Music Saves Ukraine Documentary Shows Life And Destruction In Ukraine
Documentary shows life and destruction in Ukraine
Music Saves Ukraine just released a video documentary of their second Music Ambassadors Tour through war-torn Ukraine. The humanitarian aid organization of the Ukrainian music industry had invited music industry professionals from other European countries to experience life in the country – and the consequences of the Russian invasion – first-hand.
Earlier this year, six YOUROPE members were part of the Music Ambassadors Tour in Ukraine. Our friends and partners at Music Saves Ukraine and UAME hosted 12 ambassadors from the European music industry for five days. They visited Kyiv, Borodyanka, Irpin, and Chernihiv to see with their own eyes the consequences and scale of Russia’s war in Ukraine that has been going on for two and a half years now.
Among the ambassadors were these six representatives of YOUROPE member festivals:
- Christof Huber (CH) – chairman of YOUROPE and director festivals at Gadget Entertainment (e.g. OpenAir St. Gallen, Summerdays Festival, Seaside Festival)
- Girts Majors (LV) – promoter and founder of Positivus Festival
- József Kardos (HU) – programming director of Sziget Festival
- Markus Wiersch (DE) – deputy director at KME, the promoting organisation of DAS FEST in Karlsruhe. Member of YOUROPE Event Safety Group (YES Group)
- Michal Kaščák (SK) – festival director and founder of Pohoda festival, musician, and actively supporting Ukraine since 2014
- Ville Koivisto (FI) – festival director of Provinssi, also a chairman at Jyväskylä Live Music Association
The remaining ambassadors were Within Temptation-guitarist Robert Westerholt, Rupert Vereker (CEO of DIY Music, publisher of DIY Magazine), Tomek Hoax (co-founder of Coastline Northern Cuts label, co-curator of Up To Date Festival), Steen Jorgensen (CEO of Copenhagen’s venue VEGA, steering committee member of Liveurope), Eva Dudaskova (Slovak music enthusiast based in France with rich experience in developing brand strategies), and Michal Berezñák (director of Bratislava's Nová Cvernovka cultural center, founder of LALA - Slovak Music Export, co-founder of Sharpe Festival).
YOUROPE’s chairman Christof Huber said after the tour: “The Music Ambassadors Tour was very intense and emotional for me. I won’t forget these reports from eyewitnesses and pictures of destruction and damage. On the other hand, I was amazed by the strength of Ukrainian people, their connection and loyalty to their beloved country. We must stand with Ukraine!”
On the first day, when some of the participants were already in Kyiv, there was an attack on the city with hypersonic missiles. Air raid alarms continued throughout the day as the hosts were trying to show the guests the city and how it is to live in it. On the second day, the group went to Borodyanka and Irpin to see the Borodyanka Palace of Culture, which is being rebuilt after heavy damage during the Russian occupation and bombing of the town, as well as the Central House of Culture in Irpin, which was also destroyed to a point where it still cannot function. They visited the Kyiv Institute of Rehabilitation, which Music Saves Ukraine supports by acquiring necessary equipment, to show how those who suffered as a result of the war are being treated for free.
The original plan was to go to Kharkiv, but the situation there got so critical that the hosts could no longer guarantee an acceptable level of safety, so the group went to Chernihiv instead. There, they heard the story of how the city had resisted at the beginning of the war, thwarting Russian plans to occupy it, and witnessed the destroyed cultural infrastructure, including the result of a missile attack on Taras Shevchenko Chernihiv Theatre.
On the next day, back in Kyiv, the group visited the premises of TAVR Media group, to see how the biggest radio stations operate during the war and how ticketing and production companies continued to innovate despite the war. The day ended with another event in Kyiv with discussion panels, where the guests reflected on the tour, and they discussed how to continue supporting Ukraine together.
You can find photos of the tour here.
This was the second edition of the Music Ambassadors Tour – the first tour covered 1800km and visited 8 cities at the end of 2022.
In the coming days, YOUROPE together with Music Saves Ukraine, will also release a toolkit on raising funds and awareness that is free to use for everyone who wants to support a good cause.
About YOUROPE
Since 1998, YOUROPE – The European Festival Association has evolved into the most important association for popular music festivals in Europe. As of July 2024, YOUROPE counts 123 festivals and associated organizations from 30 European countries among its members. The overall aim of the association is to strengthen and improve the European festival scene as a whole, and promoting arts and music while connecting different cultures.
