New Faces: Generation 2024
Wednesday, 21st February 2024,
17:30 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Tena Šarčević (Glazba.hr, HR)
Speakers: Ismail Myrseli (Yugofuturism, KO), Jovana Đokić (culture management, RS), Katja Jukić (JeboTon, Tvornica Kulture, SeaStar Festival, HR), Manca Ogrin (SIGIC, SI), Milica Lazović (music journalist, RS), Mirna Čupić (KSET, HR), Nemanja Ćirić (Karmakoma, RS), Ognen Stojanoski (Password Production, MK), Ramona Monja Kochishka (Password Production, MK), Staš Kramar (Nimaš Izbire, SI)
New Faces is a regional initiative launched by the partners MENT Ljubljana, PIN Music Conference, Kontakt and SHIP. Each year, it presents the ten most promising new faces (under 30) active on the former Yugoslavia music scene. Let's meet the generation of 2024, the current and future driving forces of the regional music industry.
Listening Session
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
11:00 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Klara Zupančič (Val 202, SI)
Speakers: Andy Jones (Focus Wales, UK), Anita Richelli (brighter agency, Most Wanted: Music, DE), Sindri Ástmarsson (Iceland Airwaves, IS), Tatiana Lehocká (Sharpe Festival, SK)
Bookers from European showcase festivals will listen to songs by selected MENT 2024 artists and offer their immediate, direct and honest feedback. Would they book the artist? What may be the entry points to their countries? Is there room for improvement? A chance to hear an honest analysis of individual songs by music professionals.
Touring Europe in 2024: Navigating Rising Costs and Overcrowded Markets
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
11:15 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Barbora Šubrtová (crave, CZ)
Speakers: Adrien Kremer (Voulez Vous Danser, FR), Jeroen van den Bogert (EBB Music, NL), Roxane Dumoulin (ATC Live, UK)
While international touring seems to be back in full swing after the Covid pandemic, the European live music market is facing many challenges. How to cope with the rising costs of touring, organising concerts and festivals, increasing artist’s fees and ever more expensive ticket prices? How to manage congestion on the touring landscape, overbooked venues and coordinate the availability of the most sought-after artists? Are there any opportunities for emerging artists in such a competitive environment?
Balkan Streaming Odyssey: A Five-Year Retrospective
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
11:15 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Dario Draštata (Dallas Records, RUNDA, Impala, HR)
Speakers: Bojan Musulin (IDJDigital, RS), Dimitrisz Topuzidisz (Believe, HU), Marta Stupin (Menart, HR)
Less than five years ago, Spotify and Apple Music finally entered the former Yugoslavia markets. Together with some of the key regional players, we will examine the aftermath and look into how artists and records labels have adapted, how listeners have responded, and what the trends and prospects are for the next five years.
In co-production with RUNDA.
Interview: Keith Miller (Bad Vibrations, Wide Awake Festival)
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
12:15 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Katja Thalerova (Sharpe Festival, LALA, SK)
Speaker: Keith Miller (Bad Vibrations, Wide Awake Festival, UK)
Keith Miller is the founder and driving force behind Bad Vibrations and Wide Awake Festival. Discover his journey in music, from artist management (Los Bitchos) to launching a record label, and his role in shaping London's music scene through venue programming and the annual Wide Awake Festival. Don't miss the chance to learn from a music scene trailblazer.
Promoting New Music in the Former Yugoslavia Region
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
12:15 @ M Hotel CD
Moderator: Nikki McNeill (Global Publicity, UK)
Speakers: Maša Pavoković (Mashupmash, SI), Nikola Jovanović (Virgin Music Group & Universal Music, RS), Sanjin Đukić (LAA, Pola, HR)
Do you have a new album, single or artist, and you want them to be heard in the former Yugoslavia territory? Should you focus on traditional media and PR, social media platforms, streaming and YouTube stats, live performances, influencers or something else completely? Learn what are the possible strategies and approaches to an effective promotion of new music in the region.
DIY Music Distribution: How to Release Your Song by Yourself (and Not Get Crazy)
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
12:30 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Speaker: Ivan Ivanov (TuneCore CIS, EE and Turkey)
With a plethora of DIY tools appearing every day, it may be extremely difficult for independent artists to separate the wheat from the chaff and understand what is worth using and why. More importantly – how this or that service can help them drive their careers, grow their revenue as releasing artists – and to stay independent. We will talk about all these topics as well as what today’s music distribution landscape looks like, what the DIY distribution specifically means, and how to avoid the most common mistakes almost every other artist makes.
Presented by TuneCore.
Under the Spotlight: Fusion Festival
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
13:45 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Galeb Nikačević (Agelast, RS)
Speakers: Anne Runge (Fusion Festival, DE), Rosa Räthel (Fusion Festival, DE)
Fusion Festival is a German cultural phenomenon that celebrates music, art, diversity and alternative lifestyles. Fusion is a one-of-a-kind experience and so much more than just another summer music festival. With members of the Fusion core team, we will unveil the essence of this unique event, exploring its rich history, diverse lineup, social activism and organisational challenges. Dive into the magic world of Fusion.
Undiscovered Balkans: Exploring Hidden Music Markets
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
14:00 @ M Hotel CD
Moderator: Koen ter Heegde (Yugofuturism, Subroutine Records, NL)
Speakers: Elvis Hoxha (Destil Creative Hub, AL), Ismail Myrseli (Yugofuturism, KO), Janko Popović (Rockstrikcija, ME), Marin Bošnjak (Mostar Rock School, BA)
This year, MENT offers a unique opportunity to discover the usually overlooked music scenes in the Balkans. We will check the pulse of the music scenes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. Explore the untapped opportunities, local talent and potential for cultural exchange in these emerging music scenes which can be a very rewarding opportunity and choice, particularly for new artists.
Game-Changing Music Streaming Transformations
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
14:15 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Kees van Weijen (STOMP, Impala, NL)
Speakers: Annabella Coldrick (MMF, UK), Chris Cooke (CMU, UK), Mark Kitcatt (Everlasting Records, Impala, ES)
In 2023, there have been some tectonic shifts in streaming platforms that will significantly shape the music landscape in the years to come. Among other things, a change in the way royalties are calculated for authors and labels has been announced, and there have been mass redundancies. What will be the consequences of these changes and how will the music industry – from platforms to musicians, labels and listeners – adapt?
Moonlee Records – 20 Years of Squeezing Juicy Tunes
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
14:45 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Emir Fulurija (Izvorišta, Vrelo zvuka, HR)
Speaker: Miran Rusjan (Moonlee Records, MENT, SI)
Moonlee Records is one of the most important guitar music labels in the former Yugoslavia region. Its roster includes bands such as Repetitor, KOIKOI, Bernays Propaganda, Moveknowledgement, ŽEN, Seine, Lelee and many others. In 2024, Moonlee is celebrating its 20th anniversary. We will take this opportunity to sit down with its founder and driving force Miran Rusjan and discuss its origins and vision as well as the challenges of running such a label.
Short Form Killed the Video Star: Social Media Tips and Tricks
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
16:00 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Dominika Maša Kozar (Kino Šiška, MENT Ljubljana, SI)
Speakers: Alek Bošković (Believe, RS), Ana Castillo (Sony Music Spain, ES), Bee Adamic (Liberty Music PR, UK)
The panel is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive on social media. We’re going to explore the rise of short-form content, discuss the effectiveness of platforms in breaking new artists, uncover the secrets behind algorithms and how they prioritize content, provide strategies to harness reach and maximize visibility for music-related content, examine the art of storytelling through visuals and identify trends that are shaping the future of social media in the music industry.
Interview: Matej Ahlin and Črt Batagelj (Dirty Skunks)
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
16:00 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Aljaž Novak (Primorske novice, Hei'An, SI)
Speakers: Črt Batagelj (Dirty Skunks, Tolminator, SI), Matej Ahlin (Dirty Skunks, Tolminator, SI)
Meet the Dirty Skunks, a smelly duo of prolific promoters, who produce the largest number of metal and hardcore concerts in Ljubljana and Slovenia on a yearly basis. Let's take a walk through their beginnings and history, see where they get the inspiration and drive to organise so many gigs, and hear some hilarious anecdotes from behind the scenes.
