Global Music Match returns for 2022

Following the resounding success of the first two editions in 2020 and 2021, online collaboration program Global Music Match returns for a third edition

The Global Music Match initiative was recognised by the international music industry at WOMEX 2021, receiving their prestigious Professional Excellence Award. The latest iteration of Global Music Match will feature 60 artists from 16 countries and four continents in an export academy for developing artists.

Participants from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Catalonia, Chile, Denmark, England, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Scotland, Taiwan, USA and Wales are set to collaborate over the coming three months, in what is widely considered to be the world’s largest online musical collaboration programme. The participating artists’ list has now been published – Finnish acts in the program are Hurja Halla and Desirée Saarela.

Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and created by founding partners Sounds Australia, Showcase Scotland Expo, English Folk Expo and Canada’s East Coast Music Association (ECMA) as a unique and direct response to the sudden limitations imposed on the worldwide music industry and, in particular, international showcasing, Global Music Match has become a valuable artist development program.

The third iteration of Global Music Match has evolved to focus on emerging artists who are just starting to explore and embark on their international careers. The 60 selected artists will develop their social media skills, learn about new markets, interact and collaborate with fellow musicians online all while creating new and engaging content.

Participating organisations for 2022 include the founding partners (Sounds Australia, Showcase Scotland Expo, English Folk Expo and Canada’s East Coast Music Association (ECMA), alongside returning export music offices (EMOs): the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Catalan Arts (Catalonia), Chile Música, Export Music Sweden, FOCUS Wales, Folk Alliance International (USA), Iceland Music, LUCfest (Taiwan), Music Finland, Music Norway and Tempi (Denmark). In addition two new EMOs have joined in 2022: Brasil Música & Artes (BM&A) and Why Portugal.