Nikki, Author at Global Publicity

BRIGHTON MUSIC CONFERENCE ANNOUNCE FIRST WAVE OF ARTISTS & SPEAKERS

(in alphabetical order): CARL COX, DANNY HOWARD, DARIUS SYROSSIAN, DERRICK MAY, DJ RAP, NORMAN COOK aka FATBOY SLIM, SAM DIVINE, TIMO MAAS

Following its most successful year in 2019, BMC20 will once again host over 65 talks, seminars and workshops, with industry-leading speakers, including in-depth discussions and debates on the biggest issues facing the electronic and wider music industry such as diversity, mental health, the environment and current music and business trends. There will also be exclusive networking parties being held 450 feet above the city in the i360 Pod observation tower.

Artists and speakers taking part in the 2020 event include (In alphabetical order): Alon Shulman, Amy Jayne, Anthony Pappa, Ben Rush, Carl Cox (Live interview and Q&A from Australia), Carl Loben, Carly Wilford, Chris Goss, Damien Fell, Danny Clockwork, Danny Howard, Darius Syrossian, Danny Savage, Derrick May, DJ Rae, DJ Rap, DJ Ravine, Endor, Eddy Richards, Fatboy Slim, Flava D, Greg Marshall, Grahame Farmer, Harriet Jaxxon, Jaguar, Leftwing:Kody, Kevin McKay, Lee Morrison, Magnus Asberg, Michael Kill, My Nu Leng, Nathan Coles, Nat Rich, Nikki McNeill, Nurve, Patricia Altisent, Ridney, Phutech, Raze, Sacha Wall, Sam Divine, Seb Fontaine, Shino Parker, Stuart Knight, Tall Paul, Terry Francis, Timo Maas, Tristan Hunt, Tom Middleton, Wax Worx plus many more tbc.

Over 200 speakers and representatives announced including (In alphabetical order): A Greener Festival, ACS Custom, AFEM, AIM, Audio Rehab, AudioLock, AWOL / Kobalt, Axtone, BBC, Beatport, BIMM, Blanc, Bugbar, Cavendish, Clockwork Orange, Computer Music, Data Transmission, DJ Growth Lab, DJ Mag, Eco Glitter Fun, Facebook, Function One, Glasgow Underground, Help Musicians UK, Hospital Records, I am Sound, Iconic Underground Magazine, Identification of Music, Keep Hush, Loopcloud, Loopmasters, Monokrome Music, Music Week, Nervous Records, NTIA, Plugin Boutique, Point Blank, PRS for Music, Sentric, Shanghaied, Shogun Audio, Skiddle, Skint, Stashed, Symphonic, Toolroom Records, Transmat, Tru Thoughts, Ultra Music plus more to be announced...

The prestigious beachfront complex will host two Pro Conference Theatres, two Academy Theatres, the BMC networking hub, the Pro meeting Lounge, The Point Blank Theatre hosting demonstrations and talks and a specialised exhibition/tech and services zone. There will also be evening and networking events throughout the duration of the event. (full details to be released soon).

The Label Lounge also returns after an overwhelming success last year. Taking place on Friday 24th at the nearby The Tempest Inn major labels in electronic music will once again be taking part in one to one A&R feedback sessions. Last year 18 tracks were signed to labels including Cr2, elrow compilations, Audio Rehab, Shanghaied and Daylight Robbery. (Earlybird tickets are on sale nowmore info coming soon).

BMC also supports the charities Help Musicians UK, and Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.

Save the date for BMC 2020, April 22 to 25 (with the main
conference being held on 23rd and 24th) More info on the event program and
official events coming soon.

Tickets:
BMC Pro Pass (Early Bird until 29th Feb) £129 + b/f
BMC Academy Pass (Early Bird until 29th Feb) £34.50 + b/f
Buy tickets here: http://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/buy-tickets/

About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the UK's foremost electronic music conference & networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector. BMC brings together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. It is attended by 1000s of experienced music industry professionals, the next generation of DJs, producers as well as electronic music enthusiasts.

BMC Professional connects music with business, bringing together thought leaders through a series of panels to discuss the future sustainable growth of the electronic music industry, targeted networking events and access to an evening schedule of events and parties across Brighton.

BMC Academy is about plugging in
the next generation and fostering new talent via a series of masterclasses,
panels and talks.

BMC was also awarded by the NTIA at the Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2019 for their work and commitment to developing awareness and education of the UK Electronic Music Scene internationally within the NTE.

