Throwback: GVL at the Reeperbahn Festival

From 21 to 24 September, the Reeperbahn Festival opened its gates in Hamburg again. Apart from a plethora of live acts firing up the audience, music business players met to discuss their most burning topics as part of a comprehensive conference programme.

GVL was also on site: On Thursday, Rights Holders’ Service Division staff held two workshops and welcomed performers and label representatives alike where they explained the workflow from rights registration to GVL remuneration. On Friday the motto was “S(ch)nacken mit der Initiative Musik und der GVL”, i.e. “Having a chat and a snack with Initiative Music and GVL” - while having a full view of the Reeperbahn. Managing Director Tilo Gerlach was also guest at a panel on the topic of streaming rights on Friday.

Sandy Backhaus, Manager of the Rights Holders’ Service Division for Performers, has an overall positive summary: “The Reeperbahn Festival is a set date in the GVL diary, and, like for many others in the music business, one of the highlights of the year. We really appreciated the open atmosphere very much. The days in Hamburg offer a special opportunity for personal discussions with performers and labels, whether it would be in order to answer questions or just to get to know new people.”

Juliane Fiedler, Manager of the Communications Department, adds: “After two years where the Reeperbahn Festival was only able to go at half steam ahead, due to the pandemic, the lively festival flair could be felt in Hamburg once more. It was great to see so many known faces again and to meet new people. The conference gave us many important impulses and showed what moves the music world. We are looking forward to next year!”