Here Nicolas Matar, owner of Cielo and well known globetrotting DJ, answers our questions on club management and promotion.
What originally inspired you to get into the business of venue management and promotion?
I got into this business at the tender age of 18 at the beginning of the electronic music revolution which took over the world in the last 20 years because of my passion for the music.
How has the EDM industry changed over the last 10 years? How have you reacted to these changes?
As a result of the internet, mobile phones, digital music, and DJ technology, the industry is changing every year. To list the changes that have transpired in the last 10 years would take up a whole page. One must constantly stay on top of technology and apply it to the industry.
As the owner of Cielo, one of the most popular clubs in NYC, I’m sure promoters approach you constantly. What makes a promoter stand out from the rest?
Promoters with experience, taste, music programming abilities, good reputations are few and far between. It doesn’t take much to differentiate the good from the bad.
What resources do you use to learn about new promoters and artists?
Word of mouth and references basically.
What role does the club play in promoting gigs?
The club has a marketing and promotions department in the corporate office, supporting all of the events held at Cielo. We compliment outside promoters’ efforts in house.
Is there anything that you would change about the way gigs are set up and
promoted?
Yes, I would tell DJ agencies to lower their fees for big name talent as this is currently out of control.
If there is one thing you could tell a new venue owner what would it be?
Good luck, pay very close attention to details, there are many things that can go wrong if you’re not attentive.
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Tags: cielo, Club Cielo, Club ownership, DJ, Marketing Events, New York City, Nicolas Matar, venue management, venue ownership