DENMARK

1. Luna Hernø Balslev (30), Senior Project Manager // All Things Live Denmark

Luna Balslev is a Senior Project Manager at All Things Live, where she works across all aspects of the live careers of the agency's artists. She is dedicated to driving structure and providing strategic oversight across the full scope of live activities, translating creative vision into successful concerts. Notable roster names include MORTEN, Ankerstjerne, DJ Aligator, NIARN, Freja Kirk and Rune Rask.

Alongside her responsibilities for artists and touring, Luna plays a key role in the agency’s leadership and operations, providing senior-level support and overseeing more than 200 live shows in 2025. She has managed numerous commercially successful headline tours and live events, as well as performances at major festivals including Smukfest, Roskilde Festival, O Days, Tinderbox and Tivoli among others. She is currently overseeing three confirmed arena shows and organizing MORTEN’s closing performance at Bøgescenen at Smukfest this year.

In addition to her work at All Things Live, Luna has always been actively involved in industry initiatives focused on talent development, diversity, and the sustainable growth of the live sector. While completing her degree in International Sales and Marketing Management, Luna worked as a project manager for popular festivals, including Musik i Lejet and interned at major-label Sony Music, where she gained experience in product management and artist promotion. From the outset of her career, Luna has combined hands-on industry experience with her ability to balance commercial, creative and organizational priorities, an approach that extends beyond her day-to-day work with artists.

Lunas contributions to the music industry have led to her being featured as a speaker for the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), as well as for The Danish Musicians’ Union (DMF). In 2025, she was nominated for a Women in Live Music Award in recognition of her work. She previously served as booker for Carpark Festival, where she championed emerging artists and implemented a commitment to a 50/50 gender-balanced lineup. Luna is currently on the board of directors of Spillestedet Stengade, where she continues to support the development of the Danish live music scene.

As a DJ, Luna has performed for leading companies such as Mærsk, LEGO, and L'Oréal Paris, as well as at renowned venues including VEGA and Pumpehuset and as backing DJ for commercially recognized pop artists. She enjoys curating a vibrant blend of Amapiano, R&B, and throwback hits, reflecting her deep passion for music and dedication to bringing communities together through cultural experiences.

2. Breki Adiel Stefánsson (26), Co-Founder & Booker // Urban Breakout

As co-founder of Urban Breakout, an independent non-profit Danish festival, he has helped build one of the most artist-focused hiphop platforms in the Danish live music scene. Since the launch of the organisation, they have booked 104 artists, hosting 26 debut concerts and giving 20 artists their first ever paid live performance.

Leading all commercial partnerships and strategic collaborations, he has secured major international brand partnerships such as Jägermeister, Monster Energy and G-Shock, while positioning Urban Breakout as a serious challenger in one of the world's most competitive festival markets per capita. His approach to sponsorship prioritises real value for artists, audiences, and partners, enabling the festival to grow independently and on its own creative terms. Urban Breakout has received recognition from media outlets as GAFFA across multiple editions.

Artists presented early through Urban Breakout include GUSTO, Zuloo, Ozzy, Michael Williams, and FØNS have since broken into the mainstream market. Last year's edition featured international talent from Germany, Iceland, and Italy. This year, in collaboration with The Fund for Danish-Icelandic Cooperation, the festival is bringing two Icelandic artists and a DJ to the lineup. He has had a thrive for bringing international upcoming talent to Denmark to create a multi-cultural experience for the guests and artists. 

With a strong background in live event production/execution, Breki has built an impressive career managing events and concerts 

at Langelinie Pavillion and Karrusel Festival. As Stage Manager at the fan-favorite "Arkaden" Red Bull stage, he has demonstrated skill in coordinating live productions at a high level. He has served as Event Manager at the iconic venue Langelinie Pavillionen, overseeing a wide range of events including big concerts with precision and professionalism. 

Through a grassroots identity, innovative partnerships, and a consistent commitment to emerging talent, he has helped establish Urban Breakout as a growing cultural force and a platform that spots artists before the rest of the industry does.

