Södra Teatern asks for help as Stockholms live music scene threatens to fade out

Samuel Laulajainen, the CEO of the Stockholms Södra Teatern has reached out and asked for music lovers help as their outdoor live stage comes under threat.

A new appeal by local residents threatens future summer concerts at Mosebacketerrassen, and they need people to sign the Södra Teatern’s petition to show their support for more, not less event.

Over the past few years, several live music venues across Stockholm have closed such as Pet Sounds Bar, Debaser Medis and Kägelbanan. Worryingly, there was never an abundant amount to begin with. Debaser Strand is currently on the edge of closure, and every closure has a direct negative effect on musicians income and the cities culture.

Samuel Laulajainen described the situation (text translated from Swedish).

As CEO of Södra Teatern at Mosebacke, I must continuously balance the cultural activities that have been conducted since the 18th century with our surroundings. We want Södra Teatern to be a vibrant place with concerts, clubs, and theatre activities in focus. However, it is no bed of roses to conduct that kind of business in the inner city.

Because of all the discussions with authorities and neighbours, in the spring we decided to shut down all cultural activities at Kägelbanan. It is still not clear what will happen to the premises. It stands empty, with no concerts, clubs, theatre or private conferences and parties that previously filled the venue.

We understand that sound checks, concerts and guests can be perceived as a disruptive moment. We also do everything to make our business disrupt our environment as little as possible. During the summer we were super-confident that our concerts at Mosebacketerrassen were held within the decibel levels set by the board, and that all music on the terrace was silent at 22.00.

The Environmental and Health Protection Board decided this summer that Södra Teatern may have 21 concerts on Mosebacketerrassen 2020. We had hoped to hold 28 concerts, so we were disappointed, but after much back and forth we swallowed the disappointment and instead saw the decision as a starting point, and started planning next year’s summer concerts.

However, now that this year’s final summer concert is over, it is clear that neighbours are again appealing the decision. A message that means that we too must continue the process of being able to have summer concerts on Mosebacketerrassen next summer.

Our staff and I are tired. After a summer without complaints to Stockholm city and all efforts on our part to make the concert experience as pleasant as possible for everyone, the appeal feels like a real setback.

LIST OF SIGNATURES

Södra Teatern hasn’t given up the fight and has asked for supporters to sign their petition (text in Swedish) to show Stockholm how many people appreciate the live scene.

Mosebacketerrassen offers one of Stockholm’s most unique outdoor stages, and its survival is essential to keep the music scene varied and alive. Together we can help put the brakes on silencing music.

Sign here: https://sodrateatern.com/stories/sodra-teaterns-vd-ber-dig-om-hjalp/