BRIGHTON MUSIC CONFERENCE 2020 (#BMC20)
22/23/24/27 April
www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk
www.facebook.com/BrightonMusicConference
www.twitter.com/BrightonMusicCo
#BMC20

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

PLAN YOUR OWN EXIT STRATEGY TO EUROPE WITH THESE ESSENTIAL FESTIVALS IN 2020

Whether it’s two weary royals consciously uncoupling from their family, or the whole country pulling up the drawbridge as part of the Brexit saga, the UK has been gripped in a wave of exit terms and conditions recently.

But making an exit needn’t have a cloud of negativity overhead. Over the past decade, British music fans have been travelling in greater numbers to European festivals for great escapes — combining quality line-ups with local culture, sightseeing and one-off memorable experiences.

After a few years of upheaval in the UK, most of us need a break, and to quote the launching mission statement of one award-winning festival, to “EXIT out of the madness”. From partying in a 17th century Serbian fortress, an Icelandic glacier or a psychedelic Dutch Wonderland, to beach raves or pool parties, there’s a European festival to satisfy your wanderlust.

Plan your perfect exit strategy with any of these magical weekenders...

SEA STAR, CROATIA
22nd - 23rd May (opening party on 21st and closing party 24th)
Line-up so far: Amelie Lens, Dubioza Kolektiv, Meduza, Umek, Farrago, Insolate, Kuku$, Tijana T, Vojko V
https://www.seastarfestival.com/

With the team behind the award-winning EXIT festival on board, you can be sure Sea Star in neighbouring Croatia is in safe hands, and it has already been nominated for Best Medium Festival and Best New Festival since launching in summer 2017.

For its third edition, Sea Star is returning once again to the Stella Maris resort in the city of Umag for the festival season opening, where you can party in the enticing Mediterranean sun, while taking gorgeous time-outs among the city’s quaint cobbled streets, celebrated Renaissance and Baroque architecture and al fresco bars and restaurants.

The music policy is pop, techno, house, electro, hip-hop and many more, dancing off the delicious seafood and cocktails, while the dazzling blue lagoon and golden sands maintain the idyllic beach holiday vibes over the four days — if you opt in for the opening and closing parties.

It’s billed as a way to kick off the EXIT 20th anniversary celebrations — so raise a toast on the beach.

EXIT FESTIVAL, SERBIA
Date: 9th - 12th July
Line-up so far: David Guetta, Tyga, James Arthur, Fatboy Slim, Boris Brejcha, Sepultura, Meduza, ARTBAT and Zhu
https://www.exitfest.org/en/

This summer, EXIT in Novi Sad, Serbia is celebrating 20 years as one of Europe’s most unique and special festivals. It has won many awards, such as Best Major European Festival title at the European Festival Awards 2013 and 2017, as well as Best European Festival title at the UK Festival Awards 2007, helped by its unique setting in the majestic 17th century Petrovaradin Fortress.

EXIT began in 2000 on the banks of the river Danube as a student protest aching for political change in the region, and the state soon embraced this positive activism. The festival’s mission statement has been clear from the beginning – to achieve social change with music. Social responsibility is still the key aspect of the festival activities, with the main focus on environmental and humanitarian activities, the creative industries development, as well as regional cooperation.

EXIT undoubtedly has the most eclectic line-up of any European festival, from techno, to reggae, metal and punk, leftfield pop, rock, hip-hop, with more than 1000 artists who play at over 40 stages and festival zones. The party kicks off at night and it continues into the early hours all over the vast site — surrounded by ancient walls, cobbled paths, courtyards and underground tunnels. The four-day festival provides an all-night rave for thousands that finishes when the sun comes up in a castle moat. A truly spectacular sight to behold.

SECRET SOLSTICE, ICELAND
Date: 26th - 28th June 2020
Line-up so far: Cypress Hill, Lil Pump, Primal Scream, TLC, Meduza, Regard
https://secretsolstice.is/

Iceland has some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, and five years ago someone had a very bright idea to throw a three-day party around the summer solstice — when the Sun doesn’t set for 72 hours. Secret Solstice combines cutting edge and blockbuster acts with bucket list day trips and one-off shows in spectacular natural spaces.

Dozens of US, European and local acts form an eclectic line-up performing at the main festival site just outside the capital Reykjavik, while you can dig deeper with raves in a glacier or a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel, making your own light show among the stalactites with a torch and hard hat.

