Oulu’s music scene is getting a significant boost as top industry professionals gather to share their expertise in spring 2025. Music Boost Oulu offers artists, bands, and music industry professionals a unique opportunity to scale up their operations through intensive coaching sessions with some of Finland’s most influential music industry leaders.
This initiative represents more than just business development – it’s a strategic investment in Oulu’s creative economy. By building bridges between local talent and industry professionals, the program aims to strengthen the regional creative ecosystem and foster collaboration that extends far beyond music.
“Creative industries are vital drivers of urban development,” explains Virpi Martikainen from Business Oulu. “When we invest in creative business development, we’re not just supporting individual artists – we’re enhancing the entire region’s vitality. A thriving creative scene makes cities more attractive to both visitors and potential residents, while strengthening the community’s cultural identity.”
Led by an impressive lineup of experts, including Riku Salomaa (Fried Music, Nordic Music Partners), Marja Kokko (Kaiku Entertainment), and Juha Ponteva (Marginal Media), the program covers crucial aspects of music business development through five intensive sessions:
- Navigating the music industry’s structure and revenue models
- Understanding record labels and building strong artist brands
- Mastering marketing and network building
- Exploring future revenue streams and new technologies
- Culminating in a pitch session with direct feedback from industry leaders
The program emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications, with participants receiving personal guidance throughout. The top 10 pitches will receive additional one-on-one coaching sessions with the experts, further strengthening the connection between local talent and industry networks.
“Cities that actively support their creative industries often see ripple effects throughout their economy,” Anne Ryynänen from Business Oulu adds. “When we empower creative professionals to build sustainable businesses, we’re simultaneously building a more vibrant, attractive, and economically diverse urban environment.”
With sessions conducted in English but allowing for Finnish interaction, Music Boost Oulu demonstrates the city’s commitment to nurturing its creative talent while building a stronger, more connected creative economy ecosystem. “This investment in creative business development not only supports local artists and entrepreneurs but also contributes to Oulu’s broader strategy of becoming a leading hub for creative industries in Northern Finland,” confirms Media Minds facilitator Hanna Vuorinen.
