This just happened at Reeperbahn 2025

We’re still buzzing from an unforgettable evening with our MCN Reception & Showcase at Reeperbahnfestival - and it’s all thanks to this incredible community.

We were lucky enough to have four international acts represent little puzzle pieces of the MCN on stage. Each of those brought their own super unique performance, and together it created a mix of sound, aesthetics and vibes that was so diverse! We are still in awe. 

Moments like these remind us of the strength of our international network. With the commitment of our member cities, the talent and dedication of the artists, and the dedication of colleagues and friends, we can turn ideas into shared experiences.

Thank you for being part of it.

This year, we were lucky to have: 

Rasha Nahas from Berlin, Germany

Abekejser from Aarhus, Denmark

Adja from Brussels, Belgium

Inspector Spacetime from Reykjavik, Iceland

🎙️ Panel Talk: Re-Centering Music Cities Around People and Purpose

MCN’s Managing Director Lena Ingwersen also joined a conversation on why music policy must evolve - from entertainment add-on to civic infrastructure. Moderated by Shain Shapiro, the panel brought together voices from health, climate, and urban policy to explore how music can meaningfully respond to society’s most pressing challenges.

Lena highlighted MCN’s mission to reframe music as a tool for systems-level change - one that promotes mental health, inclusion, and resilience in our cities. From embedding music in city planning to showcasing care as a leadership skill, Lena argued that music must serve people and purpose first. As she put it:

“When music policy centers people, we don’t just strengthen creative scenes - we strengthen democracy itself.”

Through initiatives like the European Music Business Task Force (EMBTF), MCN is empowering local changemakers across Europe to translate this vision into real, measurable impact - from Valencia to Manchester to Hamburg. The message was clear: music isn’t a luxury - it’s a lever for change.