3. Sofie Juul Lind (30), Head of Live Marketing, Nordic Team Lead // United Stage

During Sofie Juul Lind’s six years at United Stage, she has progressed from intern to Head of Live Marketing, consistently demonstrating strong dedication and a deep passion for the music industry. Throughout this journey, she has taken on increasing responsibility and played a key role in shaping and executing marketing strategies for live music projects.

Towards the end of 2025, as part of the Universal Music/United Stage “One Nordic” rollout, she stepped into the role of Nordic Team Lead for Live Marketing across Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. This promotion reflects both her professional growth and her commitment to driving collaboration and innovation across markets.

At the beginning of 2025, Sofie was selected by IFPI for the Above & Beyond “Fast-Track Program for Emerging Managers,” where she further developed her leadership skills and strategic perspective. During the same period, she also contributed to the next generation of industry professionals by teaching Branding and Marketing at the Danish Songwriting Academy.

4. Carl Emil Stolpe (28), A&R Manager // Universal Music Denmark / Island Records Nordic

Carl Emil Stolpe is a rare and exceptional A&R talent who, in a remarkably short time, has established himself as one of the most forward-thinking and impactful figures in the Danish music industry.

Carl began his career at Universal Music as a scout, where he was the first to identify and champion emerging artists such as Annika, ozzy and Karoline Mousing. Shortly after, he joined Island Records Denmark as an A&R, where he has rapidly grown into one of the most respected A&Rs in the market.

In just two years, Carl has played a key role in developing a new generation of defining Danish artists, including Annika, ozzy, Karoline Mousing, Lea Romea and Loui Henderson — all widely regarded as among the most innovative and influential voices shaping the future of Danish music.

Meanwhile he has also been working as an A&R for legacy artists such as Jada and Malte Ebert.

What truly sets Carl apart is his rare ability to deeply understand and engage with each artist’s creative universe. He approaches his work with a unique combination of respect, intuition, and professionalism, empowering artists while helping them refine and elevate their vision. At the same time, he demonstrates a strong strategic mindset, skillfully balancing artistic integrity with commercial potential, and contributing meaningfully to long-term career development and brand building.

Carl Emil Stolpe represents a new generation of A&R — one that not only has the instinct to discover talent, but also the ability to nurture, develop, and position it in a rapidly evolving industry. His trajectory so far is nothing short of extraordinary, and his impact will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of Nordic music.

ICELAND

5. Aurora Maria Sif Di Rienzo (28), Artist Manager // Truno Music

Aurora Maria Sif Di Rienzo is an Icelandic-Italian music manager and consultant whose sharp instincts and international perspective have quickly established her as one of Iceland’s promising rising forces in the music industry. With a BASc in Arts and Sciences from University College London and an MSc in Management of Creative Business Processes from Copenhagen Business School, Aurora went directly into artist management upon completing her studies — a move that reflects both her ambition and her readiness.

During her studies, Aurora undertook several experiences to deepen her understanding and hone her skills in the music industry. Most notably, she founded the CBS Music Bizz Society in 2023, which won the Pheonix award at the CBS Community Award that same year.

She currently manages a dynamic and diverse roster of Icelandic artists, such as; Inspector Spacetime, Lúpína, and, RAKEL. A defining milestone in her early career came with securing a sync deal with Apple for Inspector Spacetime — a significant achievement that brought the artist to a global audience and underscored Aurora’s ability to navigate international music business at the highest level.

In early 2026, Aurora took a defining entrepreneurial step by founding Truno Music, her own music management and consulting company. Through Truno Music, she is building a platform rooted in artist development, international market strategy, and a genuine commitment to bringing Icelandic talent to the global stage.

Fluent across cultures and industries, Aurora brings a rare combination of academic rigour, creative empathy, and commercial drive to everything she does. Her dual Icelandic-Italian heritage informs a uniquely international outlook, and her work reflects a deep belief in the power of music to cross borders. With Truno Music and the artists she champions, Aurora Di Rienzo is shaping what the next generation of Icelandic music leadership looks like.

