Chris Hocking is an independent music industry expert who recently moved from London to Athens. In this Q&A, we explore the reasons for his move and the impact he is having on the city’s music scene.
Q: Why did you move to Athens?
A: I have a long-standing connection with Greece, I made the decision to live here and take advantage of an ever-increasing remote world. When I arrived I saw a lot of untapped potential in the country’s music scene. I believe that Athens is a city with a rich cultural history and a vibrant music scene. There are many talented musicians in Athens who face challenges in trying to succeed in an industry that is trying to fully find its feet. I wanted to be a part of helping them achieve their goals and bring their music to a wider audience.
Q: What is Indiy, and how is it helping independent musicians in Athens?
A: Indiy is a platform that allows musicians to sell their services directly to other musicians. It empowers independent musicians by giving them the tools they need to succeed. With over 50,000 members already using the platform, Indiy has made a significant impact and is helping independent musicians reach a wider audience and achieve their goals.
Q: What is Indiy Distro, and how is it helping musicians in Athens?
A: Indiy Distro is a music distribution company I founded after listening to many of my community. It provides musicians with a simple and affordable way to distribute their music to all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Many distribution companies focus on volume and a small up front cost, however, most musicians struggle to actually build a fanbase and get listeners. We give musicians a framework to start building.
By using Indiy Distro, musicians can get their music heard by a wider audience and increase their chances of success.
Q: You recently announced you are joining Athens Music Week, as a Digital Project manager, tell us more.
A: Athens Music Week is a pretty cool event that happens every year in Athens, Greece. It brings together musicians, industry pros, and fans from all over the place.
The event is all about connecting people and providing a platform for musicians to showcase their talents, learn from each other, and make connections in the industry. There are tons of different things going on, from panel discussions and workshops to live performances and networking events.
I think the coolest thing about Athens Music Week is that it’s helping to put Athens on the map as a hub for music innovation and creativity. By bringing together so many people from all over the industry, the event is helping to create a real sense of community among musicians, fans, and pros in the region.
Q: We checked out the Mood App that lets you hear whats playing in real time in Athens, can you tell us more?
A: Mood is really cool! Its a great team of exceptional young Greek founders. a music tech company with an app that allows you to see what is being played in nightlife venues in real time.
I’m also an advisor to Mood, they are one of the most exciting music tech companies. I believe that their app and underlying tech could be a game-changer for the global music industry. The app provides valuable information about what is happening in city’s clubs and bars, allowing for better transparency
Q: What impact are you having on the local music scene in Athens?
A: I’m hopefully making a difference in the local music scene here in Athens and Greece in general. My experience in the industry have helped me to develop some tools and systems that are really making a difference for independent musicians. Indiy and Indiy Distro are both helping artists to get their music out there and reach a wider audience, while Mood is providing some pretty cool real-time insights into what’s happening in nightlife venues.
And with Athens Music Week right around the corner, I think the impact I’m having on the local music scene is only going to grow. It’s a great opportunity for musicians to connect with each other and with industry pros, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it all. I’m really excited about the future of the music industry in Greece, and I think that with the tools and resources we’re providing, we can help musicians to achieve their goals, succeed and be part of an industry they help to create.
Q: Lastly are you optimistic about the future of the music industry in Greece and where can we find more from you?
A: Absolutely! I’m really optimistic about the future of the music industry here in Greece. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible, and there are so many talented musicians and industry pros here that are really making a difference. For example Orfium is a global music technology company that specialises in Digital Rights Management. They have a large part of their team based in Greece, specifically in Athens, because they see the region as an important hub for innovation and creativity.
As for where you can find more from me, I’m pretty active on LinkedIn, and I’m always sharing updates and insights about the industry. I’m always looking for ways to innovate and make a difference in the industry, so stay tuned!
Also check out my course on the Music Industry on Udemy here https://www.udemy.com/course/introduction-to-the-music-business-course-online/