The ability to seamlessly mix a more familiar outdoor festival vibe with magical excursions is Secret Solstice’s wild card. On a typical day you can catch globally-renowned acts on the Valhalla main stage, dance and swim to DJs in naturally heated lagoons and carry it into the early hours at boat parties in the midnight sunshine. And in between, you’re only a short ride away from dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches and vast volcanic fields.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE, HOLLAND
Date: 3rd - 5th July
Line-up so far: Tyler the Creator, Disclosure, Beck, FKA Twigs, HAIM, Kacey Musgraves, Wilco, BANKS, BICEP (Live), Big Thief, Black Pumas, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cage the Elephant, Charlie XCX, Girl in red, Idles, Jenny Beth, Kate Tempest, Loyle Carner, Stickey Fingers, Thomas Azier, Tierra Whack, Tones and I, Two Door Cinema Club
https://downtherabbithole.nl/english

With a name inspired by the adventures of Alice, Down the Rabbit Hole truly is an eclectic and psychedelic Wonderland of a festival.

Realising that the weary festival-goer wants more than a line-up of bands to tick off, DTRH embraces the wonder of nature — from its glorious lakeside setting in the forest park De Groene Heuvels in Beuningen to its stages named after bunny breeds.

It can all get curiouser and curiouser with parties and meditation in the forest, swimming, gigs in barns, converted boat houses, inflatable stages and art installations in every corner.

And all this surrealism doesn’t mean organisation goes out the window — Down the Rabbit Hole has won numerous prizes for best logistics in festival awards — which is really saying something, considering the mega-high standard of festivals elsewhere in the Netherlands.

LOWLANDS, HOLLAND
Date: 21st - 23rd August
Line-up: Announced in February
https://lowlands.nl/english/

The full name of ‘A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise’ is a bit of a mouthful, but then again, Lowlands is one of Europe’s most full-on festival experiences. For a start, it doesn’t do day tickets, so once you walk through the gates in rural Biddinghuizen you’re there for a whole Thursday-Monday morning lost weekend.

Lowlands has been running since 1993 — with its origins in a free love 1967 edition — and for years it’s been the Dutch answer to Glastonbury. It has won numerous awards, and this year it’s been nominated for Best Line-up and Best Major Festival at the European Festival Awards.

As well as inviting the world’s biggest artists alongside an impeccably curated underground line-up, it doubles as a vast, shapeshifting installation, with stunning sculptures, visual artworks and performance art at every turn.

While there are 250 acts over 12 stages (all covered in case it rains), you can also take a time-out at any point and indulge in artisan food, theatre, comedy, film, workshops, debates, or even some healing yoga if your Campingflight batteries are running low.

And if you’re used to grim bar, food and toilet lines at half-assed UK festivals, marvel at the Dutch organisers’ genius method of making sure there aren’t any queues — simply hire enough staff to make sure it’s the smoothest running big festival in Europe. Who would’ve guessed...

SEA DANCE, MONTENEGRO
Date: 28th - 30th August
Line Up: TBC
https://www.seadancefestival.me/en/

Sea Dance in Montenegro is another festival under EXIT’s wing — so no surprises when it was voted Best Medium Sized Festival at the European Festival Awards after it first launched in 2014. It also shares some of the magic of EXIT’s dance stages, especially the No Sleep Novi Sad stage, which has grown into its own festival in recent years.

The festival is located on the Montenegrin "Buljarica beach", a 2-mile long sandy cove with spectacular views to the surrounding mountains facing some of the best sunsets in the Adriatic coast, while the official campsite is tucked in the century old olive trees, right next to the beachfront and all of festival's five stages.

Sea Dance captures the all-night vibes and international flavour of EXIT, and repackages it into a golden beach holiday with a 4/4 beat that carries through over one magic weekend — with 60,000+ fans from over 40 countries dancing together on the beach. And if the Adriatic looks too inviting to merely dance beside, there are plenty of watersports on hand if you’ve any energy left after the rave the night before. Keep an eye out for another stellar programme for 2020

AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT, NETHERLANDS
21st - 25th October
Line Up: TBC
https://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/en/

Another iconic festival marking a big milestone in 2020 — for 25 years Amsterdam Dance Event in the Dutch capital has been the world’s premier meeting of electronic music minds, from artists to industry leaders, academics and discerning fans. Every year, some 400,000 people arrive for ADE, with an exhaustive programme of 1,000 events hosted by 2,500 artists and 600 speakers around 200 venues.

The ADE parties are legendary — taking over celebrated venues such as Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso and the NDSM Dockland. But apart from early-hours raves, ADE offers an even more immersive experience with its forward-thinking and inspirational conference programme. Give your dancing shoes a break during the day by pulling up a chair and participating in seminars, workshops and DJ and tech classes, or easing into film screenings, art exhibitions, artist interviews or networking events. You can even enrol at ADE University. Yes, Amsterdam Dance Event is the only five-day rave that’ll send you home smarter than when you arrived.

Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

ESNS 2020 Rings in New Decade for Flourishing European Music Scene

The 34th edition of ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) was wrapped up on Saturday night in Groningen’s De Oosterpoort with the Noorderslag festival. ESNS looks back on another successful festival and conference, with a musical line-up of leading European artists and a cutting-edge programme of keynotes and panel discussions.

The event was kickstarted on Tuesday with Popgala Noord, the award ceremony for the music industry in the Northern Netherlands, and ended with the reveal of the Popprijs (Pop Award) winner at Noorderslag on Saturday. In total, over 42.000 people attended this year’s edition, during which 347 acts from 33 countries presented themselves to the public. This year’s focus country Switzerland contributed with 22 acts in the line-up, among which Black Sea Dahu, Emilie Zoé, Muthoni Drummer Queen and L’Eclair. The conference was visited by 4,323 music professionals from 52 countries who discussed the latest developments in the music industry.

Festivals
In 48 venues across town, 347 acts showcased their music to industry professionals and the public. Festivals participating in the European Talent Exchange Programme (ETEP) presented the first batch of artists to watch this Summer, which include some of the festival highlights: Squid (gb), Yīn Yīn (nl), Alyona Alyona (ua), Celeste (gb), Altın Gün (nl), Black Country, New Road (gb), Pongo (pt), Inhaler (ie), Meduza (it), Molchat Doma (by), French 79 (fr) and Charlotte Adigéry (be).

Conference
The ESNS conference hosted speakers like Mark Mulligan (MIDiA Research), Richard Wernicke (Deezer), Barry, Lucy and Jonathan Dickins (ITB, WME and September Management), Anna Sjolund (Lollapalooza Stockholm), John Giddings (Solo Agency) and Beckie Sudgen (XRay Touring). Also, ESNS has paid specific attention to the music industry beyond European borders: with speakers like Dan Koplowitz (Friendly Fire Licensing), Kevin Cole (KEXP) and Glenn Peoples (Billboard), opening the floor to insights from across the pond. By doing so, ESNS has been able to offer a varied programme with a finger on the pulse of the European market. This year, the impressive and brand new Forum Groningen was added as an inspiring new location for the ESNS conference.

Popprijs
The Popprijs (Pop Award) for 2019 was awarded to Floor Jansen during Noorderslag in De Oosterpoort. Jansen has known success with Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, but won the love of a wider audience with her contribution to television show De Beste Zangers. The judges reward Jansen for being ‘a unifying force, surpassing the subculture’. Since 1986, the Popprijs is presented annually to a Dutch artist or band who has made a significant contribution to Dutch pop music.

Music Moves Europe Talent Awards
On Friday evening, the second annual Music Moves Europe Talent Awards were presented. This year’s winners are Meduza (it), girl in red (no), NAAZ (nl), Anna Leone (se), PONGO (pt), HARMED (hu), 5K HD (at) and Flohio (gb). Aside from being in the jury’s selection, 21-year old NAAZ also won the Public Choice Award. Host for the evening was Austrian singer Tom Neuwirth (WURST).

Pop Media Prijs, Pop Stipendium and IJzeren Podiumdieren
Beside the Popprijs, Noorderslag also featured three more award ceremonies. Radio dj Rob Stenders (NPO Radio 2) was awarded the Pop Media Prijs, the award for a significant contribution to pop journalism. The Pop Stipendium, a €10.000 grant from the Prins Bernhard Cultural Fund, went to singer-songwriter Judy Blank. The
IJzeren Podiumdieren, the awards for professionals in the live pop sector, went to (among others) Rotown and the Roadburn festival.

New partnerships
ESNS celebrates multiple new partnerships this year. Groningen-based jenever producer Hooghoudt has become a prominent partner, with its own stage and official afterparties. With Merch.Music, ESNS collaborated on a new line of sustainable and high-quality merch. A new app, made possible by Appmiral, allowed for efficient communication with attendees. Lastly, the partnership with Playpass allowed for reliable cashless payment with wristbands and passes.

