#edmbiz

MARK LAWRENCE

Chief Executive, AFEM

Interviewed by, Monica P Brice

After spending 10 years in senior roles at PRS for Music (UK), Mark moved on to combine his passion for electronic music with his experience in membership organisations by taking on the privileged role as the first Chief Executive of the Association for Electronic Music. AFEM is the global trade body for the entire electronic music community, from creators to labels, clubs to live, tech to media. He also was a speaker this year for EDMbiz ( Insomniac) in Las Vegas for EDC week 2016.

                                                                                                    -Monica P Brice

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Q&A:

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Q: What's it like after spending 10 years in senior roles at PRS for Music (UK)?

A: It was the perfect foundation for what I do now - not many artists understand publishing and music rights as much as they should, so the knowledge I gained there and the insight into the ‘industry’ of the music industry was invaluable.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: You were a speaker at EDMBiz this year in Las Vegas for Insomniac, how did that turn our for you and what did you discuss?

A: We discussed how the electronic music and live industry should ‘act’ on drug policy and harm reduction (rather than only talk about it) and the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) will be announcing action soon.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What made you move on to combine your passion(s) for electronic music with your experience in membership organisations by taking on the privileged role as the first Chief Executive of the Association for Electronic Music? What did you expect and what was the reality/outcome of it all?

A: I needed to challenge myself with something new and that is certainly what I got; a brand new global trade body, representing every sector of an industry in the musical genre that I love. I got everything I expected, amazing people doing amazing things and global challenges to tackle.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What do you like about labels,clubs & tech media?

A: Every part of our ecosystem is different, but all united by a common love for the music the scene and the people.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q:How did you meet Pasquale Rotella and where were you, who brought up a conversation and how did it turn out?

A: My first real meeting was booked in specifically for us to meet. I flew from London to LA to meet Pasquale and talk about how to work together to lobby for change in Harm Reduction legislation in North America.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q:What's one thing you can't live without and why (besides music or anything EDM related)?

A: My family.

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Q:How old were you when you started raving what was your first show?

A: I was 15 and it was at a Monday Acid House night at the Zap Club in Brighton in 1988.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q:What is your favourite record label right now and what make's it so legit?

A: KONNEQT - its a music first, techno label. 

http://www.traxsource.com/label/22328/konneqt 

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Q:Do you like Borgore's song 100's?

A: My House history and passion is about Peace, Love, Unity and Respect - this track isn't really for me, but if people love it, so be it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: If you could ask life 1 question what would it be, and why?

A: Can I do it all again, please?

http://www.edmbiz.com/speakers/mark-lawrence-3/