10.00 STUDIEFÖRBUNDEN & THE REHEARSAL-SPACE CRISIS (SWEDISH)

Location: Makeriet – Glashuset

– Are we heading towards a quieter Sweden?
In the SVT documentary series ”Det Svenska Popundret” from 2019, we see The Cardigans and The Hives receive the government’s music export prize. Two global super bands with journeys that undeniably started in a rehearsal space. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re looking at a totally different music climate. We see rehearsal spaces closing down one after another, all whilst the Swedish artistic elite are protesteding loudly. This panel discussion will discuss the ongoing crisis, its consequences and if it can be countered or if a quieter Sweden is inevitable?

Panel: Stefan Berglund (styrelseledamot i Kumlas Förenade Musiker), Karin Wistrand (Medborgarskolan, Örebro), Peter Ekström (Vänsterpartiet), Wilhelm Sundman (Liberalerna), Inger Högström (moderaterna)
Moderated by: Hanna Schubert (studieförbunden i samverkan)

11.00 ”DET SVENSKA MUSIKUNDRET”- READY TO BURST? (SWEDISH)

Location: Makeriet – Magasinet

The vibrant music scene we have known for the past 20 years is a direct legacy of past investments. But with national cultural funding cuts, dwindling grants for our studieförbund, and the ”rehearsal space-death”, the future looks bleak. Is ”Det Svenska Musikundret” a balloon about to pop? This session will explore if regions and municipalities can step in where national powers are retreating, and if the future rather lies in fostering ”Det Regionala Musikundret.” Join us to discuss what can and must be done to ensure a thriving musical landscape for tomorrow.

Panel: Patrik Hammar (kultur- och fritidschef, Borlänge), Per Olson (kulturchef, Leksand), Johannes Sundelin (regionala musiknämndens ordförande, Norrbotten)
Moderated by: Clara Alm

13.00 BOOKING GIGS – THINK LIKE A PROMOTER
with Hilma Kekkonen Orrell (ENGLISH)

Location: Makeriet – Festvåningen

How do you actually make gigs happen? What do promoters and venues look for when choosing artists – how can you, as a band or solo artist, think more strategically to get on stages around the country?

In this hands-on session, you’ll gain concrete insights into how promoters think about budgets, audiences, timing, and collaboration. We’ll also explore how you can take more control yourself – by thinking more like a promoter, partnering with local venues and bars, setting up your own shows, and building sustainable tours from the ground up. The goal is for you to leave with fresh ideas, a better understanding of the promoter’s perspective – and practical tools to land more and better live gigs on your own terms.

Speaker: Hilma Kekkonen Orrell

14.00 HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE PROFESSIONAL MUSIC ECOSYSTEM (ENGLISH)

Location: Makeriet – Festvåningen

Beneath the surface of Sweden’s internationally acclaimed music scene lies a vibrant network of professional actors – musicians, promoters, songwriters, producers, record labels, studios, and small businesses – who form the backbone of the industry. These actors maintain a high professional standard, yet many struggle to make ends meet.

The question is: How can we create better conditions for this middle layer – the living, professional foundation that supports both artistic quality and economic sustainability? What kind of collaboration between the public sector, civil society, and the private market is needed to ensure regeneration, resilience, and diversity within the music industry? In this panel, practitioners, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers come together to explore ways forward – and to identify shared solutions for a stronger and more sustainable music ecosystem.

Panel: Birgit Bidder (Unga tankar om musik), Clara Ziegler (Popkollo), Wilhelm Sundman (Liberalerna), Jacob Hallberg (Jazz & Beyond)
Moderated by: Tobba Andersson

15.30 MUSICAL ARTISTS SPEAK: MEET THE ARTIST ERIK LUNDIN (SWEDISH)

Location: Makeriet – Glashuset

What is it like to be a professional musical artist in today’s cultural landscape? Swedish musical artists and their music is reaching out into the world. Audiences today have more choices than ever. The competition for listeners is intensifying — both in relation to other artists and to AI-generated works without human creators. Despite this, the small country of Sweden has a remarkably high number of successful musical artists per capita compared to many larger nations.

Meet Ibrahima Erik Lundin Banda and hear his own perspective on his creative process and his encounters with audiences. What drives him, and what has shaped the artistic expression he presents today — as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century?

The conversation is led by Hasse Lindgren, Program Director of the International Music Program.

Speaker: Erik Lundin
Moderated by: Hasse Lindgren

16.00 ACCESSABILITY ALL AREAS (SWEDISH)

Location: Makeriet – Magasinet

It goes without saying that you include DEI in policy documents and as a business factor. All well so far, but how can we achieve actual inclusion in, the sometimes very rigid structure of music business, and can learning disabilities serve as a creative asset to levitate how you work today?

Join the panel to discuss how to work with DEI in practical ways and on a daily basis to rethink accessibility—not as a theory, but as a driving force for innovation and connection.

Panel: Wispen Sjöblom (musiker, poddare och aktivist från Göteborg), Hampus Ravinder (musiker och låtskrivare från Kungsbacka), Kalle Silfverleijon (verksamhetsansvarig på Grunden DV, Göteborg)
Moderated by: Tobba Andersson

UNLOCK YOUR PR POTENTIAL WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE
– we’re calling for artists and labels!

This year’s Creative Music conference will include a highlighted panel discussion, unveiling & discussing THE BEST MUSIC PR CAMPAIGNS OF 2025. Even before the festival, you can start benefiting from the wisdom and tips shared by our expert PR agencies: Clap Your Hands PR, Noi PR & MW Music Agency. They’ll generously offer pre-festival, one-on-one coaching sessions – completely free of charge! Here’s a great chance to gain invaluable PR insights, fresh inspiration and actionable ideas – all to help you set your own PR roadmap. Don’t miss out – register your interest right away!

Requires pre-registration!

16.00 Friday – TOURING GERMANY
with Jan Hagerodt, Spider Promotion

A personal seating with our German friend and touring expert Jan Hagerodt from Spider Promotion. He’ll be sharing his advices and tips when it comes to touring in Germany as an independent artist.

Requires pre-registration! Email: clara@liveatheart.se