The seminars examined recent trends and the current state of the music business in Sweden and the United States.> View the complete seminar programOne special panel took a close look at the phenomenon of televised competitions such as American Idol. American contestants Kimberley Locke and Diana DeGarmo (pictured, left) as well as Daniel Lindström (pictured, right), winner of Idol in Sweden, compared personal experiences and discussed the life-changing impact of the television shows. Another panel focused on the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest and featured Swedish producer Christer Björkman and singer Anna Sahlene, who has previously competed in the contest. In another panel, three Swedish and three American successful female music professionals discussed the role of women in the music industry. All agreed that, although gender differences and prejudices do exist, success in the industry can always be achieved through passion, perseverance and good work.A total of 33 speakers and panelists – including artists, producers, record company executives and songwriters – participated in the two-day program at the NYU Kimmel Center at Washington Square, moderated by former Billboard journalist Fred Bronson.
In conjunction with the seminar program and CMJ, a live Swedish music showcase featuring Francis, Jaw Lesson, Sofia Talvik, Moonbabies and Adam Tensta was presented by Export Music Sweden (ExMS) at Norwood Club on West 14th Street on October 22. This year, for the first time, the performances were webcast live on Sweden’s official music portal website – www.sweden.se/music – with video clips accessible on the site after the conclusion of the festival.
The seminar program was presented by the Consulate General of Sweden and Export Music Sweden in collaboration with the NYU Stern School of Business. The program marked the ninth year of Swedish music events organized by the Consulate General in connection with CMJ, yet it was the first time that the Swedish seminars were part of the official CMJ Music Marathon program.
> For program information:www.swedennewyork.com/musicseminar