In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, host Breeze sits down with JR Denson, CEO and co-founder of Prekindle and Space Colonel Management, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the ticketing industry. JR shares his journey from being an artist to launching Prekindle, a ticketing platform that prioritizes community engagement, exceptional customer service, and flexibility. In a candid conversation, JR delves into the challenges and opportunities facing ticketing companies today, including the DOJ lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, the aftermath of the Taylor Swift ticketing debacle, and how AI is set to revolutionize the live music experience. Whether you're an artist, event organizer, or simply interested in the future of live events, this episode offers a wealth of insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The Ticketing Industry Landscape: JR opens the conversation by discussing the current state of the ticketing industry, particularly in light of monopolistic practices by major players like Live Nation and Ticketmaster. He touches on the DOJ lawsuit and the public backlash from incidents like the Taylor Swift ticketing incident, shedding light on the pressure these companies face to reform and provide better services to both fans and artists.
• Technical Challenges of Ticketing at Scale: JR talks about the technical hurdles that ticketing companies face, particularly during high-demand ticket sales. The conversation explores issues like server overloads, scalability, and how Prekindle has worked to ensure that their platform can handle these challenges while maintaining a high level of customer service and reliability.
• Prekindle's Approach to Service & Community: One of the standout features of Prekindle is its commitment to community building. JR explains how the company’s foundation is built on providing exceptional service to artists and event organizers, rather than relying on long-term contracts or upfront payments like competitors. The focus on supporting smaller events and local communities allows Prekindle to stand out in a competitive industry.
• Artist Management & Space Colonel: JR discusses his work with Space Colonel Management, a company designed to support independent managers and artists with key services like tour marketing, publicity, and artist development. He reflects on the synergies between Prekindle and Space Colonel, as both ventures work to empower artists and foster meaningful connections between fans and performers.
• The Future of AI in Ticketing: As the conversation turns to technology, JR explains the growing role of artificial intelligence in ticketing and event management. He explores how AI can streamline ticket sales, improve customer service, and even help with tour routing. However, JR is clear about the importance of maintaining a balance between technology and the human experience that makes live events special.
• The Importance of Resilience in Business: As an entrepreneur who has built Prekindle from the ground up, JR discusses the importance of resilience in the face of industry challenges, financial pressures, and competition. He shares valuable lessons learned about staying true to one’s vision and focusing on client relationships to ensure long-term success.
• Community and Flexibility: Prekindle’s flexible, client-first approach is a key differentiator in the ticketing industry. JR talks about how the company earns its clients' loyalty through excellent service rather than relying on the upfront payments that many competitors demand. He stresses how this focus on community and client satisfaction helps Prekindle grow organically without external investment.
• Partnerships and Industry Collaboration: JR emphasizes the importance of partnerships in the live music space, discussing how Prekindle has worked with other companies like Save Live to expand their reach and improve their offerings. He also highlights the growing need for collaboration among different tech players in the industry, rather than competing against one another, to create better solutions for both artists and fans.