"If any A&R men are paying attention, my bet for the next Seattle or Madchester or Cologne is Finland." The Wire
The unprecedented Finnish storming of the European charts by Bomfunk MC’s, Darude and HIM, along with other medium-scale successes, has proved that Finland has abundant export potential that spans various genres. Indeed, there is quite a lot to promote. International awareness of the wealth of Finnish talent is still in the early stages but growing steadily, often in leaps and bounds.
An excellent collection of the finest Finnish bands from all genres can be experienced in this year’s SXSW March, 12-16 2003. Children of Bodom on Spinefarm Records spent three weeks at first place in the Finnish Top 40 album chart with their latest album; Hate Crew Deathroll (2003). Their previous album; Follow the Reaper sold 150 000 copies internationally.
Koneveljet, from Exogenic Records represent the burgeoning Finnish electronic music scene which is being closely followed and critically praised by international music magazines. It has been called the freshest and the most original happening around. The fabulous Flaming Sideburns, a Finnish rock band at the forefront of the garage-rock revolution is also performing.
Five leading Finnish companies are represented at SXSW: Exogenic Records was awarded the notion "fucking supercool" by DJ Magazine after its first instant hit releases in electronic music. Spinefarm Records has gained the reputation of Finland’s most internationally successful metal label.
Alongside the bands performing live at SXSW, there are three more Finnish labels coming to promote their goodies: Levy-yhtiö Records, which was established in 1993 and has already had 7 albums and 22 singles at number one and Poko Rekords, a company that has sold 125 golden and platinum records in Finland (10 of which are double, triple, quadruple or quintuple platinum). The companies´ international acts project the same success potential. Rockadillo Records is one of Finland´s longest established and globally best known indie labels specializing in electronica, world music, jazz and progressive.
The Finnish Music Information Centre will also bring along compilation albums and catalogues on Finnish acts to SXSW audiences.
-> You are welcome to come and meet the Finnish representatives at the joint Finland/Sweden stand at the trade fair stand L5/L6.
More information on the Finnish SXSW participation:
Paulina Ahokas, Music Export Finland, Director
Email: paulina.ahokas@musexfinland.fi
Mobile: +358 (0)40 5511 551