In view of Urs Schnell’s retirement in September 2026, the Foundation Board has appointed
Mr Fabio Baechtold as the new Director of FONDATION SUISA.
Congratulations!
Fabio Baechtold has been managing director of the Bern-based jazz promoter “BeJazz” since 2007 and has also coordinated the “Suisse Diagonales Jazz” festival on a part-time basis since 2017. He was a member of the City of Bern’s Music Commission for eight years and later also became its chair. He has extensive experience in music promotion and, as a SUISA member, is also very familiar with all important copyright issues.
Fabio Baechtold will take up his post on 1 July 2026 – the entire team and the Foundation Board are looking forward to working with him.
PS.: Further information will follow at a later date.
At this year’s Linecheck Music Meeting & Festival, the Swiss delegation, accompanied by Swiss Music Export, ventured a new approach to better understand the Italian music market and build lasting connections. A total of ten Swiss musicians and industry representatives from all language regions took part – including three from Ticino, which once again underlined the pan-Swiss character of the delegation.
A kick-off with market overview & networking On Wednesday, 19 November, participants were given a compact insight into the Italian music market. Representatives from various areas of the Italian music industry were available for questions and discussions. In the evening, a networking dinner was held with the Swiss delegation, together with ten Italians and five international guests. The networking effect was significantly enhanced by deliberately changing seats after each course.
Conference & matchmaking On the following days, the delegation was fully integrated into the conference. Thanks to priority consideration in matchmaking, all participants were able to meet numerous professionals relevant to them in a relaxed setting. In addition, three delegates spoke on panels, which gave the Swiss presence additional visibility.
“MEET THE SWISS” – an open space for encounters On Thursday, SME organised a 1.5-hour aperitif with beer, wine and snacks to facilitate further informal encounters with international participants.
SWISS LIVE ACTS AT LINECHECK 2025
Two strong performances in completely different settings
MORTÒRI played in the intimate Capsula, a small room where the audience sits on the floor – a setting that allows for a concentrated, almost immersive listening experience. The set attracted an interested audience.
CRÈME SOLAIRE presented their set in a much larger room with a capacity of around 300 people, later in the evening and in front of an international audience. The set was well attended and received positive feedback.
MORTÒRI
CRÈME SOLAIRE
Both showcases were gratifyingly well attended, even though the conditions could hardly have been more different – a strong sign of the growing interest in Swiss acts.
A new format that is convincing – and should be repeated
The feedback on the Swiss presence was consistently positive. The combination of targeted market launch, prioritised matchmaking, showcases and informal networking opportunities proved particularly effective – especially in a market like Italy, which can be difficult for Swiss musicians to access. The early consultation on goals and desired contacts proved to be a valuable tool for preparation.
FONDATION SUISA and arttv present video features on selected musicians who report on their work and current projects. In addition, arttv portrays the recipients of last year’s «Get Going!» awards by FONDATION SUISA in multi-part series video portraits.
A partnership between:
arttv ｜ Video report of the moment: NNAVY – a sound with soul
PUBLISHED ON 11 NOVEMBER 2025
A musician between soul and jazz in search of her artistic language
In recent years, Lausanne-based musician NNAVY has made a name for herself on the national and international scene thanks to her unique musical universe, at the crossroads between R’n’B, soul and jazz.
Her instantly recognisable voice and musical sensitivity have won over a wide audience. She has notably shone on the stages of the Montreux Jazz Festival and Jazz à Vienne. Her four EPs, which have accumulated more than 20 million plays on Spotify, confirm the extent of her success and the depth of her musical influence.
NNAVY is one of the winners of the «Get Going!» 2024 creative support programme. This contribution supports her work, offering her freedom in her artistic pursuit.
Once again this year, FONDATION SUISA and the m4music pop music festival are working together to find the artists of tomorrow in the Pop, Rock, Lyrics & Beats, Electronic and Out of Genre categories.
