POPKOMM PRESENTS 16 FINNISH BANDS

There seems to be no slowing the expansion of Finnish music exports, with the forthcoming Popkomm in Berlin on September 14-16 seeing an increase in the number of both bands and companies attending. The showcase programme could easily be called Finnkomm, with a record 16 Finnish bands in the official schedule. -> More information 
 
Says Popkomm’s showcase manager Dirk Schade:
“I’m happy to welcome 16 Finnish acts to Popkomm 2005. The reason for this high number of Popkomm acts from Finland is very simple. Music with heart and soul! And people can feel this. Finland indeed is one of the European countries with a very interesting music scene.”
 
Music Export Finland Director Paulina Ahokas comments on the background to this amplified activity:
“There has been a clear increase in the number of Finnish albums being released on the continental European market. This naturally affects the willingness of local artist partners to present Finnish acts to their colleagues. Furthermore, it encourages Finnish companies to pursue new partners and business openings for their artists; clearly an opportunity to seize a lucrative business moment.”
 
The Finnish showcase includes a special jazz night at the infamous Berliner Aufsturz jazz club and a solid package of newcomer chart toppers on the final Friday night at the Frannz club in the Popkomm festival’s centre the Kulturbrauerei. And obviously, Finnish metal will be highlighted with Spinefarm´s gothic Lullacry on stage at the festival’s international metal night. -> More information on the bands 
 
Finnish companies get busy at the Popkomm Trade Fair
 
Music industry professionals will also find plenty of action at the Music Export Finland stand. The number of companies attending has increased from 20 in 2004 to 25, with many exciting newcomers. Previous years have been very fruitful for Finnish delegates and so this increase is only natural.
 
The range of products is wide: Finns represent everything from tough hip-hop to electronic beats and grinding metal, from brilliant pop to laid-back grooves, plus the latest mobile solutions. -> Full company listings at: www.musexfinland.fi/popkomm2005
 
The Finnish stand at Popkomm 2005 is to be extended by the world’s biggest mobile phone company Nokia, who will exhibit their music products next to the Finnish stand.
 
 
 
Finnish joint marketing campaign at Popkomm 2005 supported by Ministry of Education, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Finnish Embassy in Berlin and Laitila drinks.
 
NOTE!
● The coolest drinks party at Popkomm 2005 will be celebrated in the company of the Nordic contingent, on Thursday, September 15, starting 5.30pm. For more information, please email: assistant@musexfinland.fi
● Party vibes fuelled by Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas
 
Further information and interview requests:
Paulina Ahokas, Director
Music Export Finland
Mobile: +358 40 551 1551
Email: paulina.ahokas@musexfinland.fi