By Mark Sutherland and Emmanuel Legrand
Last year, the MUSEXPO conference in Los Angeles sparked many a fiery debate with its panel and keynote programme, featuring leading executives from around the world. Here’s a selection of some of the most attention-grabbing soundbites…
"I am really wary of China. They have one of the most conservative governments they’ve ever had. They can withdraw [concert] licences overnight."
Neil Warnock, head of worldwide music, United Talent Agency
"I have just cleared a Beatles song for a feature and that was costly. I have not been able to clear a Neil Young song yet but I do not give up."
Alex Patsavas, founder, Chop Shop Music Supervision
“There’s a difference between music and records. Music is my religion, records are my industry.”
Ron Fair, president/founder, Faircraft Music
“Data’s not going to discover the new David Bowie. That’s always going to be the domain of passionate individuals.”
Chris Price, head of music, BBC Radio 1/1Xtra
“I hate categories in music because it limits you. There’s only two categories: good and bad.”
Seymour Stein, chairman, Sire Records and VP, Warner Bros Records
“It takes just as much time and effort to fail as it does to succeed.”
Jordan Berliant, co-founder, Revelation Management Group
“At Electric Daisy Carnival, the fans are our headliners.”
John Boyle, chief growth officer and interim CFO, Imsomniac
“My timing [in joining KROQ] was great. It was the start of grunge and you really couldn’t screw it up.”
Kevin Weatherly, SVP programming, CBS Radio and programme director, KROQ
“Bidding wars lead to deals that aren’t sustainable, however much you might believe in the writer.”
Kathy Spanberger, president/COO, Peermusic
“Our job is to get the right music for the show. I don’t pick a song because I think it will get retweeted or get 10,000 Spotify looks.”
Gary Calamar, president, Go! Music Services
Music Week will partner with A&R Worldwide to bring you MUSEXPO Europe in London on September 18-20.
