International Music Festivals - A Guide for Artists

In today's world, international music festivals and artistic events not only serve as entertainment platforms but also provide invaluable opportunities for artists and bands from around the globe to showcase their talents to a wide audience. Participation in such events can help increase recognition, gain new fans, and establish valuable industry contacts. In the era of globalization and digitalization, where music transcends national and cultural boundaries, music festivals become a key element of strategic development for any artist. This article provides practical tips to help interested musicians not only find the right festivals but also effectively apply and prepare for these prestigious performances.

International Music Festivals - Why It's Worth Performing at Them

Performing at music festivals offers artists a range of benefits that can significantly impact their careers. Here are some of the most important ones:

  1. International Audience: Festivals attract audiences from different parts of the world, giving bands a unique opportunity to present their music to international listeners. This is especially important for artists looking to expand their influence beyond local markets.
  2. Networking: Festivals are places where you can connect with other industry professionals, including music producers, managers, record label representatives, and other artists. These relationships can lead to new projects, collaborations, and career development opportunities.
  3. Media and Exposure: Many festivals attract media attention, which can increase the band's media visibility. Performances are often recorded and broadcasted, which can extend the band's reach on social media and traditional media.
  4. Artistic Development: Performing on the same stage as other, often more experienced artists, can be a valuable source of inspiration and learning. Additionally, the logistical and technical challenges associated with performing on large stages can contribute to the development of the band's stage skills.
  5. Audience Feedback: Direct reactions from an international audience provide artists with valuable feedback that they can use to improve their repertoire and performances.

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How to Find the Right Music Festivals?

Finding the right music festival to perform at is crucial for the success of any artist. Here are a few steps to help with this process:

  1. Define Artistic and Strategic Goals - Before you start looking for festivals, think about what your goals are: Do you want to gain a new audience, establish industry contacts, or simply gain experience on large stages? Your goals will help you choose festivals that best meet your needs.
  2. Market Research - Check which festivals best suit your musical style and expectations. It’s also worth checking the requirements for performers and whether the festival is open to international bands.
  3. Utilize Available Resources - Use online databases, music forums, social media groups where artists and organizers share information about upcoming festivals, and our list below, where we have gathered several international music festivals that have open calls for musicians.
  4. Check Application Conditions - Before applying, carefully read the instructions and terms of participation. Remember that some festivals may require detailed information about your work or stage experience.

We have prepared a list of Polish, European, and international music festivals that have open calls for artists.

Some of these festivals offer reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses as well as remuneration, while others do not cover such expenses. Moreover, many events prefer artists with a specific musical style, so before submitting your band, check if it fits the festival’s profile. Before submitting your application, carefully read the application instructions and participation conditions to increase your chances of success.

Music festivals in Poland or aimed at Polish musicians that are organizing an open call for artists in 2024

3-MAJÓWKA - Wrocław | May 2024 | Apply

Colours of Ostrava - czeska Ostrawa | July 2024 | Apply

Festiwal Mocnych Brzmień - Świecie | July 2024 | Apply

Slot Art Festival - Wrocław | July 2024 | Apply

Młoda Muzyka Dawna  - Kolbudy - Łapino - Buszkowy - Bydgoszcz | September 2024 | Apply

Metal Mine - Wałbrzych | August 2024 | Apply

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Music festivals in Europe and the United Kingdom in 2024 and 2025

2000trees Festival - Cheltenham, UK | July 2024 | Apply

Beacon Festival - Oxfordshire, UK | June 2024 | Apply

Beat-Herder - Lancashire, UK | July 2024 | Apply

Beyond the Music - Manchester, UK | October 2024 | Apply

Bloodstock 2024 - Derbyshire, UK | June 2024 | Apply

Casio Sessions - London, UK | September 2024 | Apply

DOT2DOT - Bristol, Nottingham, UK | May 2024 | Apply

ESNS 2025 - Groningen, Holandia | January 2025 | Apply

FOCUS Wales - Wrexham, Walia | May 2025 | Apply

Get Together - Sheffield, UK | May 2024 | Apply

Isle of Wight Festival - New Blood Competition  - Isle of Wight, UK | June 2024 | Apply

Leigh Folk Festival - Essex, UK | June 2024 | Apply

LoopFest - Shropshire, UK | May 2024 | Apply

Love Supreme Jazz Festival - East Sussex, UK | July 2024 | Apply

Manchester Jazz Festival 2024 - Manchester, UK | May 2024 | Apply

Meadows In The Mountains | Smolyan, Bułgaria | June 2024 | Apply

Rec Fest 2024 | Portchester, UK | May 2024 | Apply

Sea Sessions | Donegal, Irlandia | June 2024 | Apply

Tallinn Music Week | Tallinn, Estonia | April 2025 | Apply

How to Effectively Apply for International Music Festivals? - Summary

Performing at international music festivals can be a significant step in any artist's career. They offer not only the opportunity to showcase your work on a global stage but also the chance to make important industry contacts, gain new audiences, and expand your artistic horizons. Preparing an effective application and properly planning the logistics of your performance are key to achieving success. Remember, reaching an international audience requires effective and global digital distribution. Register with our service today to gain access to the best streaming services in the world.

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Remember, each event has its specific requirements and conditions of participation, which must be carefully studied before submitting an application. Utilizing our curated list of Polish and international festivals that are organizing open calls for musicians can be a good starting point for finding those that best match your musical style and artistic goals.

We hope this article proves useful in your musical journey and helps you reach new heights on the international stage. Good luck! 🤞