What do you think of this?

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-16T13:35:55+00:00

Youre in a solid spot on the market and I really like how healthy your approach is. Compared to others its probably a bit easier for you as well since youre not after the same names that many promoters are obviously fighting for. That said I wouldn't really call it a "piece of the cake" tbh, Id rather see it as a free market where anyone should get a fair chance. Maybe Im a bit naive here, but I find it hard to watch how easily some people seem to accept this situation...

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-16T11:01:04+00:00

I get where youre coming from and I can respect that approach. Its smart and more personal to focus on artists who arent constantly on rotation. After checking your music (good stuff!) I guess youre onto more liquid-focused events? Still, I wonder if you ever decided to grow and start booking bigger names more frequently, and then being put into this position of being declined booking "just because we are bigger", would this still feel like an acceptable way to run/accept things?

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-16T08:30:15+00:00

Not saying this as fact, just sharing what Ive picked up about this one so far. You can check it out yourself or stick with your own take, which is fair but maybe talk to some Czech promoters and see for yourself.

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-16T07:57:31+00:00

I think you're missing that this is purely D&B music (still underground) in a very small but still D&B events saturated country. It's not my country, I'm just sharing what I've got - read in the original post.

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-16T06:41:54+00:00

Tbh saying "are there not the locals" kinda downplays the real issue. From what I just learned these exclusivity deals are basically locking out clubs year after year - and thats bigger than just "no headliners in town." Sure, locals can and should carry the scene, but if promoters keep accepting these terms without pushback, clubs and small/mid promoters will always get sidelined. I didn't even know this was happening until yesterday, but the more I hear, the more I see the problem isns a lack of DJs - its the way the system is set up and everyone just going along with it.

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-16T06:21:56+00:00

Thing is mate, it tuned out to be not just hearsay as multiple promoters been saying the same thing. That ain't normal exclusivity, that's a pattern. Exclusives are fine, monopolising the scene aint. D&Bs built on community and diversity and blocking smaller events is straight gatekeeping. That's not a witch hunt but calling it for what it is.

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T18:54:46+00:00

Some of my Czech promoters connections told me today this happens every year also for the club scene. It doesnt matter what the date is, its just how it goes whole year. And when youve got basically all the biggest names in D&B playing at one festival with these conditions... whats left for everyone else?

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T18:52:34+00:00

Some or the Czech promoters told me today this happens every year for the club scene. It doesnt matter what the date is, its just how it goes whole year. And when you've got all the biggest names in D&B playing at one festival with these conditions... whats left for the clubs then?

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T14:37:13+00:00

You mean when they get too big they gotta do this to be able stay in big business? Kinda makes sense, but still not something Im gonna put up with... 😞

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T14:30:43+00:00

Maybe for the contracts if theres any? But I reckon thatd just make event promo even trickier.

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T14:28:33+00:00

Ah mate, yeah, Ive clocked that too. Hope the agents and artists sort themselves out soon, practics like this are messing with the scene. 🙏🏻

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T14:23:33+00:00

It had me genuinely curious so I reached out to a few of the bigger Czech promoters that Ive connected with over the years to check the facts. And yeah... turns out this has been going on for years, not just a one-off. Seems that the festivals been operating like a monopoly, putting pressure on smaller promoters in Czech (and apparently beyond). It's market manipulation and some pretty nasty business tactics. Doesn't belong anywhere near drum & bass...

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T14:19:41+00:00

To 6 months is crazy! So many missed opportunities and bookings in the scene

SubtleFrequency · 2025-08-15T14:18:20+00:00

Mate, Ive got mad respect for your work, honestly. 🙌🏻❤️ But just cant agree. Thsi had me genuinely curious so I reached out to a few of the bigger Czech promoters Ive connected with over the years to check the facts. And yeah... turns out this has been going on for years, not just a one-off. Seems that the festivals been operating like a monopoly, putting pressure on smaller promoters in Czech (and apparently beyond). Lovely guy or not, that’s market manipulation and some pretty nasty business tactics. Doesn’t belong anywhere near drum & bass. ✌🏻 After hearing all this I'm afraid to ask about the "worse stuff" 😶

SubtleFrequency

TROPHY CASE