Sigtryggur Baldursson, managing director Iceland Music Export:
“We are very happy and honored that Eurosonic Noorderslag have invited us to be the focus nation for 2015! Iceland has seen a huge increase in the creation and export of music in the last few years and we are happy that people are taking notice of this. With our local radio Rás 2 playing at least 50% icelandic music every day and the Iceland Airwaves festival drawing up to 5000 foreign guests every year, we are experiencing a strong local backup as well for icelandic music. We are looking to create better bridges from Iceland to Europe in the near future and as we know, Eurosonic Noorderslag can be a magical ingredient in this endevour. The creative energy that is so evident in Iceland will get a better chance to reach european markets with Iceland in focus in Groningen in January 2015 and we are hopeful that many new friendships and business relationships will be forged, for the benefit of all! “

Peter Smidt, creative director Eurosonic Noorderslag: 
“With so many original and relevant acts hailing from Iceland this country shows how much a small country can tribute to European diversity. Therefore it is logical to put Iceland into focus at Eurosonic Noorderslag 2015. At previous editions of Eurosonic Noorderslag we’ve presented successful Icelandic acts like Ásgeir, Berndsen, FM Belfast, For A Minor Reflection, Ghostigital, Hermigervill, Hjálmar, Mugison, Ólafur Arnalds, Oyama, Retro Stefson, Seabear, Sóley, Sísý Ey and The Vintage Caravan. We are looking forward to receive the best and newest Icelandic acts at the coming edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag.”

Partners
The focus on Iceland at Eurosonic Noorderslag will be organized by Iceland Music Export, Rás 2, Iceland Airwaves festival and Eurosonic Noorderslag.

About Eurosonic Noorderslag
Eurosonic Noorderslag is the key exchange and networking platform for European music, with a proven track record for helping new acts break into the international music scene. Selling out each year Eurosonic Noorderslag attracts over 3,200 delegates, including 400 international festivals. It presents showcases by more than 300 artists and a conference programme featuring 150 panels, keynote speakers, interviews, workshops, dinners, pitches, parties and meetings on the latest developments in the international music, media and interactive industry.

Eurosonic Noorderslag has been responsible for kick-starting the careers of European artists like Ásgeir, James Blake, Jake Bugg, Bastille, Ben L’Oncle Soul, Birth Of Joy, Coely, Caro Emerald, C2C, Ewert and the Two Dragons, George Ezra, Jacco Gardner, James Vincent McMorrow, Jungle, Klangkarussel, Kodaline, Larry Gus, Lykke Li, Milky Chance, Agnes Obel, Royal Blood, Selah Sue, SKIP&DIE, Triggerfinger and The XX.

Find out more about Eurosonic Noorderslag at: www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl

Contact
Nikki McNeill at Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk