The Excentric Podcast

In this episode of the Excentric Podcast, our hosts speak with Léna Lozano from LiveDMA, a European network representing 3,200+ music venues and festivals. Together, they explore why data practices vary so widely across the live music ecosystem, what prevents venues from adopting digital tools, and how human‑centred approaches can reduce administrative burden, support workers, and make the sector more sustainable. The conversation explores the diversity of Europe’s live music venues, the pressures of multitasking and “satellite work,” and the ethical use of data in programming and booking. It also considers how collaborative data can reshape touring, reduce emissions, and support a unified language for data sharing, collaboration, and policymaking.  Guest Intro: Léna Lozano is a Research Officer at LiveDMA. After studies in Performing Arts Management and a master's thesis in ethnomusicology, she received her PHD in Performing Arts in 2021 from the University of Western Brittany for her work about amateur, professional and pro-am music and theatre-making. Her research interests are rooted in live popular music, with an emphasis in rock, metal and Celtic music and a particular taste for international comparisons. As a research officer at Live DMA, she now investigates the roles of live music in artistic development, programming practices and studies the European music festivals ecosystem.About Excentric:EXCENTRIC is an EU‑funded research and innovation project exploring how digital tools and collaborative approaches can strengthen Europe’s cultural and experience sectors. By bringing together researchers, industry experts, and cultural organisations, the project aims to support more sustainable, responsible, and human‑centred ways of working across live music, festivals, museums and theatre. This podcast series is produced by KEA European Affairs & the EXCENTRIC consortium. As part of EXCENTRIC’s Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation activities, the series shares insights from pilots across six countries, alongside accessible frameworks and policy reflections. Disclaimer: This project has received funding from the European Commission under the Horizon Europe programme (Project ID: 101178180). Views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Music & Sound design: Haakon Hildisch

In our first episode of the Excentric podcast, hosts Haakon Hildisch and Eda Nur Yilmaz sit down with the coordinators of EXCENTRIC, Dr. Erik Hitters and Dr. Izabela Derda (Erasmus University Rotterdam) to unpack the origins and ambitions of the project. Together, they explore:Why digital change is critical for Europe’s cultural sectorsHow co-creation and collaboration can be more human-centredThe role of ethics, responsibility, and data ecosystems in practiceThe ARCHS framework as a compass for digital transformationMusic and sound design: Haakon Hildisch

Introducing Excentric - a new podcast series on culture, data, and innovation.Produced by KEA European Affairs and the EXCENTRIC consortium, this series explores the EXCENTRIC project, and how digital tools and data-driven approaches can support more human-centred, responsible, and sustainable cultural and creative sectors across Europe.Hosted by Eda Nur Yilmaz and Haakon Hildisch, Excentric brings together researchers, cultural organisations, and industry experts working at the forefront of digital transformation.▶️ Listen to the trailer and join us as we kick off the series.📅 Episode #1 drops on January 26th, 2026.Music and sound design by: Haakon Hildisch