ESNS 2020 in figures
Total visitors: 42,061
Conference visitors: 4,323
Nationalities: 52
Acts: 347
Number of countries acts: 33
Number of stages Eurosonic: 39
Number of stages Noorderslag: 9
Number of journalists present: 423
EBU radio stations: 31
International festivals: 390
ETEP festivals: 130

About ESNS
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is the key exchange for emerging European music talent, with a proven track record of helping to break new acts on the international music scene. ESNS stages more than 350 showcases alongside offering a full conference programme of around 150 panels and keynotes, alongside multiple networking opportunities and award ceremonies. The event attracts more than 4,000 conference delegates from all sections of the entertainment industry, including representatives of over 400 festivals. This year’s focus country was Switzerland.

Contact
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

The World’s Top Green Events for 2019 announced by A Greener Festival

● 37 festivals and events across 15 countries awarded the prestigious Greener Festival Award

● Awards presented at Eurosonic Noorderslag, Netherlands

International not-for-profit organisation A Greener Festival (AGF) has announced the 37 recipients of “A Greener Festival Award” in 2019.

Festivals and events from 15 countries achieved the prestigious accolade in 2019, awarded to those events and festivals that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and a reduction of environmental impacts. Participants demonstrate beneficial sustainability practices, hitting the key areas including but not limited to: transport, waste, power, water, ecosystems and local area impacts. To examine the degree of sustainability practices occurring at their event/festival applicants undergo a rigorous assessment, site visit and post-event analysis of their events’ sustainability actions.

Some of the actions taken by the festivals assessed include efficient use of renewable energy, seasonal and ethically sourced food, reducing needless plastics, low carbon transport, compost toilets, smart use of materials, use of green artist riders, strong social policies and community reach. All the while exhibiting strong communication about environmental issues to the audience.

An awards celebration was held at Eurosonic Noorderslag, Netherlands on Friday 17th January 2020. AGF Directors Claire O’Neill, Teresa Moore and GO Groups Holger Jan Schmidt presented awards to the worthy recipients that included Øya Festival, Norway; Sziget Festival, Hungary; Glastonbury Festival, UK; and Slovenia’s Metal Days.

Jenny Hamada, Director of Events at AEG Presents, said “American Express presents BST Hyde Park is a ten-day event with nearly half a million visitors each year. We have a huge responsibility to deliver for our visitors, Hyde Park and the local community. The team works tirelessly to develop creative solutions to ensure that we are leading the way in the industry and being as green as we can be, and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with A Greener Festival to improve each year.”

Akos Dominus, Sustainability Manager of Sziget Festival, Hungary, commented: “Sziget has been involved with environmental issues since 2003". (Through AGF), " We received comprehensive feedback on our efforts which led to a widening of our focus on an international level. Part of this initiation was to apply for an assessment from AGF then, surprisingly, we ended up with an award. It feels great, however, it is even better how much we could learn through the whole process.”

Claire O’Neill, A Greener Festival Co-Founder commented, “The need for us all to take significant positive action for the good of the environment requires no introduction. Congratulations to our winners who are doing their part, and power to all events and individuals who want to do more. Together we can make things better.”

The trophies given to winners are handmade entirely of reused materials that include reclaimed wood from construction and tents salvaged from festivals campsites!

All of these winners will be entered as nominees for the International Greener Festival Awards which will be announced at the annual Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI), taking place in London, 3rd March, alongside the International Live Music Conference (ILMC).

GEI is where festivals, events, venues and promoters come together with environmental experts to increase action for sustainability within the music and event industry, to share best practices and tackle these important challenges. This year green touring, venues, festivals, brands and sponsorship will be main room topics.

The Green Events & Innovations Conference takes place in London on 3rd March 2020.

Applications are now open for the Greener Festival Awards 2020. Events should contact hello@agreenerfestival.com to apply.

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

OUTSTANDING
Cambridge Folk Festival (UK)
DGTL Festival (NL)
Green Gathering (UK)
Øya Festival (NO)
Paradise City (BE)
We Love Green (FR)

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Dockyard Festival (NL)

Dubcamp Festival (FR)

Glastonbury Festival (UK)

Greenbelt Festival (UK)

Hadra Trance Festival (FR)

Pete the Monkey (FR)

Primavera Sound (ES)

Rainbow Serpent (AU)

Roskilde Festival (DK)

COMMENDED

Boomtown Fair (UK)

BST Hyde Park (UK)

Das Fest (DE)

Envision Festival (CR)

Hout Festival (NL)

Les 3 Elephants (FR)

Metal Days (SI)

Mystic Garden (NL)

Own Spirit Festival (ES)

Sonidos Liquidos (ES)

SWR3 New Pop Festival (DE)

Sziget Festival (HU)

Walthamstow Garden Party (UK)

IMPROVERS

Buenas Noches Producciones (AR)

Elrow Town Amsterdam (NL)

Lambeth Country Show (UK)

Lost Village Festival (UK)

Manchester Pride Live (UK)

Straf_Werk (NL)

Terraforma Festival (IT)

Utrechtse Introductie Tijd (UIT) (NL)
Wonderfruit Festival (TH)

NOTES TO EDITORS

A Greener Festival (AGF) is a not-for-profit company committed to helping events, festivals and venues around the world adopt environmentally efficient practices.

