Jeremy Nakache of Anthem Productions is the new guy on the Israeli metal promotions scene. He got everyone’s attention when he brought Hatebreed several months ago, and now, with the extremely successful and sold-out Machine Head performance, he has made his mark. Nakache answers some questions for us…

MI: What is Anthem Productions?

JN: Anthem Productions is a concert production and tour booking agency that handles concert productions and tour booking for both national and international artists in Europe and Israel. Our wealth of experience has led us to work all over the world and dedicated our services to the growth and development of successful live music events of any size and scope. We like to think that we are a dream provider introducing new and exciting live opportunities to people. We have a deserved reputation around the world not only for the quality of the artists/bands we produce, but also for setting high standards in our live productions. All our efforts are targeted to produce the best shows for every parties involved: the band and the people paying their tickets. We seek to maximize the best for everyone (appropriate venue, ticket price etc).

MI: What is your exact role within the company?

JN: I am the President and founder/owner of Anthem Productions, and i handle all of the bands’ booking.

MI: I know you live in France. What made you get involved in bringing bands to Israel?

JN: My aim is to understand, encourage and develop live music events in emerging areas. Why Israel ? Well it’s a project I’ve wanted to undertake for a while and i’m greatful to have a big part of my family all over this beautiful country, so i know the place… I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish there : fostering a strong creative and cultural environment by offering Israel access to live music such as concerts, festivals etc Because what it’s all about is being part of a completely unique experience, a driving force behind initiatives, proposals and discoveries that allows people to experience new sensations. I want to put this country on the map of live passions and have the music industry forget that for a long time concerts and Israel have been a mismatch due to the numerous problems involved there.

MI: Do you produce performances in Europe as well?

JN: Anthem Productions has an international reach with regional and local presence in Europe, and we are now reaching for the US and Japan.

MI: Bringing Hatebreed was a pretty dramatic step for a promoter that no one heard of in Israel before. How did you pull it off?

JN: I have enjoyed extraordinary loyalty from the artists with whom I have worked over the years, so when I started contacting them to play Israel most of them were keen to come and get out of the usual tour routine by playing a country they’ve never went to… while being offered a guarantee to have a producer they already know and can relate to, that was pretty much the case with Hatebreed. Next step was to form the best team to enhance Anthem Productions Israel. I met the appropriate people – the most reliable, available, hard working guys you can find – and the adventure started out. All together we make an eclectic pairing that, to me, embodies what we’re trying to do with Anthem Productions.

MI: Are you being sponsored by any major companies?

JN: Anthem Productions is an independent company truly artist-centric, it is absolutely essential that it stays that way.

MI: What do you feel the role of Anthem Productions is in the shark infested waters of the Israeli metal music industry?

JN: We have never played the game to outperform other production companies, we, like you, are simple music fans that try to share our passion with everybody else via the live medium. We thrive on honesty and common sense, and strive to be as responsive to peoples’ demands as possible. I believe we have our place in the Israeli scene as we strive excellent relationships with every actors of it (medias, venues etc).

MI: Why did you pick Betzefer for your opening act?

JN: Simply because I like what they do.