Norwegian focus at EuroSonic 2010

EuroSonic Noorderslag, the major European showcase festival held annually in Groningen, Holland has chosen Norway as the event’s focus country for its 2010 edition.

Norway’s new status, which is a direct result of a close partnership between EuroSonic and Music Export Norway, will guarantee a substantially larger Norwegian delegation of bands and delegates at next year’s event. Norway is also set to be a focal point for many of the conferences and debates held at EuroSonic.

Music Export Norway’s director Inger Dirdal says: “You would be hard pressed to find a better European arena for bands set on showcasing themselves for key festival- and concert bookers.”

Music Export Norway’s partnership with EuroSonic has a strong backing from the Norwegian music industry, with many key representatives being consulted in the process.  A key element of EuroSonic is ETEP – the European Talent Exchange Program. This initiative aims at stimulating cross-European circulation of artists and bands on festival stages, on radio and in general media throughout Europe. ETEP ensures a EuroSonic presence by Europe’s key festival bookers, making the Groningen event one of the most valuable showcase arenas for aspiring artists.

With 2500 attendants, showcases from national and international talent and over 100 panels and meetings, EuroSonic Noorderslag serves as the prime discussion and network platform for the international music industry, focused towards European music, touring, festivals, the (live) music industry and media developments. Presenting 250 new and upcoming European bands in over 40 venues and stages in the inner city of Groningen, EuroSonic Noorderslag is the place for both industry and festival audience to see what acts will put themselves in the spotlights in 2010.

2009 saw six Norwegian acts including Marit Larsen, Katzenjammer, Casiokids and The New Wine playing showcases in Groningen which in turn led to four individual, high-profile European festival appearances. Kaizers Orchestra, which has built up a loyal European live audience over the last six years, owe their European breakthrough to a legendary performance at the 2003 Eurosonic.

The official programme for EuroSonic’s 2010 Norway Focus will be unveiled at on August 12, during Oslo’s vibrant Øya Festival.

Source: Mic.no