What is 2020 Entertainment
Even the biggest arena bands in the world were a 'local band' at one point in their career. No-one can predict who the next 'big thing' will be and wouldn't you love to be able to say, "I saw them play in a pub, had a chat to them and got their signed vinyl before they made it."
In 2018 founder Marc Hamilton was getting frustrated by the lack of paid opportunities for original musicians on the Kapiti Coast and further afield. Sure cover bands could make a bit of coin playing "classics" in the corner of a local pub but where was the opportunity for up and coming as well as established musicians with potential future classics? There wasn't one.
Playing for exposure doesn't help pay for rehearsal time, recording studios, instrument maintenance, PA hire, photography, petrol and all the other costs associated with getting music to the public and at needing 3-400 streams to make $1 isn't really sustainable. 2020Entertainment work with venues to supply packed out pubs filled with music and happy fans at a reasonable ticket price with a fair percentage of sales going to the bands.
2020Entertainment also wants to provide a safe place for new musicians to gain confidence and experienced musicians try out new material. To facilitate this in 2021 we started hosting Open Mic's. In 2022 we started to look at hosting comedy nights to make sure that not just musicians had a chance to get paid for performing their art.
Who's Behind 2020Entertainment
Marc Hamilton is a Kapiti local with a passion for supporting all arts but particularly live music, playing and watching. After seeing his first live concert in Glasgow back in 1988 and playing his first 'gig' a year later he's been hooked.
After arriving in New Zealand from Scotland in 2008 it quickly became apparent that there wasn't really a vibrant music scene in Wellington and the surrounding area. Sure cover bands would play in the corner of pubs but there was very little original music being played outside of a few venues in Wellington. After starting his own band he realised how difficult it was to get a gig and the lack of opportunities for original bands and the prevalence of the payment of "exposure dollars" model.
At this point he started looking for opportunities and building links in the local community and the wider music scene to see how we could make it work for everyone's benefit. It turns out there is huge appetite for live music and original music too and that the public were happy to pay to see bands. 2020Entertainment was born and on the move.
A few years later Marc, then began to support comedians (he does stand up himself) by running gigs so they can also earn money for performing. Marc also supports painters and sculptors by donating the feature window of his office space at 20 Seaview Road in Paraparaumu Beach for displays to sell their work.
"Art and music are part of the humanities for a good reason, sadly there is little support out there, so we should provide opportunities to allow those that work in these areas to earn something for their considerable efforts and talent."
