Our inspiring 2021 Breakthrough Awards winner Olga Kenig has recently graduated and she makes it crystal clear to never give up on your dreams!

We caught up with her to see how she has spent the last two years both studying and working.

How did your passion for the production industry begin?

I went to my first show when I was 14. I remember the moment like it was yesterday: I was standing in the very back looking at a stage, seeing the lights and the band performing and I just felt like I was exactly where I wanted to be. I knew there and then that this is what I want to surround me every day.

How did you get into the production industry?  

For me it was a long and hard journey. I got in touch with people in bands on myspace and tried to get involved and help out any way possible. I worked local shows selling merch, then a friend had to bail on a tour and I got the chance to step in and do merch for a support band on tour, more tours followed little by little.

Did you even know then how to start your career? 

I had absolutely no idea. I knew what I wanted to do but there was only very few university courses in Germany available, and those were more focused on music business than touring.

Did you do a course? If so, where?

I studied economics after I finished school. Only this year I got an actual degree in my field, using the pandemic downtime to study.

Was there anyone who influenced you along the way to get to where you are today? 

I don’t think I had a lot of role models in the industry to look up to when I was growing up, mainly because there were so few women involved. Tana Douglas paved the road for all of us and the industry has changed so much in the last few years even. It´s great to see that change.

How old were you when you won your Breakthrough Talent Award last year?

I was 31 years old when I won the Breakthrough Talent Award, certainly not the youngest to receive one, but I couldn´t manage to break into touring until I was 25.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?  

It´s hard to narrow this down to one highlight. Every production I work on has at least one highlight I remember fondly. I´ve had the pleasure to work with amazing artists and be part of the team that makes incredible shows happen every night.

How have you spent the last two years?

I have just graduated with a professional bachelors degree in event management, which is what I´ve kept myself busy with throughout the pandemic, alongside working on a Covid-safe event series.

What was your highlight of 2021?

Being able to see live music happen again, even under these circumstances. I´ve been to at least one concert a month since I was 16 years old, and I can´t even say how much I missed it.

What would your advice be to yourself 5 years ago?

Even when you don´t feel appreciated, when you feel overlooked, when you feel challenged – it will all be worth it in the end. Just work hard and you will receive what you deserve.

Even when you don´t feel appreciated, when you feel overlooked, when you feel challenged – it will all be worth it in the end. Just work hard and you will receive what you deserve.

What advice would you offer to anyone who wants to work in this industry?

Go into the industry because you have a passion for the work, not because you´re a fan and you want to hang out with rockstars.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Stepping on a tour bus for the first time in two years. Being back on the road. I can´t wait to finally be able to do what I love again.

 

Olga will be joining us at this years TPi Awards on the Production Futures table on Monday 23 May 2022.