Hello Mauricio, before we get to the big topics: Do you remember your first concert? What impressed you about it?
Mauricio Lizarazo Prada: Yes, one of the first big concerts I went to was Paul McCartney in 1993. The Beatles have influenced my life since I was 13, so going to Paul's concert at Busch Stadium was a big deal for me. I still vividly remember the videos and images of tortured animals that were shown on the big screens to accompany the songs. Paul is also an animal rights activist and used this to impressively show how living beings are exploited by humans. Most of the food on offer was vegetarian, which was unusual in a baseball stadium. This experience influenced my impression of the impact live music can have on just, ethical and social causes.
You founded the Music C•A•R•E•S platform to make events more sustainable and enable responsible planning. How did that come about?
After many years of professionally managing tours and producing live shows for various music bands, I had a vision to make my job more sustainable. It is a long process to design a platform that provides stakeholders in the live music industry, event organisers and producers with tools, know-how and information to implement climate protection measures and sustainability in a more accessible way. So the idea was to develop a platform that could support the production and planning of concerts with a focus on sustainability from the outset.
What are the biggest levers for CO2 reduction and how do you support this?
Levers for CO2 reduction at concerts must be taken into account during the planning stage. In the pilot version of Music C•A•R•E•S, we started with an emissions calculator in the four areas of transport/mobility, venue, catering and merch. With some necessary data, users can calculate the emissions of their event and see the savings potential in an interactive diagram in order to reduce or avoid emissions in a targeted manner. This happens across the entire value chain. In addition, we offer an overview of various initiatives that can help with the implementation of measures for sustainability. Music C•A•R•E•S thus supports the conscious use of resources in the planning of live events.
Is there an example of a festival or concert that was implemented in a particularly sustainable way? What was different there than usual?
In these times of crisis, the most sustainable concert is the one that doesn't take place. Nevertheless, there are examples that set a good example. The band Massive Attack has been committed to climate protection and social justice for years. Their “Act 1.5” festival in Bristol in 2023 sent a strong signal for climate friendly concerts. The reggae band Seeed also worked with The Changency, the agency for sustainability, on their 2022 tour to make it more sustainable. World-renowned artists such as Billie Eilish and Coldplay are also setting standards for more sustainable large-scale events. And even if there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of implementation, the topic can find its way into the mainstream.
The festival industry is struggling with rising costs, safety requirements and much more. Why should the industry still be interested in climate protection?
Environmental protection is an essential component of a sustainability strategy that encompasses environmental, social and economic aspects. Economic sustainability from the economy for the common good should also be integrated in order to maintain the balance between resources and the common good. Event costs can be reduced through conscious use of resources, cooperation with regional networks and the promotion of sustainable initiatives. All of this leads to a fairer distribution of resources and promotes socio-economic and ecological sustainability as well as the protection of the environment and biodiversity. It is an intrinsic network. We must focus on the interconnection between human, social and natural resources. If we continue in this way while trying to save the planet, we are faced with mutually exclusive concepts.
But let's be honest: where do we stand today? Is sustainability a hot topic in the scene or more of a side note?
Perhaps the momentum to solve the climate crisis has slowed somewhat, but the urgency to conserve natural resources and protect the population remains.
Sustainable measures at festivals and concerts are often seen as an economic challenge and are therefore not implemented. The fact is, however, that many of these measures not only have climate- and socially-friendly results, but also have a long-term positive impact on the wallet. Some festivals have therefore already embarked on the path to greater sustainability. But the issue still plays too small a role.
In order to overcome the climate and social crisis, we must continue to provide the music industry with scientifically sound information and avoid greenwashing. Tools such as the Music C•A•R•E•S platform offer industry players the opportunity to make decisions that promote sustainability and reduce emissions.
What motivates you personally to keep going?
My motivation is to be able to enjoy life on our beautiful planet in harmony with everything that coexists with us. It's wonderful to be part of this planet. Being able to contribute is my motivation, and solution-oriented exchanges of ideas are a way for me to do that. I try to transform my outrage and anger at the exploitative policies of certain governments and the lack of empathy of privileged people in power into a force that drives me to continue to initiate actions that contribute to social justice and climate justice through live music and beyond.
What would the ideal festival and concert scene look like in ten years?
That's an exciting question! In 10 years, the festival and concert scene could have changed significantly, both in terms of technology and sustainability. Some possible developments:
1. Sustainability as standard
Concerts and festivals could be zero-carbon, thanks to renewable energy, recycling, upcycling and innovative transport solutions such as better public transport infrastructure or high-speed electric trains.
2. Artistic responsibility
More and more artists could address socio-economic and ecological issues and implement sustainability and fair profit distribution on their tours. Concerts could be directly linked to solidarity campaigns or climate protection actions.
3. Hybrid formats
Virtual reality could allow festival-goers to participate virtually, minimising the environmental impact of travel and enabling global access. These formats could exist as hybrid events alongside physical events.
4. Sustainability platforms such as Music C•A•R•E•S
Platforms that promote sustainability and social responsibility in the music industry could become even more extensive. They could help artists, organisers and concertgoers alike to make sustainable decisions and invest in appropriate projects.
5. Zero-waste events
Concerts and festivals could be virtually waste-free, with biodegradable materials, reusable cups, digital admission tickets, and more sustainable food with compostable packaging.
In ten years, festivals and concerts could be both innovative and sustainable and responsible, with a clear focus on ethical responsibility and digital innovation. Music C•A•R•E•S and similar platforms play an important role in enabling and driving this change.
