SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

The Spain lead country programme packs out all six of their events at the 2024 edition of The Great Escape, watch the aftermovie here. Spain lead country at The Great Escape 2024 in data: More than 2000 fans and industry attending each of the two The Spanish Wave showcases and Mad Cool Party 350 professional delegates attending Meet The Spaniards! official reception Two panels with more than 100 international professionals PR, marketing, publicity and brand impact for all partners, institutions, agencies and artists in screens, merchandise, media interviewsArtist bookings and partner deals made

linktr.ee/thespanishwave
greatescapefestival.com

At The Great Escape in Brighton last weekend, the Spain lead country programme welcomed hundreds and hundreds of international delegates and journalists to their packed out six events happening at the internationally renowned showcase festival. This included two packed out showcases for our nine awesome upcoming artists, a hot, sweaty and heaving party co-hosted with Mad Cool Festival, 350 delegates attending the Meet The Spaniards! reception to enjoy tapas, drinks and a presentation by AIE, two panels on the Spain, Europe and Latam markets bridge and Spain Land of Festivals hosted by ten Spanish music industry experts.

Watch the veritable tsunami of The Spanish Wave's success at The Great Escape 2024 via the aftermovie: instagram.com/reel/C7PHKMzq6iG/

In terms of brand visibility, the Spain lead country campaign announced their presence confidently and colourfully across the city. In addition to 5,000 flyers handed out, Spanish Wave artist names were emblazoned the back of Great Escape volunteers' t-shirts, 200 red and yellow tote bags were gifted at the Meet The Spaniards! reception including print copies of our media partners' DIY Magazine as well as Latino Life magazine, plus a Spanish Wave fan to cool everyone down. Stopping short of renaming the Palace Pier, banners hung from the front of iconic pier bar Horatio's, and pavement decals welcomed delegates into the festival hub at Royal Leonardo Hotel.

Huge thanks to our artists and their teams who put on phenomenally exciting shows, showing exactly why they are the cream of Spanish new talent. The Spanish Wave showcases were proudly majority female and featured the sensational rnb pop star Eva Ruiz, Galicia's answer to Doja CatSila Lua, the entirely fabulous alternative pop star Lala Hayden, Balearic pop wonder Ona Mafalda, raucous punk from The Gulps, moody new wave pop from Depresión Sonora, melodic power pop tunes from the legendary Mujeres and soaring dream pop from MAVICA. Not forgetting SLIX, a brand new buzzy band from Glasgow whose edgy indie punk raised the temperature to sizzling at the Mad Cool party on Thursday night. And San Sebastian super DJ Divorce From New York who kept the dancefloor moving either side of SLIX's set.

Listen to The Spanish Wave TGE playlist

About the big success for Spain lead country at The Great Escape, César Andión, Director of the Spanish Wave and project leader, had this to say:

“We are extremely happy and proud to see how Spain took Brighton by a “music armada” of incredible acts, partners and professionals. I always get goosebumps seeing music fans of all ages and countries dancing and enjoying music of unknown acts to them, not even understanding the lyrics. Which highlights something we all know, that music is increasingly global. Incredible to see the interest we create, as the fully packed panels and reception testifies. Thanks very much to all the team, The Great Escape team and all of our artists, their offices and our official partners”.

The feedback has been incredible from the Spain lead country and Spanish Wave's wonderful and valued partners. We extend the biggest, warmest thanks to AIE, Fundación SGAE, Instituto Cervantes, British Council, Live Nation España, Ticketmaster España, Radio 3, Mondo Sonoro, DIY, Sonido Muchacho, Altafonte, Houston Party, Sonidos Líquidos, Phe Festival, Mallorca Live Festival, Mercury Wheels, Planet Events, Producciones Baltimore, Mad Cool Festival, VEVO.



The press coverage is starting pour in too, have a look at a couple of highlights.

