In 2023, Austrian Music Export started “Building Bridges”, a pilot project with a focus on continuing education and international exchange in the music business. The program is aimed primarily at music business professionals, the people behind the artists – labels, publishers, management, etc.
After a journey to Zürich, a songwriting camp in Vienna, and a coaching and mentoring program, our next Building Bridges mission is taking us to Berlin! The German capital is the center of Austria’s most important international music market, and there’s a good business network connecting us with our German counterparts – a network that we want to make available to more people.
Since a lot of major business partners (such as digital service providers, aggregators, distributors, labels, and publishers) who deal with the Austrian market are based in Berlin, we’re taking a closer look at their activities in order to learn how we can improve existing relationships.
The Program
Wednesday, April 17
Individual travel to Berlin. Austrian Music Export personnel will be traveling by train from Vienna (dep. 10:13 Wien Hbf.; arr. 17:53 Berlin Hbf.). We strongly encourage you to travel with us for networking purposes, but it’s not mandatory. Group dinner in Berlin.
Thursday, April 18
Workshop and networking program (all-day, starting at 10 a.m.; location TBA)
How can musicians and labels get the most out of the major social media platforms? What role do their offices in Berlin play concerning Austrian music? What kinds of cooperation and partnerships are possible, and what are the criteria?
- Workshop with representatives from TikTok
- Workshop with representatives from YouTube
Background discussion: Why aren’t the most important DSPs based in Vienna? What can we do to stay on their radar? Our most important bridge-builders are generally distributors and content aggregators – technical service providers who can also play an important role in playlist pitching and market strategizing. This discussion with The Orchard (Berlin/Hamburg) and Recordjet (Berlin) will shed light on their day-to-day work and choosing the right tools when releasing new music.
Evening networking event
Austrian Music Export will be inviting Berlin music professionals to an informal exchange and facilitating networking with the Austrian delegation.
The program will also include the final meeting of the 6 Austrian participants selected for the Building Bridges mentoring program in 2023 with their German mentors.
Friday, April 19th
Spotify’s All Music Friday
Participants may attend the Spotify-sponsored “All Music Friday” summit free of charge, courtesy of Austrian Music Export. (Attendance is not a mandatory part of the mission)
Departure
Individual, as desired (not coordinated by Austrian Music Export).
How to apply
The program is aimed primarily at music business professionals from all genres – labels, publishers, management, agencies, etc. The trip will be of particular interest to music entrepreneurs with at least minimal experience in international marketing.
To apply, please send us a brief (max. 1 page) letter of motivation, including information about yourself, your interest in the project, the area in which you’re active, and music productions on which you have previously worked. Applications should be sent to office@musicexport.at no later than February 28th, 2024.
Please note that, due to limitations on the number of participants, only one person per company or organization can take part. Participants will be chosen by Austrian Music Export. Applicants will receive notice of whether they have been accepted no later than March 7, 2024.
What does it cost?
A fixed sum of €400 will be made available to each participant for travel, room and board. The mission is organized by Austrian Music Export; additional financing is provided by the LSG – Producers and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce’s Film and Music Business Association (Fachverband der Film- und Musikwirtschaft).
