This is

UPBEAT is an alliance of festivals, together creating the future of a diverse music industry right here in Europe.

UPBEAT, the European showcase platform for world music is coordinated by Budapest-based Hangvető and co-funded by the European Union.

The UPBEAT platform is a financial and networking support system for European festivals. We contribute to the events and showcases organised by our members. We do this according to our core values: support of new talent, support of music in original language, sustainability, and strengthening the European network of industry professionals.

Flip through the booklet and learn more about UPBEAT!

Discover and be discovered

Emerging talent, the new and diverse faces of Europe are still underrepresented in the industry. UPBEAT makes space for them at showcases and encourages all actors to do the same. With our support we make it much easier for our member festivals to book performances by new talents without having to worry about the risk. We are making sure that discovering new artists and being discovered is easier than ever before.

Lyrics, that speak for themselves

UPBEAT supports artists who sing in their own language, connect to their cultural roots and speak to current audiences. These bands can be united under the world music/ global music umbrella, which can take countless paths: it includes the lusophone sounds of Portugal, the elemental beats of the Balkans, or the rich heritage of Syrian immigrants. World music is also a space for mixing and experimentation – like ambient techno influenced by Middle Eastern melodies, or jazz accompanied by the Irish tin whistle.

Let’s come together

We aim to create a strong, diverse, future-proof European music industry with a focus on world music. World music experts based in Europe have much to offer – our networks need to be tighter as we look for business solutions within arm’s reach.

The future of music is green

Europe is a leader in green policies and sustainable innovation, and the music industry is no exception. While we can find good examples of sustainable festivals, there is still a lot to be done, and not enough time to do it. UPBEAT supports European festivals and music communities in reaching their sustainability goals.

What we offer

For Showcase Festivals

UPBEAT provides financial support for its members for booking artists and inviting delegates, and strengthens the industry ethos of social and ecological sustainability with guides developed throughout the project. We create an alliance together with our members and associated partners to extend UPBEAT’s impact and mobilise the European world music market. UPBEAT has already supported 140 bands from 31 countries singing in original language from Europe.

For Professionals

UPBEAT helps foster a resilient network of music professionals, meeting up and exchanging ideas at member festivals. 200 delegates have already participated at showcase events in the first year with UPBEAT’s support, with a growing database laying the ground for further connections. With UPBEAT, events for industry professionals and stakeholders are easier and less costly to organise.

For Artists

UPBEAT’s support extends to any music that is currently being created within Europe. Performance slots, networking and training sessions at our member festivals, our Best New Talent Award and an international database in the works were devised to further artists’ careers.

Meet the core team

Our Team at Hangvető coordinates UPBEAT, we try to be ahead of the curve, work for a sustainable industry and connect the dots as well as the growing community of artists and festivals. Feel free to contact us!