EXOTICA vs INTEGRA. Open Response from the Organizers of the Integra Festival

Dear friends, musicians, journalists!

We sincerely regret that we have to write this letter. But the organizers of the Festival have no other choice, and we must respond to false information about the festival "eIntegrA", coming from A.Borisov and N.Livanova. The work on the "Integra" festival began back in February. Nina Livanova has been the promoter all this time. She took on the responsibilities for bringing in artists, resolving technical issues (drafting tech riders, venue, lighting, sound) and full responsibility for the music program and Western artists, and declared this festival as international. The organizational part, solving administrative issues, sponsorship - was handled by Iren Ilyenkova. Alina Klyuchevskaya, as the festival PR Director, worked with the media and information sponsors, providing only the information that was given by the promoter.
By August, N.Livanova was unable to book the artists she had announced, did not cope with all technical issues, and left the project in a scandal two weeks before the Festival, as a result of her own unprofessionalism, suggesting to close the festival. The information that Aphex Twin and other Western artists would not come, i.e., the refusal, was not provided to the organizers until her departure. If it were not for personal ambitions, a desire to whitewash oneself at the expense of others, all this energy and struggle could have been directed toward the common cause that had been started together. We had to make a quick decision to continue the project and hold the festival despite the difficulties that arose due to the above events. The festival venue has changed (due to administrative delays related to terrorist attacks) – but everything that happens is for the best. Now it is the beach of the "Zhemchuzhina" hotel, where the largest Russian film festival "Kinotavr" regularly takes place. A wonderful venue on the seashore, well-secured, organizationally structured for those who wish to relax actively.
The Russian project is almost completely preserved, except for those artists who were misinformed. The festival continues. Alina Klyuchevskaya had to take on several responsibilities that Livanova could not fulfill earlier. Mikhail Voinov is managing the Western program and is doing everything possible to keep the festival international. Meeting deadlines for obligations that were promised by another person is very difficult. Despite everything, we have not closed this festival! A huge amount of work has been done, obligations to people are being fulfilled.
A.Borisov's open letter is evidence of the competitiveness of this project. The contemptuous attitude toward the people he had worked with for years partly explains why a person, declaring himself a producer and having extensive experience, has not been able to organize a moderately interesting event of medium scale lately. Now, out of a feeling of personal impotence, he seeks to spoil everyone’s holiday with slander and deceit.
The "Exotica" label, led by Andrey Borisov, is a commercially unsuccessful enterprise. Due to the lack of work and decent salary, Klyuchevskaya Alina left for another company. Her collaboration with the "Exotica" label lasted two years. A.Klyuchevskaya's name is on the "Exotica" discs, where her actual position as PR director is clearly stated.
At any time, we will be happy to provide complete information about those who continue to work on the festival.
The other points concerning Iren Ilyenkova and Alina Klyuchevskaya are considered slander, and these issues will be dealt with by lawyers.
The moral-ethical side of this letter (A.Borisov's) is beyond any criticism. Especially since he and his label have no real connection to this project.
The assertion that the festival "eIntegrA" has any relation to "Exotica" seems more than strange, if only because none of the musicians published by "Exotica" signed a contract for concert activities with A.Borisov, and the opinion of the owner of the "music groups" seems inappropriate.
In conclusion, we attach a letter from the agent of Aphex Twin, received on August 8, 2003, from which it follows what a monstrous delusion the festival's promoter brought all who worked and are working on this project and all fans of electronic music.

I am the worldwide booking agent and personal tour manager for Richard D James aka Aphex Twin. It has been brought to our attention that you have Aphex Twin advertised as appearing at the Integra Music festival. We know nothing about this, and I can tell you that he is NOT playing at your event.

regards

Clive Underhill-Smith

Agent / Director
CODA Agency
1 Water Lane
Camden Town
London NW1 8NZ

Nevertheless, the festival will take place, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that the organization runs at the highest level. We guarantee sunshine, clean air, safety, and quality music. We hope for your understanding and support!

All official information about the festival and the program will appear on our website very soon!

Organizing Committee of the Festival "Integra 2003"

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From ourselves, we can add that in this situation, it would be easier to go, say, to Gurzuf, Simeiz or to Cape Kazantip with surfers and not to get involved in conflicts and misunderstandings between "bad promoters."