There is something growing in Sweden, a real fertile ground as far as music goes… lots of bands are emerging and are willing to play live, and Emergenza is going to prepare more stages for them! As from 2004 season, Emergenza Festival will be held in GOTEBORG and MALMO too, besides the now usual appointment in STOCKHOLM. This choice was almost unescapable, and it has been made heartily. Lots of signs let us hope that it is a good one! First of all, the results obtained by the Swedish bands in the former editions of the festival are bright, and speak for themselves. It’s only three years since Swedish bands have been taking part in Emergenza: WILLOWTREE won the Taubertal International Final in 2001, STONEPARK gained the third position the following year, and in 2003 a Swedish band won again: NERVOUS NELLIE from Stockholm. We would also like to turn our mind for a moment to the unlucky band DECHAS, winner of the 2003 Sweden final (Nervous Nellie were the second best band): they had a car accident a few days before the event in Taubertal, and could not participate! Best wishes to them! This means not only that in Sweden there are lots of very high quality bands, but also that this country has a great potential in enthusiasm: it is very important for young musicians to know that they can really obtain a great success abroad too, as well as gaining reputation at home. Willowtree had the opportunity to play in the USA at the famous Vans Warped Tour, and then in Showcases in Italy and Germany, besides releasing their first LP ‘Sofia Sofia’ in 2003. Nervous Nellie have just started their way on the same road, and have also set up their own record company, named HonkyJonx Records… by now these bands show the way to all young Swedish musicians! Then, our local manager reported a very enthusiastic reception by the venues, the media, and obviously the bands. Most important venues are very willing to work with Emergenza, because they know that it is a reliable and worldwide famous organization. In Stockholm, for example, the bands will play at the Alcatraz, a very famous stage very appreciated by all musicinas in Stockholm. The first meetings will take place in January, but 75 bands have already enrolled, and their number is increasing day by day. It is going to be a great success, but this is not unexpected at all: in Sweden loads of people love to play and to listen to live concerts, in such a way that is difficult to find elsewhere. This is good for Emergenza… so Emergenza is good for Swedish bands!