6. Atli Freyr Hjaltason (27), Folklorist & Cultural Producer // Vökufélagið

Atli Freyr Hjaltason is one of Iceland’s leading voices in traditional dance and folk music. Over the past decade, he has performed, taught, lectured, and led workshops throughout Iceland and across the Nordic countries. His work is characterized by a strong emphasis on participatory culture and community engagement, creating meaningful opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience Iceland’s rich dance and musical heritage, with particular focus on youth and intergenerational dialogue.

Atli organizes and contributes to a wide range of regular events related to traditional dance, music and culture, including public dance evenings hosted by Þjóðdansafélag Reykjavíkur, Sagnavaka and Vaka Folk Arts Festival. Alongside his organisational work, he is also an active researcher. In autumn 2025, he published Danslög Jónasar (Jónas' Dance Tunes), an edition of a violin manuscript dating from around 1864. The publication was accompanied by workshops and concerts designed to inspire children and young people to learn and perform the music themselves.

Alongside his work as a performer, educator, and researcher, Atli is a prominent advocate for traditional arts and intangible cultural heritage. He serves as chairman of Vökufélagið – an association committed to supporting and developing folk music, dance and culture in Iceland. In addition, he holds leadership and advisory roles on the boards of a number of Icelandic and Nordic organizations dedicated to traditional music, arts, dance, research, and cultural preservation. Through this work, he contributes to the development of cultural policy, international cooperation, and the transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations.

7. Francesca Stoppani (29), Booking Agent & Promoter // Worship Bookings

Francesca Stoppani is an Italian-born, Nordic-sworn event manager, talent booker, and music writer based in Reykjavík, Iceland. After living and working across Paris, Oslo, Bergen, Rovaniemi, and the Faroe Islands, she settled in Iceland, where she works as a conference organizer and administration manager.

From 2023 to 2025, she wrote the column Filthy Interviews for The Reykjavík Grapevine, highlighting Iceland's underground music scene through interviews with emerging and established artists. In 2024, she founded Worship Bookings, a DIY booking agency focused on heavy, experimental, and metal music, and joined the organizing team of Andkristni Festival, the oldest black metal festival in Iceland.

Alongside booking concerts in Iceland and abroad, Francesca manages international tours for Icelandic underground bands and supports artists in developing their communications, branding, and public relations strategies.

FINLAND

8. Iina Ahdeala (28), Content Manager / Impact Team, Warner Music Finland

Iina Ahdeala began her journey at Warner Music Finland in 2021 as a Marketing Intern and has since gained experience across various areas of the music industry through a range of roles including Production Coordinator at Warner Music Live, as well as Marketing Coordinator and Digital Marketing Specialist at Warner Music Finland.

In her current role as Content Manager, she combines creative vision with a deep understanding of fan culture and audience behavior. She has a strong sense of how communities around music form and evolve, and how content can strengthen the connection between artists and their fans. This allows her to create content that not only supports releases and live shows, but also builds lasting engagement and emotional resonance.

Iina is part of the marketing teams behind some of Finland’s biggest artists, such as Averagekidluke, emma & matilda, Isac Elliot and Käärijä. Her work has contributed to several successful projects, such as Averagekidluke’s DENIM campaign, Isac Elliot’s record-breaking Stadin Yö concert and Käärijä’s sold-out Eurodisko arena show. The DENIM campaign was also recognized internationally, earning a place in Music Ally’s Best Music Marketing Campaigns of the Year 2025.

Iina brings a visually driven and idea-led approach to her work. She has a talent for turning artistic visions into compelling digital concepts and building visibility and momentum around releases and live performances through engaging storytelling that resonates with audiences. She is particularly skilled at understanding what makes content meaningful and how to translate ideas into narratives that feel authentic and relevant.

9. Dante Correa (27), Co-Founder, Helsinki Music Week & CEO, Belowzer0

Dante Correa is the co-founder of Helsinki Music Week and record label BELOW0. Based in Helsinki, BELOW0 has been a driving force in shaping contemporary sound, bringing together a network of artists under a shared vision and running Club Zero, their club night series, across Helsinki, Berlin, and Prague.

