Meet The Danish Music Bizz: Malte Birkelund Erbs, Booker at PDH Music

SPOT is much more than concerts: Denmark has also got significant agents in various parts in the music business, and while we are counting down to the festival, we aim to present some of the people you can meet at SPOT in brief Q&As.

This time it is Malte Birkelund Erbs, Booker, PDH Music (Booking, management etc.)

What do you work with?

I work with booking, and so far I have loved doing that since I started in 2004.

What is your business background?

I’ve played music myself since I was 8 years old. In my teens I played in different bands and I ended up finding my limitations as a musician, but also discovered my love for live logistics and the business side.

What are the most important, exciting, well known, or interesting things in your portfolio?

I started up booking local acts in Copenhagen. The first band I crossed the borders with was The Alpine. I learned so much with them, and had so much fun. Later on, I had a blast with Danish Vinnie Who and the amazing Fallulah. I’ve toured and booked a lot with Mads Langer and Teitur and worked (and I am still working) with loads of other amazing acts, such as The Raveonettes, Coco O, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, Bisse, Dúné, and Medina. This year PDH Music proudly represents Ea Kaya, Bisse and Artifact Collective at Spot Festival.

What are the most important questions or pressing issues in the music business right now?

There are always many issues to address. Especially because in my eyes our industry is focused on making things better all the time. But I’ll spend my 15 minutes on the issue about the audience that are going to indoor shows in Denmark. It seems as if we have an amazing, large audience for adult artists but very few who’ll go see young acts. Kind of the opposite as the situation for the record industry. It would be interesting to gain more facts on this matter.

Which international business people and lines of business would you like to meet at SPOT this year?

All of them. For me borders and music business are open due to easy communication, sales and promotion tools online. So I believe that both an independent PR person, a major label A&R, publisher, and a live agent can make the difference for a Danish talent.

What are you going to do at SPOT/what are your goals for this year’s SPOT?

I’m looking forward to helping my bands get the best shows and a lot of visibility. Also, I’m looking forward to meeting long-time friends from Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and the UK.

Besides your own artists, which ones are you looking forward to seeing at SPOT this year?

Sarah Klang from Sweden and upcoming artist Kajsa Vala from Aarhus.