Interview: Cyril Yeterian (Bongo Joe Records)

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Veronika Vajda (Hangvető, HU)

Speaker: Cyril Yeterian (Bongo Joe Records, Yalla Miku, CH) Interview

Cyril Yeterian is an internationally touring musician (Cyril Cyril, Yalla Miku) and founder of Bongo Joe Records, a Geneva-based record store and label. Known for launching groundbreaking artists like Altin Gün, Yīn Yīn and The Mauskovic Dance Band, Bongo Joe is celebrated for unearthing hidden musical gems from all around the world. We are going to explore Cyril’s journey, the art of curation and the label’s unique role in presenting eclectic music cultures worldwide.

Speed Networking: Meet the Germans

@M Hotel CD

Participants: Alexander Bernath (Alexander Agency, DE), Alexander Dommisch (Waterfall Records, DE), Dominique Panther-Robinson (Kiosque Booking, DE), Hanna Döring (Cabin Artists, DE), Jessica Kert (artist, DE), Lena Obara (Sector C, DE), Lilia Ohls (Tapete Musik, DE), Niklas Tschaikowsky (pøj pøj, DE), Samira Wacker (DQ Agency, DE)

Speed Networking

In collaboration with Initiative Musik, MENT is hosting a speed networking session with a colourful group of German music professionals, where you will have the opportunity to meet booking agents, promoters, label representatives and other interesting profiles.

Closed session. To participate in the speed networking session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Speed Networking: AJMO! Croatian Venues & Promoters

@M Hotel HJ

Participants: Hrvoje Jelković & Magdalena Šetka Jelković (Azimut, Udruga Kolektiv 4B, Šibenik, HR), Matea Marić (Koordinacije udruga mladih Sisak, HR), Petra Marčinko (Art radionica Lazareti, Dubrovnik, HR), Marijana Galović & Gabriel Šafranko (Udruga K.V.A.R.K., Križevci, HR), Marta Džaja (A.R.L.A., Đakovo, HR), Ivan Latin & Tena Vrzan (Centar za mlade Čakovec, HR), Katarina Gugo & Matija Miličević - Gregov (ATRIBUT, Knin, HR), Tin Šemovčan (Centar urbane kulture Regenerator, Zabok, HR), Karla Dorkić & Dino Grgurić (Studio Panorama, Krk, HR), Romana Tekić & Vedran Živković (Galerija umjetnina grada Slavonskog Broda, HR), Ante Gusić & Bartul Vuksan - Ćusa (Udruga Vlajter-ego, Benkovac, HR).

Speed Networking

In collaboration with We Move Music Croatia and SHIP Festival, we are hosting a speed networking session with representatives of Croatian venues involved in the AJMO! project, which aims to promote and support live music in smaller Croatian towns.

Closed session. To participate in the speed networking session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Speed Networking: Meet the Slovenian Venues and Promoters

@M Hotel AB

Participants: Aljoša Peternel (Vakum, Maribor, SI), Andrej Sevšek (Kino Šiška Ljubljana, Punk Rock Holiday, SI), Darjan Kruševac (Trainstation, Kranj, SI), Dejan Požegar (Kunigunda, eMCe Plac, Velenje, SI), Jaka Miklavčič (CMK, Koper, SI ), Jan Surina (MKNŽ, Ilirska Bistrica, SI), Katarina Desković (Gala Hala, Ljubljana, SI), Mojca Selak & Tine Hafner (AKC Nama, In Memoriam prof. Peter Hafner, Škofja Loka, SI), Nik Drozg (Level Up, Channel Zero, Ljubljana, SI), Tadej Stolič (KUD Morgan, Glasbe sveta, Nova Gorica, SI).

Speed Networking

Though the Slovenian music market is small, it still offers many interesting live venues and promoters, even in the smaller towns. At MENT, you have a great opportunity to meet and present your work to a selection of renowned venues and promoters in Slovenia. Join the ride from Maribor to Kranj and Koper, and grab the opportunity to play in our country.