In 2025, Correa took part in expanding that world into Helsinki Music Week, an emerging festival spread across some of the city’s most iconic venues, from underground clubs and concert halls to historic churches, mixing concerts, club nights, and talks. Covered by the likes of Dazed, 032c, Rolling Stone, The Line of Best Fit, Spike Magazine, and Resident Advisor, it has quickly established itself as one of the more exciting new festivals in Europe.

Alongside his work with BELOW0 and Helsinki Music Week, Correa manages MELO, one of the most singular and unpredictable voices in Finnish music with a career that has made him a defining voice of his generation, and Glayden, one of the most compelling emerging artists taking Finnish music to a global stage.

Driven by a desire to push Nordic underground talent onto the world stage, Correa has become one of the key figures connecting Helsinki’s creative scene to a global audience, building something that feels both deeply local and unmistakably international.

10. Emma Rühr (27), Promoter & Agent // Fullsteam Agency

Emma is a promoter, booking agent, and a force of nature who has quickly grown into her role through determination, compassion, and commitment to learning. After having worked at AEG Presents in London with international tours for artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and BLACKPINK, she joined Fullsteam nearly three years ago.

As an agent, Emma represents a relevant and notable roster of Finnish artists, ranging from established names to rising talents such as Vesta, Olga, Alma Alanko, Helmi Marleena and Paperi T, among others. Her commitment to supporting artist development and success is exceptional, and her inspiring approach, combined with open and inclusive communication, has made her a valued and wanted member in artist teams. Emma’s international roster includes sold-out shows performing acts like Only The Poets and Sleeping At Last.

Beyond her colleagues at Fullsteam, Emma is known in the Finnish music industry, as well as the international community as a passionate, ambitious, and innovative team player. Above all, she is recognized as a warm and positive presence who meets everyone with genuine enthusiasm, kindness, and respect.

SWEDEN

11. Susanna Boder (29), A&R/Artist manager // Monza Music Entertainment 

Susanna is honored and proud to be recognized as one of the Top 20 Under 30 in the Nordic music industry.

Throughout her career, she has worked across several areas of the music business, gaining experience at Universal Music Publishing Scandinavia, Warner Music Sweden, and, for the past two years, as an A&R and Artist Manager at Monza Music Entertainment. Each role has provided new perspectives on the intersection of creativity, business development, and long-term artist development.

Her passion for music is rooted in Western classical music. Through her parents, who were active in the European opera world, Susanna developed an early appreciation for the importance of culture and its ability to inspire, challenge, and shape society. This sparked a curiosity about the meaning of artistic integrity and fostered a lasting belief in the power of culture, even when the path forward is uncertain.

Alongside her work in the music industry, Susanna studied Musicology as well as Media and Communication at Uppsala University and furthered her education at Berghs School of Communication. The combination of academic studies and practical experience has given her a deep respect for music's role, both as an art form and as a cultural and commercial force.

The past year has been particularly significant. Susanna has contributed to the creation of new albums, the development of campaigns, and the execution of Nordic tours. One of the year's most memorable experiences was participating in a tour across Ethiopia and Zimbabwe alongside cultural representatives supported by the European Union and creators from seven European countries.

Together with the artist Cherrie, Susanna had the opportunity to meet musicians and cultural practitioners working in environments where creative freedom cannot be taken for granted. The experience provided a deeper understanding of the democratic importance of culture and reinforced her belief in music's unique ability to build bridges between people, experiences, and societies.

Looking ahead, Susanna is excited to continue developing long-term artist careers together with her colleagues and the exceptional talents she has the privilege of working with. She is convinced that many of the most important stories of the future are still waiting to be told, and that music will remain an essential part of them.

12. Mamdouh Elmchad (27) - Gothenburg
Founder & Artistic Director, Not Your Habibi // Digital Communication & Programme Development, Göteborg & Co

Mamdouh Elmchad is a Gothenburg-based cultural strategist, programme developer and founder of Not Your Habibi with a background in International Cultural Project Management. Working across live music, festivals and artist development, he has established himself as one of a new generation of music professionals building connections between Sweden and emerging cultural scenes around the world.

His work is characterised by a strong curatorial perspective, combining international talent, emerging artists and underrepresented cultural expressions in ways that create meaningful exchanges. Through his booking work, he has introduced artists rarely presented on Swedish stages, helping strengthen Gothenburg's position as a meeting point between local and international music scenes.

