As I’ve been lecturing and talking with the upcoming acts in the recent weeks, it has been clear the showcase festivals are of great interest to them as they clearly are one of the most effective ways for emerging artists to get in front of the right people. Be it then to find booking agents or a manager, explore sync opportunities, or simply introduce the live show to new markets. A good showcase can open doors that are otherwise very hard to reach. However, when speaking with those emerging acts and also the organisers of showcase festivals, it is apparent that a lot of artists apply without any real strategy. And then they wonder why they never get selected. It’s often because the programmers can easily see who has a clear vision for their project and who is just applying for any festival that they come across online without thinking things through.

Hopefully this post can help many acts to be in the first group.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and once again I find myself reflecting on how we’re doing, not just individually, but as an industry. Last time I wrote about this topic, we were in the middle of a pandemic. It was raw and personal, because that’s where we all were. Stripped of our work, our routines, and our communities, many of us found ourselves face to face with just how deeply our identities were tied to our jobs, our crews, and the magic we help create. Now, a few years later, we’re back to work, and in some ways, that’s almost where the danger lies. Because the work came back fast. The pressure came back fast. And the stress came back louder. This time, I want to talk less about the pain, and more about how we can take care of ourselves and each other, amid the relentless pace, high expectations, and emotional highs and lows of this industry we love so much.

It’s that time of year again — festival season is kicking off, and with it comes the usual dance behind the scenes. Festival season is where live music magic happens — but behind every unforgettable performance is an army of people working hard to make it smooth, safe, and spectacular. Speaking from experience, a truly great festival set doesn’t just happen. It's the result of preparation, teamwork, and a little bit of backstage magic. The advance process for most festivals is already in full swing. If you haven’t started on yours yet, it’s really about time to get on with it! In the following post, we’re going to highlight some key things to keep in mind for a successful festival show.
Spoiler alert: it's not luck.

Touring is an essential part of any musician’s career, but the logistical challenges can be overwhelming because there’s a lot that needs to be managed and taken into account. In an ideal world there would be a tour manager or someone at least filling the role of a tour manager on the road with the artist. However, not every artist or tour manager has the budget or capacity to bring a full production team on the road. Providing remote tour support has been coming up as an alternative more and more to help the artists through their tours and it has been also dividing opinions among professionals, especially as many are afraid it will have a negative impact on already limited tour budgets. Whether this is something worth exploring, comes down to what the artist and their crew really need and how those needs can be managed. 

As the weather is turning colder and the nights are darker, it’s great to look back at the summer and fully grasp, how much was accomplished over these months. Looking back, I’m blown away by the incredible projects and events I had the privilege to be a part of. In late spring, I could never have imagined the sheer volume of work, the amazing people I'd meet, and the unforgettable experiences that would unfold. It's been a season full of energy, excitement, and more than a few challenges – but every bit of it has been rewarding. So here’s a little Dear Diary style of an entry to look back at the summer, its events and clients I’ve had the honour to work with.

There are many behind-the-scenes roles at festivals that ordinary visitors don’t consider, yet without these dedicated professionals, the favourite artists of the audience wouldn't be able to shine on stage. Among these vital roles is the artist liaison, a crucial position within festival teams that ensures everything runs smoothly for the artists. Artist-facing roles are often the most appealing for newcomers to the industry.

Mentoring should be regarded as the lifeblood of the music industry, enriching lives, nurturing talent, and propelling careers to new heights. It’s not a one-way street; it’s a symbiotic relationship that fuels both sides. Mentoring facilitates the transfer of knowledge, expertise, and wisdom from experienced veterans to novices.

I started Thrust Productions in early 2019 and the past five years have been quite a journey with its ups and downs, but clearly more with ups as otherwise things would be quite different today. Building this company has been a dream that has been slowly but steadily coming together. When I started as a sole trader, it was just a trade name that allowed me to send invoices for the work I was doing.

Spring is always such an interesting and exciting time. The days here in the Northern Europe are getting longer, the snow is melting away and the nature is coming back to life after months of hibernation. It's time of fresh starts! Everything is supposed to be better in spring for some reason. Everything just feels better in spring for some reason.

Today is the world mental health day. In the middle of all of this pandemic, craziness and financial struggles many industries are facing, it feels like we’re still not talking enough about the mental well-being of those who have been made redundant since March. While I feel for everyone struggling right now, as someone who has been in live events for the past 15 years, I obviously feel the strongest about my own peers…