XP MUSIC FUTURES

OVERVIEW

is an annual music conference and festival organized by MDLBEAST, a Saudi-based music and entertainment company. It serves as a key platform for the music industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, combining educational programming, networking opportunities, and live performances.

XP Music Futures

SERVICES

Artist Relations

Lineup Curation

Contract Negotiation

Budget Allocation

Hospitality Management

Travel Coordination

Creative Asset Management

Marketing Strategy

Production Advance

Run of Show Logistics

On-Site Event Management

Payment Processing

THE GOAL

Deliver a standout showcase as part of XP Music Futures, spotlighting emerging talent from all over the MENA region and help bolster the region's music scene.

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW

EVENT CURATION

BACKGROUND

In 2024, I partnered with XP Music Futures to curate a lineup of Hip-Hop artists and DJs from the MENA region as part of their nighttime programming. With a background in producing events that highlight MENA artists and creatives in the diaspora, I recognized a natural alignment with XP’s mission to support and expand the region’s music scene. I developed and pitched a programming proposal that amplified emerging and reinforced the importance of global visibility for MENA artists.

LINEUP CURATION

Upon securing a flat budget from XP Music Futures, the task was to curate a lineup for a 5-hour showcase slot during their nighttime programming. To maximize the impact of the event while staying within budget, we tapped into our network of local industry connections to identify promising artists from around the MENA region, leveraging their recommendations to find talent that aligned with the showcase’s vision and genre direction. This approach allowed us to negotiate competitive fees while ensuring fair compensation, as well as strategically calculate flight and travel costs to optimize spending. Our focus was on booking artists who not only fit within the financial scope but were also emerging talents generating excitement in the region, ensuring the lineup was both culturally relevant and logistically feasible.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

In negotiating contracts for the XP Music Futures showcase, I ensured all terms were mutually beneficial for both artists and event organizers, staying within a fixed budget while securing competitive fees. I drafted clear contracts that reflected our agreements on performance fees, travel, accommodation, and rider requirements. Additionally, I incorporated provisions aligned with XP Music Futures’ policies and Saudi Arabia’s governing law, including compliance with intellectual property rights, health and safety standards, and dispute resolution clauses. This approach ensured both the artists and event were protected, while also meeting legal and organizational standards.

MARKETING COLLATERAL

In preparing marketing collateral for the XP Music Futures showcase, I was responsible for compiling press photos, videos, tracks, EPKs, and other promotional materials from each of the ten artists. I worked closely with the artists’ teams to ensure timely submission of all required assets, maintaining clear communication to monitor the receipt of each item. I kept track of all incoming materials, followed up with artists and their representatives as necessary, and ensured that every asset was received on time and met the required specifications. Once collected, I provided the complete package of marketing collateral to the XP Music Futures team, ensuring they had all the resources needed for promotion and media outreach.

TRANSPORTATION & HOSPITALITY

I managed all logistical arrangements for the artists, including booking flights, confirming itineraries, and coordinating ground transport. I worked closely with travel agencies and artists’ teams to ensure all travel details were accurate and aligned with event schedules. This included securing accommodations that met the artists’ needs and preferences, as well as organizing transport to and from the airport, hotel, and venue. I maintained clear communication with the artists throughout the process, ensuring they had all necessary information and that their travel experience was arranged according to plan.

EVENT EXECUTION

PRODUCTION ADVANCE

In preparation for the showcase, I handled the production advance by compiling all technical riders, set visuals, lighting cues, and other event-specific requirements from the artists. I coordinated closely with the XP Music Futures team, ensuring they had all necessary information well in advance, including details on equipment needs, sound and lighting specifications, and any special requests from the artists. By working with the production team early on, I ensured that the venue was properly equipped and set up for each artist’s performance, minimizing last-minute issues and ensuring a smooth event.

RUN-OF-SHOW

I was responsible for creating the run-of-show for the XP Music Futures showcase, determining set times, lineup order, and ensuring a balanced flow throughout the 5-hour event. By consulting with the artists and their teams, I finalized the schedule, factoring in performance durations, breaks, and technical needs. I worked closely with the production team to ensure that the timing was feasible and that the transitions between acts were seamless. This allowed us to maintain an efficient schedule while keeping the audience engaged throughout the event.

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Ahead of the show, I communicated all arrival times, set times, and soundcheck schedules to the artists and their teams well in advance, ensuring everyone was informed and prepared. On the day of the event, I closely monitored the artists’ arrival and ensured they were on stage in a timely manner, managing any delays or issues as they arose. I coordinated with the sound and lighting teams during soundcheck to ensure each performance was set up perfectly and met the artists' specifications. Throughout the event, I ensured that the stage ran smoothly, addressing any last-minute changes while keeping the performances on track.

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