B-SIDE #159 - Massimo Bonelli, Produttore discografico e CEO Icompany

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Massimo Bonelli, the artistic director of the May 1st concert, reflects on his extensive career in music and event management. He shares insights into the evolution of the May 1st concert, its shift towards contemporary music, and the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event, especially regarding safety. He discusses his role in supporting rising artists and the importance of safety at work, underscoring how the concert's messages can inspire positive change. The dialogue also explores the balance between entertainment, reflection, and the impact of music on younger audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Massimo Bonelli, artistic director of the May 1st concert, has been involved in the music industry for over 15 years and originally played guitar and keyboard in a band.
• 😀 After realizing his own musical career wasn't taking off, Massimo shifted to the management and artistic direction side of the industry, focusing on organizing events and guiding artists.
• 😀 Massimo has a strong network of artists, many of whom have grown in success, and he finds satisfaction in having played a small role in their rise.
• 😀 The May 1st concert is a major event requiring careful planning, especially in terms of economic sustainability and attracting the necessary resources to maintain its high standards.
• 😀 The organizational process for the May 1st concert starts months in advance, with casting decisions continuing up until the final stages to ensure the event feels current and reflective of contemporary music trends.
• 😀 Massimo views the May 1st concert as a key moment to represent contemporary music while also dealing with the challenge of appealing to a broad and diverse audience.
• 😀 While safety is always a primary concern for large events, Massimo emphasizes the importance of having strong systems in place and working closely with external companies to ensure safety is handled effectively.
• 😀 Massimo's philosophy on risk management in events is clear: if safety is at risk, the event will stop; safety and the well-being of the audience always come first.
• 😀 In dealing with significant events, such as the death of Pope Francis, Massimo reflects on how the concert's cultural significance allows it to bring together people from all walks of life, regardless of religious background.
• 😀 Massimo sees the concert as a platform for reaching young people with messages of social change, believing that even if only one person is inspired by a performance, it is a success in its own right.

Q & A

What has been Massimo Bonelli's role in the May 1st concert?

Massimo Bonelli has been the artistic director of the May 1st concert for 11 years, overseeing its planning, management, and artistic direction.

How did Massimo Bonelli transition from being a musician to an artistic director?

Massimo Bonelli transitioned from being a musician to an artistic director after realizing that his personal artistic project wasn't achieving the desired results. He decided to focus on the practical and organizational side of the music industry, which eventually led to him becoming an artistic director.

What role do artists play in the May 1st concert according to Massimo Bonelli?

Artists play a crucial role in the May 1st concert as they help create the atmosphere and energy of the event. Massimo Bonelli feels a sense of personal involvement in their rise, having supported many artists early in their careers by giving them opportunities to perform at significant events.

What challenges does Massimo Bonelli face when organizing the May 1st concert?

One of the biggest challenges Massimo Bonelli faces when organizing the May 1st concert is ensuring its economic sustainability. The event is costly, and keeping it financially viable while also managing logistical and safety concerns is a complex task.

What is Massimo Bonelli’s approach to selecting the lineup for the May 1st concert?

Massimo Bonelli focuses on selecting artists who represent the contemporary music scene, ensuring the lineup reflects current trends in music. He also keeps the selection process flexible, working on the cast up until the last moment to stay relevant and fresh.

How does the audience's experience at the May 1st concert differ from earlier years?

The audience's experience at the May 1st concert has evolved, with younger generations now playing a more prominent role. Massimo Bonelli has introduced new elements to attract young people, shifting the event from a nostalgic celebration of the 90s to one that embraces contemporary music and future trends.

How does Massimo Bonelli ensure the safety of attendees at the May 1st concert?

Massimo Bonelli’s team is deeply involved in ensuring safety at the May 1st concert, working closely with external security companies. The concert emphasizes the importance of safety at work, and they are highly cautious to avoid any incidents given the large crowds.

What was Massimo Bonelli's stance on holding the May 1st concert after the passing of Pope Francis?

Massimo Bonelli decided to go ahead with the May 1st concert despite the passing of Pope Francis, believing that it would have been what the Pope would have wanted, as he valued music and believed it had the power to unite people. The event proceeded as a tribute to his legacy.

What is Massimo Bonelli's perspective on the influence of music and concerts on the younger generation?

Massimo Bonelli believes that concerts, particularly the May 1st concert, have a profound impact on the younger generation. Even if only a few individuals are inspired by the messages shared at the event, he feels that the concert has fulfilled its purpose by sparking change or reflection.

How has the May 1st concert evolved in terms of its cultural and artistic direction under Massimo Bonelli?

Under Massimo Bonelli’s direction, the May 1st concert has evolved to reflect contemporary culture. In 2015, he decided to revamp the event by incorporating artists from diverse genres, including those who weren’t traditionally associated with the May 1st event, thus appealing to a younger, more modern audience.