Next year, EuroSonic Noorderslag will take place on 14, 15 and 16 January. As of May 1st it is possible to register online for next year. Thanks for coming, see you next year!

Total number of visitors: 18.000
Nationalities present: 34
Professional participants: 2.650
Artists performing: 259
Radio stations present: 22
international festivals present: 123
ETEP participant festivals: 59
Number of stages @ EuroSonic: 32
Number of stages @ Noorderslag: 9
Network Europe members: 38
Number of European journalists present: 140

On Wednesday 14.00 hours, the EuroSonic Noordslag Conference officially sold out.

EuroSonic Noorderslag welcomes:
Total number of visitors 18.000
Professional participants 2.650
Nationalities 34
Artists 226
Radio stations 22
International festivals 123
ETEP festivals 59
European journalists 140

On Thursday 15 January it is time for the European Border Breakers Awards 2009. During this festive award show not only the ten winners will be put in the spotlight, but the audience will be presented with some top notch artists, performing live on stage. There will be performances from a number of winners, amongst which are Kraak & Smaak, Ida Corr and Cinema Bizarre, but there will also be a number of special guests and former winners, like Gabriel Rios. Our host of this evening, Jools Holland, will also appear live on stage with his Blues Orchestra. Conference visitors will have free entrance to this award show. The show takes place at the Oosterpoort and the doors to the hall open at 7.30 PM.

The conference program is complete for a while already, but there are still some last minute changes. Here is an overview of all new additions, both panels and members and program changes. Please keep an eye on this page for all latest changes will be posted here.

Keynote Russel Warby
Was: Saturday 17 January – 12.30 – 13.30 – C2: Kleine Zaal
Is: Saturday 17 January – 12.30 – 13.30 – C7: Kelder

New Members and Their Panels

Thursday 15 January  

The Role of Music in boosting Europe’s Creative Potential – 15.30 – 17.00 – C2 (Kleine Zaal)
Marcel Albers (Flow Records, NL)
Tjeerd Bomhof (Voicst, NL)
Norbert Plantinga (Managing Director Universal Music Nederland, NL)
Fruzsina Szép (MXP Hungary / Sziget festival, HU)  
Opening EuroSonic Noorderslag – 17.05 – 18.00 – C2 (Kleine Zaal)
Odile Quintin (Director-General for Education and Culture / European Commission, FR)
Jacques Wallage (Mayor of Groningen, NL)

Saturday 17 January  

The Future of Labels - 12.30 - 13.30 - C4 (Marathonzaal)
Dirk Darmstaedter (Tapete Records & Booking, DE)
Export Ready Or Paid Holiday - 12.30 - 13.30 - C9 (Rode Zaal)
Roland Keimer (Leipzig Pop Up, DE)

Due to the large amount of hotel requests for this years’ obviously popular EuroSonic Noorderslag, the Hotel Service Desk is forced to close its doors. The hotels in Groningen are fully booked. Sorry for any inconvenience!

With 2500 attendants, showcases from national and international talent and over 100 panels and meetings, EuroSonic Noorderslag serves as the prime discussion and network platform for the international and Dutch music industry, focused towards European music, touring, festivals, the (live) music industry and media developments.

Focus country of the 2009 edition of EuroSonic Noorderslag is Belgium and has been presented officially during our press conference at Pukkelpop (14-16 augustus, Kiewit Hasselt). Belgium stands for a vibrant live scene with lots of great venues, clubs and festivals and of course Rock Werchter, recognised as the best festival in the world. Apart from several Belgian bands and acts performing at the festival, doing business with Belgium will be the topic of panels and meetings. The focus on Belgium is by presented by Muziekcentrum Vlaanderen, Pure FM, Wallonie Bruxelles Musiques and Studio Brussels.