CMU
A big feature in well-respected industry publication on the Spain lead country campaign ran in their Daily newsletter and online 15/5. The feature includes a guide to all the Spanish Wave artists and an interview with César Andión.
https://completemusicupdate.com/approved-spanish-artists-at-the-great-escape/

DMY
Sila Lua is one of DMY's best artists at Great Escape and features in the main photo. Posted 20/5

"Performing as part of The Spanish Wave showcase, Sila Lua proved why she’s one of Spain’s most exciting artists right now. Stalking the stage at Dust in front of an unsuspecting crowd, the Madrid-based musician made her presence known while singing and rapping in her native tongue over industrial electronic beats. With tunes like ‘EQUILIBRIO’, it’s easy to imagine her breaking through in a similar way to Rosalia."

https://dmy.co/features/11-of-the-best-new-artists-we-saw-at-the-great-escape-2024

DIY Magazine
Double page spread on Spain at TGE, featuring interviews with Eva Ruiz and The Gulps, as well as an interview with César Andión in the May issue. The coverage ran across print, online and social media, as well as in DIY's newsletter and their industry newsletter DIY Music.
https://diymag.com/interview/get-to-know-eva-ruiz
https://diymag.com/interview/get-to-know-the-gulps

EFE
A Great Escape video report posted by international Spanish news agency 17/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgHGi8VMotM

Latino Life
Produced a Spanish Wave special edition of their magazine, focussing on the five amazing female artists on the line-up and producing a 'Women on the verge' cover feature. The magazine hit the streets 15/5 and was distributed across Brighton and London. Online version here, coverage ran across Latino Life and our artists' socials too:
https://www.latinolife.co.uk/articles/women-verge-iberian-female-talent-rise

VEVO
A stupendously good video playlist compiled by VEVO Spain and pushed editorially to all their platforms, launched 14/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFJM7IHWfQs&list=PLkqz3S84Tw-TcKk6NG6gGPAYgatgOyYfd&index=2


More about The Spanish Wave
The Spanish Wave is a project for the internationalization of Spanish talent that aims to help in the export of emerging Spanish artists and bands. We host showcases at the most important festivals and musical events in the world, with the presence of professionals from the national and international industry. We work closely with booking agencies, record labels and national and international promoters. Thanks to our partners AIE, Fundación SGAE , Instituto Cervantes, Ticketmaster, Live Nation España, Mondo Sonoro and Radio 3, The Spanish Wave promises to showcase a true tsunami of Spanish talent throughout the world in 2024.

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group launches UK pilot of global education initiative ‘Sound Generation’

Sound Generation kicks off with UK pilot featuring a set of tailored music education resources for primary school The free, online programme will be piloted across all Camden primary schools before rolling out nationwide later this year This builds on UMG UK’s...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

2026 MOBO Awards: Nominations announced for Manchester ceremony

EUROPE’S BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC AND CULTURE COMES TO CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON 26 MARCH   TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - VISIT MOBO.COM/TICKETS  2026 MARKS 30 YEARS OF THE MOBO ORGANISATION, THREE DECADES OF SHIFTING CULTURE, CHAMPIONING TALENT AND CREATING ICONIC MOMENTS SHOW HOSTS, SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS AND SPECIAL HONOUREES...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

AYO Music Group Grows Roster and Catalog, Expands Gapfinder Tool, and Releases Reissue of Rare Joe Washington Vinyl

  Since its official launch in 2024, AYO Music Group, an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings, continued to grow throughout 2025 with new additions to their roster, further development of their Gapfinder tool, and upcoming...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

BMG launches SYNC+ 

A Unified Global Music-for-Media Powerhouse      BMG announced today the launch of SYNC+, a new global service uniting Commercial Sync, Production Music, and Media Services under one integrated brand.  SYNC+ combines BMG’s world-class repertoire, creative expertise, and strategic music services to deliver a seamless,...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Youth Music reveals the next generation of diverse music talent in ‘Ones to Watch 2026’

  Youth Music unveils 20 emerging artists tipped to shape the future of the UK music industry  Alumni from Youth Music’s Ones to Watch lists, including ALT BLK ERA, JayaHadADream and Mali Hâf, have gone on to win MOBO awards and perform at Glastonbury  Youth Music’s Ones to Watch list is powered by Wingstop for...more

