Musical diplomacy.

The NY Times runs this article on the trend for governments to provide funding for indie rock bands to tour overseas. The goal is for these bands to raise the profile of their home country abroad. As to whether this sort of ambassadorial mission provides any returns on the investment, the article isn't clear. Personally, I've seen the band that leads the story--the Figurines--play a couple of times, and while they put on a good show, I'm not sure that Denmark is that much more top of mind for me. I will say, however, that the Danish government might want to think about a dress code for its singing amabassadors. Exceedingly tight jeans are not a fashion that reflect well upon the mother country.