A new browser-based platform that promises to transform the booking process for the live music industry is launching in the UK.
HQartist aims to simplify the management of music events for venues, artists, managers, bookers and promoters, allowing them all to securely draft and sign contracts, make payments and book venues across borders.
Available from March 5, it is the brainchild of Norwegian musician Petter Trønsdal and Danish booker, manager and promoter Christian Rodrigo.
“As an artist it was often really hard work and frustrating finding the right venues and adhering to different processes that each one would have," said Trønsdal. "Getting paid can also be really hard work and as a gigging musician you often don’t have the luxury of being able to wait for months for payment. The worry of not having a third party involved to make it feel more secure helped drive the idea of HQartist.”
The platform's contract function enables uniformity and eliminates any language issues. It also allows for notifications for when contracts are changed or agreed and adds security and payment guarantees for artists.
“The whole system is currently disjointed and it desperately needs bringing into the digital age to improve the process for everyone," added Rodrigo. "For venues, managers and promoters having one platform that has everyone’s best interests at heart is going to improve the industry dramatically.”
