[MXD Networking @ SPOT 2024] Mød Merlijn Poolman

Her kan du møde:

Name: Merlijn Poolman

Company: G2C – Gateway 2 China & Nightmayor of Groningen

Title: CEO/Founder

Based in: Groningen

Can you tell us a bit about the company’s history and its roster?

How can you profile yourself as a Western artist on the Chinese internet and be successful while also gathering more fans? These were some of the questions that led to the founding of our company called G2C (Gateway to China) which started as a Dutch-Chinese business collaboration in early 2018. In practice G2C literally functions as a gateway for Western artists, management and the organisations surrounding them. It provides them a smooth entrance to the complicated world of the Chinese internet and her many apps that benefit growth and dissemination of music and PR.

Since our launch at the Dancefair Conference 2018, we have steadily built a network of partners and clients, currently representing a diverse roster of artists, including many listed in the DJ Mag Top 100. In light of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have placed a strong emphasis on developing new business strategies and services beyond traditional Chinese social media marketing.

In 2021, G2C emerged stronger than ever, with an improved team of partners and new forms of business in development. These developments allow our clients to monetise their presence in China, even when travel restrictions prevent them from performing live shows. One example of this is our service that sells authentic Western merchandise items to Chinese fans.

At G2C, we are committed to taking cross-cultural business to the next level and bridging the gap between East and West. Our 24/7 service is designed to benefit clients worldwide, from California to New Zealand and everywhere in between. We are confident in our ability to help Western artists succeed on the Chinese internet.

And can you tell us a bit about the acts you personally work with at this moment?

I work with Riot Collective a lot and supporting the ladies in their mission to bring more female talent in the (dance) sector. This collective consists of Carmen Lisa, Selene and Myra as the core and they enable a lot of other female artists to grow and develop their network. Doctor Victor from Iceland (a DJ/producer and also a real doctor) is someone I fully believe in and support in various ways.

What was the moment you decided you wanted to work with music?

Since I started organising my first shows with my band in highschool I knew this was going to be my world.

Which acts are you looking forward to seeing this year at SPOT?

Lightchapter, Schwartzheim, Synne Sanden and many many more!

Best show you’ve ever seen hands down? 

Dying Fetus at Party San Festival