About Music Saves Ukraine
Music Saves Ukraine is a non-profit fundraising initiative created by the Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) to provide immediate humanitarian help to those who need it most right now in Ukraine, as well as to support the national musical product as a means of countering hostile propaganda through music.
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Amsterdam Dance Event Announce First Wave With 300+ Confirmed Artists For ADE 2024
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world's largest festival and business gathering for electronic music, today reveals the first wave of confirmed artists for ADE 2024. Among the confirmed artists to perform are Benga (GB), Brutalismus 3000 (DE), FJAAK (DE), Four Tet (GB), Honey Dijon (US), Indira Paganotto (ES), Jeff Mills (US), KlangKuenstler (DE), Major League DJz (ZA), Marlon Hoffstadt (DE), Martin Garrix (NL), Miss Monique (UA), Peggy Gou (KR), Rebekah (GB), The Martinez Brothers (US), and 300+ others.
Over 300 artists and DJs have now been confirmed throughout 100+ events, marking the first 10% milestone of the ADE program — including special concerts by Awakenings Upclose, over 20 events at A’DAM Toren, a packed DGTL roster with 7 events, Tomorrowland presents Our Story, alongside AMF, HE.SHE.THEY., Into the Woods, Verknipt, straf_werk, Loveland, Speedy J’s STOOR, Dave Clarke presents, and much more.
The five day gathering runs from October 16—20, 2024 and is the world’s most extensive festival and conference program for electronic music, representing all electronic subgenres and subcultures throughout 1,000+ events in 200+ locations spread across Amsterdam.
Among the first 10% of artists and DJs are:
EJOU (FR), 999999999 (IT), ALCATRAZ (DE), Anetha (FR), Anz (GB), Avalon Emerson (US), Azyr (GB), Barry Can't Swim (GB), BELLA (NL), Ben Klock (DE), Benga (GB), Benwal (NL), Berkan V8 (NL), Bolis Pupul (BE), Bonobo (GB), Boys Noize (DE), Brutalismus 3000 (DE), Caribou (CA), Carista (NL), Carlita (TR), Chlär (CH), Cincity (NL), Cinthie (DE), Colin Benders (NL), Colyn (NL), Daria Kolosova (UA), Dave Clarke (GB), Dax J (GB), Dee Diggs (US), DJ Europarking (NL), DJ Fuckoff (DE), DJ Mell G (DE), DJ Spit (DE), DJ Tennis (IT), DMX Krew (GB), Doppelgang (NL), Estella Boersma (NL), Fafi Abdel Nour (NL), FJAAK (DE), Four Tet (GB), Funk Assault (DE), Gabrielle Kwarteng (US), Gerd Janson (DE), GoldFish (ZA), Honey Dijon (US), I Hate Models (FR), I. Jordan (GB), Indira Paganotto (ES), Jamie Jones (GB), JEANS (NL), Jeff Mills (US), Jennifer Loveless (AU), Kikelomo (GB), KiNK (BG), KlangKuenstler (DE), Kobosil (DE), Lola Edo (NL), Mahmut Orhan (TR), Major League DJz (ZA), Malugi (DE), Marcel Dettmann (DE), Marco Carola (IT), Marie K (NL), Markus Schulz (US), Marlon Hoffstadt (DE), Martin Garrix (NL), Mary Lake (NL), Mathame (IT ), MCR-T (DE), Mila Black (NL), Miss Monique (UA), Mochakk (BR), Motor City Drum Ensemble (DE), Narciss (DE), Nico Moreno (FR), NIKS (GB), Nils Frahm (DE), Octave One (US), Ogazón (LU), Olympe (IT), Pangaea (GB), Patrice Bäumel (DE), Patrick Mason (DE), Paula Tape (CL), Paula Temple (GB), Peggy Gou (KR), Philou Louzolo (NL), Rebekah (GB), Rødhåd (DE), Röyksopp (NO), Roza Terenzi (AU), Ruby Savage (NL), Sally C (IE), Salome (GE), Sama' Abdulhadi (PS), San Holo (NL), Sarkawt Hamad (NL), Sasha (GB), Sedef Adasi (DE), Seth Troxler (US), Shanti Celeste (CL ), Shimza (ZA), Shlømo (FR), Skream (GB), Speedy J (NL), SPFDJ (SE), Spray (IE), Suze Ijó (NL), Tereza (DE), The Blessed Madonna (US), The Martinez Brothers (US), Tiësto (NL), Timmy Trumpet (AU), Tita Lau (GB), Todd Terry (US), Twiena (NL), Vuur (NL), Wade (ES), Yazzus (GB), Young Marco (NL) and many more.
