The Norwegian Jazz Forum is now gathering contributions for the 4th edition of their 3CD "Jazz from Norway" compilation series, released in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JazzCD.no. Go here for details: https://www.jazzforum.no/nyheter/norsk-jazzforum-soker-bidrag-til-ny-promocd-for-norsk-jazz (in Norwegian)
Slightly OT, but worth noting: Rune Grammofon's next release will be from Archetti/Wiget, aka Italian/Swiss duo Luigi Archetti and Bo Wiget: https://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/archetti__wiget/rcd-2087---archetti--wiget_-low-tide-digitals-iii
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that make it their first non-Norwegian release?
Apparently Advance Patrol's new album "El futuro" was moving enough downloads when they only had it posted on their own site, so they decided to upload it to The Pirate Bay and write a press release. Check it: https://globalgonza.com/2009/05/31/english-press-release-advance-patrol/
Any aspiring bands hoping to do the same for a quick PR boost better jump on it quick because returns are sure to be diminishing.
Stina Westerberg takes over as the Swedish Music Information Centre's new CEO today -- read the full English press release: https://www.mic.stim.se/avd/mic/prod/micnews.nsf/webselectpuff/613A29430862D329C1257566002B51FD
Umeå Punk City, the new interview zine and compilation spotlighting 30 bands from Northern Sweden's renown music scene, now has a blog: https://umeapunkcity.blogspot.com/
For those too lazy to click: the folks behind the project managed to raise enough grant money to print up 8k copies of the 27x35 cm zine which they are distributing worldwide for free via punk rock distros, record stores and bands on tour. Naturally, I've got dibs on a stack myself and will hopefully have them here before too long, but anyone else looking to help spread the word are encouraged to get in touch.
Swedish indie/experimental label Release the Bats! are closing up their mailorder and throwing a huge sale: https://www.releasethebats.com/rtb.html
Can't say I blame 'em -- I'm in pretty much the same situation myself with my own mailorder. People keep releasing great music, but there's just not as many people buying. Or at least, not from me/us. Ever-climbing shipping fees don't help either.
More developments in The Pirate Bay case as the labels move to gag the defendents: https://www.thelocal.se/19544/20090519/
The Swedish Model's Canadian delegation is putting together a party on June 5 at Salon Officiel in Montreal. Swedish acts Laserål and Ploctor will perform and, best of all, there will be complimentary beer and wine served between the hours of 8 and 11. Flyer here: https://www.andreassundgren.com/tsmflyer.jpg
Stereo Test Kit, the UK-based label who released many fine Swedish acts such as The Social Services, We Are Soliders We Have Guns and Dear Euphoria, has called it quits. Read their full statement and score deals on remaining stock: https://www.stereotestkit.com/
Finnish doom act Callisto has announced that Paper Tiger AV is their new North American label home. Look for their new album "Providence" to get a release over here on May 26.
Also, after looking at the label's website, it appears that Paper Tiger will be representing a number of other Fullsteam-affiliated bands in these parts such as Disco Ensemble and Rubik. The former will have their new EP "Back on the MF streets" released over here on May 26 and Rubik's debut "Bad conscience patrol" will follow on June 23 along with their most recent record "Dada bandits" soon thereafter.
Are you kidding me? It has been revealed that the judge in the Pirate Bay case was a member of various Swedish copyright organizations alongside many members of the prosecution. Read more: https://www.thelocal.se/19028/20090423/
If that's not an obvious conflict of interest, I don't know what is.
The mystery is revealed! TLRC = Rune Grammofon's new imprint The Last Record Company. Look for new releases from Maja Ratkje, Ultralyd and Stian Westerhus in the near future.
Terje Pedersen of Warner Music Norway made a public ass of himself on Twitter over comments someone made about not being able to download the new Dave Matthews album via Norwegian iTunes: https://thomasmoen.no/?p=13
He has since apologized, but the record remains.
Swedish hip-hop label Pope Records has signed a distribution deal with Universal Music: https://www.musikindustrin.se/artikel/744/Universal_Music_distribuerar_Pope_Records.html
A Norwegian study has confirmed yet again what should be common knowledge/common sense: frequent p2p downloaders are often the music industry's biggest legal consumers: https://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2009042113333213407186