Tallinn’s streets have already begun to hum with the electric buzz of 1,500 industry movers, music lovers and policy makers. The 18th edition of Tallinn Music Week (TMW) kicked off today at the Nordic Hotel Forum and is set to keep the capital alive with music, debate and innovation until next week.
A Two‑Day Deep‑Dive into the Future of Music
From 10–11 April, the conference will unpack how music can boost cities, navigate a rapidly consolidating live‑music market, survive an AI‑saturated ecosystem, and keep its workforce mentally healthy. The programme, curated in partnership with Music Estonia, features a star‑studded lineup that spans the entire music spectrum.
Keynote & Panels
- Gunvor Kronman – The Swedish‑Finnish cultural strategist opens the day with a masterclass in cross‑sector leadership, drawing on her roles at Amos Rex, Konstsamfundet, and more.
- Patrik Tengwall – Stockholm’s event‑strategy guru presents data on how music fuels the city’s economy.
- Ian Huffam – X‑Ray Touring’s partner sits down with Nick Hobbs to dissect the agent‑promoter relationship in a consolidating industry.
- Magne Furuholmen, Martin Goldschmidt & Paul Clement – Legendary figures share insider tales from a-ha, Cooking Vinyl and Resident Advisor.
Special Focus Sessions
- Well‑Being & Mental Health – Psychologist Tiina Saar‑Veelmaa leads a burnout workshop, followed by Ben Nothnagel’s “Cognitive Function & Leadership” talk.
- Accessibility All Areas – Sami Helle of Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät challenges the industry to treat learning disabilities as creative assets.
- Gender Equity – Keychange panels and a talent‑leadership workshop push the industry toward structural change.
Technology & AI
- Estella Reed – Co‑Founder of the AI in Media Institute explains how AI is becoming operational in music production, marketing and licensing.
- Sessions on “Too Much Music – AI Is Flooding the Market” and “Music Visuals in the Post‑Attention Era” will keep tech‑savvy attendees on the edge of their seats.
Marketplace & Regional Synergies
- The “Baltic–Nordic Industry” track explores cross‑border touring, royalties and collaboration.
- Spotlight sessions on France, Armenia, Georgia, Latin America and Canada broaden the conversation beyond Europe.
Practical, Hands‑On Workshops
- FAAR Music Artist Lab: playlist & radio promotion, A&R sessions, song‑writer talks.
- Speed Meetings: a chance to meet bookers, industry mentors and legal advisors.
- DIY Open Mic: a new format that lets the community propose and lead their own panel.
Festival Highlights & City‑Wide Showcases
While the conference runs from 10–11 April, the TMW showcase programme spans the city’s venues from 9–11 April, featuring live performances, pop‑culture panels and a week‑long festival that draws crowds into Tallinn’s cultural hotspots. From Telliskivi Creative City to the UNESCO‑listed City of Music, Tallinn is turning into a living laboratory of tomorrow’s music scene.
Passes & How to Get Involved
- PRO Pass (€225, retail €250) – Grants full conference access plus priority entry to the festival and the DigiPRO networking platform.
- Festival Pass (€89, retail €95) – Opens doors to all music events across the city.
Passes are available now through the TMW webshop. For those who can’t make it, the full schedule and recordings will be posted on the official website and social media channels.
You can find more information, schedule, program and tickets for Tallinn Music Week in their website: TMW.ee
Final Words
Tallinn has been a cultural hub for over a century, but TMW 2026 positions it as a frontier for music‑industry innovation. Supported by the Nordic Hotel Forum, the City of Tallinn, UNESCO and the Canadian Embassy, the festival showcases Estonia’s growing reputation as a creative economy hotspot. The European Cohesion Fund’s backing for 2026‑2028 will amplify Tallinn’s global cultural profile.
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