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.
The European artists participating are Citron Sucré (France), Diana Ezerex (Germany), JJ Paulo (Denmark), LEFT. (Portugal), and Ruth Koleva (Bulgaria). The American artists 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 uniqueness of their work and their potential for transatlantic collaboration, while the American artists were selected to represent Philadelphia’s cultural diversity and their openness to the program.
The program will include studio sessions, mentorships, and workshops focused on aspects of the music industry, including touring, audience development, and rights management.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance will act as the local host partner, with support from Drexel University, WXPN, Rock Lititz, and the City of Philadelphia.
A reception and showcase on June 3 will conclude the Philadelphia portion of the program, featuring performances of the collaborative work created during the two weeks.
Following the Philadelphia events, the artists will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the EU Delegation’s annual State of the Arts Night alongside artists from the visual arts and film programs.
Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US stated: “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.”
