Wakan Tanka Prod was present at the SoAlive Music Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria. This year’s three-day event took place at the National Palace of Culture (NDK), drawing industry professionals from across Europe and beyond. We were glad to attend this second edition of SoAlive, which brings focus to the music industry in the Balkans. The experience was inspiring, full of learning, and provided many networking opportunities.
Representing Wakan Tanka Prod
We attended SoAlive to represent our artists and the vision behind our agency. Wakan Tanka Prod focuses on bringing fresh sounds from Latin America to Europe, with a special love for cumbia. We find that the Balkans and Latin America share several cultural aspects, from social aspects to musical expressions. The synergy between the Balkan spirit and cumbia creates an interesting fusion, which we believe has a good future.
We were also proud to present Wakan Tanka Records, sharing our label’s music with new international contacts.
Learning from Industry Experts and Networking
The conference featured panels and discussions led by influential figures in the music world. We gained valuable information on a wide range of topics, from music metrics in social media, to the future of live performances and the impact of AI in the music industry. These talks inspired us with fresh ideas and strategies we are eager to bring into our work benefiting our artists and projects as we continue to grow.
Exploring Bulgarian Culture
A major highlight was connecting with fellow music professionals from around the world. We networked with colleagues from Bulgaria, Portugal, Mexico, Germany, Scotland, England, Romania, Hungary, and more. Exchanging ideas, discussing challenges, and brainstorming possibilities with such a diverse group was incredibly valuable.
Attending SoAlive also allowed us to dive into Bulgarian culture showcasing live performances from some of Bulgaria’s most famous and modern musicians. We were moved by The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices, the world famous female choir who performed at the opening of the conference. We enjoyed performances by contemporary Bulgarian artists like Pe4enkata, Ivo Dimchev, and Elena Sirakova, who brought a fresh and modern twist to the traditional music scene.
Looking Forward for Next Year
Our experience at the SoAlive Music Conference was very productive. We left Sofia with new insights, meaningful connections, and a very positive impression. We’re eager to build on these experiences and collaborate with our new contacts, bringing Latin American sounds closer to Europe. We are definitely going to repeat the experience next year!