UK platform Headliner now allows Aussies to book international acts for their events

Available in Australia today, as part of a global roll-out, is UK-based live entertainment bookings platform Headliner’s new automated service H Concierge.

It introduces itself as “a fully-managed system which for the first time makes it possible for anyone to book leading international talent for their events.”

The platform represents over 4000 musicians, bands, DJ, magicians and circus performers, and has processed over 750 bookings in the past year.

Users to the ‘H’ website, headliner.io/h-concierge, can request an act.

The Headliner team uses its partnerships with leading agencies – including WME, ATC, CAA, CODA and ITB – to get the best deal.

Headliner also provides logistics support, including technical and artist riders, production and stage management and artist liaison.

Previously operating under beta, ‘H’ has already secured artists for Facebook, brought Groove Armada to The Digital Master Awards, and booked Razorlight for VW events and Little Boots and Hercules & Love Affair for the opening and closing parties of Cannes Lions.

It has also supplied acts for events by Google, Twitter, British Airways, Deutsche Bank and KPMG..

Said CEO Stan McLeod, a former music promoter: “We’re proud to present our ‘H’ fully-managed service, which offers brands, agencies and event organisers access to the cream of live performers for their events.

“Having now also put the final finishing touches to our main platform, we are seeing the platform go from strength to strength, and look forward to helping more event planners secure the perfect act for their event.”

McLeod and COO Maria Hayden previously founded BandWagon Gigs, which put grassroots musicians together with bookers at music venues and festivals.

Hayden was previously working in a company that had a directory bringing actors and directors together for casting, so the idea was translated to a live music context.

The story goes that when they were booking acts for their wedding, it turned out to be long-winded and confusing.

Hence the idea for Headliner, to simplify the private booking process.

They teamed up with tech virtuoso Rosario Garcia de Zuniga to work on the website.

Investors include Twickets founder Richard Davies, ATC founding partner Brian Message, Frukt co-founder Jack Horner, Digital Catapult CEO Jeremy Silver and BRIT Award winning producer Charlie Andrew.

According to McLeod, Headliner gives the power resting with booking agencies back to the artists.

“They are in control of their own profile and they handle the enquiry process themselves. Most artists don’t have an online payment scheme on their own websites because they can’t afford to. We do it for them.”

It also ensures that the artists get paid, as an advance has to be paid by the promoter or brand before the booking goes ahead.

“We hold the fee in escrow, which adds an extra layer of security for the client too, putting them at ease about paying upfront.”