NORDIC MUSIC BIZ ANNOUNCES TOP 20 UNDER 30 WINNERS FOR THE SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT BY:LARM FESTIVAL IN OSLO, NORWAY, ON SEPTEMBER 12th, 2024

 

The Nordic music industry has unveiled the 20 young talents under 30 who are driving the industry forward through the annual Nordic Music Biz Top 20 Under 30 initiative, established by NOMEX (Nordic Music Export).

Now in its seventh year, the Nordic Music Biz Top 20 Under 30 initiative, highlights the diversity across industry sectors and genres, reflecting the rich and varied music scene in the region.

Behind the scenes, these young professionals play a crucial role in the rise of Nordic music and its global influence, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to an ever-evolving industry.

Each year, a jury selects 20 individuals under 30 who are seen as potential future leaders in the industry. These winners are honoured at the by:Larm Festival, a key event in the Nordic music industry held in Oslo, Norway. This year’s festival is set for September 12th.

The 2024 Nordic Music Biz Top 20 Under 30 winners were chosen based on a range of criteria, including company growth, career trajectory, industry recognition, recent impact, artistic development, innovation, concert revenues, sales, streaming data, campaigns, and exposure through radio and television platforms.

NOMEX is a pan-Nordic platform founded in 2012 owned by the five music export offices in the Nordic region; Music Norway, Export Music Sweden, Music Export Denmark, Music Finland and Iceland Music.

The Nordic judges for 2024:

Denmark: Nicklas Weis Damkjær / Roskilde, Maria Borg / Koda , Agnete Hannibal / Q Junktions / 15 Love  

Sweden: Anna Kornelia Åberg / BLNK Music, Fumi Amao / Spotify, Tomas Jernberg / Monza- Music Entertainment 

Finland: Lili Keh / KEH Consulting, Teemu Laitinen / PME Records, Marja Kokko / Kaiku Entertainment 

Iceland: Inga Weisshappel / Wise Music, Bjarni Daníel Þorvaldsson / Post-Dreifing, Sólveig Matthildur
Norway: Peder Benjamin Hagen / United Stage and Major Management, Celine Høie / Indie- Recordings, Eric Elvenes / AirTime Management 

Faroe Islands: Marianna Nagata Winter / Tutl Records

The list of Top 20 Under 30 Winners 2024: 

DENMARK:

Arense Elvira Riis Warny (26)
CEO, Founder and artist manager / Carrie Management

Arense Elvira Riis Warny began her journey in the music industry in 2020, writing for a Danish music magazine. Subsequently, she was hired as a PR agent at a PR company, and in 2021, she founded her own company, Carrie Management, where she manages Betty Bass and Niko CorlinCarrie is a young, creative, and independent management company, established in 2021 by Arense Elvira Riis Warny and Tilde Margrethe Overbeck Christensen – both of whom had worked in the music industry for several years and felt the need for a management that would critically examine the industry and do something radically different. Through collaborative partnerships with artists and external initiatives, they strive to foster a more spacious and compassionate display of music – both on and off the stage. At Carrie, they embody their core values from their Manifesto by incorporating them into every aspect of their work, operating with the following practices: Transparency, Creativity, Compassion, and Community.

Over the past three years, Carrie Management has helped set the agenda for the conversation around better conditions in the music industry. They have been one of the leading companies to initiate discussions about their experiences in the music industry and how they want it to improve in the future. In the Danish music industry, a new generation of industry professionals has managed to bring various issues into focus by emphasizing community and anti-competition. Mental health, financial sustainability, and diversity are among the most significant focus points. Carrie Management has been represented in various panel discussions, podcasts, and most recently as part of a major feature in the largest newspaper, Politiken. Subsequently, Arense Elvira Riis Warny was headhunted to join the board of the association DAM, Danish Artist Managers, and in connection with that, she also became a board member of the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA). After the summer, she will also begin studying Music Management at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory (RMC).

Mathias Madsen (26)
Senior A&R Manager, Warner Music Denmark

Mathias began his career in the music business by founding the independent hip-hop site The Wibe at the age of 16. The site worked with both independent and major labels to promote hip-hop releases in Denmark and internationally.

In 2018 Mathias left The Wibe to join Warner Music Denmark as an International Product Manager, overseeing promotion and marketing for artists like Stormzy, Alec Benjamin, Ava Max, Ed Sheeran, and Coldplay.

By 2020 Mathias transitioned to a dual role as A&R and Product Manager, focusing on breaking the local artist Gobs. From 2021 to 2023 he focused solely on A&R, working closely with the artists Gobs, Baloosh, L.O.C., and Mille, among others.

He has played a key role in establishing Gobs including the release of his record-breaking single “Tak For Sidst” which went straight to #1 on the Danish official single chart and stayed for 13 consecutive weeks.  He also signed Baloosh to Warner Music Denmark, whose single “Danser Med Dæmoner” became Baloosh’s biggest single to date.

In 2023 Mathias signed Mille, and has yet again worked with an artist from the beginning of their career who is on the verge of ‘breaking’ following her debut EP “Dagdrømmer” as well as Top 50 charting singles and radio success with “lyver for min dagbog” which was selected for P3’s Uundgåelige.

In 2024 Mathias was promoted to Senior A&R, continuing to focus on developing a culturally significant roster with domestic, Nordic, and international impact.

