The Norwegian Sound of Music
From the beloved Edvard Grieg and his classical musical description of Norwegian nature, to the pop rock band A-ha with sales of over 50 million units, to the record-breaking 2009 Eurovision victory by Alexander Rybak, to Dimmu Borgir, the metal band that has already had a top 10 album in the US on Billboard´s Heatseekers Chart – Norwegian music is making a difference.
For a country of just under five million people, Norway has been making its mark far beyond its borders for centuries. From roots in classical, traditional folk, a sound sometimes described as “haunting”, Norwegian music with talent across the board in genres including jazz, pop, rock, metal, electronic, world music and of course, the blues.
Capital Music Scene
You can find Norwegian music literally all over the world, but perhaps the best way to experience the sound is in its own local environment. Oslo is one good place to start with some of the largest music festivals in the country that include the annual summer Øya Festival. Held in the medieval park near ultra modern Opera House, the event was a huge success again in 2009, with hundreds of bands playing over a five-day period.
Scandinavia’s largest music convention
Other major annual events of note in Oslo include by:Larm, a yearly Norwegian music conference and festival held for the first time in 1998 in Trondheim. In 2009 more than 500 separate “gigs” (concerts) were staged in addition to the conference that included workshops, seminars and keynote speakers. Held every year in February.
Sound Advice
There are other musical cities in Norway, and when you come here you should take in Bergen (Bergen Music Fest, Grieg International Choir Festival as well as many concerts), Stavanger (Numusic Festival, International Chamber Music Festival), Trondheim, as well as a wealth of other music festivals taking place throughout the country. For more information about the music festival scene here in the country, contact info@norwaycommunicates.com.
Music Export Norway – Bringing the sound to you
Music Export Norway was established by the Norwegian music industry to promote Norwegian talent abroad through marketing, staging of events, and other communication activities. Well anchored in the national music scene, the company is owned by the five industry organizations IFPI Norway, FONO - the Norwegian Independent Record Companies Association, NOPA - Norwegian Society of Composers and Lyricists, GramArt (the Recording Artists Association) and MFO - Musicians Union.
Music Export Norway works with the international music world in raising the profile of Norwegian music – and if 2010´s South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas was any indication, Norwegian Bands are making their mark. Nearly 20 bands were invited to perform at this prestigious event, including Bigbang, the Cocktail Slippers, Eva & the Heartmaker and The Low Frequecy in Stereo. Look for the 2011 SXSW to continue this trend.
Tune In!
For more information about Music Export Norway and their activities, visit Music Export Norway online. Also, tune in to Norway Communicates and Music Export Norway as various artists will be profiled monthly beginning in 2011.
