The spin-off previously existed as a hip-hop and urban music booking division since November 2022, but will now exist as a separate company led by managing director Alexander Handwerker (pictured).
District Live will now act as a booking agency and tour promoter for newcomers and up-and-coming hip-hop talents.
In its first year so far, District Live has sold 70,000 tickets. Its artist roster includes newcomers such as Tream, who has sold more than 100,000 tickets for his second tour in 2024, and established rapper Bausa, who is set to perform 17 shows in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in February 2025. District Live is also representing newcomer Avaion, who celebrated a sold-out European tour in May this year.
“With District Live, we are deliberately creating a brand that gives urban/hip hop acts a strong representation and optimal staging,” said Handwerker.
“As a booking agency, we focus on up-and-coming artists at an early stage so that we can accompany them on their way from the very beginning. We also work together with established artists to further develop their performances and give them a new, unique standing in the scene.”
Additionally, District Live will focus on festival bookings. In collaboration with Madnesstic Booking, newcomer Tream was booked for major events such as Sputnik Spring Break, Kessel Festival, Parookaville, Super Bloom, Heroes Festival, Deichbrand and Frequency Festival.
“With District Live, the DEAG Group has gained a strong, internationally operating brand for the entire urban culture and hip-hop sector,” added Detlef Kornett, chief executive of DEAG Deutsche Entertainment.
“We are particularly proud that this foundation with Alex Handwerker comes from our own ranks, and we wish Alex and District Live, together with DEAG, every success in the future and look forward to further cooperation within the entire group.”