Nordic Music biz top 20 under 30 2018

The 20 young industry players putting Nordic music on the map globally

The talent of the Nordics seem to never ending, Kygo, Max Martin, Lykke Li, Lukas Graham, Alma, Sigrid have all built up massive following, performing for thousands of fans around the world.

A vital part of the rise of these artists are the teams behind them, and especially the young forces who bring new perspective, ideas and business models to an ever-changing industry. These are the 20 young forces driving the Nordic industry forward.

These are not just the next generation of executives, they’re setting new standards for both the music business and artists already today.

The winners are:

Agnete Hannibal PetriAssistant Manager, ESCHO, Denmark

Andres DahlCEO Paperclip, Norway

Ankit DesaiFounder, Snafu Records, Sweden

Anna Kornelia ÅbergFounder/A&R/Manager, BLNK Music & Neiked Collective, Sweden

Annika OksanenAgent & Promoter, Live Nation Finland

Camilla AdamssonHead of Brand Partnership, Sony Music Sweden

Emma FinnkvistHead of Local, Warner Music Sweden

Feniks WillamoAgent & Promoter, All Day Agency, Finland

Jannika NyqvistProduct & Promotion Manager at Universal Music Finland

Karen NorbakkManager, Mandelbaum, Norway

Laurits Bejder KlausenA&R, The Bank, Denmark

Margit BøhnProject Manager, Exploitation, Universal Music Sweden

Martin RintzaAgent, Luger Denmark

Max HolmstrandProject Manager/junior A&R, Refune, Sweden

Mina EvenrudCEO, By:Larm Music Conference and Festival, Norway

Nicole O’SullivanProject Manager, Exploitation, Universal Music Sweden

Rasmus DamsholtArtist Manager, ATC Management Nordics, Denmark

Sindri ÁstmarssonCEO, Mid Atlantic Entertainment, Iceland

Sophia OlofssonSenior Editor, Shows & Editorial, Spotify

Yonas Tesfamichael AregaiManager & Partner, MER

The jury consisted of 9 industry veterans from all five countries.

Karen Sofie Sørensen (Brak, NO), Silje Larsen Borgan (Little Big Sister, NO), Linda Portnoff (Musiksverige, SE), Jonas Holst (Universal Music Publishing, SE), Anders Meisner (MXD, DK), Jesper Mardahl (Promus, DK), Grimur Atlason (Iceland Airwaves, IS), Essi Kivitie (Music & Media, FI) and Mikko Niemelä (Ruisrock, FI).

Jury’s statement:

Selecting the Top 20 was a challenging but extremely fun process. To see what everyone has accomplished so early in their careers is inspiring and gives us a lot of hope for the future of the music industry. The 20 selected young professionals perfectly reflect what’s currently happening in the Nordic music scene, and we’re happy to see candidates from both the majors and indies, as well as festival organisers, represented.

You will see a lot more from the 20 on this list in the future and we can’t wait to see what great things they will achieve. As this is the first year of this fantastic initiative by NOMEX, I hope this will give the jury an even better understanding for the coming years with input from colleagues and the entire Nordic music industry. It’s important that we highlight not only the artists, writers, and producers from the Nordics but also how good we are as an industry, including how we take care and nurse talent.

– Jonas Holst, Jury leader and Head of Film & TV / Creative at Universal Music Publishing Scandinavia

While determining the Top 20, the jury weighted a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: Company growth, Career trajectory, Reputation among peers, Overall impact in the industry in 2017, Artistic development, Innovation in their field, Touring revenue, Ticket sales, Social media presence, Radio and TV coverage and Creative campaigns.

There will be a ceremony honouring the Top 20 at by:Larm March 1st where all 20 will attend. HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway will also attend this ceremony.

20 under 30 is created by NOMEX, the Nordic music export offices; Export Music Sweden, Iceland Music Export, Music Export Denmark, Music Finland and Music Norway.