Philadelphia to Host Transatlantic Music Collaboration
Philadelphia will be the location for the inaugural edition of the European Union’s Transatlantic Stars Music Program, running from May 26 to June 7.
The program will involve ten songwriters and performers – five from Europe and five from the United States – in a two-week collaborative project coinciding with the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary.
Representing the European Union are Citron Sucré (France), Diana Ezerex (Germany), JJ Paulo (Denmark), LEFT. (Portugal), and Ruth Koleva (Bulgaria). The American artists participating are Black Buttafly, Brittany Luna of Catbite, Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs, Khemist Mayfield, and Laurin Talease.
A jury comprised of individuals from both the European Union and the United States selected the participants.
European artists were chosen based on the distinctive nature of their work and their potential for transatlantic creative partnerships, while the American artists were selected to reflect the cultural diversity of Philadelphia and their willingness to engage with the program’s international scope.
The program will include studio work, mentorship opportunities, and workshops addressing aspects of the music industry such as touring logistics, audience development, and rights administration.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance will act as the local host, with additional support provided by Drexel University, WXPN, Rock Lititz, and the City of Philadelphia.
On June 3, a reception and showcase will be held in Philadelphia, where the artists will present the collaborative work developed during their residency.
Following the Philadelphia portion, the artists will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the EU Delegation’s annual State of the Arts Night alongside participants from the program’s visual arts and film components.
“A song can travel farther than any speech. Bringing musicians from the EU and the US together is a powerful way to honor America as we come to its 250th birthday and showcasing their collaborations in Philadelphia, America’s historic birthplace, is especially meaningful,” stated Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US.
