In the high-stakes world of electronic music, where the demands are as unrelenting as the exhilarating rewards, Kompass Music Group is charting a course in artist management based on mental well-being and community.
Founded by industry stalwarts Blake Coppelson, Jay Rogovin, Alec Donkin and Jade Gaines, Kompass, which was named EDM.comThe Best Artist Management Company of 2023, is redefining success by prioritizing creative freedom and artist growth from a holistic perspective. With a roster as diverse and dynamic as Vintage Culture, Of The Trees, UZ, Carola and more, the team understands that promoting mental health is essential to sustaining long-lasting careers.
An integral part of this mission is Kompass' collaboration with 4 O'clock Consulting, a partnership with mental health advocates Kristin Karas and Stacey Forrester. Together, they bring a thoughtful and structured approach to supporting the people behind the music, helping to strengthen a culture of care and responsibility. Their partnership echoes recent findings about the power of electronic dance music to improve mental health, underscoring the genre's unique ability to uplift and provide solace.
Kompass manifested this spirit in spectacular fashion at Amsterdam Dance Event 2024, where the company hosted an intimate boat party alongside NOISIA's influential label, VISION Recordings. Transforming a decommissioned industrial vessel into a floating warehouse, the atmospheric event featured What So Not, Opiuo, Skeler and more, whose performances resonated with the visceral, authentic energy that Kompass cultivates so well.
David Giovannini, Mouna Dif and Franz Hilberath, three of the experienced members of the Kompass team, share a vision of artist management that transcends the traditional to champion careers marked not only by achievement, but also by resilience, purpose and the community.
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EDM.com: Kompass is about changing the status quo. What was the moment you realized that the traditional artist management model wasn't working and how did that drive the creation of Kompass?
David Giovannini: I wouldn't necessarily say that the traditional artist management model It wasn't working, just as the model wasn't working. for those of us who came together to form KMG. The training came from us, the managers, collectively taking personal experiences, both on the business and community engagement sides. We all have a deep relationship with music and have been actively involved in creating and curating musical communities based on the genres we love. Approaching business with the knowledge and experience as passionate event attendees, as well as having formed deep and lasting relationships through music, has allowed us to navigate the artist/manager relationship from a common place.
Mouna Diff: When I joined the company a little over a year ago, I was drawn to its mission to revolutionize the traditional artist management model. I have always felt that the old ways of managing artists did not fully support their creative freedom or adapt to an ever-evolving industry. Kompass stood out because it embraces innovation and puts the artist at the center, helping them take control of their narrative and explore new ways to connect with their audience.
Franz Hilberath: I really connected with Kompass' commitment to inclusivity in building a management team, genuine care for artists and team members as individuals, and the overall goal of championing authentic and unique art. This inclusive and supportive approach was a turning point for me: it highlighted that traditional, often transactional management models were no longer sufficient to support true artistic freedom and personal growth.
EDM.com: Kompass has partnered with 4 O'clock Consulting, known for its work in areas such as risk reduction and mental health. What led you to collaborate with experts outside of the music industry and how has that shaped Kompass' approach to artist management?
David Giovannini: Our collective experiences as participants within the “music scene” have given us insight into why conversations around harm reduction, mental health, and the music industry are imperative. In life, we have all gained a lot through the subcommunities within electronic music. Those experiences led us to understand that these communities work best when we support and learn from each other. 4 O'Clock helped us collectively form Kompass Core Valueswhich we believe are the five most important pillars of how we operate as artist managers. They are a comprehensive arm of KMG offering direct consultation and management with every artist and manager involved with the company.
Mouna Diff: Our partnership with 4 O'clock Consulting goes beyond supporting artists – it extends to the people working behind the scenes, like managers, who play a crucial role in shaping an artist's career. As a manager who pushes boundaries and champions women artists, your support has been vital to my well-being and that of the artists I represent. In a male-dominated industry where preconceptions still exist, the battles we face are tougher and can be a real strain. 4 O'clock Consulting has been instrumental in helping my artists and I overcome these challenges and continue moving forward.