AGF provides information, education resources and facilitates the exchange of good ideas. They share information about how environmentally efficient methods are currently being employed at events and how their impact on the environment can be limited at future events. They offer independent assessment and verification of events sustainability claims.

The Greener Festival Awards is an A Greener Festival-led scheme, which has operated since 2007 assessing over 600 festivals worldwide. A list of previous winners can be found here.

Press enquiries contact: hello@agreenerfestival.com

The Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI) is A Greener Festival’s annual flagship event delivered in partnership with the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) in London. It has been running for 12 years and welcomes delegates and speakers who are leaders in the live events industry and sustainability experts.

by Nikki

Music Moves Europe Talent Awards 2020 winners announced

Meduza (IT), girl in red (NO), NAAZ (NL), Anna Leone (SE), PONGO (PT), HARMED (HU), 5K HD (AT) a nd Flohio (UK) are the winners of the 2020 Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, the EU prize for popular and contemporary music. Aside from being in the jury’s selection, 21-year old N AAZ also won the Public Choice Award. The expert jury selected eight winners out of sixteen nominees, while fans across the world voted for the Public Choice Winner.

Award ceremony
All winners were revealed during a vibrant award ceremony hosted by the well-known Austrian singer Thomas Neuwirth (WURST) in the Stadsschouwburg of Groningen, the Netherlands. After the festive celebration of the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, the public had the opportunity to discover these emerging talents live as each nominee performed as a part of the ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) showcase programme in Groningen.

Prize package
Each winner selected by the jury receives a € 10.000,- budget funded by the EU programme Creative Europe, to be spent towards promoting their international careers. A total of € 7.500,- of the prize package covers all expenses made for promotion and/or touring. Additionally, winners get a business package worth € 2.500 on targeted training provided by partners from the music industry: the live sector (Liveurope, Yourope and Live DMA), the recording industry (IMPALA and Digital Music Europe), the International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) and co-organisers of the awards Reeperbahn Festival and ESNS. The European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE) helps winners navigating through this list of tailored services.

Public Choice Winner
Since the nominees were revealed at Reeperbahn Festival, fans across Europe could choose their favourite emerging European artist through an online vote. The Public Choice Award 2020 includes a monetary prize of € 5.000 and a filmed live music session at the Deezer Studios in Paris. This is part of the contribution made by Digital Music Europe and is presented by Deezer.

Nominees selection 2020
Announced in September 2019 during Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, the sixteen nominees are: 5K HD (AT) * A nna Leone (SE) * A u/Ra (DE) * Beast In Black (FI) * C harlotte Adigéry (BE) *
Flohio (UK) * Fontaines D.C. (IE) * girl in red (NO) * HARMED (HU) * H ugo Helmig (DK) *
Kimberose (FR) * Meduza (IT) * NAAZ (NL) * Perfect Son (PL) * P ONGO ( PT) * Tribade (ES)

All nominees of the Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are already winners, because each nominee not only received a (online) campaign budget of € 750 but was also invited to perform at ESNS, the biggest European showcase festival.

Music Moves Europe
Music is one of the most popular forms of art, widely consumed, and a vibrant expression of Europe's cultural diversity. Music Moves Europe, the overarching framework for the

European Commission’s initiatives and actions in support of the European music sector,
aim to help the music sector flourish by, among other things, supporting the annual
Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, the EU prize for popular and contemporary music.

The Music Moves Europe Talent Awards are c o-funded by Creative Europe, the EU funding programme for the culture and audiovisual sectors, and are implemented in close cooperation with the European Commission. The awards are organized by ESNS and Reeperbahn Festival, in partnership with Yourope, Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA), International Music Managers Forum (IMMF), Liveurope, Live DMA, European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE), Digital Music Europe (DME) and media partner European Broadcasting Union (EBU) who all contribute to the prize package inclusive to the awards. The awards receive the support from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Province of Groningen and the City of Groningen.

