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Although the touring conditions in 2024 were described as “solid,” ticket sales in Croatia have been 10-15% slower compared to 2023, according to Mario Grdosic, managing director of the leading Croatian promoter LAA.
He suggests that “inflation and too many shows in such a small market” are the main reasons.
From British-based companies such as Global and Defected Records, which organise the annual Hideout and Defected Croatia festivals, to German-owned Cosmopop and Istanbul-based Charmenko, international promoters play a significant role in the Croatian live music market, particularly in the realm of festivals.
The other key Croatian independent promoter is In Music Ltd., founded by Zoran Marić. The company exclusively books globally renowned artists for their yearly INmusic festival. This year, Hozier and Bombay Bicycle Club graced the stage at Lake Jarun. The Croatian government has invested in its cultural infrastructure, booking Gregory Porter as a headliner for the Zagreb Jazz Festival.
“Big promoters are still afraid to take risks with very new and fresh acts, as there isn’t much data and experience available.”
Pop and old-school rock continue to be popular in the Croatian market. However, Grdosic acknowledges that “big promoters are still afraid to take risks with very new and fresh acts, as there isn’t much data and experience available.”
Despite increasing competition, LAA has achieved significant success by playing to the market’s strengths. In 2024, the company collaborated with artists such as Duran Duran and Simple Minds, who performed at Pula Arena, a 12,500-capacity Roman amphitheatre. Other successful collaborations and headline shows included Thievery Corporation, Khruangbin, and Grace Jones, who made her debut in Zagreb this year.
Although Grdosic recognises the growing competition in the Croatian market, he remains confident about the future and the position of his company. “Our company is not dependent on big shows and is happy to operate within the 2,000-to-8,000- capacity range mostly, so I think we should be good.”