Closed session. To participate in the speed networking session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

UPBEAT Listening Session

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Ira Kolbezen (Glitterbeat Records, SI)

Speakers: Aleksandra Pavlović (SKC Kragujevac, Estam, RS), Thijs Vandewalle (Gri Gri Music, Anamma, BE), John Fitzgerald (Vagabond Booking, IE), Marisa Segala (Crossover Frequencies, Resonator, DK)

Let’s immerse ourselves in the sounds of this year’s MENT artists that operate in the sphere of contemporary world music in the broadest possible sense. Agents and festival organisers from this background will listen to the selected songs and provide their direct, honest and constructive feedback.

New Moves on the Balkans: New Showcase Festivals, Fresh Export Offices

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: Primož Kristan (SIGIC, Music Slovenia, SI)

Speakers: Davor Drezga (We Move Music Croatia, SHIP, HR), Zorica Tepić (Serbia Creates, RS), Ruth Koleva (SoAlive Music Conference, Sofia Live Festival, BG)

In the Balkans, new initiatives to promote and export music to international markets have emerged in the last three years. How are new showcase festivals such as SHIP in Šibenik and the SoAlive Music Conference in Sofia, as well as the export offices We Move Music Croatia and Serbia Creates Music changing the regional music scene? What are the experiences, results and key challenges for the future? What are the potentials and appropriate strategies for regional musicians to break into foreign markets?

Amplifying Local Sounds to Meet Global Sync Industry Demands

@M Hotel CD

Moderator: Manca Ogrin (SIGIC, SI)

Speakers: Patrycja Bukowska (music supervisor, PL), Lena Obara (Sector C, DE)

Explore the dynamics of local sync markets, the use of regional music and comparisons between the German and Polish landscapes. Gain insights into what filmmakers, advertisers and game developers prioritise when selecting music and uncover strategies to enhance education, trust and collaboration between music professionals and audiovisual industries.

Keynote Interview: Gilles Peterson

@Kino Šiška - Katedrala

Moderator: Borja Močnik - Borka (rx:tx, SI)

Speaker: Gilles Peterson (DJ, BBC Radio 6 Music, Brownswood Recordings, UK) Interview

Join us for an in-depth interview with Gilles Peterson, the legendary UK radio host, DJ, label owner, festival promoter, record collector and music fan. Gilles hosts a celebrated weekly show on BBC Radio 6 Music, runs the influential Brownswood Recordings label, curates the We Out Here and Worldwide festivals and is founder of Worldwide FM. Known for championing jazz, hip-hop and electronic music, his career spans from pirate radio beginnings to curating game-changing labels and festivals. Discover his journey, creative ventures and impact on global music culture.

Czech-back Reception

@Kino Šiška - Kamera

Presented by: SoundCzech

Receptions

Czech music continues to make waves in the international scene, and the heartfelt curatorial policy of MENT will provide music lovers with a chance to discover a fresh batch of contemporary Czech sounds. In the meantime we have another already traditional occasion to raise a glass to the evolution of Czech music at MENT. Our artists are getting to stages on all corners of the globe, while our sounds via film music, and gaming as well getting to phones and screens.

Come and meet us between panels, and have a brunch-bite a refreshing drink while connecting with your old buddies, and new friends from the Czech land

Listening Session

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Danaja Volk (Most Wanted: Music, Sub_Bar, CounterCult, DE/SI)

Speakers: Alan Pedder (The Line of Best Fit, The Needle Drop, SE, UK), Chris Angiolini (Bronson Produzioni, Beaches Brew Festival, IT), Robert Meijerink (ESNS, NL)

Selected music professionals will listen to songs by selected MENT 2025 artists and offer their immediate, direct and honest feedback. Would they book the artist? What may be the entry points to their countries? Is there room for improvement? A chance to hear an honest analysis of individual songs by music professionals.

Agent’s Panel: Developing New Artists

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: David Čajčík (Heartnoize Promotion, CZ)

Speakers: George Beleznay (Qu Junktions, UK), Steven Thomassen (Toutpartout, BE), Alba Martin (Earth Agency, UK)

How do booking agents approach the development of new artists? In the hyper-speed world – Is it still too early to sign at any point? What strategies do agents use to arrange their first tours and get promoters interested? Should new artists prioritise boutique festivals or intimate headline shows to make their mark? What is the right mix and how important is it to be patient – when do new artists to break through? And when and why do collaborations break down?

