Across the world, two extremes are shaping live music in cities: on one side, mega-tours like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga or Coldplay drawing millions; on the other, small independent venues and promoters struggling to survive. City administrations often seem to support big venues and landmark events rather than investing in the long-term sustainability of their local music ecosystems. But what is it that makes a city a “music city”? Hosting lucrative global spectacles, nurturing the local talent, empowering underground and avant-garde scenes; or all of that? Can these two realities coexist, or is there an inevitable tension? Who holds the power to shape the future of urban live music? And what’s on wish-list of businesses, big and small?

More speakers to be announced!