THE GREAT ESCAPE 2018 ANNOUNCES THE NETHERLANDS AS ITS LEAD INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

The Great Escape is internationally renowned for breaking the best and brightest new talent from around the world here in the UK. For over 13 years the festival’s international partnerships have played a key part reinforcing this ethos, enabling new artists from diverse music markets to showcase their talents in front of The Great Escape’s extensive audience of influential industry delegates and festival go-ers.

The Dutch Music Export is a longstanding partner at The Great Escape festival, since year one the Dutch Impact party has been a highlight in the convention programme. For thirteen years Dutch artists have provided festival go-ers with many incredible and memorable performances, previous artists include; Jameszoo, Klangstof, Amber Arcades, Dope D.O.D and Jacco Gardner.

Booked to play The Great Escape and FIRST FIFTY this year is eighteen-year-old Dutch/Kurdish singer/songwriter Naaz, influenced by her migrant background she will relay tales of personal struggle and will capture audiences with her distinctive, haunting voice. Joining her is Amsterdam’s Pitou who is renowned for her dazzling array of influences, ranging from Bulgarian choir music to Sparklehorse and Joni Mitchell. Her highly anticipated self-titled debut EP was released last year on Scottish/Dutch label Mink Records and was greeted with national and international critical acclaim. Many more thrilling Dutch artists will be announced over the coming months.

Pitou said: “With Holland being the lead country at The Great Escape 2018 it’s very exciting to have this opportunity which enables me to represent my home at this wonderful event by simply playing my music.”

Previous lead international partnerships have included the likes of Canada (2006), New Zealand (2009), France (2007) and Switzerland (2017), bringing acts such as Alvvays, Broods, Christine and the Queens and Carnival Youth to the UK.

Rudd Berends, Dutch Music Export Producer, commented: “Dutch Music Export is proud to be the focus country at TGE 2018. Our country has supported and attended TGE from year one with both the Dutch Impact Party and through various promotional support for our artists and industry. The UK is one of the most important countries for us to present the best the Lowlands has to offer and The Great Escape provides the best platform to showcase, support and promote Dutch musical talent to not only the UK but international music industries and audiences.

This partnership is made possible by the coming together of Dutch Music Export, powered by Eurosonic Noorderslag, Dutch Performing Arts and Buma Cultuur, with the kind support by the embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.

Rory Bett, MAMA CEO said ‘At last we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our strongest most longstanding partners, The Netherlands. Since the birth of TGE in 2006 the DME has worked alongside us to bring the best Dutch artists to the festival, our convention and line-up has grown from strength to strength with their support and incredible music scene. 2018 is the perfect time to put the very best The Netherlands has to offer at the forefront of our festival!”