Brighton, May 12-15
Summing up TGE
by Webmaster, 20.06.2011
Five Norwegian acts played high profile slots at The Great Escape 2011.
This year The Great Escape took place 12 – 15th of May in Brighton. In just six years the festival/convention has established itself as one of Europe's most important industry events for showcasing new music, and this year they booked Blood Command, 22, Moddi, Lucy Swann and Team Me from Norway, who all played two showcases each during the weekend.
The bands all played several high profile slots programmed by the likes of Drowned in Sound, HMV’s Next Big Thing Festival, Popkomm and The Line of Best Fit, to name a few. Also in Brighton were a selection of Norwegian industry professionals attending seminars, showcases and networking events, with support from Music Export Norway.
Sold-out festival
With15 000 punters spread over 30 venues the sold-out festival provided a strong platform for showcasing Norwegian talent. The Norwegian bands experienced lively concerts to crowds made up of both industry professionals and music lovers, as well as the media.
The acts gained valuable exposure in UK media from playing TGE and reviews and interviews have been on the radio and in the newspapers locally and nationally.
One act who’s benefitted from playing The Great Escape is 22, who have secured booking agents in the UK (Beckie Sugden at The Agency). Team Me had already started to gain momentum in the UK before The Great Escape having received great press for their recently released EP and supporting British Sea Power and The Wombats on tour. Q magazine placed Team Me on their Top 10 list of acts at TGE after seeing them at the festival, which proves the increasing international interest in the band.
question & answers
- What sort of financial support does Music Export Norway provide?
- I want to play a showcase at a showcase festival. What do I do?
- How do I prepare for an industry festival or event?
- The UK taxation rules are confusing. How does it work?
- Where can I find export statistics for Norwegian music?
- What do you mean by "export ready"?
- What are the hottest Norwegian acts these days?
- Where can I find Norwegian industry contacts?
