A new wave of 18 Icelandic artists ranging from electronica to pop to Viking metal will be at the heart of the Iceland Erupts campaign for Eurosonic Noorderslag. The 29th Eurosonic Noorderslag, a European music festival and conference which takes place in Gronigen, Netherlands between January 14th and 17th, is Europe’s most important live music showcase and conference. Attracting more than 3,200 delegates and industry experts who gather to discover and book new artists for future festivals and tours.
It was announced in a press conference Friday morning at Iceland Airwaves that Iceland will be the focus country at Eurosonic Noorderslag. Iceland Airwaves is the country’s internationally renowned festival which now attracts upwards of 5,000 overseas fans to downtown Reykjavik, being described by Rolling Stone as “the hippest long weekend on the annual music-festival calendar”.
“We’re incredibly proud that we have been invited to be the focus country at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2015, and I believe this recognizes how important music is to the global perception of Iceland,” said Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, Iceland’s Minister of Industry & Commerce. “We look forward to showcasing these 18 hugely talented acts, and also showing how our music community is steadily expanding with managers, labels, festivals and other professionals taking the next generation forward.”
Maize Maas – photo by Rene Keizer
Overseas performances by Icelandic artists more than doubled between 2012 and 2013, and Iceland’s status as Eurosonic Noorderslag’s focus country will reflect its international ambitions with a programme of activities including:
– A pop-up market and store, presenting Icelandic innovation, and showcasing the country’s best music, food and technology alongside screenings of films and documentaries
– Broadcasts from national radio station RUV/RAS2
– A reception at Stadsschouwburg
– A series of thought-provoking panels and presentations including focuses on Iceland’s recent musical history, and the economic impact of Iceland Airwaves and ‘cultural tourism’
“For many years Eurosonic Noorderslag festival and conference presents the best and most promising new acts from all over Europe,” said Peter Smidt, creative director at Eurosonic Noorderslag. “With this strong breed of new acts from Iceland I am sure all our delegates, audience and press will be thrilled and will discover the next wave of treasures from this remarkable and richly talented island.”
For more information about Eurosonic Noorderslag or Iceland Erupts, you can visit their website.
Written by FestPop Staff Writer Karli Jaenike Send Comments to: Press@FestPop.com