Austria is the new focus country of Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014, the most important showcase festival in Europe. Eurosonic Noorderslag is the most significant event of the European live music industry. The 28th edition of the Dutch festival will take place early January 2014 in Groningen with the spotlight on numerous performances by Austrian musicians.
Every year more than 33,000 visitors, including 3,000 representatives of the international music industry, use the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival as a chance to see 300 of Europe’s freshest talents for the first time live. Each Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival highlights a different European country and is THE opportunity for European radio stations and more than 400 music festivals to select the stars of tomorrow for the upcoming festival season.
The general program of the festival consists of mainly unknown names – in retrospect, however, past line-ups list many later known world stars such as Franz Ferdinand, James Blake, The XX, Wir Sind Helden, Seeed and The Raveonettes.
Peter Smidt (Creative Director Eurosonic Noorderslag) about the focus on Austrian music:
“Highlighting Austrian music at Eurosonic Noorderslag is a natural thing to do. At previous editions of Eurosonic Noorderslag we’ve presented now successful Austrian acts like Soap & Skin, Elektro Guzzi, Bauchklang, Clara Luzia, Gin Ga and Steaming Satellites. At this moment Klangkarussell has a number 1 hit in The Netherlands.
It has always been a pleasure to work together with our Austrian partners such as Radio FM4, Frequency Festival, Nova Rock Festival, Waves Festival and Austrian Music Export (mica – music austria & Austrian Music Fund). We are looking forward to receive the new and best Austrian acts at the coming edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag.”
The next Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival will take place from the 15th – 18th of January 2014 in Groningen (Netherlands). Starting from Thursday the 2nd of May 2013, the Austrian Music Export will offer Austrian artists the chance to apply for a performance at the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival.
Tatjana Domany & Franz Hergovich (Austrian Music Export):
“A focus on Austria at the Eurosonic Noorderslag 2014 is a great honor and a huge opportunity for the local music scene! The significance within the respective sector is comparable with an invitation as the guest country at the Frankfurt Book Fair. At the moment we have a lot of young and exciting acts in Austria that will benefit from the focus at the Eurosonic Noorderslag and the support of a European PR campaign. 2014 will show more Austrian bands on European festival stages than ever before. On top of that, Austria will be prominently involved in panels and presentations within the Eurosonic Noorderslag conference, which are used by local labels, agents, managers and bookers to exchange with international delegates. We expect a lasting and sustainable effect on the entire Austrian music industry.”
Bernhard Breuer (Elektro Guzzi) about the concert at the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival 2012:
“It’s not like the past where you became known through record sales. Nowadays there are more and more festivals and they are becoming increasingly important, because the musicians earn their livelihood with live performances. Several of these events are an absolute must for newcomers. One of these is the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival in Groningen. Thousands of promoters stop here every year to search for new talents. For Elektro Guzzi it was the turning point in their career.”
Monika Eigensperger (Radio FM4):
“For me it was always very clear that music from Austria can easily compete on an international level. However without media presence even the best bands have a hard time. – FM4 therefore supports the local scene with various programs such as FM4 Soundpark and of course the inclusion in the daily music program, as well as being a cooperation partner of the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival. We are particularly pleased and proud that the focus of the upcoming Eurosonic Noorderslag is on Austria – since the music of the many exciting Austrian acts deserves to be reached by a broader audience, and for this the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival offers the perfect opportunity.”
Harry Jenner (FM4 Frequency Festival):
“When I heard about the great presentation of Austrian acts at the Eurosonic Noorderslag Festival, the following words went through my head: “Yes, this definitely makes sense and is long overdue”. There is no better place or more beautiful event to make a comeback as a music nation. Congratulations, well done!”
Thomas Zsifkovits (Nova Rock Festival):
“Groningen is a constant in the concert calendar of every event organizer. I have been going there for more than 10 years. It is a meeting of festivals, agents and media. Here you discuss things, but year after year you also see new bands from the European scene. Playing a good concert in Groningen can have a positive effect on a career. The fact that Austria is the new focus country of the Eurosonic Noorderslag means that more bands will be represented than usual. A huge opportunity.”
Thomas Heher (Waves Festival):
“There is a lot going on in Austria: exciting acts, great events, a diverse label landscape. I am immensely pleased that Groningen has now also noticed this. The focus on Austria is probably also due to the good work of the Austrian Music Export – just to mention this in passing.”
For more information, visit the festival websites:
www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl | www.etep.nl
For further questions, contact Austrian Music Export
Rainer Praschak
praschak@musicaustria.at