When the daily music programme ‘Mitt I musiken’ on Swedish national radio interviewed several representatives of musicians' associations and asked them about their lack of interest in freedom of speech issues, the message was clear: “It is about time that we begin to engage in free speech issues along the lines of Freemuse.”
There is no shortage of associations working for musicians and composers rights to compensation for their work – royalties, copyrights, and so on – but freedom of musical expression and solidarity with persecuted colleagues in other countries has not been a priority – or even 'on the radar' of most music associations in Europe.
“To be honest, we have not addressed issues of freedom of speech, so I took with me this question to my staff and discussed it today,” said Martin Q. Larsson, chairperson of FST, the Swedish Association of Composers, to radio reporter Sara Moein.
Bo Olsson, chairperson of the Federation of Swedish Musicians added that he would address the issue in the federation.
Discussion within the industry
Music Sweden is a newly formed association for the industry which brings together all music organisations in the country. Which works for the promotion of authors’ rights, export of music, and music education.
Managing director of Music Sweden, Elizabeth Widlund, said to ‘Mitt I Musiken’ that “since the question had been raised by Swedish Radio, the association would now discuss freedom of musical expressions issues.”
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