16 Jan 2026 | Press release

Open letter from WIN to European Commissioner Dombrovskis: “Europe as a beacon of fair competition”

With just a few weeks until the European Commission’s final decision on the Universal/Downtown deal, WIN wrote to Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis to warn that the proposed remedies will not mitigate the grave risk that the merger poses to fair competition...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Modern Women have signed to One Little Independent Records

Modern Woman, the London art-rock outfit fronted by primary songwriter Sophie Harris, are set to release their anticipated debut album ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ on May 1st 2026 via their new label One Little Independent Records. ‘Johnny’s Dreamworld’ represents the culmination of...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

TMRW Music Group Joins LabelWorx for Global Distribution and Label Services

LabelWorx, the leading global distribution and label services provider for independent electronic music, today announced a new partnership with TMRW Music Group, one of Australia’s most respected and influential electronic music companies. Under the new agreement, LabelWorx will provide full...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Atlantic Screen Group Secures $30m from Corrum Capital to Accelerate Film, TV Score and Music Catalogue Acquisitions

  Atlantic Screen Group (ASG) is pleased to announce that it has secured up to $30m in funding from Corrum Capital. The investment will enable ASG to continue its strategic acquisition of film and television scores, while also providing additional capital...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Amazon Music Unveils Global 2026 Artists to Watch Campaign

The initiative spotlights breakout artists poised to shape music in 2026, including Destin Conrad, Seyi Vibez, EJAE, Max Styler, PRESIDENT, NewDad, MEOVV, and Adam Klobi across 28 key playlists worldwide The program also includes seven new Amazon Music Originals from VENGAYO,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

First details revealed for BRITs Fringe with Brighter Sound

BRING ON THE BRITs WITH MASTERCARD: THE 2026 NOMINATIONSWATCH ON WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY FROM 5PM ON THE BRITs’ INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK WHATSAPP ANNOUNCED AS 2026 OFFICIAL VOTING PARTNER THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV   In a...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Mercury Prize shines global spotlight on Newcastle and the North East

New figures have shown the region's economy received a boost of more than £1.4 million by hosting the 2025 Mercury Prize.  A new report commissioned and published by Newcastle City Council has highlighted the huge impact the awards ceremony and fringe activity had...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

Winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards

  Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 European Festival Awards. For this year, festivals from over 30 countries participated and 300,000 single votes have been cast by the public. This resulted in 104 shortlisted nominees in 13 distinct categories,...more

15 Jan 2026 | Press release

PRS Foundation and Amazon MGM Studios reveal 4 talented composers receiving targeted Prelude support in 2026

  Carrie Penn, Fernando Gimeno, Jolene Khor and Rebekah Fitch selected to receive up to £3,750 each in grant support and mentoring Grantees were announced at a special event at BAFTA PRS Foundation, the UK's leading charitable funder of new music and talent...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Cutting Edge Group acquires music catalog of award-winning composer John Paesano

Deal includes scores from billion-dollar franchises including Maze Runner trilogy,Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Invincible, and Marvel’s Daredevil, adding over 80 premium film, TV and video game scores to Cutting Edge’s portfolio.   Cutting Edge Group (“CEG”), the leading specialist investor in and manager...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

10 UK music creators receive support to attend Eurosonic Noorderslag 2026 through PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund

  Supported artists across the UK include EV, Mount Palomar, Plantoid and SOAPBOX 2026 marks the 20th year of International Showcase Fund enabling UK artists to break into new overseas territories   PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

A Greener Future Honours the Greenest Global Events & Festivals

Although last year was characterised by instability and geopolitical tensions, 25 festivals and events spanning 12 countries and 4 continents demonstrated their commitment to a better, greener future, successfully achieving AGF Certification in 2025. A Greener Future (AGF)’s mission is to...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Merlin Announces its Board for 2026-27, Welcoming Five New Board Members

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Musical AI Raises $4.5M US to Expand its Proprietary AI Attribution Technology

Already in use, Musical AI’s attribution tech can immediately ensure a fully licensed future for AI companies. Musical AI, the pioneering attribution and rights management platform for generative AI, has closed a $4.5M US round led by Heavybit and supported by BDC and Build...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

