Stefan Hadăr is an artist manager and booking agent, active in the music industry since the age of 19. Over the years, he has coordinated digital campaigns and was a booking & project manager at Agenția de Vise and Overground Music. He has worked with artists such as Tudor Chirilă/VAMA, VUNK, byron, PAULINA, and The Mono Jacks.
Currently, he is the manager and booking agent for E-AN-NA and ILINCA, and the founder of Balkanique Party. He’s also as the Conference Program Coordinator at Mastering the Music Business, Romania’s leading music business conference.
Q: What are the main challenges that a young person faces when starting out in the current music industry (in Romania)?
A: Although I feel like there are plenty of opportunities for a young person who wants to start out in the music industry, it’s not easy to stand out as a young person. I was lucky to work with people who listened to what I had to say and took my opinion into consideration, although I was in my 20’s when I got my first job. But, working with a wide range of people, it was difficult to be taken seriously as a person who just finished high school.
Q: What is the professional achievement of which you are most proud?
A: Each year comes with its highlights. This spring, for example, I’m very proud of the concert I co-organized at Arenele Romane for Paulina’s album release. Last year’s highlight was E-an-na’s album release and national tour. Certainly, next year will come with its challenges and achievements.
Q: How does the future of the music industry (in Romania) look like to you?
A: Honestly, from what I’m currently reading, I think that the next few years will be difficult, given the current economic and safety issues in Europe. I hope I’m wrong, but I expect that budgets for cultural events will be tight.
Q: How did you break into the music industry?
A: I first started working with a local artist from my hometown, Sibiu, who competed at the National Selection for Eurovision. I set up for him to go to Estonia and record a song written by a famous Estonian songwriter and then I managed the whole release. This was while I was still in high school and I learned about the music industry from books and interviews. Then, I moved to Bucharest and was hired by Carina Sava at Agentia de Vise, VAMA’s management and booking agency. I’m very thankful to have her as a mentor even today.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to a young person dreaming of working in the music industry?
A: I would advise anyone to be proactive and to try to maintain a balance between work and personal life. The music industry can easily require all the time you have.
