The Finnish Music Export Award 2025 will be awarded to the artist management company Backbone Management. Specializing in rock and metal, the company has played a key role in the international success of several Finnish artists for over a decade. Backbone Management is known for its work with acts such as The Rasmus, Ville Valo, and Blind Channel. The award is granted by the board of Music Finland.

Now presented for the ninth time, the Finnish Music Export Award 2025 is a recognition given to a Finnish music company that has successfully developed and expanded its international operations and has shown pioneering spirit in exporting Finnish music. The intent behind this award is to create attention to the important work done by music export companies, and also promote these active and growing enterprises. The recipient is commemorated with a plaque on the outer wall of Helsinki's Tavastia Club.

The prize has been awarded by Music Finland since 2015, with support from Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture.

The jury’s reasoning for the award reads:

“Backbone Management has been a Finnish pioneer on the international stage for over a decade, establishing itself as one of the leading management companies for globally successful rock artists. The company’s core strengths lie in strategic and creative career planning, which it uses to elevate the global profiles of its clients. Backbone Management sets an example of how consistent investment in international markets can yield significant results and sustainable business growth.”

Backbone Management was founded in 2014 by CEO Panu Piippo and Head of Management Antti Eriksson. Among the company’s first artists were Ville Valo and The Rasmus, whom Eriksson had previously worked with as a tour manager under the guidance of renowned manager Seppo Vesterinen. From the beginning, the company has focused heavily on international operations, which have led to significant growth in recent years. For example, VV’s (Ville Valo) 2023–2024 world tour included over 150 performances across four continents.

Besides the artists above, Backbone Management’s current roster includes Blind Channel, Swallow the Sun, Stam1na, Stoned Statues, and Ensiferum. The company currently employs seven people.

Earlier this year, Backbone expanded its operations to the United Kingdom by opening a London office. The UK branch is headed by Adam Sagir, founder of the respected PR firm The Noise Cartel. With the expansion, the company added three British bands to its roster: Bones UK, SikTh, and Vexed.

“From the beginning, Panu and I have set high goals and expectations. It’s great to receive recognition for our work in music export. However, it’s important to remember that everything starts with great artists — without them, there would be nothing to export. We also have an amazing team around us, and I want to thank Taina, Saara, as well as our fellow managers Henkka and Katja. Expanding internationally has always been our goal, and reaching this milestone is meaningful. Still, we know that this is just the beginning of the work ahead,” commented Antti Eriksson on behalf of Backbone Management.

The Finnish Music Export Award will be officially presented at the Industry Awards gala during the Music x Media event in Tampere on September 26, 2025.