Registration in now open: From now until 21 December 2025, seize your chance to win the title of «Demo of the Year» 2026 with your track!
A selection of the 61 most promising tracks in the categories Pop, Rock, Lyrics & Beats, Electro and Out of Genre will be presented on 27 and 28 March 2026 at the m4music festival in Zurich. Music business professionals will give direct feedback to the artists.
The winners will receive the FONDATION SUISA Awards worth a total of CHF 20 000.-. Their music will be broadcast on various partner radio stations and, above all, they will be the centre of attention on the Swiss music scene. The winners will also benefit from the Migros Culture Percentage’s ‘Double’ coaching programme.
WOMEX – Worldwide Music Expo is considered one of the most important international trade fairs for the global music industry and styles from around the world. It combines trade fairs, conferences, film programmes and showcase concerts. After three editions in southern Europe and last year’s stop in Manchester, the 31st WOMEX from 22 to 26 October 2025 in Tampere, Finland.
The 60 or so showcase concerts offered a stage for artists from over 100 countries, from South Korea to Tanzania, from Mexico to Madagascar, and presented WOMEX as an impressive panorama of global music diversity. Although no Swiss acts were represented in this programme, a connection to Switzerland was nonetheless found: The promising Brazilian singer, songwriter and dancer FLAIRA FERRO, who combines traditional rhythms of her country with modern elements of rock, pop and electronics, is overseen internationally by the Swiss company Tropical Gold Entertainment.
The Swiss music scene presented itself at the joint SWISS MUSIC stand, which was organised in collaboration with FONDATION SUISA, Pro Helvetia, SUISA, Swiss Music Export and Artlink. The aim was to strengthen the visibility and international networking of artists and music companies from Switzerland. More than 20 Swiss co-exhibitors – including musicians, event organisers, management, agencies and labels – used the platform for encounters and exchanges. The traditional Swiss aperitif at the trade fair stand also offered a welcome opportunity to maintain contacts and forge new connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
The wide range of participants was striking: In addition to experienced representatives of the music industry, many young players and new companies were also present. This diversity was also reflected in the Swiss presence. Many Swiss musicians bring different cultural influences to their work and move stylistically between tradition, globality and contemporary sound aesthetics, helping to ensure that Switzerland is more perceived and networked in the global music scene than its size would suggest.
High costs at the venue and complicated visa procedures unfortunately resulted in a decline in the number of participants of around 25% compared to the previous year to 2,040. Nevertheless, according to a lot of feedback from the participants, the atmosphere was positive and characterised by focused discussions and intensive exchanges of expertise..
WOMEX confirmed its status as the central hub of the international music industry. It brought together people, music and ideas from all over the world and once again offered the opportunity to make the diversity and creativity of the Swiss music scene visible internationally.
The next WOMEX will take place in Gran Canaria from 21 to 25 October 2026.
SWISS MUSIC @ WOMEX 2025 ⎪ IMPRESSIONS IN PICTURES:
MaMA Music & Convention 2025 ⎪ 15–17 October ⎟ Paris (FR)
Swiss sounds, Parisian pulse – review of MaMA 2025
From 15 to 17 October 2025, the Parisian districts of Pigalle and Montmartre were transformed into a vibrant festival site where the international music industry came together. At the heart of it all: a convincing Swiss presence.
SWISS LIVE SHOWS AT MAMA 2025
At the Swiss Business Mixer, which took place at the Bar à Bulles on 16 October, music professionals from Europe came together for discussions, drinks receptions and showcase highlights. The focus was on the two Swiss acts:
SAMI GALBI‘s unique blend of electronica, oriental pop and francophone beats created a remarkable resonance with the audience – his set was described as one of the mixer’s most energetic.
In the MaMA showcase, MEIMUNA impressed with poetic pop and intimate songs that captivated the Parisian audience with subtle intensity.
