ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music, announces the first keynotes and featured speakers for its music conference, which will present thought-provoking and industry-leading topics including Sustainability, Safety & Mental Health, Diversity & Inclusion, Technology & Innovation, Focus on Poland, and many more. ESNS24 will take place from January 17 – 20, 2024, in Groningen, the Netherlands.
Amy Thomson is the former Chief Catalog Officer at Hipgnosis Songs Fund and CEO and founder of ATM Artists, where she executed record releases, marketing campaigns, touring, legal rights and copyright for clients including Kanye West, DJ Snake, Swedish House Mafia, Gorillaz, and Seal. Her passion for catalogue management led her to develop an online application that helps artists manage their metadata. Amy Thomson will address the music industry’s challenges regarding finding, tracking, and tracing metadata across different platforms.
‘Nothing is impossible’ according to John Mulder, who will resign as CEO of Mojo Concerts, the Dutch Live Nation subsidiary, on January 1. As a troubleshooter and organisational talent, he created the MOJO barrier and is co-initiator of AFAS Live and the Ziggo Dome. In addition, John Mulder is the tour manager of Metallica. During this special keynote interview, John Mulder reflects on his versatile career.
Mark Mulligan is the Managing Director of MIDiA Research. As a long-term media and technology analyst, he is considered a leading thinker on the music industry’s digital transition. At ESNS24, Mark Mulligan will explore the rise of the next music business, explaining that we’re already entering the post-streaming era. Mark Mulligan will present a vision for what this new world will look like and who will be the key players.
Newly announced Programme highlights
As the European music industry is gearing up for ESNS, the conference programme is rapidly taking shape with newly announced conference program highlights, reflecting on the current state of the music industry and looking ahead.
Joining the Music Industry Therapists Collective, Justin Lockey of English rock band Editors will share his insights on mental health on the road, shining a light on touring with Editors. Additionally, George Musgrave (Goldsmiths, University of London) will join two sessions about mental health.
European Parliament MEP Ibán García Del Blanco joins a panel moderated by Helienne Lindvall (ECSA) to discuss the European Parliament draft report on Cultural diversity and the conditions for authors in the European music streaming market. The panellists will discuss the findings and recommendations of the report and share insights on how these can contribute to a more inclusive, fair, and thriving music industry in Europe. Helienne Lindvall will speak at ESNS24 about challenges versus new business opportunities in the AI ecosystem and industry responses to streaming fraud.
ESNS Tech is a series of panel discussions curated by innovation specialist and community builder Turo Pekari (Music Finland). Experts in the intersection of music and technology will address topics such as tomorrow’s business model. ESNS Tech will tune into challenges, opportunities and the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence within the music industry.
Discover the full conference program here. More panels and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