The complete program will be announced in the coming months. Individual tickets are available through ADE’s program, and the ADE Pro Pass is available here.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, featuring over 2,500 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 146 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive Arts & Culture programme, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation. Founding partner: Buma
Contact:
For more information or media partnerships contact Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR
ADE Pro reveals top minds at EMPIRE, Spotify, Believe, SoundCloud, alongside Chris Stussy, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Miss Monique and more
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) reveals its second wave of ADE Pro speakers. Highlights include the president of EMPIRE Tina Davis, Global Head of Music at Believe Romain Vivien, Grimes’ manager Daouda Leonard, top-level strategic experts at Spotify and SoundCloud, alongside artists Miss Monique, Chris Stussy, and Sama’ Abdulhadi. They join the recently announced conference roster of Timbaland & Martin Garrix, Laurent Garnier, fabric London, Grace Ladoja, heavyweights at Armada Music, WME, UTA, and more.
Tina Davis, president of independent record label EMPIRE, headlines with a Keynote Q&A on her transformative role in EMPIRE’s global influence as an independent label, including its expansion into Afrobeats and Latin music. Daouda Leonard, manager of Grimes and co-founder of CreateSafe, will explore the intersection of music, AI, and technology, strategic insights into the future of artist management, and offering artists control over their career and business. Phiona Okumu, Spotify's Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, will share her expertise on elevating African artists and Spotify’s initiatives like RADAR and EQUAL to support emerging and female artists, ensuring that diverse voices are heard worldwide.
Essential Insider Knowledge
Following last year’s huge success of the Insider Knowledge series, its first 2024 entries have rolled in: Romain Vivien, Global Head of Music at Believe, and Andreea Gleeson, CEO at TuneCore, bring their combined expertise to empower independent artists with the cutting-edge digital solutions and distribution models of Believe and TuneCore. Their ‘Insider Knowledge’ keynote dives into driving success for artists and navigating the evolving music landscape. SoundCloud has entered into a global partnership with ADE and presents an in-depth session on the most lucrative opportunities and valuable strategies for independent artists, with one of the visionary minds from SoundCloud’s top strategic team.
Pioneers in electronic music
Miss Monique reaches numbers well into the millions on YouTube, and in this masterclass, she will be demonstrating how she makes her videos and shapes her YouTube success. Chris Stussy, one of the top four most-touring Dutch artists internationally, will share his experiences of balancing underground and mainstream success, maintaining a healthy lifestyle during hectic tours, and supporting emerging talent. Sama' Abdulhadi, a rising star in the global techno scene, will discuss her journey and the unique sound that has taken her to major festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury. Sama' continues to inspire, bringing her distinctive style to dance floors around the world.
Attend ADE Pro 2024
The ADE Pro Pass grants access to the full conference program, alongside networking events, the ADE Festival program and more. The last tickets are available at the current Early Bird rate through ADE’s website.
The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture and its industry worldwide. The organisation devotes itself to stimulating development, innovation and talent, gathering the global industry and laying a foundation for future generations.
ADE Pro Conference
ADE Pro is the ultimate annual business gathering for the global electronic music industry. The four-day conference for music industry professionals runs from Wednesday through Saturday and features dedicated programming covering subjects from marketing, publishing and bookings to sustainability, social change and mental health. The additional networking opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provide an ideal and global basis for deal making and career advancement.
About ADE
The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), an initiative of Buma, has grown into the world’s largest and most influential club-based festival and conference for electronic music. The event continues to grow and develop each year, with last year’s edition featuring over 3,000 artists and 600 speakers in almost 200 venues. The five-day event attracts visitors from over 150 countries and features every conceivable aspect of electronic music culture, with dedicated conference programming, an extensive arts & culture program, live music and DJ/artist performances, all spread across the city of Amsterdam. More information about ADE can be found here.
