Tallinn Music Week Continues to Push Boundaries and Succeeds

Known for its daring approach as a showcase festival, Tallinn Music Week’s 2022 edition was no exception. Since my last live experience in 2018, numerous changes have reshaped the landscape, with only the conference at The Nordic Hotel serving as a consistent hub. The shift from the old city clubs to the evolving industrial area in the harbor was a notable transformation, offering both advantages and challenges.

The new industrial area brought a fresh dynamic, consolidating all performance venues in close proximity. As a pro delegate, this allowed for efficient coverage of multiple artists in a single night. However, the lack of street names in the industrial zone posed an initial navigational challenge. Some venues were cleverly concealed, like one on the fourth floor without clear signage, demanding a bit of sleuthing. Once acclimated, the unconventional setting added a unique charm to the experience.

The novelty of the new area came with surprises, such as changing from shoes to slippers for one venue, creating a distinctive touch. Despite the initial adjustments, the area’s potential is immense and promises to evolve into a thriving cultural hub.

A monumental shift for Tallinn Music Week was its expansion to two cities – Tallinn and Narva. While the journey between the two cities is not easy, it added a new layer to the festival experience. Narva, positioned on the border with Russia, provided a unique backdrop, though some hesitated due to geopolitical concerns.

For those who ventured to Narva, the spread-out nature of venues contrasted with their spectacular settings, such as an outdoor gig on an island in the river, in an abandoned factory with exhibitions and stages. The diversity of experiences, from speed meetings on the train to a mesmerizing local choir performance in a church, showcased the festival’s commitment to offering a varied and immersive program.

Tallinn Music Week’s intimate setting, both in terms of the festival areas and conference, facilitates networking and business engagements. It remains one of the premier midsize showcase festivals, ensuring that connections with key industry players are easily established. The conference, although edgy in its approach, occasionally delves into topics that may be too narrow for the broader audience, especially for artists and newcomers in the industry.

This year’s focus on professionals from Eastern Europe underlines Tallinn Music Week’s importance for anyone aiming to penetrate this market. However, scheduling clashes with other midsize festivals like Focus Wales and Spot in Denmark may pose a strategic challenge for attendees.

As Tallinn Music Week boldly embraces change, next year’s clash with The Great Escape in the UK raises intriguing possibilities. The festival’s willingness to diverge from the conventional path indicates a commitment to innovation and ensures that its future will be closely watched.

For more information, visit: Tallinn Music Week Official Website