This content is brought to you by Audiocourses dot com
Sweden is currently at the forefront of an international explosion of Scandinavian pop and rock artists. Access All Areas intends to be a showcase event, held over two days, where the cream of up-and-coming talents from Sweden and the UK will perform for the benefit of the music industry and general public.
WHAT IS ACCESS ALL AREAS?
Sweden is currently at the forefront of an international explosion of Scandinavian pop and rock artists. Britain too is undergoing something of a revival - there's a palpable sense of creativity and optimism that is steadily sweeping aside the cynicism that followed the demise of Brit Pop. Access All Areas (AAA) is an event that intends to celebrate the current music scene of both nations. Over two days in November, the cream of up-and-coming and unsigned talent from Sweden will play for the benefit of the international music industry, press and general public. Joining them from Britain will be what we think are three of the best new acts around. But that's not all. During the day, professional delegates will be able to take part in a series of focused talks on subjects as diverse as Hype, Branding and Copyrights; while in the evenings the doors open up to the general public for on-stage interviews with the likes of award-wining novelist and one-time NME music journalist Tony Parsons, plus the legendary creator of the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren. For those who still have some energy left after seeing 11 artists play each night, two of Stockholm's best clubs - Accelerator and Bomben - will take centre stage until 3AM, while the club Step On will keep the beats bouncing in the bar. For those of you out there with the ambition to become the next Coldplay or Hives, there will be two demo panels (one each day) hosted by A&R professionals from Sweden, the UK and the US, who will be able to give you instant feedback and advice on your demo material - just bring your tapes or CDs with you and join the queue! And finally you'll be able to see Steve Lamacq (one of the UK's most respected DJs with a regular spot on BBC Radio 1 and Digital 6) spinning a few of his favourite records at the clubs.
SOUNDS GOOD. WHO'S PUTTING ALL THIS TOGETHER?
AAA is a joint initiative of the British Council Sweden and Export Music Sweden. Both organisations are dedicated to promoting the talents of their respective countries. AAA is a non-profit event, driven purely by the need to fill the gap in the Swedish Music calendar for an event of this kind - one which can bring together the music industries from Scandinavia and Britain to explore the issues of the day, and to "get behind the music". It's also the perfect chance for new artists to expose their work to an audience of international music industry professionals and music fans. We've also found a number of partners to support us in realising this project. These include Going Underground, the Swedish Interest Organisation for the Experience Industries (IUI), and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Special thanks need to be extended to Kulturfrämjandet, Trade Partners UK, British Airways and Stockholm City Council for providing financial support.
WHO WILL ATTEND?
International journalists, music industry professionals, musicians and the general public.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE SHOWCASE BE HELD?
The event will take place at Mondo, the new premiere location in the heart of the student area of Stockholm, Weds & Thurs the 26-27 Nov. Mondo spreads over three floors, and incorporates two stages, a pub/restaurant and 100-seat cinema. It is within easy access of the two event hotels, at which we have negotiated substantial discounts: the Clarion Hotel is a five minute walk from Mondo and the Scandic Malmen is on the other side of the street.
WHO WILL BE THERE?
Names so far confirmed for the industry talks include Petri H. Lundén (Talent Trust, manager to the Cardigans and Soundtrack of Our Lives); Per Sundin (MD, Sony Music Scandinavia); Sanji Tandan (S56 Records); Peter Jenner (Sincere Management UK, Head of MMF and ex-Pink Floyd manager); Alison Wenham (Head of Association of Independent Music, UK); Kenth Muldin (Head of STIM, Sweden); Martin Goldschmidt (Head Cooking Vinyl, UK); Sam Windwood (A&R London Records, UK); David Ferguson (Chair of the British Academy, UK); Roger Wallis (Chair SKAP); Paulina Ahokas (Head Export Music Finland); Michael Blair (US Producer & Musician - Tom Waits/Elvis Costello); Magnus Broni (Presenter, Musicbyrån); Lesley Bleakley (Beggars Banquet, NYC), and Martin Talbot (Music Week, UK). There is also a whole host of other leading names from both the Swedish and UK music industry taking part.
WHICH ARTISTS WILL BE PLAYING?
Artists playing at AAA include most of the leading indie artists in Sweden, plus three great acts from the UK. Confirmed artists include José González (Sweden's leading singer/songwriter), Coin-Op (UK art/punk/pop outfit) and Bad Cash Quartet (Sweden's most up-and-coming indie band) as well as Hell on Wheels, The Wilson Hospital, The Teenage Idols, Kamera, Bear Quartet, Melody Club, David & the Citizens, The Universe, Her Majesty, Hank, Whyte Seeds, Futureheads (UK), Soak the Sin, Sofia Gustafsson and M.A.S.S. (UK). We're expecting a couple of more names too - so make sure you check the web-site to keep updated.