Modular Music Communities

@M Hotel CD

Moderator: Ana Rome (Clockwork Voltage, SI/DE)

Speakers: Jessica Kert (artist, DE), Jaka Berger (Clockwork Voltage, SI), Vladyslav Yakovenko (Bologna Modulare, Polyterative, IT), Benjamin Chilton (Machina Bristronica, Elevator Sound, UK)

The modular music community is one of the more innovative and fast-growing creative scenes, transcending the traditional boundaries of music production. How do modular synthesizers bring together music creators and gearheads? What is the role of the community in the development of these tools and how is knowledge shared? What is the role of event organisation in terms of community building? What are the challenges and opportunities for modular musicians and how does this scene influence contemporary electronic production?

MENToring Session: Showcase Festivals

@M Hotel E

Speaker: Katja Thalerová (Sharpe Festival, LALA Slovak Music Export, SK) MENToring session

MENToring Session on Showcase Festivals with Katja Thalerová (Sharpe Festival, LALA Slovak Music Export, SK).

The mentoring sessions format is a 60-minute session with 5 pre-registered participants. The sessions are participant-led – the mentor will offer only a brief introduction to their background, and the rest of the session will be spent on answering and discussing participants’ questions. Review the mentor’s profile, research the topic and your challenges, and prepare questions – it is up to you to make the most out of it.

Closed session. To participate in the MENToring session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Interview: Jude Rogers

@M Hotel AB

Moderator: Jaša Bužinel (MENT Ljubljana, Sonica Festival, The Quietus, SI)

Speaker: Jude Rogers (The Guardian, The Observer, UK) Interview

Jude Rogers is an acclaimed journalist, author and broadcaster. Known for her work for The Guardian, The Observer, Mojo and more, Jude’s writing explores music’s deep cultural impact. She is author of The Sound of Being Human: How Music Shapes Our Lives, a poignant memoir intertwining personal stories with music history, sociology, psychology, neuroscience and anthropology. Gain a unique perspective on music’s emotional power and its role in shaping identities and memories.

MENToring Session: Artist Management

@M Hotel E

Speaker: Dénes Pécsi-Szabó (Up Music Budapest, HU) MENToring session

MENToring Session on Artist Management with Dénes Pécsi-Szabó (UP Music Budapest, HU).

The mentoring sessions format is a 60-minute session with 5 pre-registered participants. The sessions are participant-led – the mentor will offer only a brief introduction to their background, and the rest of the session will be spent on answering and discussing participants’ questions. Review the mentor’s profile, research the topic and your challenges, and prepare questions – it is up to you to make the most out of it.

Closed session. To participate in the MENToring session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Interview: t0ni & DJ GHEPARD (Soul Feeder)

@M Hotel CD

Moderator: Gabriele Steffe (Nimaš izbire, SI)

Speakers: t0ni – Thomas Borgogni (Soul Feeder, AU, IT), DJ GHEPARD – Michele Sinatti (Soul Feeder, DE, IT) Interview

Explore the creative world of Soul Feeder with founders t0ni and DJ GHEPARD. From its roots as a label, online magazine and art collective, Soul Feeder has become a hub for boundary-pushing electronic music. t0ni’s emotive ambient productions and DJ GHEPARD’s fusion of hardcore, EDM and video-game-inspired soundscapes reflect their innovative vision. We will discuss their journey, artistic ethos and other topics at the intersection of music, identity and digital culture.

Don’t miss Soul Feeder artists live in action with t0ni, DJ GHEPARD, TUNA DISPLAY and BoLs/sLoB at Channel Zero on February 13th.