He is the founder of Not Your Habibi, a platform that has become one of Sweden's first and most recognised meeting points for SWANA (South West Asia & North Africa) queer culture. Through club concepts and cultural programmes, the initiative has created space for new artistic perspectives and collaborations. The platform has also been one of the initiators behind a new Nordic network connecting organisers and cultural initiatives across Sweden, Denmark and Norway, creating one of the first long-term collaborations of its kind focused on SWANA-led cultural exchange in the region.

Alongside his independent projects, Mamdouh works with communications and programme development at Göteborgskalaset/Göteborg & Co (Gothenburg's city festival). During the past year, a digital campaign he led generated more than 10 million views across platforms, contributing to strong audience growth and helping achieve 86% brand awareness among Gen Z audiences. At the same time, his work within the festival's programming team has focused on identifying emerging trends, international talent and new cultural movements, contributing to a programme that feels current and forward-thinking, with a particular interest in artistic ideas that challenge conventions and expand what a city festival can be.

Combining an entrepreneurial mindset with a strong curatorial vision, Mamdouh has built a reputation for turning ideas into platforms, partnerships and opportunities. His ability to identify emerging cultural movements, connect people across sectors and create space for new ideas has made him a sought-after collaborator across both grassroots and institutional cultural spaces.

13. Evie Bloom (29), Senior Manager, Nordics (Artist Development & Commercial Partnership) // AWAL

Based in Stockholm, Evie Bloom works across artist development, audience growth and commercial partnerships at AWAL, supporting artists throughout the Nordic region and helping connect local and global music ecosystems.

Over the past year, she has contributed to campaigns spanning both AWAL's global priority roster and emerging Nordic talent, working with artists including Laufey, Jungle, Djo, Bladee, Yung Lean, Boko Youtand Sunnan. Her work brings together platform strategy, editorial partnerships, digital marketing, creator ecosystems and audience development, working closely with artists, managers, streaming platforms and international teams to help projects grow across markets.

Alongside supporting international artist campaigns in the Nordics, Evie has also helped create opportunities for Nordic artists internationally, connecting local talent with new audiences across key global markets. Her work is particularly focused on understanding how artists resonate with people and translating those insights into long-term audience growth.

Evie's work sits at the intersection of music, audience behaviour and community building. Rather than following a traditional marketing blueprint, she focuses on understanding why people connect with artists and how those connections can be developed into lasting audiences. Her approach combines platform strategy, partnerships, live experiences and digital storytelling, helping artists build communities that extend across both physical and digital spaces.

Evie stands out as highly independent, with a modern and innovative approach rooted in culture, community, and each artist’s unique identity. Her ability to connect the Nordic and global music landscapes makes her a strong profile in the Nordic music industry in 2025/26.

14. Jonathan Haile (28)
A&R & Label Manager // Ada Nordics

Jonathan Haile, known as Haile, began his professional journey in 2016, now marking a decade in the industry, a milestone made even more impressive by his still young age. Today he works as an A&R and Label Manager at ADA Nordics.

At ADA, he acts as the bridge between independent artists, labels, partners, and digital platforms in the Nordic region, developing strategies and driving projects from idea to release.

Haile developed his passion for music at a youth center in southern Stockholm. During high school in 2016, he started to gain momentum alongside childhood friend Jireel and the Hip-Hop collective Nivy, later making the shift to the major label world and Universal Music in 2018. Haile made his first signing with ADAAM and helped kickstart the artist’s career, leading to his first solo Top 50 record in 2019.

Over the years, Haile has worked with artist management, touring, DJing, A&R, marketing and distribution, leading to a broad understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of the business.

In the past year, he has played a key role in supporting and growing ADA’s Swedish operations during a period of major transition. He has led label relationships, artist campaigns, marketing initiatives and commercial strategy. Highlights from the past year include launching YEMAYA II by Grammis-winning artist Jireel, as well as Musik för alla by Terra, one of Sweden’s most talked about independent releases of the year.

