2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for Athens Music Week

• 3 Ιανουαρίου, 2025

2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for Athens Music Week

As we wrap up 2024, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with meaningful milestones and impactful initiatives that strengthened our music community across Greece, Europe, and the Mediterranean.

Building Bridges

In collaboration with the HEMI Music Hub Programme, we championed collaboration and sustainable development across Europe, connecting vibrant regions from the Baltics to the Balkans. Our participation in pivotal events like MENT Conference and Showcase, in Ljubljana or Linecheck Music Festival and Meeting, in Milan, highlighted cutting-edge music industry trends and innovation, while the A to Jazz Festival, in Sofia, and the PIN Music Conference, in Skopje, underscored our commitment to the thriving Balkan music scene. Moreover, during the Athens Music Week 2024, we hosted european initiatives and networks such as the Music Tech Europe Association, Europe In Sync, IMPALA and Digital Fems, fostering dynamic discussions and enriching the regional and local music ecosystem with their invaluable expertise.

Promoting our HEMI-sphere!

HEMI activities, mentors, partners and experts have played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between different networks from Central and South Eastern Europe region. One of the highlights during the AMW2024 was the Network Mixer, where HEMI joined forces with the Eastern European Music Academy (EEMA) and the Music Tech Europe Academy (MTEA). This innovative gathering provided attendees with a unique opportunity to discover the initiatives of each network while building meaningful connections and collaborations. Another standout moment was the introduction of “Sync About It,” a groundbreaking project emerging from the HEMI Incubator. As the first initiative dedicated to music synchronization in Central and Eastern Europe, the project, set to launch in Bucharest in early 2025, captivated participants with its journey from concept to securing European grants and its focus on real client briefs. The festival’s energy culminated with electrifying performances by HEMI Music Awards artists Astrid, Freakin’ Disco, and AMKA, who left audiences inspired and showcased the exceptional talent nurtured by HEMI.

Spotlight on the Mediterranean Initiative

Building on our initiative to strengthen dialogue and collaboration among countries of the Mediterranean basin, we partnered with key collaborators from Spain to Türkiye to spotlight regional synergies at several major conferences. At Eurosonic 2024, in Groningen, we actively participated in “The Mediterranean Region: Exploring Music Trade and Collaboration” panel, highlighting opportunities for cross-border partnerships. During the Reeperbahn Festival 2024 in Hamburg, we contributed to the “Mediterranean Wave” session, showcasing the region’s dynamic cultural identity. Additionally, at SHIP Festival in Croatia, we joined the panel discussion “Mediterranean Region: Musical Crossroads,” emphasizing the rich, diverse potential of Mediterranean music as a unifying force.

Tackling Key Industry Challenges

In 2024, we tackled some of the music industry’s most pressing challenges by supporting targeted initiatives and events that drive innovation and sustainability. At Act in Sync Athens, we explored how the music industry can combat climate change and champion sustainability practices. During the annual Fintech 3.0 conference held at the National Bank of Greece, we delved into the transformative impact of financial technologies like blockchain and digital currencies on the music business. During the PsvalueTalks conference in the National Gallery, we highlighted the pivotal role of culture and music in fostering local development and strengthening communities. Additionally, at the Bosphorus Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, we underscored the music industry’s significance in promoting regional growth and cross-border collaboration.

Music Tech Europe Academy (MTEA)

This year marked significant milestones for our acceleration program as we welcomed the MTEA first cohort of startups in Athens and celebrated the launch of the second cohort in collaboration with the Music Innovation Hub, Technoport.lu, Barcelona Music Tech Hub, Media deals and MESO Events at the Linecheck Music Meeting and Festival. This dynamic event served as a vibrant hub for startups, offering invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders, expand their networks, and gear up for active participation in the program, fostering innovation and growth in the music and creative industries.

Empowering Artists and Driving Creative Growth

With our newly formed Artistic Board leading the way, Athens Music Week has become the ultimate meeting point for artists, music creators, and industry professionals. Made up of top-notch experts and creative minds from Greece and across Europe, the board is redefining the event’s showcase and artistic focus. With the creation of its Artistic Board, Athens Music Week aims to elevate the quality of its showcase concerts while fostering closer collaboration between the domestic and international music markets. The goal is to establish AMW as a key springboard for emerging talents and a catalyst for creative opportunities in the region and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on 2024, we’re excited about the momentum we’ve built and look forward to an even more dynamic 2025. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year – your support and creativity are what make Athens Music Week a vibrant and impactful celebration of music and innovation.

Stay tuned for updates on what’s next by visiting our website and following us on social media.