Scotland Confirmed As Spotlight Country At Future Echoes
Scotland is set to be the spotlight country at Swedish music convention, Future Echoes, with six acts showcasing at the international event which takes place in Norrköping from 21-23 March. The partnership will also include an industry delegation, a Scottish market overview and a combined whisky and exotic soft-drink drink tasting.
Branded as Scotland At Future Echoes, the activity forms part of a music export initiative delivered by Wide Events and supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. It includes a package of pre-event support for the artists, as well as a range of promotional activities at the convention.
The diverse line-up selected by Future Echoes bookers who attended the Pitch Scotland and Wide Days showcases in 2023, features Eyve, The Big Day, JusHarry, Silvi, SLIX and Zoe Graham.
“Scotland has a diverse range of incredible artists and it is great to have an opportunity to present such a large selection, as well as hosting a fantastic industry delegation,” says Future Echoes founder, Peter Åstedt. “We are also looking forward to a range of deep-fried delicacies, exotic soft drinks and the malt whisky tasting hosted by Wide Days founder, Olaf Furniss.”
Future Echoes was launched in 2022 in Norrköping, a UNESCO City of Music 160km from Sweden’s capital Stockholm. The event has previously featured Scottish acts Kapil Seshasayee, Kryptik, Midnight Ambulance and producer Vagrant Real Estate.
Olaf Furniss, Wide Days founder and Scotland At Future Echoes manager, says: “Peter and I first discussed collaborating on Future Echoes in 2020 and it has been great to be part of the evolution since its launch. We are really grateful to the amazing Future Echoes team for providing this opportunity to develop ties between Scotland, Sweden and delegates from the many other countries who attend the event.”
Alan Morrison, head of music at Creative Scotland, says: “It’s great to see our friends in Sweden recognise the strength of our music sector by making Scotland the focus country at this year’s Future Echoes. The artists performing represent diversity across gender and genre, and they’re ready to win over international audiences after successful home-grown showcases at Wide Days and PITCH. Scottish musicians have so much to offer the world and Future Echoes is the perfect doorway to the wider Nordic market.”
Mobolaji Agoro, Pitch Scotland booker & festival coordinator says: “We are delighted to be heading out to Norrköping again this year, but even more so delighted to join Wide Days in their Scotland at Future Echoes initiative, a joint effort promoting Scotland’s musical Exports in Sweden. Strategic partnerships like these will only bolster artists' visibility internationally and at home.”