Features
Hallett Quick To Go West
Former AEG Live president Rob Hallett hasn’t taken long to start operating in the U.S., with his new Robomagic Live on board to develop Nile Rodgers’ Freak Out Let’s Dance Festival in Riverhead, N.Y.
The Aug. 4-5 event already had Chic, Beck, Duran Duran, Pharrell Williams, Keith Urban, Chuck D, Paloma Faith, and Q-Tip before Rodgers put in the call to Hallett, who is on board to promote the show and grow the FOLD brand.
The NY fest claims it’s the first music festival of its kind on Long Island.
“I’ve known Nile for 30 years and it’s an honour and privilege that he’s reached out,” Hallett said. “Once established as a festival, it could very easily transfer to become a tour, an album or even a festival in the UK and in other territories – we have big ambitions.
“It’s such a brilliant idea and has huge potential with Nile,” Hallett added.
“My interactions with musicians from all genres is one of the most precious gifts I’ve been given … I’d love to share this gift with others,” Rodgers commented.
In conjunction with the Riverhead event, Rodgers will also conduct recording sessions with featured artists at a private studio outside the festival grounds.
Hallett and Robomagic have already started with its UK festival business, taking a key role with the management of Hertfordshire festival Standon Calling. It’s also promoting tours by Duran Duran and Sleaford Mods, among others.