7 bookers from just as many international festivals have announced their arrival at MONO Goes Metal Fest 2025. They have been invited to form a panel where they will let the audience in on festival details, themselves as bookers and what they are looking for when booking artists. Meet Emma Wiggin.
Emma Wiggin – The Rock and Metal Alliance / The Alternative Escape.
Can you tell us a bit about The Rock and Metal Alliance and your work with The Alternative Escape?
– The Rock and Metal Alliance was created to give a platform to grassroots rock and metal artists who are often overlooked at showcase festivals. Too many of these events prioritize artists who already have teams, while the emerging voices they’re meant to champion are left behind. Our focus is on discovery — helping new acts gain exposure, connect with industry, and build sustainable careers.
In 2024 we partnered with The Alternative Escape to host the festival’s first dedicated rock and metal stage, which proved the appetite for heavy music to be represented. The success of that debut led to an invitation to continue the collaboration, giving us a platform to keep growing the stage and its impact.
And your focus and musical profile?
Our musical profile spans emerging heavy music — from alternative rock through to metal — and is grounded in inclusivity and diversity. We believe diverse lineups better reflect the audiences who support this scene and create a more welcoming community. Alongside our UK focus, we’re also developing links with international partners to ensure heavy music is part of the global showcase conversation.
What is your background in the music industry and what is the story behind forming The Rock and Metal Alliance?
I’m Emma Wiggin, founder of Westwick Management, where I support emerging rock and metal bands through artist development, touring, and connecting with the wider industry. My background is rooted in management and live events, and I’m passionate about building pathways for grassroots talent. Alongside this, I contribute to the European Music Managers Alliance Rock and Metal team, which allows me to collaborate internationally and advocate for heavy music within the wider industry.
The Rock and Metal Alliance was formed out of this commitment. I saw how difficult it was for new artists to access showcase and festival opportunities without existing industry backing, despite these platforms being designed for discovery. I wanted to change that by creating a space that champions underrepresented acts, bridges gaps in touring and live opportunities, and builds stronger networks across the heavy music community.
At the core of the Alliance is a belief in diverse, inclusive lineups that ensure opportunity is not limited by gender, background, or stereotypes. Our mission is to make sure rock and metal have a visible, sustainable place within showcase culture.
What is your perspective on the Danish Metal scene?
This will be my first time in Denmark with Mono Goes Metal, and I’m really excited to experience the scene firsthand. We had the Danish band Persecutor play on our stage at The Alternative Escape, and if that’s the benchmark, then I’m very much looking forward to discovering more of the talent Denmark has to offer.
Through my work with the European Music Managers Alliance, I’ve also connected with some excellent rock and metal managers based in Denmark and across Europe, and I’ve consistently heard strong things about the scene. From what I’ve seen and heard so far,
Denmark has a thriving community with both quality and passion, and I’m eager to build more direct links with it.
Check out The Alternative Escape
Meet Emma at MGM Festival Meet Up 2025 at Headquarters the 15th. november. Doors at 10:45. Festival Meet Up is free but you’ll need to sign up.
Sign up at: MGM Festival Meet Up
More details: Mød bookere fra 7 internationale festivaler til MGM Festival Meet Up
MONO Goes Metal Fest 2025 at MONORAMA the 15th. november. Doors at 16:00. Stay tuned on presentation at event: https://www.facebook.com/events/671255682253812
Tickets for this years festival at: MONO Goes Metal Fest 2025
Get info about MONO Goes Metal Fest 2025.
MGM Festival Meet Up is created in cooperation with and supported by MXD – Music Export Denmark, Tuborgfondet og Koda Kultur.