DIY Touring Highway Through Former Yugoslavia
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
16:15 @ M Hotel CD
Moderator: Laura Ferrero (Krava 22, EEnlarge Europe, RS)
Speakers: Ivan Lončarević (Pop depresija, RS), Laura Tandarić (Močvara, HR), Luka Zadro (JeboTon, SNO, HR)
The panel is tailored for smaller and emerging international artists who want to experience the adventurous but potentially very rewarding live music markets of the former Yugoslavia region. Discover how everything works and what are the key entry points, which festivals, venues and promoters to target, find out about local differences and audiences, and learn new tips and tricks for success in this vibrant musical landscape.
Mom, I'm a Trend – What now?
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
17:00 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Alek Bošković (Believe, RS)
Speakers: Adam Al-Hilali (Liberty Music PR, UK), Dominika Maša Kozar (Kino Šiška, MENT Ljubljana, SI), Zoran Zarubica (Buč Kesidi, RS)
Let’s focus on the phenomena of short-form platforms like TikTok and its trends! In this discussion, we will explore the intricacies of various trends and provide valuable perspectives on how to not only identify but also capitalize on them. Our speakers will share their experiences, help you stay up to date on the latest algorithm updates, advise you on your digital strategy and give you insights into catching the trend wave in case you ever become one – be that intentionally or “randomly”.
Insights into the Vibrant European Metal Scene
Thursday, 22nd February 2024,
17:00 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Becky Laverty (Roadburn Festival, Prosthetic Records, UK)
Speakers: Bianca Damian (ARTmania Events, RO), Benjamin Fournet (Toolbox Booking, Motocultor Festival, BE/FR), Jacopo de Simone (District 19, IT), Zoltan Jakab (Doomstar Bookings, HU)
Let's explore the vibrant European live metal scene – its specifics, evolution, trends, faithful audience, subgenre diversity and especially its main challenges. Join us as we dissect the heart-pounding world of European metal, from iconic festivals to underground venues and from the biggest acts to emerging artists.
CE/MENT
Listening Session
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
11:00 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Jera Topolovec (CE/MENT, dvidevat, SI)
Speakers: Branislav Jovančević (Drugstore, RS), Jim Becker (Kiosk Radio, BE), Leo Küchler (Lighthouse, Blitz Music Club, AT/DE), Paulina Żaczek (Granko Agency, PL)
A group of professionals from the electronic music scene will go on a blind date with songs by selected MENT artists, who will receive immediate, direct and honest feedback. Would they book the artist? What may be the entry points to their countries? Is there room for improvement? A chance to hear an honest analysis of individual songs by music professionals.
CE/MENT
Electronic Music Agencies in the CEE Region: Scene Overview, Booking Challenges and Future Collaborations
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
12:15 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Matwe Kaščák (SPFM, SK)
Speakers: Daniel Somlo (BUSH, INOTA, HU), Paula Poštolková (SPFM, Pohoda Festival, SK), Paulina Żaczek (Granko Agency, PL), Wouter Koolj (Index Mutual, CZ)
Acknowledging the disparities between Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries and Western Europe, it’s important for the CEE electronic music scenes to reinvent their own economic policies and strategies, tailored to their individual contexts, instead of solely adopting Western models. With this in mind, new collaborations between CEE agencies and promoters with a similar vision of community are currently being established in the region. Let's hear the needs and motivations behind it and get a better understanding of the CEE electronic scenes.
CE/MENT
The Pulse of India's Live Music Scene
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
13:00 @ M Hotel CD
Moderator: Manca Ogrin (SIGIC, SI)
Speakers: Ave Tölpt (Music Estonia, EE), Sarah Al Saleh (Sahareya, SI), Sohail Arora (KRUNK, Rafiki, IN), Sunny Al Saleh (SunnySun, BigNose Records, SI), Veronika Černe (DJ/Raketa, sound engineer, SI)
A year ago, India became the world's most populous country, yet we still don't have much insight into its music market. Let's take the first step into a better understanding of the key entry points, trends and challenges, festival scene and live opportunities in the growing Indian live music market, with a focus on urban and electronic music genres.
CE/MENT
Interview: Lauren Sohikian (Modern Matters)
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
13:45 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Brandon Rosenbluth (LittleBig Agency, SI)
Speaker: Lauren Sohikian (Modern Matters, DE)
Lauren Sohikian is the lead representative of the boutique Berlin-based PR agency Modern Matters, who runs promotion campaigns for labels including UIQ, Monkeytown Records and Nyege Nyege as well as festivals such as Berlin Atonal, Terraforma and No Bounds. Some of her current projects include promotion for Waking Life, and Jägermeister‘s nightlife investment branch, Best Nights VC. Learn from her insights in PR, strategic planning for releases and festival promotion, artist and label management, and talent scouting.
