[MXD Networking @ SPOT 2026] Meet Francine Gorman

In the weeks leading up to SPOT Festival 2026, we’ll be introducing you to the international industry professionals who have been invited to this year’s festival by Danish artists and music companies through MXD’s new invitation pool.

Here, you can meet:

Name: Francine Gorman
Company: Bad Rituals Ltd
Title: Director
Based in: London, UK

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

I am a music industry consultant, curator, strategist, event producer and editor based in London, England. With a background in journalism, digital content curation, music export and project/event production, I have been the director of the consultancy company Bad Rituals Ltd since 2017 and have worked across various music industry and advocacy sectors, with clients including Festival Republic, Keychange/PRS Foundation, the Nordic Music Export, Deezer, and many more. I’m the conference programmer at The Great Escape Festival, the UK’s largest music industry meeting. I’m also the producer of the Soho Calling showcase festival for the International Live Music Conference (ILMC), and staying true to my journalist roots, I’m the editor of the annually published Touring Business Handbook, and a contributor to titles such as the Touring Entertainment Report and the Global Promoters Report.

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

The moment I graduated University with a degree in Linguistics, I decided that my side-hustle – of promoting shows in Brighton and writing about bands that I loved – was much more fun. So I decided to head down that road, and i’ve been lucky enough to work in the music industry ever since.

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

Date Camp – only the one track out so far, but it’s sounding great. Also excited for Spawner, and I like what i’ve heard of shinyhunt so far. Anything with spooky guitars, and i’ll be there.

Best show you’ve ever seen hands down? 

Brian Wilson playing Pet Sounds, in full, start to finish, at the Hollywood Bowl in the height of summer. The greatest day.

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