In February, we received the sad news that our former CEO Anders Malmström had passed away.

Anders has meant a lot to MCV and was the one who started up much of the business as it is today. Among other things, by working in project form and investing in promotional work for freelance musicians, MCV became much more than “just” an agency. His leadership style was perfect for our small organization and he gave us in the office the freedom to develop what each of us was good at, everyone had the opportunity to grow in the workplace. His philosophy was not to control but to trust that everyone wanted to do their best, which also created a creative and permissive atmosphere. We still work according to this philosophy now.
In 2015, Anders retired, leaving behind a great legacy of ideas and an association that has grown into a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

With great curiosity, he never stopped continuing his education, both at university and in life in general.
In all that he has done and achieved for so many others in the music and cultural world, we should not forget that he was a brilliant musician, guitarist and arranger in many different contexts.

Many members have contacted us and regret what has happened and we now want to send many warm thoughts and strength to Anders' family during this sad time, from old and new employees at the MCV office and board members over the years.

/ Lars Elf, Terese Lien Evenstad, Annelie Johansson, Sara Aldén, MCV's board via chairman Johan Björklund, Musikcentrum Riks via chairman Elise Einarsdotter

JAZZIAM is an international jazz meeting with accompanying showcase and panel discussion.l, where players in jazz and improvisational music from all over the world gather to create contacts and exchange experiences. Sara Aldén participated from us at Musikcentrum Väst in the event between March 12 and 15, 2025 to support our Swedish musicians and promote international collaborations on behalf of Musikcentrum. An MCV member – Sisters of Invention, who was selected for the showcase during the Swedish focus on Thursday, was present.

JAZZIAM began with an official inauguration of JAZZIAM, followed by showcases where Catalan and Spanish musicians had the opportunity to present their music to international bookers and organizers, including a whole group of Swedish bookers and organizers who were on site with the organizer network Knutpunkt.

Thursday, March 13

The morning began with more showcases by Spanish musicians. During the afternoon, the Swedish showcase was in focus, where two Swedish acts performed their contributions: Sisters of Invention (members of Musikcantrum Väst) and Hannes Bennich (member of Music Center South)

These acts received a very warm and nice reception from both the audience and the bookers present. Sara Aldén, together with Musikcentrums Riks international coordinator Ragnar Berthling, was on site to support the Swedish musicians and convey their music and PR material to international bookers and organizers.

The Swedish focus was initiated by Knutpunkt and through this initiative two Swedish showcase performances were made possible and a platform was created for Swedish players to be visible on the international jazz scene. It also gave our Swedish organizers the opportunity to see which Spanish music acts they might want to have on their stages through a project called Green Pilot Tour – a project that aims to create environmentally friendly tour loops around Europe, something we are of course curious about and want to be inspired by and pass on to our members.

Friday March 14

The showcase program continued with more exciting music acts during the day and in the afternoon a “Meet the Pro” event was also held where Knutpunkt had the opportunity to present its bookers, including Jazz in Malmö, Älmhult Music and Arts and Jazz in Helsingborg. In addition, the participants were able to hear the record labels’ thoughts on what they look for when booking and signing artists. The day ended with more showcases, which contributed to further networking opportunities and new contacts for Swedish musicians and promoters.

Summary and reflection from Sara

JAZZIAM 2025 was a very successful and rewarding experience. The Swedish presence was strong, and through concerted efforts, Swedish musicians were able to gain international exposure and the opportunity to make valuable contacts. Sisters of Invention and Hannes Bennich gave truly fantastic performances that were appreciated by both the audience and industry professionals, and the support from the Swedes on site was strong and warm.

Attending helped strengthen the opportunities and visibility of the Swedish acts. Together with Ragnar Berthling, I served as an important link between the musicians and the international players, creating long-term opportunities for Swedish jazz on the global stage.

The event was an inspiring experience, filled with fantastic music, valuable meetings and new collaborations.

The second image is photographed by Josefin Stacey.

/Sara Aldén, MCV

Being a musician, composer or music producer is often perceived and expected to be more than just a profession – it is a passion, a calling and often a way of life. But the music industry also comes with its own unique challenges that can take a toll on relationships and mental health, including high demands on self-management, unpredictable schedules, and financial uncertainty.

Welcome to an inspiring and educational breakfast seminar at Victoriateatern in Malmö organized by the Swedish Arts Council, ExMS, FST, Musikalliansen, Musikcentrum Riks, the Swedish Musicians' Association, SAMI, SKAP, SYMF and ROSA in collaboration.

Information and registration are available here!

Musikalliansen offers freelance musicians a unique form of employment that combines security with flexibility. As an employee, you are covered by collective agreements, occupational pensions and insurance, while still being able to continue your freelance work.

We support the entire independent music scene with skills development and activities that strengthen musicians' opportunities in the job market.

Applications open March 3rd!
To qualify, you need to have worked as a freelance musician for the past five years in publicly supported cultural activities.

📌 Read more here and apply from March 3!

Don't miss out on applying to Live Music From Sweden before March 3rd!

This is a unique opportunity to network with bookers, organizers and record labels at top trade fairs in the industry – this time with a focus on Jazzahead, Classical Next and Reeperbahn! Don't miss the chance to be seen on a platform that highlights and promotes Sweden's best live music talent!

All information is available here.

As an artist, the freedom that comes with the profession is in many ways a fantastic thing! To create on your own terms, to follow your passion and to shape your working life according to your own vision. But what happens when you approach retirement age? Do you have a plan for how you can continue to live the life you want – without financial stress?

Many artists ask themselves important questions:

🔹 How do I create financial security for retirement?
🔹 How can I best plan my business when I want to work less – or not at all?
🔹 Is it perhaps time to start a business in your old age to maximize your income?

There are solutions, but they require planning. Whether you freelance, run your own business, or combine your artistic endeavors with other assignments, there are strategies that can give you greater financial freedom as you get older.

Would you like to get an overview of the future and get concrete advice on how to best prepare? The Artists' Council will help you navigate the pension jungle and find paths that suit your specific situation.

???? Read more and start planning today!