ADE – Electronic Music Gathers Here
The Amsterdam Dance Event is organised by The Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation.
Founding partner: Buma
Contact
For more information or media partnerships contact Nikki McNeill.
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR
Mallorca Live Festival establishes itself as the cultural event of the Balearic Islands
Mallorca Live Festival establishes itself as the most important cultural and musical event in the Balearic Islands via the experience, its commitment to placing Mallorca as the focal point of interest of the music industry throughout the week and its economic impact on the island.
A total of 65,000 people visited Mallorca Live Festival on June 13, 14 and 15, enjoying performances from headliners including Blondie, Michael Kiwanuka, Pet Shop Boys and Underworld. Establishing itself as the most important cultural and musical event of the Balearic Islands with its seventh edition, the festival is also predicted to make an economic impact of over 12 million euros.
Three days of international, national and local music
A fantastic Debbie Harry owned the stage at the start of the festival leading Blondie, on their first visit to the island and back in Spain after a long time, and the audience euphorically received Mallorcan artist Rels B, who offered an impressive show at home. On this opening day, Dani Fernández revolutionised the venue and Love of Lesbian triumphed with their timeless anthems. The Bresh party and rhythms from around the world hosted by Sa Fonda Deià on Stage 4 - The Club Mallorca were other main acts on Thursday.
The second day was marked by the rave spirit of the legendary Underworld, the pureness and class of Michael Kiwanuka's live set and the energy of Lori Meyers' infallible show. Friday's eclectic line-up included a magical performance by María José Llergo, the madness of Shame and the Andalusian rock by Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba, as well as late-night dancing with the DJ set of 2manydjs and the visit of names as unique as Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, Spanish classic Los Manolos and drag queens to the fun Stage 4 - The Club Mallorca with Flexas as host.
The grand finale to the seventh edition was Pet Shop Boys, who delivered the show that the island had dreamed of for years, and the long-awaited and spectacular show of Aitana, with both names filling the Stage 1 - Estrella Damm’s esplanade. Not far behind were the different rock musical exhibitions of Arde Bogotá, the avant-garde electronic music of The Blaze, the moving indie pop of Belle & Sebastian or the fantasy folklore of Rodrigo Cuevas. The Sunday Sunday party kept the crowd dancing for hours to names like John Talabot and Yu Su, and Jayda G provided the soundtrack as Sunday dawned at the venue.
The festival’s impact
In economic matters, the organisation predicts that the festival’s impact will be greater than last year and that in terms of the number of people who worked at the event, there will be an increase over the 2,100 workers in comparison to 2023. Even so, the specific number will come from a study that is being carried out by the University of the Balearic Islands with the impact predicted to exceed 12 million euros.
Mallorca Live Festival establishes itself as a social and musical reference point event for the thousands of residents who, year after year, attend the festival. Once again, the project has become the main ambassador promoting cultural and quality tourism in Mallorca. All of this secured Mallorca Live Festival’s position as a boutique festival amongst the greats.
The audience for this edition was divided between 68% of attendees from the Balearic Islands, 20% from the Peninsula and 12% international visitors. In this edition, the concept of a boutique festival is consolidated thanks to the access flow, mobility, fast service at bars, cleanliness, and rest areas. Each of these points has ensured that Mallorca Live Festival, today, offers a satisfactory experience for its attendees.
A sustainable stage
Another important step the festival took during this edition in terms of sustainability was the implementation of a hybrid battery system in Stage 3 - Endesa (the festival’s sustainable partner), which made it possible to reduce the energy consumption of said stage, which in 2023 had emissions of 1. 41 tCO2.
Happening! Market
The design and food market of Mallorca Live, Happening! Market, was once again present at the venue with stalls and food trucks. Vintage clothing, bags, jewellery and crafts are some of the products that could be purchased in this area from local brands and businesses such as Nulina, Lebon, Flamingos, Sari Mallorca and Salvador4men&women and Lovers by SR, amongst others.
Within the gastronomic offer, local products also had their place, such as the smash-style burgers prepared in ‘coca de patata’, a traditional sweet from Valldemossa, from Double Take. An assorted selection of foods from around the world and with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options were available in the market, the Chill Out area and Stage 1 - Estrella Damm.
