From Volunteer to Stage Manager: Mikkel Nielsen’s Journey from Kolding to Parken

Mikkel Nielsen, now 23 and stage manager for both Benjamin Hav and The Minds of 99, has taken a remarkable journey from a curious young boy in Kolding to a central figure on Denmark's biggest music stages. His adventure began at the regional music venue Godset in Kolding, where he volunteered at age 17.

The Start at Godset: An Encounter with Technique and Passion
It was in Kolding that Mikkel, a young automation technician, gained his first backstage experience. Fascinated by the technical workings, he approached Godset out of curiosity. "I was intrigued by how a light could move," Mikkel says, recalling how, at that point, he had no idea it would lead to a career in the music industry. There, he met his mentor, Claus Breiner, Godset’s sound technician, and quickly found his niche as someone who could provide an overview and coordinate stage setup. “I learned a lot from Claus, both technically and socially. We spent many hours fine-tuning equipment and making sure everything worked smoothly,” Mikkel shares, reflecting on how he soon became part of the technical family at Godset. It was there he learned how to navigate the music industry—both the technical aspects and the etiquette and relationship-building vital to the environment.

From Godset to The Minds of 99
Mikkel’s breakthrough came when The Minds of 99 noticed him during a concert at Godset. "After one show, they asked me, 'What's next, Mikkel?' That question made me consider what I really wanted. I began to believe in myself," recalls the former volunteer from Godset. His ability to maintain an overview and communicate effectively under pressure led to him quickly becoming an integral part of the band’s core team. After several years with Godset as his base, he was asked if he would like to work full-time with The Minds of 99. Mikkel decided to follow his passion and took the leap.

Mastering the Overview
As a stage manager, Mikkel has been pivotal in ensuring everything runs smoothly on stage. He played a central role when The Minds of 99 made Danish music history with their spectacular stadium concerts at Parken in the summer of 2024. “We had been working on it for a long time, and seeing it all culminate was fantastic,” Mikkel says about the concert, which was considered one of the greatest rock achievements in recent Danish history. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to maintain complete control even in high-pressure situations, Mikkel’s style is marked by collaboration and mutual respect with both artists and colleagues. "It's about creating a safe and efficient work environment. Everyone needs to trust that the task will be handled, no matter what happens," he explains.

Important Lessons: The Jutland Mentality and Family Values
Mikkel has often mentioned that his father and his upbringing in Kolding have greatly influenced his approach to work. "My father went from being a technician to a director, and he taught me a lot about leadership and finding solutions. He and my mother have always supported me and encouraged me to take responsibility," Mikkel says. This support and the Jutland mentality—where integrity, respect, and honor matter—have been crucial to Mikkel's success. He is well-liked among his colleagues, who see him as a natural leader. "Mikkel always shows calmness, control, and humility. He’s prepared to handle anything that comes his way," says Søren Borkman, tour manager for The Minds of 99.

The Social Network and Collective Work
For Mikkel, the social network and collective backstage work are essential. "We’re a family behind the scenes, and I learned that from Claus at Godset. It's about looking after each other and creating a work environment where everyone feels secure," says Mikkel, who values the mutual respect and teamwork required to make big concerts successful.

What Drives Mikkel?
When Mikkel talks about what drives him daily, he emphasizes not only pride in delivering good work but also the feeling of being part of a larger community. "I want to be rehired, which means I have to deliver a great result every time. That motivates me," he says. Mikkel is also aware that decisions in his industry often need to be made quickly, and he is used to working with both Plan A and B + C, ensuring he’s always prepared for the unexpected. "When we're prepared, there's nothing we can't handle," he explains.

A Future with Greater Challenges
In the future, Mikkel sees himself potentially working with larger international bands, but his main focus is to remain authentic. "I want to keep growing and developing, but it has to align with who I am," he says. His journey from a curious boy interested in technology to a trusted and respected stage manager is an inspiring example of how passion and dedication can lead to great opportunities from local to national stages.