The 8th edition of Bogota? Music Market – BOmm – is just one day away and the largest industry showcase for established and emerging artists to take to the stage.
The music industry around the world is competitive and characterized by the fast growth of digital platforms, online streaming, downloads and on-going technological innovation. Among the big names in music creation are the record labels, distributors, radio stations, artist management companies, and everyone who works to give musicians an audience.
Colombia is a country with a rich musical heritage, and no shortage of talent to discover, and Bogotá among the most positioned cities in the world to showcase established and emerging musicians. Accompanying other business networking platforms for fashion (BFW), film (BAM) and visual arts (ARTBO), the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce has shown its deep commitment to music. During four days in September (10 to13), the 8th edition of the Bogotá Music Market – BOmm – once again will host a slate of music industry professionals, and become the homegrown venue for Colombian bands to connect with the services that can take their sound to global audiences.
As one of the leading revenue generators of Colombia’s dynamic cultural offering, BOmm is as much about promoting new acts as it is a window on a city-region that was named by UNESCO in 2012 as part of its Cities of Music network. This title was given to Bogotá based on the capital’s international reputation for hosting more than 60 music festivals in some 400 venues throughout the year, spanning different genres, including salsa, rock, opera, classical, pop and hip hop, among many others.
Finding the next revelation band, electrifying live act or traditional folk ensemble is at the heart of BOmm, and for this year’s edition, 258 artists have been selected from 821 applicants to participate in a unique venue to present their work to key international buyers and promoters.
From the line-up of artists selected by a curating team, 18 will have their own stage to present their dazzling, electrifying compositions. The final line-up will be announced on August 30.
For Mónica de Greiff, president of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, Bomm “is a driving force for growth opportunities in an increasingly globalized industry, and Bogotá, with its distinction as Music City, makes national talent visible.”
With networking sessions organized for one-on-one meetings with record label executives, distributors and digital media professionals, BOmm has been instrumental in providing songwriters, producers and sound technicians the opportunity to exchange personal stories. Such a platform is essential for those working in an industry that is experiencing massive transformation with streaming, a subscription-based business model, mobile accessibility and growth in sales of records and discs.
As many young Colombians increasingly decide on a career in the music industry, the CCB is there to accompany them, and this is evident with 1,983 registered and renewed companies in 2018. The active participation of the private sector through the CCB and BOmm in developing new markets for the recording arts is growing fast. Last year, the Colombian capital concentrated more than 51% of live shows in the country. Concerts by international artists are also on the steady rise, and account for 59% of 1,108 performances.
The agenda of the 8th market includes BOmm Talks: the academic space where leading international experts discuss their accomplishments and share insight on the economic and social impact of music. This platform is reserved for those enrolled in BOmm.
BOmm Labs takes place on the last day of the market and consists of round table sessions and workshops. Likewise, on this day, the Expanded Council of the Music Cluster Initiative of Bogotá-region will be held, presenting projects in development that favor the growth and competitiveness of the cluster. This day is open to the public.
Among the national acts confirmed to take part in BOmm’s business networking sessions are Argüello, Bazurto AllStar, Cimarrón, Estados Alterados, Pedrina, Pilar Cabrera, Tequendama, Toño Barrio, Moügli, Residuo Sólido, Sobrevolar, Son de la Provincia, Systema Solar, Velo de Oza, Xol, Warabá, among others.
For the complete listing of the selected national and international acts participating in BOmm 2019 visit: www.bogotamusicmarket.com
With the countdown to one of the most loved happenings in the city underway, register to get a front-row seat at the event that discovers – and celebrates – the expanding musical landscape of Colombia.
Follow the event on social media with hashtag #BOmm2019