At the core of Haile’s work is helping artists and labels grow while pushing forward the culture that he loves and that shaped him. With a unique background spanning both creative and commercial roles, he has become a valued link between creatives and stakeholders, making him an important player in rooms where music is discussed and strategized.

15. Linnéa Alouani (30), Creative Manager, A&R // Universal Music Publishing Nordics

Linnéa has been with Universal Music Publishing since 2022, working closely with SVP of A&R Jessica Brandt and songwriters such as Maia Wright, Daniela Rathana, Max Thulin, Calle Lehmann, Wilhelm Börjesson, Vera Carlbom and more while focusing on plugging songs, sessions and curating camps on a wider global scale.

Through Linnéa's work at UMPG Nordic region, she has played a pivotal role in growing the company’s presence and success in K-pop, combining strong knowledge of the market with real passion for the music. In 2025, Linnéa became team leader of UMP’s global K-pop focus group, and in her role she works closely with UMP's Korean office as well as publishers from other territories within UMP and label A&Rs - to help build strategies, curate camps and create new opportunities between international writers and the K-pop industry. She also works closely with The Kennel (UMPG JV), helping connect songwriters and producers across markets and make sure collaborations have real global impact. A big part of Linnéa’s success is her work with songwriters like Maia Wright and Calle Lehmann - she has supported them in taking important steps into the K-pop market which has led to Billboard charting albums and songs with groups like IVE and P1Harmony.

What makes Linnéa stand out is her genuine passion. She is a fan at heart, always curious
and motivated to discover new artists, sounds and opportunities for UMP songwriters in a fast paced and ever-changing industry.

16. Lili Rönkä (28), Senior Manager, Impact Marketing, EMEA // Warner Music

Lili Rönkä represents a new generation of marketers who operate globally by default. She has played a key role in redefining how international music marketing works by building a digital-first approach that focuses on storytelling, fan engagement and creating moments that travel across not only the Nordics but globally.

Lili began her career at Warner Music Finland in 2020, quickly transitioning from a marketing intern into a digital specialist. In 2024, she moved into a Nordic role at Warner Music Sweden, where she acted as a driving force in putting the Nordic region on the map for being the first to break international artists and hits globally. Her results in the international Nordic team quickly caught the attention on an EMEA regional level which led to her promotion in 2026 that was tailored and shaped specifically for Lili: Senior Manager, Impact Marketing EMEA at Warner Music.

Lili's work has delivered real impact, driving early breakthroughs for artists such as Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Alex Warren, and Bella Kay. Notably, an innovative activation for Alex Warren that she worked on generated over 150 million organic views and was even celebrated by Warren himself, during his Variety Hitmakers "Breakthrough of the Year" acceptance speech. Lili's innovative approach has been recognised internationally with campaigns she has worked on winning the Music Ally Marketing Awards 2024 (Coldplay) and also being selected for "Campaigns of the Year 2025" (Alex Warren).

NORWAY

17. Fredrik Børstad (28), Head of A&R // Toothfairy Publishing

Fredrik plays a key role in signing new songwriters, developing talent, and creating tangible results for Toothfairy Publishing. He has initiated and coordinated a large number of songwriting camps, as well as arranged strategic writing sessions that have led to song placements with some of Norway’s biggest artists, in addition to international names such as EXO, IVE, Alan Walker, Bolaget, John Mayer, and Zedd.

Over the past year, Fredrik has been actively involved in several focus markets, including South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and India. At the same time, he has been a driving force behind the domestic success of our roster through songs recorded by artists such as Coucheron, Ari Bajgora, GOLF, The Bausa, Tobias Sten, and Streetboys.

Through his work, he combines talent development, strategic relationship building, and international songwriting activity. In a short period of time, he has helped establish Toothfairy Publishing as an increasingly prominent player both in Norway and internationally. 

18. Imane Istaleb (29), Head of Live // Kreatell, World of Walker

Imane Istaleb is a Norwegian live music executive, show director, and the Head of Live for internationally acclaimed artist Alan Walker. Over the past year, she has played a key role in managing and scaling one of electronic music’s most active touring brands, leading major headline shows, arena productions, and festival appearances across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Prior to her current role, she also worked closely with Norwegian artist Vinni as his day-to-day manager, contributing to his album release and managing the rollout of his most streamed song “Glorie,” which has been certified 7x platinum.

