John Langford
John Langford is the Chief Operating Officer at BIG Concerts, South Africa's premier live music promoter. Consistently rated within the world's Top 25 concert promoters, BIG Concerts have produced over a thousand international shows since presenting Paul Simon's Graceland tour in 1992.
Prior to joining BIG Concerts in 2006, John spent ten years working in music radio, most recently as the Station Manager at National Top 40 station 5FM.
John has a BCom from WITS University and an MBA from the University of Hull (UK).
He is passionate about music and has served on various industry bodies, including the Music Manager's Forum and SAMA Judging Panel.
MUSIC EXCHANGE Q&A
The benefits that may be gained by attending Music Exchange.
QUESTIONS:
1) Which internationally acclaimed bands have you worked with?
Loads of them - from Metallica to Muse, and from Maroon 5 to Michael Buble.
2) In what capacity did you work with these bands?
Almost always as the promoter of their South African tours.
3) Regarding your work in the music industry, what is the biggest mistake you have ever made and what did you learn from it?
There have been too many mistakes to even figure out which was the biggest. Suffice to say that mistakes are an important part of growth - provided that you get up and learn from them. Overall my biggest learnings have been to respect people and to be honest and sincere.
4) Of which achievement are you most proud?
Having two toddlers, promoting Coca-Cola Zero Fest is easier than managing kids! Ask any parent.
5) In a nutshell, what are the primary requirements needed by a young band who want to enjoy a successful music career?
You need to really believe that you will make it, you need to be thick skinned and you need business savvy in addition to talent.
6) Who is your favourite SA band at the moment and why?
I’m loving a lot of the new, indie Afrikaans rock - it shows pride, passion and a truly unique sound. It’s the new Kwaito (but in a different way)!
7) In your opinion, what is the significance of something like Music Exchange to the South African music industry?
In order to ensure that musicians can indeed make a living doing something that they love requires that we transfer skills and share experiences that will develop both the industry and the body of talent that exists in SA.
8) Overall, what needs to happen to the South African music industry in order for it to make more inroads into the international market?
Practice, Practice, Practice. Passion, Passion, Passion. Get your music into as many ears as possible.
9) Which specific area of the music industry will you be discussing at Music Exchange and what benefits do you expect to be gained by your audience?
Live Music - is it really the cash cow that it is made out to be?