Panels, live performances and conversations across the industry. Marijn, our A&R, headed to Hamburg for Reeperbahn to meet people, get to know the German music industry and explore opportunities for collaboration.
A live show gives people something to talk about. So does a panel that offers a different perspective. At Reeperbahn, both are part of a programme that brings music and the people working in it together.
The neighbourhood adds to the experience. With its neon lights, late-night bars and clubs, the Reeperbahn is a little rough around the edges. The festival takes place right in the middle of that nightlife, with performances, panels and networking events spread across the area.
For Marijn, networking was the main focus of the visit. It was also a chance to get a better understanding of the music industry in a neighbouring country.
Getting to know our neighbours
Germany is close to home, but there’s plenty to learn about its music industry and the people working in it. Spending time in Hamburg helped Marijn become more familiar with that community and introduce Maktub and our songwriters in person.
“It was great to get to know the German music industry better and explore opportunities to collaborate and support each other.”
— Marijn, A&R at Maktub
The conversations went both ways: talking about our roster and hearing what others are working on, where interests overlap and how we might be able to help each other.
Opportunities for collaboration
At Maktub, working with songwriters also means knowing the people who could play a part in their careers. Understanding someone’s taste, experience and approach helps us recognise who might be a good fit for a particular songwriter or project.
Reeperbahn offered a chance to make those introductions within the German industry. Following up means sharing music, exchanging contacts and discussing projects where working together could benefit both sides. For our roster, these relationships could create opportunities to work with people across the border.
A few live highlights
There was plenty of music to catch alongside the networking. WizTheMc was one of Marijn’s highlights, while Fat Dog provided a particularly memorable finish.
The energy in the room was high, with the crowd getting fully involved and people jumping into the mosh pit. For Marijn, it was a great way to close out the visit.
He left Hamburg with a better understanding of the German music industry, conversations to follow up on and some excellent live shows to look back on.
Alongside that creative connection, sync can provide an additional source of income for artists and songwriters.
A placement may come with a licensing fee, agreed around the specific use: where the music will appear, for how long and in which territories. Both the underlying composition and the recording have rights attached to them. What each artist or songwriter receives depends on the rights they hold and the agreements in place.
Every placement is different, both in what it earns and the attention it brings. But the opportunity matters: music can continue to find listeners and generate income well beyond its original release.
Let’s connect
Were you at Reeperbahn too, or would you like to get to know Maktub and our roster? Get in touch to talk music, exchange ideas and explore opportunities to work together.