MEIMUNA
SAMI GALBI
Parallel to the official programme, representatives of the Swiss music scene took the opportunity to take part in panels and spontaneous network formats, thus making important contacts in the French and international scene. FONDATION SUISA provided visibility and targeted support for the Swiss delegation.
Whether at the Swiss Business Mixer aperitif or on stage in the evening, the Swiss scene was prominently and competently represented at MaMA 2025, once again confirming its potential for international exchange.
The Swiss Business Mixer at MaMA Music & Convention 2025 was jointly organised by Swiss Music Export and FONDATION SUISA, with support from Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Embassy in France.
The next MaMA Music & Convention will take place in Paris from 14 to 16 October 2026.
SWISS MUSIC @ MaMA 2025 ⎪ IMPRESSIONS IN PICTURES:
FONDATION SUISA and arttv present video features on selected musicians who report on their work and current projects. In addition, arttv portrays the recipients of last year’s «Get Going!» awards by FONDATION SUISA in multi-part series video portraits.
A partnership between:
Current arttv portrait: Nathalie Froehlich – A rapper without limits
PUBLISHED ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Her motto: «I’m not a queen. I’m a godess!»
Swiss French rapper Nathalie Froehlich impresses with her strong stage presence and clear, direct lyrics. In her live show, she combines baile funk, techno, hardcore and hip-hop into an energetic mix reminiscent of an unforgettable after-party. Since 2022, she has been playing over 50 shows a year and working on her debut album, which is due to be released later this year.
MaMA Music & Convention 2025 ｜ 15–17 October ｜ Paris (FR)
MaMA Music & Convention invites the professional music world to Paris from 15 to 17 October 2025.
SWISS BUSINESS MIXER
Since 2010, Paris has hosted the annual MaMA – Marché des Musiques Actuelles – an important event for professionals in the pop music industry. MaMA offers various networking opportunities for industry representatives, as well as a variety of concerts for the general public in the lively Pigalle and Montmartre districts.
The Swiss delegation looks forward to seeing you at the Bar à Bulles at the Swiss Business Mixer!
Swiss Music Export and FONDATION SUISA are proposing the traditional networking event Swiss Business Mixer again at MaMA Music & Convention.
The event is taking place in the Bar à Bulles just behind the Moulin Rouge. There will be many exciting people, delicious appetisers with great Swiss wine and the two fabulous showcase acts MEIMUNA and SAMI GALBI:
MEIMUNA
SAMI GALBI
Register now for the Swiss Business Mixer
Entry to the SWISS BUSINESS MIXER is free for music professionals. However, registration is required.
Presented by Swiss Music Export and FONDATION SUISA with the kind support of the Swiss Embassy in France.
ALL WISS GIGS AT MAMA 2025
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR PROMOTIONAL CODE!
Swiss music professionals can buy their 3-day PRO PASS for the MaMA 2025 for EUR 110 instead of EUR 170 thanks to the promotional code of Swiss Music Export and FONDATION SUISA.
Reeperbahn Festival ｜ 17–20 September 2025 ｜ Hamburg (DE)
Once again this year, Hamburg was a showcase and meeting place for the international music world: at the Reeperbahn Festival 2025, Switzerland was on hand with a diverse mix of networking formats and concerts. Whether it was over a coffee in the morning, at the Business Mixer in the afternoon or at the evening showcases at Spielbudenplatz – Swiss music was a visible and audible presence all around the festival.
Swiss Sunrise Social – coffee, sunshine and first encounters
In the early morning, when most festival goers are only slowly gaining momentum, the Swiss Sunrise Social has become a popular ritual. For the third time, the Swiss coffee cart parked amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival, attracting visitors with strong coffee, friendly smiles and a relaxed atmosphere. This year, around 120 coffees were served – 50% more than the first time round.
Swiss Business Mixer – raclette meets the music business
While the morning offered a relaxed start, the Swiss Business Mixer got down to business in the afternoon. Around 450 professionals from the industry came together in Hamburg – including around 20% Swiss guests and a strong 64% contingent of German music professionals.
