Metaltalks: Voices Behind the Volume 

Behind every playlist and radio show is a distinct voice, taste, and passion for bringing music forward. In this panel, we meet Torkil Torsvik from Radio Rock, Samuli Väänänen from Spotify, and Daniel P. Carter from the BBC 1 Rock Show to discuss what determines which songs end up on playlists or receive airtime on radio.

We’ll explore how selections are made, and the balance between personal taste, data, and algorithms. Do radio and playlists influence each other, or are they completely separate? You’ll get an honest look at what it takes to get noticed, the impact of being listed today, and how editorial choices still shape rock and metal in an era dominated by algorithms and social media.

A panel for anyone who wants to understand how their music can reach an audience — straight from the people who actually press “add.”

Panelists:

Torkil Torsvik (Radio Rock)
Torkil Torsvik is an award-winning music journalist, best known for the afternoon show on Radio Rock and the podcast Gammal Maiden. He has also been the vocalist of the band Nullskattesnylternefor the past 25 years. On Radio Rock, the atmosphere is warm, with a genuine passion for both new and classic rock, punk, and metal.

Daniel P. Carter (BBC Radio 1 Rock Show)
Daniel P. Carter is the host of The Rock Show on BBC Radio 1 and Director of Artist Development at Spinefarm Records. A central voice in heavy music and strong supporter of new artists and boundary-pushing sounds.

Samuli Väänänen (Spotify Finland)
Samuli Väänänen is Spotify’s Senior Editor for Finland, he also works with rock and metal globally"

Moderator:

Rikke Karlsen
For the last decade Rikke has been an active voice in discussions on music, as a conveyer, teacher, guitarist, DJ, event and radiohost, writer and record store worker, bridging heavy music, records and songs with creative perspectives and a passion for the underground scene. Rikke is also a co-founding member of the Norwegian Grammy award nominees Dwaal, a long time fixture of the Norwegian heavy underground scene