Radio 3 at Mallorca Live Festival
The festival was broadcast live nationwide by the Spanish Public Radio music station Radio 3, which this year took to listeners' homes the performances of the three days of the Mallorca Live Festival with hosts Nacho Álvaro 'El Patillas', Leyre Guerrero and Virginia Díaz. The broadcast featured live performances by Love of Lesbian, Shame and Dani Fernández, as well as the full and only concert in Spain by the international band Blondie.
Stage 5 - Radio 3 once again hosted for three days the most interesting up-and-coming acts from the Spanish independent scene, such as Habla de Mí en Presente, Meeky (band selected by the station), Las Odio, Bum Motion Club, B1N0 or Sila Lua, amongst others. Friday and Saturday’s last dances at said stage featured El Patillas and Virginia Díaz on the turntables.
IB3 with the Balearic talent
During this edition and, for the first time, IB3, the Public Radio and Television Broadcasting Service of the Balearic Islands also had a set at the Mallorca Live Festival venue, which gathered different artists from the Balearic Islands included in this year’s lineup.
As a public media outlet, IB3 wanted to give exposure to the musical talent of the islands, and that is why a streaming was carried out during each of the days of Mallorca Live Festival with interviews and audio fragments from concerts by artists such as: María Hein, Ultraviolet, Júlia Colom, The Ripples, El Cairo, Guille Wheel & the Waves, Caspary, Negre and Danïo. A document that can be seen on the IB3 YouTube channel and that will also feature a special Mallorca Live Festival program on IB3 Ràdio in the coming days with Joan Trias.
MLF On the Road, the festival’s parallel activities
This year, the Mallorcan event presented MLF on the Road, a program of parallel activities that took music and culture beyond the venue. It started on May 15 with an event at the Gallery Red in Palma, followed by a very special party at Sa Fonda Deià on June 1. As a warm-up before the festival opened and in collaboration with the Palma City Council, the grand opening gala of the 'Nits a Bellver' concert cycle took place on June 12 at the city’s unique Castell de Bellver, with acoustic performances by Lori Meyers and Alanaire and a session by DJ Bruno Roth.
The final stop was the celebration of the 'Closing Party' at the beautiful Balneario de Illetas on Sunday, June 16. The event was attended by sponsors and the festival's organizational staff, who enjoyed the dreamy sessions by Arena Jäara, Paco Colombàs and one of Spain’s DJ duos of the moment, Mëstiza.
2024 Institutions and sponsors
Mallorca Live Festival has had the support of Estrella Damm as main sponsor, Innside by Melià, Endesa (sustainable sponsor), Air Europa, Trasmed, Caixabank (strategic partner), Coca-Cola, Tanqueray 0.0., Logitravel, Pringles, El Corte Inglés, Goldcar, RCD Mallorca and See Tickets as official ticketing platform. Radio 3, Radio Mallorca Cadena SER, Mondosonoro and Jenesaispop have been the official media of the festival.
In addition, Mallorca Live Festival has had the support of institutions such as the Government of the Balearic Islands - Conselleria de Turisme, Cultura i Esports through the Agència d'Estratègia Turística de les Illes Balears (AETIB) and the Institut d'Estudis Baleàrics (IEB), with the support of the Consell de Mallorca through the Fundació Mallorca Turisme (FMT) and the Department of Culture and Heritage, and the Calvià City Council.
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR
Michael Kill Appointed Vice President of the International Nightlife Association as the Night Time Industries Association earns a place on the Global Stage
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Kill as the new Vice President of the International Nightlife Association (INA). This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment for the NTIA as it continues to solidify its influence and leadership on the world stage.
Michael Kill, with his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the nightlife industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and a visionary approach to his new role. As CEO of the NTIA, Kill has been a staunch advocate for the nightlife sector, championing the interests of venues, operators, and workers across the UK. His appointment as Vice President of the INA is a testament to his leadership and the NTIA's growing impact on global nightlife policy and advocacy.
The International Nightlife Association, headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, is the leading global organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting the nightlife industry. The INA works with a network of national and regional associations to address challenges, share best practices, and advance the interests of nightlife venues worldwide. With Michael Kill’s appointment, the NTIA is now positioned to play a more influential role in shaping the future of nightlife on an international scale.
