On 17-19 January, ERMeCC researchers presented some of their research on the music industries in Groningen. ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is a festival and music conference. It attracts over 4.000 professional delegates, including 400 international festivals, and showcases around 350 European artists for over 40.000 visitors total. ESNS is the primary meeting place for European music industry professionals, bringing the entire European music sector together in January.
Dr. Pauwke Berkers presented his research on gender inequality in music production and was part of a panel including European activists for enhancing gender equality in the music business. Dr. Erik Hitters presented the POPLIVE project and moderated a discussion with industry specialists on the impacts of the increasing superstar economy on the practices of live music performance and organization. Martijn Mulder presented his preliminary findings on festivalisation based on interviews with programmers, bookers, festival and venue directors. We discussed how artists can survive under precarious labour conditions, how venues can sustain risky programming, the use of data to predict success and possible new business opportunities for venues and festivals.
For more information see www.poplive.nl