CE/MENT
The Dynamic Role of Record Labels in Electronic Music
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
15:00 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Nina Maštruko (ZEZ, HR)
Speakers: Jef Oswald (YUKU, UK/CZ), Paul Boumendil (Timedance, UK), Strahinja Arbutina (Low Income $quad, HR)
What’s going on in the dynamic landscape of electronic music labels? Let's address the key challenges and dive into the distribution and consumption of electronic music in the digital age, A&R processes within the genre, artist-label dynamics, the building of a label’s brand and identity, forward-thinking promotion strategies, licensing, copyright and more. Last but not least, what are the future trends and directions and the role of labels in this ever-changing landscape?
CE/MENT
Interview: Shawn Reynaldo (First Floor)
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
16:15 @ Komuna (Kino Šiška)
Moderator: Jaša Bužinel (MENT, Sonica, The Quietus, SI)
Speaker: Shawn Reynaldo (First Floor, US/ES)
In conversation with one of the world's most renowned electronic music writers and author of the First Floor newsletter, we will discuss some of the key topics that have been plaguing music journalism, the electronic music scene and club culture in recent years. The debate will focus on the genre’s thorniest issues, from the growing influence of PR agencies and brands to the intergenerational value shifts, rise of "avatar DJs", shortcomings of the modern music press and other relevant topics.
Interview: Nikolina Finska / Gaming & Music
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
11:00 @ Computer History Museum
Moderator: Marcus Linde (thag's agent, Europe In Synch, DE)
Speaker: Nikolina Finska (Rebel Studio, Europe In Synch, HR)
Nikolina Finska is a gaming and tech industry veteran. Let's find out how the gaming industry really works and especially how the music and gaming industry can work closer together. What's the role of music in video games? Can music in games be used as a promotional tool for artists? How does licensing and copyright work in video games, and what are the emerging trends and predictions for the future?
Southeastern Balkans Touring Potentials
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
11:45 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Nela Peshovska (Password Production, MK)
Speakers: Christos Papanantsidis (Made of Stone, MammothFest, GR), Cosmin Ionescu (Overground, Mastering the Music Business, RO), Nikola Nikolov (Post Kultura, Wrong Fest, BG)
When we talk about the Balkans at MENT, we usually focus on the former Yugoslavia region. This time, we are shedding light on the rest of the Balkan Peninsula and exploring the live music markets in Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. Discover touring opportunities for emerging international artists, the main festivals and venues, key entry points and effective strategies for media and promotion in this dynamic and often overlooked region.
Interview: Ivan Novak (Laibach)
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
12:00 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Franz Hergovich (Austrian Music Export, AT)
Speaker: Ivan Novak (Laibach, SI)
Laibach is the most recognised Slovenian band internationally and one of the most controversial bands in rock history. Join us for an interview with Ivo Saliger, alias Ivan Novak, one of the main creators of this iconic band, as he shares insights into Laibach's avant-garde journey, music, and their unique approach to art and politics. Learn how Laibach has managed to constantly reinvent itself, staying active and relevant for more than four decades.
Workshop: It’s Pronounced Data, Not Data
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
12:15 @ Computer History Museum
Speaker: Simon Semrau (The Orchard, DE)
Unleash the power of music industry data in The Orchard’s bespoke masterclass. Explore data sources, visualisation tools, and insights to create data-driven strategies. Real-world case studies included. Join us to unlock the potential of music industry data!
Presented by The Orchard.
CMU Speed Briefing: Music + AI – Everything You Need To Know Right Now
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
13:45 @ Computer History Museum
Speaker: Chris Cooke (CMU, UK)
Artificial intelligence became a big talking point in 2023 – both in the music industry and society at large – as AI technologies got ever more sophisticated and law-makers began to seriously consider regulation. For music, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. In this speed briefing from CMU, we'll explain how the music community is already using AI and what new opportunities AI presents. Plus, we'll review the challenges and ongoing disputes over the copyright obligations of AI companies. Get fully up to speed on all the developments and debates, so you can capitalise on the opportunities and join the wider conversation.
