This started as a university assignment: I wanted to interview someone from the Finnish music industry. By luck, I met a musician launching a label who introduced me to Marko Neuman, and he said yes on the spot. Marko’s mindset floored me: clear, passionate, and brutally honest about the art and the grind behind it. I was so blown away that I decided to share the interview here on as well: because his words remind us why supporting art (and the people making it) still matters.

“My name is Marko Neuman. I’ve been singing and playing guitar since I was 8. At 16, I joined My my first band, and ever since then, I’ve been screaming and singing on stages all over the world. I’ve been and still am a vocalist in many different bands, and also been a guest vocalist on many different albums. I also play drums and guitar in a couple of bands. I’ve been a producer on several albums, once ran a record label, and booked shows under the name Mrcö Bookings. I also give singing lessons every now and then.”

What inspired you to start Profanation Bookings, and how did the idea originally come to life?

As I mentioned, I used to book shows under the name Mrcö Bookings and stopped because the hustle of my own bands and selling other bands was too much for me. And I wasn’t ready and professional enough to be a booking agent yet. I thought that if I ever started booking shows again, I still had a lot to learn. So on my own band tours, I started to secretly listen and observe managers, gig bookers, sound guys, promoters, lighting guys, merch sellers, drivers, etc. I made notes about what not to do and what to do right. This continued for several years. Naturally, I improved and was ready to start booking shows again, and this time with confidence and competence.

How would you describe what Profanation Bookings does, and what makes your company different from others in the same field?

First of all, we’re ”Death Punks”. (laughs) I think I just came up with a new classification, or not. Meaning, we’re not champagne-glass-in-hand, tie-wearing “as long as I get my money” business robots. We’re all musicians ourselves. Every one of us has done shows, tours, records, and played in front of two people in some fucking mold cellar. We treat our bands the way we would want to be treated as musicians. Honesty and friendship.

What were the main challenges you faced in the early stages of building your business, and how did you overcome them?

There was nothing because I was ready. Or was it, can’t remember.

As an entrepreneur in the music industry, what have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?

Avoid personal storms, don’t be impulsive, don’t fight, and avoid problem magnets. Focus on good energy. If you’re pissed off, too tired, sore, etc., don’t work. Simple.

How do you usually choose the artists or bands you want to collaborate with?

There has to be something in a band that ignites. Something that convinces and gets the audience focused or gains control of the audience. Also, bands’ music must be something close to my heart. If all the pieces I mentioned fall into place, I’ll probably be interested in the band, and we’ll definitely be collaborating soon.

I also often observe the audience at shows to see how band X affects. If the audience is scrolling through their phones, chatting to their friends, or constantly changing their leg positions when they’re tired, I know that the band on stage is like a backdrop. It doesn’t touch.

How has the Finnish music scene evolved in recent years, and how has that influenced your work or business decisions?

Underground music is doing really well. And that fact has influenced me to book shows to UG bands and do events where UG bands perform. I’m part of the underworld, so I feel it’s my duty to enrich the underworld.

How do you balance the creative and business sides of running a booking agency?

It’s called imbalance. (laughs)

What skills or personal traits do you think are the most important for someone who wants to start a business in the music industry?

Be patient, always remember (or do) plan B, ask if you don’t know something, don’t promise if you can’t keep your promise. If you want to succeed in this field, dedicate yourself. This is not a hobby, it’s a job.

How do you handle competition and keep Profanation Bookings relevant in an ever-changing industry?

I’m not interested in the competition, I’m interested in the bands I work for.

What are some of the most memorable or rewarding experiences you’ve had since starting your company?

A wonderful person once told me that PB is the greatest thing that has happened in underground music in a long time.

What advice would you give to students or young entrepreneurs who want to turn their passion into a business? 

We need each other in a time run by a government that is trying to isolate us from each other. And this “we need each other” also means action in the underground music field. Create or establish anything that can strengthen art. Art is not something to be taken for granted. It is a gift that should be cherished. If you want to spread it further, e.g. to start a booking agency, do it.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals or plans for Profanation Bookings?

Shows, festivals, collaborations, bookings, shows around the world, etc. Expand. We are currently a trio, and I love from the bottom of my heart the duo I have the honor of working with. Soon, we will have a fourth person in the PB crew. And when the grim reaper takes me away, I will have left behind a large group who refuse to swallow the rules that are trying to trample on their dreams. A group that grows on its own terms, by creating musical events or any art-related events. A group of people who unite in the name of art. Creating connection, instead of creating fear.