BBC Radio 2 presents a stellar line-up for Piano Room month

  Radio 2’s Piano Room makes a triumphant return next month on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show (9:30-12pm weekdays) with 16 incredible live performances from a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Fender unveils connected music ecosystem with Fender Studio Pro, audio interfaces and controllers

A New Era Of Music Creation Begins With The Next Generation Of Studio One Pro As Fender Studio Pro, Quantum LT, Quantum HD, AudioBox Go™ and Motion™ Production Controllers   Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced a significant milestone in its evolution...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Zo Lief announced as Record Store Day Unsigned winner

  Record Store Day and Breed Media are delighted to announce Zo Lief as the winner of RSD Unsigned 2025, the nationwide competition celebrating the UK’s most exciting unsigned talent. Selected from hundreds of entries across the country, Zo Lief impressed the judging...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Merlin: Dan Waite, Better Noise Music CEO – Joins as Board Observer

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world's leading independent labels and distributors, kicks off 2026 by announcing its new Board, bringing together leaders from the independent music industry in 12 different countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Frontiers Label Group launches Blkiiblk Records and appoints Mike Gitter Global Head Of A&R

FRONTIERS LABEL GROUP is proud to announce the launch of its metal, hard rock and extreme music label, BLKIIBLK RECORDS.  Having released tentpole signings, BIOHAZARD in 2025; with thrash titans, MEGADETH unleashing their much anticipated, self-titled final album on January 23, Frontiers is taking...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Watch A$AP Rocky Perform New Music from Don't Be Dumb in Upcoming Episode of Amazon Music’s “Songline” Series

Premiering on Yams Day—January 18—at 9 p.m. ET, this special episode of “Songline” will showcase the hip-hop icon as he brings his new album to life, with special guests and unexpected moments filmed in New York City   Watch exclusively on Amazon...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Eternal Research Opens New Hollywood Studio, the Demon Lair

2026 will mark a series of firsts for Eternal Research, the creative studio building a new multimodal, synesthetic orchestra. One of the biggest developments is that the company will open its first physical location: a studio dubbed the Demon Lair, after...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Globally renowned independent music retailer Rough Trade announces 50th anniversary plans for 2026

INCLUDING: LIMITED EDITION VINYL RELEASESROUGH TRADE CLUB: ESSENTIAL, A NEW YEAR-LONG VINYL SUBSCRIPTIONEXCLUSIVE LIVE EVENTS+ MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED   Throughout 2026, Rough Trade marks its 50th anniversary with a year-long programme of releases and events, reflecting both its history and its...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Acquires Renowned Nashville Publisher Big Yellow Dog Music

Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the acquisition of legendary independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s renowned catalog of songs and serves...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Peermusic signs producer/songwriter/recording artist Dan Lancaster

Peermusic, the global independent music publishing company with 39 offices in 33 countries, has signed songwriter/producer and recording artist Dan Lancaster to a go-forward worldwide publishing deal as announced today by Ralph W. Peer, Managing Director, U.K., Australasia and Vice President of peermusic's...more

14 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints Hannah Poferl as Chief Data Officer

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced today the appointment of Hannah Poferl as its Chief Data Officer, effective immediately. She will be based in Santa Monica and report to UMG's Chief Operating Officer, Boyd Muir. A...more

16 Jan 2026

  • Do most artists peak with their first album? (see Analysis)

15 Jan 2026

  • Court battle over unpaid royalties could have implications for the industry in the streaming era (see News)

  • Luminate released its 2025 year-end music report (see Reports)

14 Jan 2026

  • Impala sets out crucial questions on UMG/Downtown, AI, sovereignty and more for EU & music sector (see Comment)

13 Jan 2026

  • Spotify’s new co-CEOs highlight what’s ahead for the company (see Digital)

12 Jan 2026

  • Music publishers sued by X in growing licensing battle (see News)

  • Call on EU to clamp down on unauthorised ticket reselling (see News)

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)

06 Jan 2026

  • 2026 music industry predictions (see Features)

05 Jan 2026

  • New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)