Touring Visegrad Europe
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
14:00 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Giovanna Fartacek (Waves Vienna, Assim Live, AT)
Speakers: David Čajčik (Heartnoize, CZ), Savannah Rudlin (Budapest Showcase Hub, HU), Tatiana Lehocká (Sharpe Festival, SK), Tomek Hoax (Coastline Northern Cuts, Up To Date Festival, PL)
Discover the live music markets of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary which together represent a large territory with many interesting touring opportunities. We will discuss the possible strategies to enter these markets, key festivals, promoters and venues as well as the specifics of each country. Learn how to expand your reach in this diverse region in the most effective way.
Hali Gali DIY Tutorial
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
14:15 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Ivan Lončarević (Pop depresija, RS)
Speakers: Aleksa Nedić (Vizelj, Hali Gali, Kišobran, RS), David Tadić (Cactus Fields, RS), Emilija Đorđević (KOIKOI, RS), Marija Todorović (Oblakoder, RS), Marko Radojković (Kišobran, Hali Gali, RS)
Why do you need a compilation of alternative bands? How does a DIY event have more than 1000 attendees? What is alternative music? What is your philosophy? Why is the Serbian scene so strong? These are just some of the potential questions you will have for the Hali Gali collective which they will answer with insight and pride. Join the discussion, challenge your thoughts and the way you perceive event organising, and enjoy the answers.
European Funding Opportunities for Music Sector
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
14:45 @ M Hotel CD
Speakers: Balázs Weyer (Hangveto, HU), Jess Partridge (EMMA, Sounds & Strategy, UK), Mateja Lazar (Motovila, CED Slovenia, SI)
Want to access funding but not sure how to go about it? Join us to find out more about the opportunities that exist on a local and European scale, and hear from experts on how to develop your music or idea into a project that will be able to secure funding. From looking at trends and priorities that funders are incorporating into their grants to highlighting common mistakes when it comes to filling in applications, this is an in-depth overview of European funding.
The Art & Business of Synch and its Potential in Education
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
15:00 @ Computer History Museum
Moderator: Markus Linde (thag's agent, Europe In Synch, DE)
Speakers: Klemen Dvornik (film director, AGRFT, AIPA, SI), Laren Polič (composer, SI), Žiga Drofenik (Džuboks, SI)
Professionals from the film and music sector and synch professionals will have a closer look at synch and its potential in education. As a follow-up to the MENT 2023 round table, we will address, involve, and connect the students of the Film Academy and musicians. Once again, the Slovenian music sector actively reaches out to the audio-visual sector in the interest of a constructive and creative synch landscape.
Closed session. Invitations and applications in advance only.
APPLY HERE (open until 22:00 on February 15th 2024)
In co-production with SIGIC and Motovila.
Building a Team Around the Artist: freekind. Case Study
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
15:15 @ M Hotel AB
Moderator: Katia Giampaolo (Estragon, JoyCut, IT)
Speakers: Jan Clausen (FACTORY 92, DE), Maša Pavoković (Mashupmash, SI), Nina Korošak Serčič (freekind., SI), Rob McGee (One Fiinix Live, UK), Sara Ester Gredelj (freekind., HR)
Every ambitious artist needs a strong team (manager, agent, PR, label, etc.) to support, navigate and speed up the development of their career. But as an emerging artist, it's not that easy to assemble it. In a case study of the regional duo freekind., their team will share their story, experience and strategies. Learn how to improve your musical journey with the right team around you.
From Recovery to Resilience: Europe's Festival Landscape
Friday, 23rd February 2024,
15:45 @ TuneCore Space (M Hotel HJ)
Moderator: Holger Jan Schmidt (Yourope, Das Fest, DE)
Speakers: Arnaud Meersseman (AEG Presents France, Rock en Seine, FR), Clara Dhilly (Liquiid Agency, Dour Festival, Fifty Lab, BE),
Janka Kelemen (Sziget, HU)
Even though the 2023 festival season in Europe was a big improvement in comparison with the post-Covid 2022, for most festivals the situation is still far from easy. We will discuss the pressing challenges faced by festivals today, from curating lineups and understanding audiences’ behaviour to managing production costs and staffing shortages. Let's explore the dynamic European festival landscape and check what are the predictions for 2024.