We started SonicAngel about a year ago in Flanders. In order to get things done, we (like many others) try to build bridges between the so-call ‘subsidized’ organisations and the ‘commercial’ organisations. Many of the Flemish initiatives are pretty heavily subsidized. Some are doing amazing jobs, and do all to support starting or emerging talent. 2 very hardworking organisations are Poppunt and Festival van Vlaanderen, but since I’m involved in both – I won’t sing their praise here.
However, some are also incredibly difficult to even get in contact with. MuziekCentrum Vlaanderen for example seems like a great and needed organisation, and I had a couple of talks during concerts with some of its managers, but it’s really impossible to even get a meeting at their office. Even if I live 200m from their offices 
Also, we’re trying to work with the clubs. Some are incredibly open, and doing beyond their possibilities to support local talent. Some are … well … Actually, I don’t get the attitude of some. But I’ll go in detail to share our learnings later on. We’re doing a WFL Clubtour with some of our bands plus some new talent, and will be visiting some of them in the weeks to come.
I’ll also try to sum up my view on what organisations are doing a lot, and which I think could do a lot better. The reason is that we need all organisation and initiatives at full strength to create perspective for beginning artists. It’s really tough out there, and youngsters need every chance and support they can get, especially if they are willing to give it all they have. As said earlier, that is a real condition. ‘Hard work without talent is a shame, but talent without hard work is a tragedy‘. And that counts for everyone.
bart
