rock after launching the major international festival 30 years ago.

“My company turned 33 last Friday – 29 of those years were made in a partnership with the Super Bock brand,” Montez tells IQ. “We are still partners in other events, but I realised, as a businessman and in tune with the brand, that this was the right moment for Música no Coração to end its involvement with Super Bock Super Rock, leaving behind a unique brand and legacy that has, year after year, built a national and international reputation.

“As happens in all companies, we are restructuring the business”

“My decision is part of the strategy that we have been preparing for over a year for the near future,” he continues. “The world has changed, festivals are changing, and we want to stay at the forefront, always among the best.”

Montez refuted claims made in local media that the ownership of the Sudoeste brand had been transferred to state tax authorities. “Sudoeste Festival brand is ours,” he tells IQ. “Because of Covid, we made an agreement plan with the tax authorities and have regularised declarations. For this plan to happen, we provided the Sudoeste brand as a guarantee.”

Super Bock Super Rock was organised in various formats and locations in Portugal, Spain and Angola. The festivals have hosted international stars such as Prince, The Cure, David Bowie, Van Morrison, Coldplay, Pixies, Metallica, Arcade Fire, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Måneskin.

Dates for Super Bock Super Rock 2025 have been outlined but no acts have been announced. Last year, Lisbon counterpart Super Bock em Stock, organised by Música no Coração, did not take place.

Addressing speculation about the company’s financial position, Montez says: “As happens in all companies, we are restructuring the business. Covid caused us difficulties, like all entrepreneurs in this area, but we are recovering, and we are solid. I am making capital injections into Música do Coração as needed.

“We started 2025 with liquidity and ambition. It’s the year to solidify and grow our festivals but we also aim to align with the market trends and also focus on headline shows.”

Música no Coração’s festival portfolio also includes Sumol Summer Fest, Jardins do Marquês and Caixa Alfama, all of which have been announced for 2025.

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