For years, voices in the music industry have predicted the end of showcase festivals — calling them outdated, oversaturated, or no longer fit for purpose. And yet, the reality seems quite different. New initiatives are emerging, while long-standing events like The Great Escape, ESNS, and Tallinn Music Week continue to draw growing interest from artists and professionals alike.
So what is the future of showcase festivals? Are they evolving into something more meaningful, or are we simply reluctant to let go of a familiar format? And perhaps most importantly: how can we ensure they serve not as mere business models, but as genuine tools for sustainable growth in the music sector?
This panel will explore these questions through a lively and critical conversation among key voices from the European music scene — from festival organizers to artists — bringing diverse perspectives from both sides of the stage.
The session will be preceded by a screening of Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned: a lighthearted and charming documentary following three Faroese acts – Joe & The Shitboys, Elinborg, and Aggrasoppar – as they navigate the highs and lows of performing at The Great Escape festival in Brighton. Along the way, the film offers a glimpse into how the international industry perceives the Faroe Islands and their distinctive music scene in 2024/2025.