Serbian Music Festival Landscape

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: Edo Plovanić (Muzika.hr, HR)

Speakers: Miroslav Miletić (Exit Festival, No Sleep Festival, RS), Tamás Horváth (Malomfesztivál, RS)

Let’s get to know the Serbian festival scene – from the well-known Exit Festival to the hidden gem of Malomfesztivál in the Vojvodina Plain. We will learn about the main organisational challenges in a region with less spending power than in the West and how this affects the festival programme. What is the role of festivals in promoting local and regional performers? What are festival audiences like and what are their expectations? And what is the impact of festivals on culture and tourism in Serbia?

Powered by Serbia Creates.

Release Strategies and Creative Marketing in 2025

@M Hotel AB

Moderator: Paulina Parvanov (raspberry soda, LIME, AT)

Speakers: Joe Andrews (The Orchard, UK), Maria Brachmańska (Substandart, CRESQA, AT)

Navigating an oversaturated market, this panel explores how to craft effective release strategies and innovative marketing campaigns in 2025. From optimising release schedules and leveraging data analytics for streaming to building authentic artist-fan connections, panelists will share insights on the creative use of social media, unique promotional techniques and tips for independent artists and labels to stand out and break through the noise. We will conclude the discussion with a look at future trends and challenges.

New Faces: Generation 2025

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: Katja Jukić (Tvornica kulture, JeboTon, HR)

Speakers: Špela Cvetko (Jazzchange, SI), Monica Miroslavova Petrova (SoAlive Music Conference, BG), Tena Kovačić (Manifestus, HR), Marin Zelić (Pandemonium Festival, HR), Ivana Jovanović (Zeleni Kačket, RS), Ružica Petrova (MENT Ljubljana, Radio Študent, SI), Kristiyana Zhulienova Georgieva (ANMIP, BG), Nadica Banishka (Gola Planina, Mrtov Konj, MK), Jane Veljanoski (Dope Kukjata, MK), Branislav Cvetković (Balkanrock, RS)

New Faces is a regional initiative launched by partners MENT Ljubljana, PIN Music Conference, Kontakt and SHIP, now joined by the Bulgarian SoAlive Music Conference. Each year, it presents the ten most promising new faces (under 30) active on the former Yugoslavia and Bulgarian music scene. Let’s meet the generation of 2025, the current and future driving forces of the regional music industry.

Music Discovery = The Headliner

@M Hotel CD

Moderator: Magdalena Angulska (MIH Agency, PL)

Speakers: Bronne Keesmaat (Rewire, NL), Lisa Meyer (Supersonic Festival, Capsule, UK)

Music festivals with a more adventurous curatorial vision play a key role in discovering and showcasing new and old talent, and are particularly exciting for more curious audiences. In conversation with the programme directors of Rewire and Supersonic, we will examine how such festivals develop their programme, include promising new artists, ensure genre diversity and encourage audiences to discover new music and talent. We will also discuss the key challenges for the future of such festivals and their impact on the wider music scene.

MENToring Session: Creative Europe Funding

@M Hotel E

Speakers: Mateja Lazar (Motovila, CED Slovenia, SI), Anera Stopfer (Creative Europe Desk Croatia, HR) MENToring session

MENToring Session on Creative Europe Funding with Anera Stopfer (Creative Europe Desk Croatia, HR) and Mateja Lazar (Motovila, CED Slovenia, SI).

The mentoring sessions format is a 60-minute session with 5 pre-registered participants. The sessions are participant-led – the mentor will offer only a brief introduction to their background, and the rest of the session will be spent on answering and discussing participants’ questions. Review the mentor’s profile, research the topic and your challenges, and prepare questions – it is up to you to make the most out of it.

Closed session. To participate in the MENToring session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Speed Networking: Meet the Austrian Music Professionals

@M Hotel AB

Participants: Arianna Fleur Alfreds (Music Austria, AT), Branko Djukic (Tape Capitol Music, AT), Giovanna Fartacek (Waves Vienna, AT), Johanna Kropfitsch (Concertify, AT), Nicolas Frick (FYI Agency, AT), Noah Kerbler (Noah Management - Lukas Oscar, AT), Patrick Tilg (Feberwolle, AT), Paulina Parvanov (raspberry soda, LIME, AT), Reinhold Seyfriedsberger (Spoon Agency, AT), Sarah Moussa (Las Vegas Records, AT).