The Mixer cemented its reputation as a meeting place for decision-makers once again this year: 90 bottles of Swiss white wine were served, 60 kilograms of raclette cheese were consumed and the copious networking was backed by the sound of four Swiss acts – MEL D, NOMUEL, JAMILA and SAMI GALBI.
Swiss Sunset Social – Swiss class in St. Pauli
In the evenings, Spielbudenplatz was filled with even more Swiss sounds. Against the LED backdrop, LINDA ELYS, who has gained an enthusiastic following through her appearance in the finals of “The Voice of Germany”, opened her first full-band concert in Germany and presented her electronic-flavoured folk pop with a palpable sense of self-confidence. LOST IN LONA set a dreamy counterpoint with atmospheric Indie, MARY MIDDLEFIELD impressed with subtle songwriting and emotional depth, and experienced rock singer SERAINA TELLI provided a heavy dose of energy. To cap things off, one of Switzerland’s biggest pop acts at the moment, NEMO really got the square moving and demonstrated once again Swiss artists’ knack for finding the pulse of the times.
Swiss artists also left their mark in other partner showcases: PANDA LUX impressed with her tight Indie sound, GINA ÉTÉ gave progressive pop a new voice, and AKRYL captivated the crowd with her very intimate, German-language Indie pop. Swiss-American MILUNE offered a late-night club atmosphere with her dreamy bedroom pop, while VALENTINO VIVACE brought the Italo dancefloor feeling to Hamburg and KK! made his mark as a rising force in rap – demonstrating in impressive fashion both individually and collectively the diversity of the Swiss scene.
Around 20 Swiss acts set a high bar in St. Pauli – supported and made possible by FONDATION SUISA. The goal: to raise the international visibility of Swiss music, to give Swiss music a lasting boost through festivals such as the Reeperbahn Festival and to strengthen networking within the industry.
Whether with a coffee in the sunlight, a raclette in the courtyard or on the big stage in the evening: Switzerland made a lasting impression at the Reeperbahn Festival 2025.
ALL SWISS ARTISTS AT THE REEPERBAHN FESTIVAL 2025 The Swiss bands performing at this year’s Reeperbahn Festival demonstrated the incredible strength and diversity of the local music scene:
Jazzfestival Willisau 2025 ｜ 27-31 August ｜ Willisau Switzerland, postcard-perfect and international exchange
From 27 to 31 August, the 50th Jazzfestival Willisau took place – a resounding success. Increased visitor numbers, a welcoming atmosphere and genuine enthusiasm among the audience and industry professionals made the jubilee memorable for Swiss and international representatives alike.
Through the pilot programme SWISS MUSIC @ home, FONDATION SUISA, in collaboration with Pro Helvetia and SONART – Swiss Musicians, invited international experts to Switzerland to connect Swiss music professionals with organisers from across Europe. Good weather favoured the event: several networking sessions could take place outdoors.
Highlights included:
The unconventional concert by Zumthor’s Books & Alcohol Sextet (CH) The rubber-chicken solo was especially amusing, provoking genuine laughter from guests and professionals.
The joint walk to the organic farm “Burgrain” Strolling along streams and meadows, Swiss and international jazz experts enjoyed relaxed exchanges from the outset.
The “Postcard Switzerland” speed dating session Almost – but not quite! – too picturesque: the main networking event was held at the lovely Burgrain farm, a setting greatly admired by guests from Holland, Italy, UK, Denmark, Norway and Spain. Swissness shows its strengths – not just in music!
The next SWISS MUSIC @ home partnership in jazz will be at Cully Jazz in April 2026.
⚠️ Participation in SWISS MUSIC @ home is strictly by invitation: Participants are selected individually based on context.
SWISS MUSIC @ home at Jazzfestival Willisau 2025 in pictures:
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