SoAlive Music Conference 2024: Connecting the Balkans with the World
Written by Team Balkanika on 07.10.2024
SoAlive Music Conference 2024: Connecting the Balkans with the World

From October 2nd to 4th, 2024, Sofia hosted the second edition of the SoAlive Music Conference, one of the most significant music events in the South East Europe. Gathering over 610 international delegates and featuring more than 36 bands and artists from across the Balkans and beyond, SoAlive has firmly established its role in connecting local musical talent with world leaders in the global music industry.

With 20 panels, 5 workshops, and 36 concerts, the conference has once again highlighted its mission to bridge the gap between the Balkans and the international music scene, fostering dialogue and collaboration between industry professionals, artists, and innovators.

The official opening of the conference was graced by Mariya Gabriel, the patron of the event, and Nikola Barbutov, Deputy Mayor of Sofia Municipality for European policies, international activities, and tourism. Although Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov and EU Commissioner Iliana Yordanova were unable to attend in person, they delivered inspiring video addresses congratulating the participants and reinforcing the significance of music for cultural and economic development.
In her opening remarks, Maria Gabriel emphasized: “In just two years, this conference has become an essential event in the music and cultural industries in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The passion and talent behind SoAlive are driving its unstoppable growth. Music not only fosters innovation and economic development but also nurtures our communities, strengthening our cultural identity and social bonds.”
Nikola Barbutov, Deputy Mayor of Sofia, added: “Sofia has the potential to become a hub for the music industry in the Balkans. Art brings sustainable development to cities and regions, but it requires a good environment and support to flourish.”

A highlight of the event was the keynote panel titled “Immersive Soundscapes for Games”, featuring Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov. He shared insights on the importance of music in video games, discussing how soundtracks influence player experience and enrich the immersive nature of gaming.
The conference also celebrated emerging talent with the SoAlive Music Video Awards, where Cypriot artist Ody Icons won the prize for Best Music Video with his captivating visuals for “Sosa.”
Ody Icons received a prize of €10,000 to support the creation of a new music video, produced in collaboration with Magic Shop.
Record-Breaking Attendance & Unforgettable Performances!
SoAlive Music Conference 2024 was a massive success, attracting over 700 international delegates from more than 40 countries and over 5000 local attending audience!
With 36 incredible performances across multiple stages, including standout shows by WOOMB, Ivo Dimchev, Oh Voyage, Mystery of Bulgarian Voices, Mia Dimsic, IOVA and VICTORIA, the conference truly brought the best of the Balkan music scene to life. The energy was electric as bands from across the region took the stage, captivating a global audience and making this edition one to remember!

SoAlive Music Video Awards Winner: Ody Icons for “Sose”
A huge congratulations to Ody Icons, the winner of this year’s SoAlive Music Video Awards for their stunning music video, “Sose”! The video, praised for its creative direction and striking visuals, captivated the judges and attendees alike. Ody Icons continue to push artistic boundaries, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for them!

WIN Hub Event:
Yesterday morning, the WIN Hub Event brought together independent music professionals from around the world for insightful discussions on global collaboration in the indie music sector. It was an incredible opportunity for networking, sharing ideas, and forging new connections. If you’re looking to grow your presence in the independent music scene, this was definitely a must-attend event! The energy and collaboration were truly inspiring!
In addition to this incredible session, SoAlive Music Conference 2024 fostered key dialogues with PROPHON, Bulgaria’s leading neighboring rights society, as part of our ongoing efforts to support the region’s artists. The collaboration with PROPHON aims to ensure fair compensation for artists while helping them navigate the complex world of music rights.
Pitch Your Music to the Music Supervisors: A Session for the Books!
The Pitch Your Music to the Supervisors session at SoAlive Music Conference 2024 featured an impressive lineup of 24 songs from artists across the region. The event showcased exceptional talent, and according to Josh Rabinowitz, “This was one of the best sessions in terms of quality I’ve ever been to.” Artists such as Alexander Mihaylov with “Thief on the Train” and EVDN with “No Time” left a lasting impression, alongside standout tracks like Camilo Córdoba’s “Tema Para Un Hombre Solo” and LAMIA’s “Cobra.”

The feedback from music supervisors was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the originality, emotion, and sync potential of many tracks. This session truly embodied the high-caliber talent emerging from the Balkans, offering invaluable exposure and feedback for artists aiming to break into the global market.