Berlin’s MOST WANTED: MUSIC Returns: Where Innovation Meets Rhythm

When music innovation, cutting-edge technology, and creative entrepreneurship converge, something special happens. This November, Berlin’s Kulturbrauerei becomes the epicenter of this convergence as MOST WANTED: MUSIC (MW:M) returns for its 2025 edition, promising three days of transformative experiences for anyone passionate about the future of music.

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Running from November 11-13, MW:M25 isn’t just another music conference—it’s a comprehensive festival ecosystem designed to reshape how we think about music economies and cultures. Organized by the Berlin Music Commission on behalf of the Senate Department for Economics, this event brings together over 3,500 music professionals from more than 20 countries, creating an unparalleled environment for collaboration and growth.

A Platform Built on Purpose

At its core, MW:M operates on three fundamental pillars: music as passion, business as catalyst, and sustainability as ethos. This mission-driven approach manifests through an impressive lineup of over 100 speakers delivering keynotes, interviews, debates, workshops, and masterclasses. The festival doesn’t just discuss the music industry’s future—it actively shapes it by fostering practical knowledge transfer, facilitating meaningful networking, and championing new business models that benefit creators and businesses alike.

What sets MW:M apart is its commitment to delivering direct, actionable value. Attendees discover breakthrough technologies and business models that are actively reshaping the industry, not theoretical concepts confined to boardrooms. The specialized networking events and matchmaking sessions ensure that connections made here translate into real-world opportunities.

Where Discovery Happens Live

MW:M Live, the festival’s showcase component, transforms theory into practice across four venues over two nights. With 30+ acts performing on November 12-13, this isn’t merely entertainment—it’s a launchpad for careers. Every MW:M conference attendee automatically gains access to these performances, creating a unique convergence where rising stars perform directly for the industry decision-makers who can elevate their careers.

This year’s spotlight shines on North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most musically diverse region, presented by PopBoard NRW and popNRW. But the festival’s vision extends beyond Germany’s borders. MW:M Live 2025 embraces European diversity with showcases presented by the Bulgarian Music Association, Next Generation EU & PVU, SoundCzech – Czech Music Office, and Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg, embodying Berlin’s essence as a place where cultures collide and create something unprecedented.

A Strategic Alliance for Artist Development

A significant development for 2025 is the strengthened alliance between MW:M and LISTEN TO BERLIN, two pioneering projects from the Berlin Music Commission. This partnership creates a comprehensive pathway for artist development, connecting promising Berlin-based talent with international opportunities.

Artists featured on the current LISTEN TO BERLIN season, including those from the latest compilation release, will perform at MW:M Live 2025, gaining invaluable exposure to an international audience of booking agents, label representatives, media professionals, and festival organizers. It’s a strategic bridge between local talent development and global opportunity.

Listen to Berlin / NRW

MW:M’s impact extends throughout Berlin via MW:M Satellites—partner events across the city that amplify the festival’s reach. The program also includes the LISTEN TO BERLIN: AWARDS and LISTEN TO BERLIN: YOUTH, ensuring the next generation of music makers and creatives has a dedicated platform to learn, connect, and grow.

Whether you’re an artist seeking breakthrough opportunities, an industry professional scouting the next big thing, or an entrepreneur exploring music-tech innovations, MW:M25 offers an unmatched environment for discovery, connection, and growth. On the 11-13 November, Berlin once again proves why it remains at the forefront of music culture and innovation.

Not just a conference: Listen to Berlin live + MW:M live

As ever tied into the MW:M conference, the whole thing kicks off the evening before the music conference with the Listen to Berlin Awards, featuring live performances from a range of amazing Berlin-base artists.

This seques neatly into MW:M Live, where over 30 artists grace various stages throughout the city.

Just some of the artists to watch out for

MARNELE’s introspective and thoughtful songs will appeal to anyone exploring identity and belonging – and after a summer of festival slots, you can catch her before her first headline tour in 2026.



VAVUNETTHA has created her very own genre: Seasoned Pop. Spiced with influences from her Tamil roots and her upbringing in Cologne, her music wraps serious topics in a cheeky, curious sound.



Tape Head & NONI’s live show is building a reputation as an emotional, energetic experience, and coming off the back of a packed-out tour, they’re in prime shape to impress the MW:M Live crowd.

Brenda Blitz is her irrepressible self, bouncing around and creating a sonic weekend for everyone on board.

MW:M’s home city of Berlin has a creative pulse that beats stronger every year. This year’s MW:M Live programme boasts 21 fantastic artists from the German capital, all of whom possess the edge, invention and grit that is only found in Berlin. Now, we’re happy to announce some new additions to MW:M Live that represent our home city’s musical future, from both the LISTEN TO BERLIN programme and its LISTEN TO BERLIN: YOUTH edition.

WIN TICKETS TO MOST WANTED MUSIC 2025

Just write to noel@indieberlin.de with the subject header ME ME ME to be in with a chance to win!