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

European Festival Award winners 2019

The European Festival Awards congratulate all the winners. For 2019 150 applications were received from over 30 countries and 350’000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 117 shortlisted nominees in 14 distinct categories, not counting the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Now without further ado, here are all winners in the 15 categories of the European Festival Awards 2019:

Best Indoor Festival
Presented by: eps
Reeperbahn Festival (Germany)

The Brand Activation Award
Presented by: EMAC
Open’er Festival (Poland) & Netflix – Stranger Things

Agent of the Year
Presented by: IQ Magazine
Lucy Dickins (WME)

Best New Festival
No Sleep Festival (Serbia)

The Health & Safety Innovation Award
Presented by: YES Group
Balaton Sound (Hungary)

Best Small Festival
Jazz in the Park (Romania)

Promoter of the Year
Wepromote (Switzerland)

Line-Up of the Year
Glastonbury (United Kingdom)

Newcomer of the Year
Presented by: Eurosonic Noorderslag
Billie Eilish (US)

The Take a Stand Award
Presented by: Take A Stand
Das Fest (Germany)

Best Medium-Sized Festival
Presented by: Universe
Electric Castle (Romania)

The Green Operations Award
Presented by: Go Group
OpenAir St.Gallen (Switzerland)

The Award for Excellence & Passion
Codruta Vulcu

Best Major Festival
Open’er Festival (Poland)

The Lifetime Achievement Award
Holger Hübner & Thomas Jensen (Wacken Open Air)

More info here: https://www.europeanfestivalawards.org/

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk

by Nikki

Artists from Portugal at Eurosonic

Miramar
folk
Even though they hail from different latitudes, and they have trodden different paths, Frankie Chavez and Peixe are united in their work with the guitar.

Peixe popped up on everyone’s radar more than twenty years ago, as the behind the muscular and unmistakable guitar sound in Ornatos Violeta, the mythical Porto band. But that was only the beginning of a long and fruitful journey. Pluto followed Ornatos, as did the delirious experiences in Zelig, a host of collaborations, and two astounding solo records, exploring the possibilities of his favorite musical instrument – “Apneia” and “Motor”. Ever since his debut in 2010, Frankie Chavez has consistently proven himself to be one of the most exciting musicians of his generation. Inspired by folk and blues music, as well as the most classic rock and roll, he has been taking his music further and further – be it with a band or as a one-man-band –, standing on his unique relationship with something that’s been there from the beginning: a guitar.

Together and using the instrument that has become the natural extension of themselves, Frankie Chavez and Peixe take us all to places where no-one has been before. Their music is rich, without ever becoming excessive. It’s coherent, without ever becoming repetitive.

This is a road you drive calmly through, contemplating. A road that sometimes winds up all the way to the peak of the tallest mountain, and that at other times stretches on straight, in the lazy desert heat, carrying the sound of those strings vibrating inside different frames, electric or acoustic, the two playing as one.

Live, they perform over a background of images that are manipulated in real time; a “concert-film” that stands out by the mutual inspiration the dual universes of music and image play on each other and that audiences readily take in.

I’M LEAVING (Official video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF_MEx3DApM

Lina_Raul Refree
Fado/electronic
Fado rewired and recast. Raül Refree - one of Europe's most innovative producers (Rosalía, Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo) - meets Lina, a Portuguese singer renowned for her haunting interpretations of Amalia's classic repertoire. Analog synths and hushed sonics. Making history by breaking the rules. Shedding the skin. A fresh beginning. That’s what singer Lina and producer/multi-instrumentalist Raül Refree have given Portuguese fado on Lina_Raül Refree. They’ve sloughed off the old trappings and exacting traditions of the country’s national music and given it into a perfect fit for the 21st century. Gone are the chiming guitars that were the music’s instrumental trademark and in their place comes piano and analogue synths. Together, they’ve reinvented the music that holds a nation’s soul, and done it while keeping the rich beauty of the melodies and the aching poetry of the words that are such a vital part of the tradition. “I wanted to do something different with fado,” Lina explains. She already had a deep background

First single from the new album, out on Glitterbeat Records on 17th Jan https://youtu.be/-6wgBr7FUus

PONGO
kuduro
PONGO embodies the renewal of Kuduro, mixing her African, Langan & Zairian roots with EDM, bass music, dancehall & melodic pop. Her powerful, rhythmic, but equally fragile & sensitive voice draws us into her world, on the borders of dance & saudade, where no one has taken us before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ynfNo9aQmYo&feature=emb_logo

Supported via MMETA. Also selected by NME as one of their Essential New artists for 2020, praised by TLOBF and received a lot of play on 6 Music. .

