News

On Tuesday, October 28th, from 13:00 to 17:30, the second edition of the Music Industry Day SPOT, organised by Music Estonia, will take place at Genialistide Klubi. The aim of the day is to bring together local music industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to discuss the impact of music on culture, community, and the broader economy. Together, we’ll explore where Estonia’s music sector is heading and what role Tartu plays in shaping its future.

In Tartu, the discussions will touch upon musicians’ career paths, studio work, the role of vinyl and record stores, music synchronisation, Siurust, and the city’s concert life in general. The focus will be on Tartu as an active music city – examining how to strengthen its musical ecosystem, from artists to promoters and export-oriented companies. New initiatives and development trends that support both local ambitions and international growth will also be introduced.

The day will feature presentations and panel discussions with representatives of companies and organisations active in Tartu. Among the speakers are Paul Lepasson, Head of Community and Development Projects and programme team member at Genialistide Klubi; Eve Alte, Head of Vanemuine Concert Hall; and Liina Tammepõld, Head of Marketing and Communications at L Tips Agency. Also joining are successful artists such as Eeva Talsi from Curly Strings, and Robert Leht, a drummer in several bands including the internationally rising metal act PRIDIAN, as well as in nublu and villemdrillem’s live lineups. Uku Püttsepp, founder of the globally renowned record-cleaning machine manufacturer Degritter, will give a presentation, as will Jaan Naaber, founder of the ticketing platform Sviby, which connects hundreds of music and cultural organisers and offers them a unique customer experience. Martin Kikas, Head of Ö Stuudio, which supports talented Estonian artists and creators, will also speak. The day’s host, Music Estonia, will introduce its activities and those of Tallinn Music Week, and share opportunities for professional development and internationalisation in the field.

Ave Demelemester, CEO of Music Estonia, highlights the success of the first Music Industry Day in Pärnu, where key takeaways included community building, the role of smaller cities as cultural satellites, youth involvement, and the importance of accessible venues and performance opportunities.
“Through these gatherings, we help both the local music community and the city itself understand what our shared goals and expectations are. Every city is different and vital to the functioning of Estonia’s music ecosystem – especially if we want to keep growing,” says Demelemester.

Genialistide Klubi is known as Tartu’s subcultural hub – a meeting place where diverse cultural expressions intersect. Managing Director Jaan Kroon explains:
“Our mission is to share knowledge and experience, foster the development of the field, and support it in every way possible. We are delighted, as a member of Music Estonia, to host and contribute to this regional seminar day in Tartu. Events like this help shape and strengthen the city’s cultural life in a more conscious and supportive way.”

Jaan Naaber, founder and CEO of Sviby, sees SPOT as an important initiative that enables in-depth discussions about both the content and development of the music sector:
“It’s great that this time the event takes place in Tartu. Each region brings its own energy, experience, and story to the table. During the seminar, I’ll share insights into how collaboration, data, and technology can help the sector grow intelligently and sustainably. We need to know our audience as well as an artist knows their music. Music is a holistic experience created jointly by the artist, organiser, and audience. When they amplify each other, something truly unique emerges.”

Doors (and coffee) open at 12:30.
Tickets are available via Fienta: https://fienta.com/et/muusikaettevotluse-paev-spot-tartu

Speakers include (list to be updated):
Ahto Külvet (Psühhoteek)
Ave Demelemester (Music Estonia)
Eeva Talsi (Curly Strings; musician)
Eve Alte (Vanemuine Concert Hall)
Henri Roosipõld (Fundamental Collective)
Jaan Naaber (Sviby)
Liina Tammepõld (L Tips Agency Estonia)
Martin Kikas (Ö Stuudio)
Paul Lepasson (Genialistide Klubi)
Ragnar Konson (Tartu Events Centre)
Robert Kähr (Biit Me Record Store)
Robert Leht (Pridian, nublu, Sadu, villemdrillem, Alika; musician)
Thea Zaitsev (Tier Music)
Uku Püttsepp (Degritter)

A similar Music Industry Day will take place on November 18th at the Viljandi Traditional Music Centre.

The seminar is co-funded by the European Union.