For over a decade, JazzDanmark has focused on the East Asian jazz market. Building on past initiatives in China, South Korea, and Japan, JazzDanmark has launched the three-year Asia Project in collaboration with the Augustinus Foundation. The project aims to support artists who have already explored the East Asian market and are looking to expand their presence.

Selected by an East Asian panel

The three participating artists have been chosen by a jury of industry professionals from China, Japan, and South Korea. The selection process considered the quality of the music, press materials, a motivated application, and diversity within the group. Additionally, applicants were required to have concrete future plans and previous experience in the region.

The project spans three years, with three bands selected each year. The jury changes annually to ensure diversity and a broad perspective in the selection process. Once chosen, each band collaborates with JazzDanmark to develop a two-year program focused on the three target countries, receiving financial support and guidance along the way. In total, the Asia Project will include nine bands, each participating in a two-year program.

Soulful vocal jazz, an Aalborg-based bassist with global vision, and raw underground motoric sounds

In collaboration with the jury, three artists have been selected, each representing a snapshot of Danish jazz in 2019—spanning geography, genre, musical background, and experience.

Sinne Eeg

Sinne Eeg has been touring in Asia since 2003 and has since become one of Denmark’s major export successes in the East Asian market. With major festival and club performances lined up in Japan and China for 2019-2020, it is only natural to include Sinne Eeg’s vocal jazz in the project.

Kenneth Dahl Knudsen

Aalborg-based bassist Kenneth Dahl Knudsen is known for his international outlook. He has previously toured Japan three times, each time collaborating with local musicians, and has also released music on a Japanese label. For 2019-2020, he has two big band collaborations and several other projects in the works across Asia.

H E X

Lars Bech Pilgaard (SVIN, Slowburn, Klimaforandringer) and Anders Bach Pedersen (Ice Cream Cathedral, Erna, Danielle Dahl) visited Japan in 2018 with their project H E X—a duo centered around guitar noise and motoric rhythms. They are now ready to return for a 10-day tour and to build upon the connections they have already established in China and Korea.

Background

For over a decade, JazzDanmark has maintained a continuous focus on East Asia, a growing market for music—especially jazz. While China has long been the primary focus of JazzDanmark’s activities in the region, efforts have also extended to neighboring countries. In recent years, JazzDanmark has further strengthened its engagement with dedicated cultural initiatives in Japan and South Korea.