The US live market is probably the most competitive, with fierce pressures - competing with
corporate giants, securing funding and managing high costs. Independent players must
innovate, build strong local networks, and constantly present captivating programs to survive in
this industry. What’s it like to navigate this? What are the biggest issues? And for European artists
wanting in on this massive market, strategic partnerships and the understanding of regional
audiences is essential. How possible is it to get there? And what’s a good starting point to attract
venues, promoters, and festivals to start building an audience?
Nate Dorough, Pyramid Scheme / School Night, Michigan, US
Lio Kanine, New Colosssus Festival, New York City, US
Berkli Johnson, SXSW, Austin, US
Chair, Sam Sumpter, Bands do BK, New York City, US
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The US live market is probably the most competitive, with fierce pressures - competing with
corporate giants, securing funding and managing high costs. Independent players must
innovate, build strong local networks, and constantly present captivating programs to survive in
this industry. What’s it like to navigate this? What are the biggest issues? And for European artists
wanting in on this massive market, strategic partnerships and the understanding of regional
audiences is essential. How possible is it to get there? And what’s a good starting point to attract
venues, promoters, and festivals to start building an audience?
Nate Dorough, Pyramid Scheme / School Night, Michigan, US
Lio Kanine, New Colosssus Festival, New York City, US
Berkli Johnson, SXSW, Austin, US
Chair, Sam Sumpter, Bands do BK, New York City, US
This year’s keynote interview welcomes the legendary Simon Williams. Simon will share his
journey from writing for NME during its heyday to founding, and still running, the influential
Fierce Panda label. Hear about the highs and the lows, the career-defining successes, the
challenges of running a label mixed with personal insights from his book; Pandamonium! How
to Not Run a Record Label. The book openly covers his experiences in the music industry, not
shying away his own struggle with mental health. Do not miss this sit down with one of the
industry's most impactful figures, who still goes to more shows in a month than most people do
in a year.
Simon Williams, Fierce Panda, London, UK
Chair, John Kennedy, Radio X, London, UK
KULTURAKADEMIN PODCAST
The US live market is probably the most competitive, with fierce pressures - competing with
corporate giants, securing funding and managing high costs. Independent players must
innovate, build strong local networks, and constantly present captivating programs to survive in
this industry. What’s it like to navigate this? What are the biggest issues? And for European artists
wanting in on this massive market, strategic partnerships and the understanding of regional
audiences is essential. How possible is it to get there? And what’s a good starting point to attract
venues, promoters, and festivals to start building an audience?
Nate Dorough, Pyramid Scheme / School Night, Michigan, US
Lio Kanine, New Colosssus Festival, New York City, US
Berkli Johnson, SXSW, Austin, US
Chair, Sam Sumpter, Bands do BK, New York City, US