Franz Hilberath: Collaborating with 4 O'clock Consulting reflects our focus on providing more comprehensive resources for managers, who often fill thankless, exhausting, and sometimes infuriating roles. They monitor us not only as professionals but also as people, fostering a holistic work environment where I feel supported both personally and professionally. This partnership has been crucial in fostering a supportive, team-oriented culture at Kompass.
EDM.com: If Kompass could design the future of live events, what would it be like? How do you envision your artists connecting with fans in more meaningful ways beyond music?
David Giovannini: As managers, we are diplomats of creative vision. If the artist dreams it, our mission is to build it to the highest level of our capabilities. Whether it's a dark, intimate room with sweat dripping from the ceiling or an over-the-top production meant to stimulate all human senses, we want to make it happen.
The artist-fan connection has to be agreed upon by both parties. An artist has to want to take that interaction “beyond the music” and fans have to want to get involved and participate with what the artist offers. In the end, authenticity is the key.
Mouna Dif: My vision for the future of live events involves creating intimate and unique experiences in memorable locations. I imagine smaller-scale gatherings where artists and audiences can connect authentically, allowing fans to create lasting memories. Offering exclusive products and unique items would make each event special, ensuring these experiences go beyond the music and foster meaningful connections.
Franz Hilberath: Building on what Mouna mentioned, I see a future where underground acts create more unique and personal experiences. While commercial and mainstream events are at their peak, there is a growing demand for authenticity and less commodified experiences. The future is in intimate, memorable events that allow fans and artists to connect on a deeper level.
EDM.com: Success in the music industry can be fleeting. How does Kompass help its artists create not just a momentary buzz, but a career that will stand the test of time?
David Giovannini: Everything I've mentioned: shared experience, deep passion, creative vision, community involvement, mental health checks. All these elements are the fan of the fire that one needs to confront “the industry.” Combine all that with a trusted team that is ready to understand/refine/achieve and, ideally, that will lead to a long and fruitful career. Plus, sometimes you just have to get on.
Mouna Dif: We focus on long-term success by fostering each artist's unique creativity. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, we develop custom plans that fit each artist's individual needs and desires. We also understand the importance of a balanced career and avoid relying solely on income sources such as touring. Most importantly, as the music industry evolves with artificial intelligence and algorithms and new technologies continue to erode streaming revenue for artists, while touring becomes increasingly expensive in the current crisis In the post-COVID economy, we guide our artists to diversify their work to build sustainable careers that can stand the test of time.
Franz Hilberath: We focus on fostering long-term business and brand health. Our approach helps create sustainable brand and art that supports artists to use their careers as a vehicle to progress in life and achieve personal milestones, just like others in more traditional careers. We actively audit, manage and improve your brand, your business and your personal life – these are the pillars of our long-term support strategy.
EDM.com: What's an unconventional lesson you've learned from artist management that most people wouldn't expect and how has it shaped the way Kompass operates today?
David Giovannini: The nature of our work allows us the freedom to travel, visit places, connect with teams and explore new cities around the world. KMG encourages our managers to accompany our clients at important/unique events and connect with our peers beyond the next Zoom call. This has allowed us to form a global network of resources and relationships. Also, air tag your luggage and gear!
Mouna Dif: An unconventional lesson I have learned is the power of embracing vulnerability. Many assume that artists should always project confidence, but authenticity creates deeper connections with fans. This has shaped Kompass by encouraging our artists to share their true selves in their music and interactions. We foster an environment where vulnerability is considered a strength, leading to genuine commitment and lasting relationships.
Franz Hilberath: An unconventional lesson has been the power of flexibility. In a field where rigidity can be the norm, learning to adapt to the unexpected (whether changing industry trends, artists' personal needs, or even global events like the pandemic) has taught us the value of being agile and responsive. This flexibility has made Kompass resilient, ensuring that we and our artists can thrive in any circumstance.
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