Secret Sounds enters joint venture with Singapore’s Now/Live

Australian tour promoter Secret Sounds has gone into a joint venture with Singapore-based concert promoter Now/Live to set up Secret Sounds Asia.

The move follows an expansion of the Asian concert market, and a greater acceptance of the sort of bands that Secret Sounds has toured in Australia. These have included Mumford and Sons, Lana Del Rey, James Blake, Foals and London Grammar.

Its Asian partner Now/Live, run by Dan Gordon, has toured the likes of Phoenix, The xx, Ellie Goulding, The 1975, Bloc Party, Tegan and Sara, Robyn, The Kooks and SBTRKT across Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei.

Secret Sounds’ General Manager Marc Sousley said, “Now/Live have been fundamental to the growth of the Asian touring market in recent years. It seemed only logical that Secret Sounds partnered with one of the leading promoters in the region to develop a more integrated approach. The market is maturing beyond just single stop tours to a destination circuit for international acts seeking new opportunities. Secret Sounds Asia aims to develop and grow touring opportunities for international artists in Asia.”

Dan Gordon, Director of Now/Live expanded, “Secret Sounds Asia is a very exciting partnership that will allow us to create many more opportunities for artists throughout Asia. I feel that we have found the perfect partner in the team at Secret Sounds with their excellent touring history and internationally renowned festivals. Together we believe that we can build an unmatched Asian touring circuit that will take advantage of its geographical positioning and make perfect sense for artists, agents and managers.”

Secret Sounds was set up by Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco, who also run the Splendour In The Grass and Falls Music and Arts festivals.

“We’re excited to grow opportunities for the artists we work with," Ducrou told TMN. "It feels like a natural progression to extend the touring company into the Asian market place. Bringing international acts this far to tour Australia and New Zealand, it makes sense logistically to link in stops throughout Asia as well, maximising their time and travel."