This week's Heavy Hops episode comes from a panel discussion I moderated on December 3rd at Viva Sounds - a conference and live music showcase that takes place annually in Gothenburg, Sweden, hosted by West Side Music. This panel - titled "My Best Friend" - looks at the live music sector from a small, independent venue owner and operators’ perspective. We venture beyond the headlines that dominated mainstream and trade media that generally portrayed a triumphant return of live music - and into what types of internal and external challenges these crucial members of the sector face while the industry collectively attempts to find its footing again after pandemic closures.  While this conversation is a snapshot in time, I think it’s extremely relevant not only now, but to be able to look back on when we try to understand music business challenges more broadly. I’ve provided information on each of the panelists and their spaces, as well as the conference in the episode notes. Panelists: Amira Gluhic, HeadQuarters, Aarhus, Denmark  Lilia Ohls, Hafenklang, Hamburg, Germany Oskar Fredén, Fyrens Ölkafé, Sweden Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Audio editing, mix and mastering: Esben Willems/Studio Berserk Music by: Sam Cangelosi Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!