More people are listening to more music from more bands than at any time in history and, for Live Nation Canada’s Paul Haagenson, that means fans are looking for more live experiences than ever before.
Not one for reflection, Haagenson’s passion for music and live shows has only been supplanted by his desire to be a good father and husband.
“For the longest time, prior to family, [music] was the single guiding force. I came out of university, and it was just like the most important thing in my life,” said Haagenson, who spent years volunteering and finding ways to make a living in an industry that has always just felt right.
“It was just like literally listening to my heart and figuring out a way to apply my head,” he said. “I totally love the music, but I also love the whole hustle of the game and trying to make these events and working with artists.”
According to Haagenson, live performances are the most important part of the music industry these days.
“There is more dialogue and transference of musical experiences going on than ever before,” he said. “I’m glad I’m not in the record business. I’m glad I’m in the live side.”
Graduating from the University of British Columbia in 1993 with a commerce degree, Haagenson wasn’t interested in pursuing the more traditional avenues his undergrad focus presented him. After doing some travelling and working for events such as MusicWest ’94 and the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, he joined House of Blues Concerts Canada in 1999 where he ultimately became vice-president and general manager of Western Canada. When Live Nation acquired it, Haagenson was chosen to head the operation. It is a busy start to the year as Live Nation was selected to produce the City of Vancouver’s live sites for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. As Live Nation produces more than 550 shows annually generating in excess of $100 million in gross revenue, the Olympic Games task is one Haagenson has in hand.
His community work with children through involvement in Raise-a-Reader and the Canadian Association of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Music Counts program has been in part inspired by his own experiences with his daughter who has benefited from care at BC Children’s Hospital.
“Arts funding is getting slashed and there are these organizations out there that find these little niches to give kids a reason to believe.” •