Speed Networking

In collaboration with Austrian Music Export, we are hosting a speed networking session with Austrian music professionals. Take the opportunity to get in touch with some of the key players of the Austrian music scene, from promoters and booking agents to label representatives, managers and more.

Closed session. To participate in the speed networking session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Speed Networking: Meet the World Music & Global Sounds Promoters and Festivals

@M Hotel CD

Participants: Aleksander Mottori (Clandestino Fest, SE), Aleksandra Pavlović (Estam Festival, RS), Balazs Weyer (Hangvető, UPBEAT, Budapest Ritmo, HU), Bogdan Benigar (Druga Godba, Domingo Productions, SI), Emir Fulurija (Vrelo zvuka, HR), Girisha Fernando (Water & Sound Festival, Brechtfestival, DE), Jozsef Halmen (Mumush, Stairway Booking, F-Cat Productions, RO), Lisa Branigan (Green Futures Festivals, Re-Play Music C.I.C, UK), Marco Stangherlin (Wakeupandream, IT), Stéphane Krasniewski (Festival Les Suds, à Arles, FR).

Speed Networking

MENT offers a great opportunity to meet and present your work to some of the most renowned world music and global sounds promoters as well as music festivals – from Romania and Serbia to Sweden and France, and all the way to Glastonbury! Don’t miss your chance to make new useful personal contacts.

Closed session. To participate in the speed networking session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

CE/MENT Listening Session

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Loti Kavšek (Lottie, SI)

Speakers: Nadja Bozic (Ekipa, DE), Marina George (Tresor, DE), Matwe Kaščák (SPFM Booking, SK) CE/MENT

A group of professionals from the electronic music scene will go on a blind date with songs by selected local and regional artists, who will receive immediate, direct and honest feedback. Would they book the artist? What may be the entry points to their countries? Is there room for improvement? A chance to hear an honest analysis of individual songs by music professionals.

Where to Find Great Music From Other Parts of Europe?

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: Katja Thalerová (Sharpe Festival, LALA Slovak Music Export, SK)

Speakers: Lisa Branigan (Green Futures Festivals, Re-Play Music C.I.C, UK), Michal Kaščák (Pohoda Festival, SK), Michal Pařízek (Full Moon Magazine, CZ)

The majority of European festival lineups and music media outlets are still dominated by Anglo-American artists for many reasons, but at the same time there is lots of exceptional music from all across Europe. Let’s get out of our comfort zone! We will discuss where to find such hidden gems and emerging talents, and how to support and showcase them at an international level. We will hopefully find a way for exciting music from our part of Europe to be more exposed, recognised and shine brighter.

MENToring Session: Poland Live Music Market

@M Hotel E

Speaker: Magdalena Angulska (MIH Agency, PL) MENToring session

MENToring Session on Poland Live Music Market with Magdalena Angulska (MIH Agency, PL).

The mentoring sessions format is a 60-minute session with 5 pre-registered participants. The sessions are participant-led – the mentor will offer only a brief introduction to their background, and the rest of the session will be spent on answering and discussing participants’ questions. Review the mentor’s profile, research the topic and your challenges, and prepare questions – it is up to you to make the most out of it.

Closed session. To participate in the MENToring session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

GAS Live Music Ecosystem

@M Hotel CD

Moderator: Giovanna Fartacek (Waves Vienna, AT)

Speakers: Reinhold Seyfriedsberger (Spoon Agency, AT), Samira Wacker (dq agency, Jenseits von Millionen Festival, DE), Manuel Schottmüller (Emerged Agency, DE)

The German-speaking area (GAS – Germany, Austria, Switzerland) is one of the largest and most developed music markets in Europe, with high purchasing power and a large audience, but it is also an extremely competitive market. What are the possible strategies for emerging artists to enter such a saturated market? How do festivals, clubs and concert venues operate and what trends are shaping the live music scene? What are the specificities of each country? Let’s find out the many secrets of this challenging but also rewarding live music market.