Ceyda Yasar (28)
Manager / Takin’ Space, Makin’ Space Agency

Beginning her career in Out Of Office Agency as a PA and assistant manager she helped build a roster and assisted on releases, creative campaigns and tour management for Phlake, August Rosenbaum, Marshall Cecil and School of X.

During her studies in Music Management at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory, Ceyda also interned 4 months at the well-known boutique music company This is Music in London assisting on Bicep, Ross From Friends, Cameo Blush day-to-day activities and on Jayda G’s latest album

campaign for the album, Guy. While doing that she co-managed Danish multi-talent Oh land from abroad managing the day-to-day activities counting her EP release, Xtra in November 2022.

In 2021 Ceyda joined as one of the first board members of Another Life Community, an award-winning non-profit organization raising awareness on representation and decreasing discrimination of minoritized individuals and women in the Danish music industry. Here she contributed to the very first report shining a light on the 2021 status quo on representation and

discrimination and also executed and project managed one of Another Life’s annual festivals taking place in Byhaven.

Graduating the Conservatory in the Summer of 2023 Ceyda went independent with her own management agency, Takin’ Space, Makin’ Space representing female artists within the alternative and ambient field; Sofie Birch, one of the biggest ambient artists coming out of Denmark and DJ, producer and composer, Astrid Engberg.

Philip Thornhill (29)
Partner and Head of Agency / Kin

In 2023, Philip co-founded an international artist agency and music consultancy, Kin. The agency represents notable names like AQUA, Pernille Rosendahl, the Danish Chamber Orchestra and Yör. Besides representing Artists, Kin’s music consultancy is currently tackling complex production and marketing tasks for Lukas Graham, Smukfest, and Whitsun Festival.

Philip’s innovative approach has significantly impacted the industry, focusing on diversity and sustainable careers. Championing equity, Philip has developed new live concepts, such as the all-female Midsommer project featuring artists like eee gee and Annisette. Partnering with Pernille Rosendahl, they together increased her turnover tenfold and their unique approach to live strategy earned her a Danish Music Award nomination in 2021 as “Live artist of the year”. Pernille strongly supports Philip’s nomination describing him like this:

Starting as an agent at just 19, Philip Thornhill has carved out a remarkable career in the music industry. At Offbeat and later Copenhagen Music/United Stage, he represented top artists like Burhan G, Kwamie Liv, Maximillian, and Mina Okabe.

While working fulltime, Philip committed to his education, completing a Master’s in Business Administration and Organizational Communication at CBS (2020). This educational background has enhanced his strategic approach and innovative thinking within the industry.

“I have had a life in music that spans over four decades. In Philip, I have found the sparring partner who is not afraid to embrace a field characterized by reproducing its own methods. Philip approaches our work with curiosity, courage, and methodical precision as we develop new concert forms that are not only aimed at entertaining and achieving commercial success but also succeed in transforming society and highlighting some of the current challenges of our time.” – Pernille Rosendahl

 

Benjamin Graham (28)
CEO and co-founder / 100blaa

Benjamin Graham is the CEO and co-founder of 100blaa, an independent 360-degree music company headquartered in Copenhagen. For the past three years, Graham has been at the forefront of 100blaa, driving its mission to challenge conventional industry practices and reshape the music landscape. With a strong focus on nurturing emerging talent, 100blaa has become a recognized force in the industry, known for launching strong debut concerts and first releases of new talents. Among its notable successes are projects such as USSEL, UNG-SKAB, APHACA, and NEON PRIEST.

In 2023, under Graham’s leadership, 100blaa achieved significant milestones, organizing over 200 concerts and released +75 tracks, all while substantially growing its social media presence. The year 2024 marked a pivotal point in 100blaa’s journey, as the company expanded its reach internationally. Successful campaigns led to sold-out shows in Paris and Reykjavik, and attending several showcases in Scandinavia. Furthermore, 100blaa formed a joint venture with like-minded youth in Iceland, launching a sub-label in Reykjavik, further cementing its international presence. Graham’s vision for 100blaa reflects a deep commitment to challenging industry norms and redefining the standard practices of the music business through innovative approaches and a relentless focus on artistic integrity.

 

ICELAND

Klaudia Gawryluk (29) –Club Co-founder / Promoter and DJ, Radar 

Gabríel Ólafsson (25)- Co-Founder and lead producer / Reykjavik Orkestra 

 

NORWAY

Erik Egenes (29)- General Manager / by:Larm 

Stephanie Owusu (30) – Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager / Sony Music Entertainment Norway
Founder / AFRONORDIC

Emilie Dyrøy (26)- Communications Specialist / AXS (AEG)

Oda Tilset (28) – Founder and Sound Designer / Noknok Audio

 

SWEDEN

Simon Bálogh (23)- Founder / Butterfly Effect

Jonathan Fröberg (30) – Creative Manager / Universal Music Publishing

Khadra Abdirashid (30)- A&R Manager / Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia

Isabella Sedman (30)- International A&R Coordinator / Warner Recorded

Naomi Amorti Jensen (30) – Founder / Naomi Communications

 

FINLAND

Leevi Mäkinen (25)- Artist Manager / PME Management

Stella Kylä-Liuhala (29)- Marketing Manager & Head of Radio, Warner Music Finland

Miika Blomqvist (29)- Pianist and composer at Sony Classical / Founder of Nordic Euphony Records, Nordic Instrumental Records & Nordic Distro

 

FAROE ISLANDS

Fríði Djurhuus (30)