Todd Terje, Iceage, Neneh Cherry, MØ and Emilie Nicolas are among the 12 nominees for the Phonofile Nordic Music Prize 2014

The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize is an annual award for the Best Nordic Album Of The Year, inspired by the British & Irish Mercury Prize and introduced in 2010. The prize was initiated by by:Larm in Norway, the most important conference and showcase event for the wider Nordic music industry. Former winners are Jónsi (ICE), Goran Kajfes (SE), First Aid Kit (SE), and most recently The Knife (SE).

 

We are happy to announce the collaboration between Phonofile, by:Larm, GramArt and Music Norway as sponsors for by:Larm’s well renowned music prize. The winner of Phonofile Nordic Music Prize 2014 will receive a NOK 30.000 check, provided by GramArt. 

The 12 nominees are:

Emilie Nicolas (NO) – Like I’m a Warrior

Gracias (FI) – Elengi

Iceage (DK) – Plowing Into the Field of Love

Lorentz (SE) – Kärlekslåtar

Lykke Li (SE) – I Never Learn

Neneh Cherry (SE) – Blank Project

Mirel Wagner (FI) – When the Cellar Children See the Light of Day

MØ (DK) – No Mythologies to Follow

Pink Street Boys (ICE) – Trash From the Boys

Prinspóló (ICE) – Sorrí

Selvhenter (DK) – Motions of Large Bodies

Todd Terje (NO) – It’s Album Time

 

The nominees have been selected by a Nordic jury consisting of Ralf Christensen (DK), Niklas Elmér (SE), Ilkka Mattila (FIN), Audun Vinger (NO) and Arnar Eggert Thoroddsen (ICE).

 

Even though the climate can be cold, the Nordic countries have for a long time been a “hotbed” for musical innovation and progressive stance regarding popular music. The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize, established in 2010, has sought to mirror this ever-evolving scene and this year is no exception. “Scandi-pop” has certainly some common, if unintelligible, features but it’s the variety of modern music making in that one region that continues to dazzle. This year, for instance, we have a female five piece from Denmark that specializes in noise-led, experimental brass music, ethereal neo-pop from Norway sung by alluring, icy songstress, down and dirty scuzz-rock from Iceland, urban hip-hop from Finland and avant-pop from the eternally iconoclastic Neneh Cherry. The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize has room for both youngbloods and established acts but most importantly, it’s the first stop for anyone interested in the most happening sounds in Scandinavia today. May the Nordic aura embrace your souls!Arnar, Audun, Ralf, Niklas and Ilkka.

 

The winner of the Phonofile Nordic Music Prize 2014 will be chosen by an international jury consisting of Jonathan Galkin (DFA Records), Jude Rogers (The Guardian), Laurence Bell (Domino Recording Company) and Jeanette Lee (Rough Trade Records).

 

The Award Ceremony

The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize will be presented at by:Larm 2015. All by:Larm delegates are welcome to join the special event on Thursday March 05.

To register as a delegate, click here.

For more information about the upcoming event, subscribe to the by:Larm newsletter.

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On Wednesday February 11th Nordic Playlist will present the 12 nominated artists albums in a specially curated feature. (available Wednesday Feb 11, 8am CET).

 

”Its been an incredible year for new releases, so were excited to see who wins and to revisit some of the best albums of the year along the way Francine Gorman, Project Manager, Nordic Playlist.

 

Statements From The Partners

 

The Nordic digital music distributor Phonofile is the main sponsor for the Phonofile Nordic Music Prize.

 

Phonofile is excited about the opportunity to collaborate more closely with by:Larm in developing Phonofile Nordic Music Prize as the most prestigious reward for the broader Nordic music industry. The quality of artistic creativity, diversity and production in the Nordic region is outright impressive. Phonofiles ambition with Phonofile Nordic Music Prize is to actively participate in developing the industry in the Nordics. We are looking forward to further develop the Phonofile Nordic Music Prize in the coming years together with by:Larm, Music Norway and GramArt.” – Erik Brataas, Managing Director, Phonofile.

Music Norway is excited that by:Larm once again will honor Nordic music and give out the Nordic Music Prize. Were happy to be part of a great team who works on developing the prize and making it a great, relevant and important award in the Nordic music industry. By:Larm is an important arena for us, and we share their ambition to create the best arena for Nordic music, for us in the region and international visitors.» – Kathrine Synnes Finnskog, Director, Music Norway.

«GramArt is happy to be part of the Phonofile Nordic Music prize this year. Our hope is that the prize can contribute to further increased international awareness of the quality and diversity of the Nordic music scene.” – Tonje Kaada, Acting Managing Director, GramArt.

Links:
by:Larm www.bylarm.no
The Nordic Playlist www.nordicplaylist.com
Music Norway www.musicnorway.no
Gramart www.gramart.no
Phonofile www.phonofile.com

The Phonofile Nordic Music Prize is awarded during by:Larm Festival, which takes place from 4 – 7 March 2015 in Oslo, Norway. Visit http://bylarm.no for more info. 

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