Interview: Michail Stangl (Opium Hum)

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderators: Matwe Kaščák (SPFM Booking, SK), Paula Poštolková (SPFM Booking, SK)

Speaker: Michail Stangl (Opium Hum, CTM Festival, DE) CE/MENT

Michail Stangl is one of the key figures in the global electronic music underground for over 15 years. Known for his work as a programmer at Boiler Room and curator of Berlin’s CTM Festival, Michail has shaped groundbreaking events like Leisure System and Hyper Real. With performances in over 40 countries and deep ties to iconic scenes like São Paulo’s Vampire Haus, Michail offers unparalleled insight into electronic music’s transformative power and cultural impact.

Exploring the Croatian Live Music Market

@M Hotel AB

Moderator: Rok Košir (Most Music Agency, SI)

Speakers: Mirna Čupić (ZEZ/KSET, Music Biennale Zagreb, HR), Magdalena Šetka Jelković (Azimut, HR), Ante Zvonimir Stamać (SHIP Festival, Bear Stone Festival, OOO Booking, HR), Ivana Jelača (INmusic Festival, HR)

Let’s get to know the Croatian live music market from different perspectives and compare the concert scene in Zagreb with the rest of the country. What is the diversity and development of DIY club spaces like? What is the role of music festivals, which mostly take place in the summer months on the sprawling Adriatic coast? What are the opportunities and key entry points for up-and-coming international music artists? And what is the Croatian concert crowd like?

Record Label Panel: Developing Emerging Artists

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: Dieuwertje Heuvelings (Dutch Music Export, NL)

Speakers: Ellie Rumbold (Partisan Records, DE), Paul Jones (Rough Trade, UK), Anika Mottershaw (Bella Union, UK)

In the ever-evolving music industry where label work is getting more and more diversified, the role of A&R also has transformed. The panel explores how labels scout new talent in a crowded landscape, foster artist development and growth, and how the relationship between record labels, artists, their management and agents is changing. What are the strategies for developing and marketing emerging artists in a competitive market, and how to build long-term careers in an era where live performance, streaming, and fan engagement define success?

MENToring Session: Digital Marketing in Music

@M Hotel E

Speaker: Lenka Pittnerová (Heartnoize Promotion, CZ) MENToring session

MENToring Session on Digital Marketing in Music with Lenka Pittnerová (Heartnoize Promotion, CZ).

The mentoring sessions format is a 60-minute session with 5 pre-registered participants. The sessions are participant-led – the mentor will offer only a brief introduction to their background, and the rest of the session will be spent on answering and discussing participants’ questions. Review the mentor’s profile, research the topic and your challenges, and prepare questions – it is up to you to make the most out of it.

Closed session. To participate in the MENToring session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Interview: Elisa Luengo (Dekmantel)

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Chal Ravens (music journalist, No Tags podcast, UK)

Speaker: Elisa Luengo (Dekmantel, NL) CE/MENT

Join Elisa Luengo, music programmer at Dekmantel, as she delves into the vision behind one of the world’s most celebrated electronic music festivals. From curating cutting-edge lineups to exploring new ways of engaging audiences, Elisa will share insights into the creative process that keeps Dekmantel at the forefront of festival innovation. Discover how she and the team craft unforgettable experiences that push the boundaries of electronic music and event culture.

The Orchard x Croatia Records Happy Hour

@Kino Šiška - Kamera

Presented by: The Orchard.

Receptions

The Orchard and Croatia Records are celebrating our new partnership! Join us for a Happy Hour during a MENT Festival to enjoy great conversation on industry news and regional music over drinks.

Plan B for the Music Industry

@M Hotel HJ

Speakers: Chris Cooke (CMU, UK), Scott Cohen (JKBX, UK)

The music industry is constantly faced with challenges that require flexibility and innovative solutions, but on the other hand many things are fundamentally “cemented” and difficult to change. In a conversation between two great experts on the music ecosystem, we will inquire what the music industry of the future could look like. A chance to look into the future and get tips on how to adapt to the coming changes.

