Øyafestivalen, 10 - 14 August 2010
Øya International 2010
by Webmaster, 23.08.2010
For the seventh consecutive year Music Export Norway and Øyafestivalen invited industry professionals to join the Øya International program.
The program included four days of networking events such as speed meetings, fjord cruise and of course a wide selection of great music. This year, approximately 160 people participated in Øya International. 80 of these were representatives from the international press, record industry, festivals and other parts of the music business.
Speed meetings
As previous years the opening event was speed meetings in the Opera house in Oslo, where the participants conducted 10 meetings of 8 minutes each, based on a wish list from the Norwegian industry professionals. This has turned out to be a very effective way of increasing one’s international business network.
After the speed meeting sessions the participants took a short stroll over to the festival area to enjoy informal networking in the international tent, situated straight across the bridge from the main stage. The weather was a bit rough at first, but fortunately it cleared up within a couple of hours.
Jump in the fjord!
The next day Øya and Music Export Norway organized a boat trip to Bleikøya, a traditional networking event at Øya International. A treasure hunt, insider’s guides and a barbecue were the main ingredients during the trip. This was by far a record breaking year with regards to swimming in the Oslo Fjord as well. The fact that the sun was shining all day probably helped set the mood for the trip.
Check out more of our photos from Øya International on Flickr
Journalists from all over the world joined the Øya International program this year. Here is a selection of stories from the international press so far:
“There’s a reason of Montreal dedicated a song to Oslo in the summertime – the city is absolutely beautiful, and it’s the perfect setting for a summer music festival. Located on medieval ruins and situated along the gorgeous fjords, even the heavy Norwegian rain can’t dampen the Øya Festival.”
– NME (read full story)
“Today has already been a great success, having a trip to an island, playing quizzes and eating lots of love food provided by the wonderful Øya hosts. I’m off now to do some Courtyard sessions then get stuck in to today’s festival line-up!”
– The Fly (read full story)
“If you like your festivals aesthetically and musically beautiful and prefectly organised, then Oya is the place for you. Fall in love with the festival and the people and the city. I certainly did. See you there next year!”
– Gigwise (read full story)
“Set in amongst the ruins of a mediaeval castle, with a backdrop of newly-built shiny skyscrapers and the glistening waters of Oslo's main fjord, the festival has recently won four industry awards for its ecological approach to live music.”
– BBC (read full story including video)