In 2024-2026, Istaleb helped deliver the Walkerworld tour, which sold out across China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, with more than 500,000 tickets sold globally. Alongside the tour, she also led the delivery of Alan Walker’s first-ever sold-out headline performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, as well as performances at major international events including the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Alongside her touring work, Istaleb developed the live concept Lonely Club alongside Alan Walker and Steve Aoki - a new electronic music project that had its first-ever headliner performance at the world-renowned S2O Festival in Thailand in 2026.

Her work focuses on combining creative direction with large-scale live production and operational leadership across international touring and live events.

19. Shirin Khademi (30), Co-Founder & Partner // AirTime AS

Shirin Khademi is the Co-Founder and Head of Clients at Air Time Management and serves as an A&R and Project Manager at Universal Music Norway. Working across management, artist development and label strategy, she has established herself as one of the most exciting young music executives in the Nordics.

Over the past year, Khademi has led a series of breakthrough artist campaigns across multiple markets. Under her management, HILLARI performed at Coachella 2026, won a Spellemann Award (Norwegian Grammy) for Best R&B Release, sold out headline shows in New York, Los Angeles and Oslo, and was featured on the cover of ELLE Norway.

At the same time, ULD established themselves as one of Norway’s most successful emerging acts. Blending elements of alternative pop, folk and traditional singer-songwriter music, the trio sold out Oslo Konserthus twice, received three Spellemann Award nominations, won both the Edvard Prize and the Prøysen Prize, and took home two GAFFA Awards. In addition, two of their singles reached the Norwegian Top 50, a rare achievement for an act operating outside the mainstream pop landscape.

Khademi has also expanded Air Time internationally through the signing of Swedish artist Keisha. Before releasing any music, she helped secure six festival bookings, a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing, a label partnership and Nordic booking representation.

Nominated for Manager of the Year at the by:Larm Industry Awards in 2025, Khademi has built a growing network across the Nordics, the UK, the US and Asia. Through her work, she is helping shape a new generation of Nordic artist careers by combining management, A&R and international strategy

20. Ulysse Bonfils (22), Founder // Distortion

Distortion has quickly established itself as a driving force in the music industry, bringing together multiple facets of artist development, production, and international growth. In a short period of time, the company has played a key role in building successful careers for artists such as Golf, The Bausa and Ari Bajgora—artists who consistently perform at the top of the charts both in Norway and internationally.

At the center of this growth is Ulysse, widely recognised as both the face of the company and one of its key leaders. With a strong instinct for identifying and developing talent, Ulysse has been instrumental in shaping Distortion’s success. In just a few years, the company has earned multiple awards, achieved repeated chart-topping releases, and delivered sold-out concerts across Norway and abroad. Among its milestones is setting records for sustained success on Spotify, including some of the longest-running top positions for Norwegian artists.

What began as a group of friends has evolved into a fast-growing company with 15 employees and a reputation as one of Norway’s leading music companies, with clear ambitions of becoming one of the largest. Distortion continues to challenge the established music industry through innovative thinking, combining a strong national foundation with expanding international collaborations.

Ulysse has also played a central role in the recent breakthrough of the Norwegian trio The Bausa. Following their signing with B1 / Sony, their track Magnetic has gained significant traction across Europe, driven by strong streaming performance, radio support, and viral momentum. The release has marked the trio’s transition into an international market, further underlining Distortion’s ability to develop artists with global potential.

Across Europe, the song has landed on key stations including SLAM!, 3FM and Qmusic in the Netherlands, P3 in Denmark (Single of the Week, driving a No.1 Shazam), and major outlets across Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Over 100m social views and a 340% rise in Instagram followers in the past month speak to how rapidly the word has spread. None of it came from nowhere: three Spellemann nominations and back-to-back sell-outs at Oslo’s Sentrum Scene had already marked The Bausa out on home turf. Their “Scandi House” sound - euphoric, funk-laced and built for big rooms - was always likely to travel.