The Role of Record Labels in Electronic Music

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Nina Maštruko (Babilonska, HR)

Speakers: Rob Booth (Houndstooth, Fabric, UK), Marcus Scott (Hyperdub, UK) CE/MENT

The representatives of two acclaimed UK labels, Hyperdub and Houndstooth, will discuss the role of labels in electronic music today. How do they co-shape the music scene, support and showcase new artists, find and reach target audiences, and maintain their identity and creative vision in a rapidly changing music landscape? And what will be the future of electronic music labels in the next decade?

MENToring Session: Festival Booking

@M Hotel E

Speaker: Márcio Laranjeira (Lovers & Lollypops, Tremor, Square, PT) MENToring session

MENToring Session on Festival Booking with Márcio Laranjeira (Lovers & Lollypops, Tremor, Square, PT).

The mentoring sessions format is a 60-minute session with 5 pre-registered participants. The sessions are participant-led – the mentor will offer only a brief introduction to their background, and the rest of the session will be spent on answering and discussing participants’ questions. Review the mentor’s profile, research the topic and your challenges, and prepare questions – it is up to you to make the most out of it.

Closed session. To participate in the MENToring session, you need to register in advance. Registrations are open until 22:00 on February 6th 2025.

REGISTER

Dogaja Project: Presentation And Debate

@M Hotel CD

Moderator: Danaja Volk (Most Wanted: Music, Sub_Bar, CounterCult, DE/SI)

Speakers: Lorena Junghans (KINDA, DE), Kasja Borić (Tailored Communication, HR, DE), Mirna Čupić (ZEZ/KSET, Music Biennale Zagreb, HR)

Take a seat at the table as we present the findings from the collaborative project between Most Wanted: Music, MENT and the New Faces pilot project Dogaja – a bridge between Berlin and the local music markets of Slovenia, Croatia and North Macedonia. We will talk about how to craft fresh formats, dissect ideas like pros and tackle the eternal mystery of funding. Stick around to meet other music minds and pick up a few survival tips for your next trip to Berlin.

Amplifying Talent: The State of Music Business Education in Europe

@M Hotel AB

Moderator: Karla Rogozar (IMPALA, BE)

Speakers: Dario Draštata (Dallas Records, RUNDA, IMPALA, HR), Paulina Parvanov (raspberry soda, LIME, AT), Ruth Koleva (SoAlive Music Conference, Sofia Live Festival, BG)

This panel will explore the state of music business education in Europe, with a special focus on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Experts will discuss the current state of programmes, share experiences and highlight what is missing in the region and beyond. The discussion will feature the best practices from across Europe and identify gaps in practical training. Panelists will also announce upcoming projects, designed to strengthen music business education.

Powered by IMPALA & RUNDA.

Where Do You Sound From?

@M Hotel HJ

Moderator: Ula Nowak (Mosaic Beats, OFF Festival, PL)

Speakers: Sébastien ‘Scott’ Gillot (Soyouz, FR), Chris Eckman (Glitterbeat Records, SI), Marisa Segala (Crossover Frequencies, Resonator, DK)

A huge variety of music from all over the globe is lumped under the very general term, world music. In recent years, a number of such artists have attracted the interest of the general public and concert and festival organisers beyond the strict confines of the genre. What does this term represent to the performers themselves and other players in the music industry? What are the key strengths and challenges for such artists in Europe? Where are new artists entering the market and what is the role of festivals and labels in this? And where do our speakers discover new music and artists?

Clubs and Clubbing: Programme, Challenges, Economy

@Kino Šiška - Komuna

Moderator: Martina Brunner (Vienna Club Commission, AT)

Speakers: Jędrzej Kowalczyk (Jasna 1, PL), Jonáš Verešpej (Ankali, CZ) CE/MENT

Club infrastructure, a key factor for the development of electronic music and the dance music scene, is constantly facing many challenges. How do clubs develop their vision and curate a successful programme? How do they manage to develop a community in the fragile triangle between clubs, performers and audiences? How to foster intergenerational dialogue, find new audiences and provide a platform for up-and-coming talent? And how do clubs cope with economic pressures?