Sensible Soccers
Pop/electronic
Sensible Soccers are a band from a seaside town in the north of Portugal. The band has come a long way since they released their eponymous EP in 2011. They’re famous for their hypnotic shows and for their sweet empathy with the audience. Their live shows granted them a sort of cult status, their reputation cemented by dreamy and moving albums like Aurora.

In their discography we can still find their second EP (Fornelo Tapes Vol.1), one single with a strange music video (“Sofrendo por você”) and their first long-play released in 2014. This record, called “8” (eight), had great reviews and good press coverage. The response from the public was also very enthusiastic and they had a long tour around Portugal, but also did some gigs in Spain and Paris.

In early 2016 they’ve surprised everyone and released their second album, “Villa Soledade”. Inspired by the local routes around Fornelo, a small northern rural village where the band have their headquarters. In 2019 they released their third album called "Aurora", focusing on the theme of memory and childhood holidays.

Sensible Soccers makes mostly instrumental music, with a wide range of musical approaches, which are sometimes more ambient-oriented, with thickly-layered synths, guitars masterfully work wrapping the arrangements, in an inventive-yet-coherent way but also bringing us thumping beats that range from shy wink to the dance floor, to the fragile emotional down-tempo.

https://sensiblesoccers.bandcamp.com/

About Why Portugal
Why Portugal is a new-model music exchange platform from Portugal, a music cluster made up of professional associations founded by AMAEI - Association of Independent Music from Portugal; collaborating with MMF - Music Managers Forum among other industry associations. The Why Portugal non-profit association is supported by AUDIOGEST and Fundação GDA through their respective neighbouring rights cultural funds; and for select missions we also work with AICEP Portugal Global - Trade & Investment Agency, Turismo de Portugal, Porto Convention Bureau and other governmental institutions. Why Portugal follows a collaborative model open to the entire music cluster.

http://whyportugal.org/
https://www.facebook.com/whyportugalorg/

by Nikki

Italian Acts to see at Eurosonic 2020

Italy continues to showcase young talented musicians shaping and redefining Italian music in the context of pan European and global music communities. Ready to make their mark on this year's Eurosonic Noorderslag are 9 artists covering a diverse range of genres from neoclassical to shoegaze, Indie, rock, experimental electronic and tribal pop. These acts should be on your radar for 2020.

BowLand is a trippy electronic musical project born in Florence who have already made a name for themselves on the Italian X factor 2018 and have amassed over 2 millions Spotify streams.

Young neoclassical artist Bruno Bavota explores the possibilities and boundaries of the piano sound through improvisation and use of technology.

Born in Rio, raised in Miami and currently based in Milan, Emmanuelle has released two EPs produced and distributed by Deewee (the label of Soulwax / 2manydjs) with one track included in the soundtrack of the much acclaimed Dogman film.

Started in 2017, Eugenia Post Meridiem produce songs tinged with indie, folk, soul influences mixed with 60s and 70s psychedelic flavours and 90’s sound textures.

Bologna based producer and musician Julian Zyklus blends electronic beats with piano and synths crafting classical /ambient worlds. In 2017 he made a soundtrack for the Nat Geo musical contest Genius, receiving praise from the judges Lorne Balfe and Hans Zimmer.

Meduza have spent the year leading the charge in returning house music to daytime radio, and succeeding in their quest. Their debut release ‘Piece Of Your Heart’ has clocked up over 600 million streams globally and reached at #2 in the Official UK Charts.

Ponzio Pilates performed at Glastonbury in 2019 bringing an addictive mix of explosive twists, rhythmic litanies and danceable rituals to honor the Earth and the Cosmos.

Since the release of their self-titled debut album back in 2013, Rev Rev Rev have repeatedly been hailed as one of the finest new shoegaze bands. They received praise from BBC 6 Music, Drowned In Sound, Clash Magazine, Bandcamp Daily, NPR and played extensively across the UK and Europe.

Last but by no means least are the Milan based post punk shoegazers The Gluts who have a formidable reputation for their intense, deafening but fun-as-hell live shows.

Listen to all the acts here: http://bit.ly/36wWxjC

Eurosonic 2020 show times (in chronological order):

Rev Rev Rev
Date : Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Venue : All Round Poolcentrum
Showtime : 22:15

Julian Zyklus
Date : Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Venue : Grand Theatre Up
Showtime : 23:45

Bowland
Date : Thursday, January 16, 2020
Venue : Grand Theatre Up

Showtime : 22:15

Eugenia Post Meridiem

Date : Thursday, January 16, 2020

Venue : Praedinius Gymnasium

Showtime : 23:35

Bruno Bavota: