Historisk arkiv

Tale ved "Nordic Music Biz: Top 20 under 30"

Historisk arkiv

Publisert under: Regjeringen Solberg

Utgiver: Utenriksdepartementet

Statssekretær Jens Frølich Holtes tale under arrangementet «Nordic Music Biz: Top 20 under 30» i forbindelse med musikkfestivalen by:Larm.

  • Hello everyone, I am happy to be here and to host this award ceremony luncheon.
  • Music is one of the things that makes life worth living. I think it is fair to say that we all are extremely happy to be able to log off Zoom and to start going to concerts again. And also to meet people again.
  • by:Larm is now the first international festival taking place in Oslo after the covid restrictions were lifted. This festival also holds a special place in my heart, as it was the first festival I attended. It was held in Bergen, I think it was back in 2005. The fesitival was memorable, partly because I smashed an acoustic guitar on the occasion. Live on radio, nothing less. It was intended as a protest against all the singer-songwriter music that was part of the festival’s program. I guess I would not have done the same today, but my excuse is that there were a lot of singer-songwriters with acoustic guitars around in 2005 - and we were rather tired of them.
  • But of course, by:Larm is about a lot  more than smashing guitars. It is an important international hub, where artists meet the whole business: the venues, the studios, the festivals, the media. I hope, also this year, that some artist may kickstart their career on the international scene. by:Larm connects the experts with the best talents.
  • And what a pool of talents we have! The Nordic region has a fantastic musical output, even though we all are small countries.
  • I want to congratulate the Top 20 under 30- winners! You are the future of the Nordic music industry. Even during the difficult period caused by the covid-19-pandemic, you managed to successfully promote and develop Nordic music. Both diplomacy and the music industry are based on relations. Doing Zoom-diplomacy is hard and boring, so I hope maybe I can learn some tricks from you. Because you are obviously very successful!
  • Allow me to mention one of the winners in particular – Norway’s Ziwer Teli, 23 years old. When all concerts were cancelled last year, Ziwer contributed to launching the Norwegian artist Delara in Germany, through a digital collaboration with the star Loredana. Their hit “Checka” has more than 60 million plays in Germany.
  • I wish you all the best of luck in your exciting endeavours in the coming years. I cannot wait to hear more from you. But now, I hope you will use this opportunity to connect with old and new friends, to enjoy the music, and to enjoy by:Larm!