Independent music is under growing structural pressure: consolidation, platform power, algorithmic visibility, rising costs and changing fan relationships. Bringing recorded music and live together, this session asks what these shifts mean for cultural diversity and genuine i ndependence - deliberately without jumping to easy solutions.
Co-initiators: Johann Scheerer - Clouds Hill, founder, CEO (Independent Recorded Music)
Johann Scheerer is a musician, producer, author and founder of Clouds Hill - an independent music company in Hamburg comprising a recording studio, label, publishing arm and film production. Since 2005, he has produced internationally acclaimed artists including The Mars Volta, At the Drive-In, Peter Doherty and Faust. He has also published three novels with Piper Verlag and regularly contributes as a guest author to outlets including Die Zeit, FAZ and Der Spiegel. His work repeatedly examines the economic transformation of the music industry and its concrete impact on the lives and working realities of musicians. His pointed analyses of today's music business now reach an audience far beyond the industry itself.
Christoph Radjeh - TicketSwap / DACH & Poland (Independent Live + Ticketing)
Born in Würzburg, Christoph studied International Business in Groningen, Lisbon and Tanzania. After two years in Business Development at Ticketmaster, he joined TicketSwap in 2021, where he has since led the development and expansion of the German-speaking DACH market, adding Poland to his responsibilities in 2026. As an expert in fair ticket resale and future-proof fan service, he regularly shares his industry knowledge at conferences such as Waves Vienna and on various specialist podcasts.
Moderation: Christian Holl Buhl - Factory92, Managing Partner
Christian Holl Buhl is Managing Partner of music and communications agency FACTORY 92 and Managing Director of independent distributor Katalyzer. For many years, he has worked at the intersection of music, media, festivals, brands and international market development. His focus is on how independent players can preserve visibility, economic agency and cultural autonomy in an increasingly consolidated, platform-driven market.