"This appointment is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire NTIA team," said Michael Kill. "I am excited to collaborate with our international counterparts to drive positive change and innovation in the nightlife sector. Together, we will work towards a vibrant, sustainable, and safe nightlife environment for all."
The NTIA’s recent achievements include successful campaigns to secure government support during the COVID-19 pandemic, initiatives to promote safety and inclusivity in nightlife spaces, and efforts to highlight the economic and cultural importance of the night time economy. These accomplishments have garnered recognition and respect from industry leaders and policymakers, paving the way for this significant milestone.
Joaquim Boadas de Quintana, General Secretary of the International Nightlife Association, expressed gratitude to Michael Kill for his trust in joining the organization as the first Vice President. He also emphasized Michael Kill's extensive experience advocating for the nightlife sector, his tenure as the head of NTIA, and his proficiency in organizing conferences and summits showcasing the nightlife industry's value and prestige.
The General Secretary of the INA stated that “with the addition of NTIA UK, the INA now operates in 27 countries, which is a significant indication of its global presence. This enables our members to exchange experiences and ideas for addressing sector issues, prioritize the professionalisation of tourist leisure, handle business responsibilities in compliance with legal obligations, tariffs, and copyrights for artists, promote innovation and sustainability, and keep up with new trends”.
As the NTIA steps onto the world stage, it remains committed to its mission of supporting and advancing the UK’s nightlife industry. Michael Kill’s new role as Vice President of the INA signifies a new era of collaboration and growth, ensuring that the voices of nightlife professionals are heard and respected around the globe
For more information about the NTIA and its initiatives, please visit www.ntia.co.uk. To learn more about the International Nightlife Association, visit www.international-nightlife.com.
About International Nightlife Association (INA):
The International Nightlife Association (INA) was founded in 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. It is the first non-profit organisation in the world formed specifically to represent the main stakeholders in the nightlife economy, including restaurants, bars, clubs, discos, lounges, hotels and other providers linked to the nightlife sector.
About Night Time Industries Association (NTIA):
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is a leading advocacy group dedicated to promoting and enhancing the nighttime economy. NTIA represents a wide range of nighttime businesses, from bars and clubs to cultural venues, and works to create a vibrant, safe, and inclusive nighttime environment.
BMC the UK's leading electronic music conference sets dates for 2025
BMC, the UK's leading electronic music conference and networking event sets dates for its 12th edition from 28th to 30th May 2025. A hub for the next generation of talent in electronic music, the award winning event brings together Industry-leading professionals with a packed programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events.
“We always wanted to create an accessible event that everyone can enjoy and feel welcome.” says BMC founder Billy Mauseth. “We love supporting the next generation of talent and helping them on their career journey. BMC is like a family, with a relaxed and friendly vibe where everyone can come together to learn, be inspired, network and enjoy amazing music and DJ sets.”
The new and improved ‘A&R Sessions’ will also return allowing up-and-coming artists and producers to gain immediate feedback on their tracks with leading A&Rs in the electronic music industry. Several tracks were signed this year and the A&R’s were very impressed with the quality of the productions presented.
“My first time at BMC was a fantastic experience. I found the opportunity to meet directly with the A&Rs of labels invaluable and it was great to make connections throughout the day at various mixers and panel discussions. Will definitely come again next year!” Angel Lee
BMC - Where Beats Means Business
More info on BMC here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/
BMC Tickets
BMC Professional Pass - Golden Ticket - £115 + b/f (limited availability)
A&R Sessions - Bolt on - Super Earlybird - £33.20 + b/f
BMC tickets from the BMC website here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/buy-tickets/
Notes to Editors:
For more info, media partnerships and press accreditations please contact Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning BMC (Brighton Music Conference) is the UK's leading electronic music conference and networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector. BMC brings together Industry-leading professionals, the next generation of talent and electronic music enthusiasts with a packed programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events. BMC was also awarded by the NTIA at the Ambassadors of the Night Awards 2019 for their work and commitment to developing awareness and education of the UK Electronic Music Scene internationally within the NTE.
BMC also supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life.
Positivus Festival has grown to become a cornerstone of Baltic culture and entertainment
Since its beginning in 2007, Positivus Festival has grown to become a cornerstone of Baltic culture and entertainment. For the past 15 years the festival has evolved into a must-attend event in the vibrant capital city of Latvia, Riga. Situated on the picturesque island of Lucavsala, nestled near the tranquil waters of the Daugava river, Positivus has seamlessly integrated into its urban surroundings while maintaining its enchanting connection with nature.
Year after year, Positivus continues to captivate audiences with its eclectic mix of chart-topping superstars and emerging talents, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. From soul-stirring ballads to pulsating beats, the festival promises an unforgettable experience that transcends musical boundaries.
But Positivus is more than just a music festival; it's a playground for exploration and discovery. Festival-goers have the opportunity to engage in various activities and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
In 2024, Positivus will feature a star-studded lineup that includes global sensation Jason Derulo, who will headline the LMT stage. Known for his spectacular dance shows and infectious hits, Derulo promises a performance filled with energy and excitement. Since his breakthrough with the hit single "Whatcha Say," Derulo has sold over 250 million singles worldwide, with a string of platinum hits like "Wiggle," "Talk Dirty," and "Savage Love."
The festival's diverse lineup also includes Migos member Offset, whose second solo album "Set It Off" has been a major success. British rock group Nothing But Thieves will return, bringing their worldwide fame and dynamic discography. Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Jacob Collier will grace the stage with his innovative "Djesse Solo Show," while the unique voice and performance of Benjamin Clementine will enchant audiences.
Positivus will also feature the collaboration of Arcade Fire's Will Butler with Sister Squares, hometown favorites Detlef, and Latvian rap pioneer Ozols. Rising stars like Manchester's Picture Parlor and Australian duo Royel Otis will make their Positivus debut, promising fresh and exciting performances.
The festival celebrates a wide range of genres and artists, from the melodic sounds of Daddy Was a Milkman to the modern rock of Satellites LV. Hip-hop enthusiasts will enjoy performances by Ski Mask the Slump God and local talent Fiņķis. This year's festival will also showcase several Ukrainian artists, highlighting their resilience and creativity.
With just a few weekends left until the highly anticipated Positivus Festival, the lineup continues to grow, offering an array of musical talents and experiences. From internationally acclaimed acts to local legends, Positivus 2024 promises to be an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and community.
Line-up: Jason Derulo, Offset, Nothing But Thieves, Benjamin Clementine, Jason Collier - The DJesse Solo Show, Will Butler & Sister Squares, Ski mask the Slump God, Nemzzz, Danny Tower, Wiesulis and Sangvn, Finkis, Kautkaili, Otoy, Royel Otis, Picture Parlour, Love’n’Joy, Angelica Garcia, Jordan Ward, Daddy Was A Milkman, Ozols, Citi Zeni, Satellites LV, Elpo, Purlpe Negative, Bukte, I Mean Love, Sivmoneyy, Netirais300, Vestules, Detlef, Packman and many more to be announced.
Join the fun on July 19 and 20 in Riga, Lucavsala, for an unforgettable festival experience.
More info and tickets are available at www.positivusfestival.com and www.bilesuserviss.lv
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR
Revolutionary Partnership: NTIA Collaborates with KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor to Enhance Music Insights for UK Venues and Increase the Accuracy of Royalty Payments for Creators
Revolutionary Partnership: NTIA Collaborates with KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor to Enhance Music Insights for UK Venues and Increase the Accuracy of Royalty Payments for Creators
The initiative aims to support electronic music creators and offer music insights to venues across the UK to enhance their businesses. It creates a ground-breaking opportunity to empower the music rights industry with a broader set of reliable data to enable more accurate royalty payments to the creators of the music DJs play.
KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor is a partnership between AlphaTheta and DJ Monitor for music identification in venues. Integrated solutions have been developed to harness their unique strengths within DJ technology, and Music Recognition Technology respectively. With NTIA’s support, we seek to make deployment of this technology standard practice across the UK club and DJ events industry.
This initiative will develop stronger relationships between music rights organisations, venues, DJs and creators across the country, with a focus on building towards a more transparent and fair music royalty ecosystem within the UK.
There is no cost for venues to participate in this initiative. It does not affect the license fees venues pay for music, and it respects DJ setlist privacy - no details of which DJ played which tracks are captured by the technology and no playlists are publicised. It enables DJs to support the creators of the music they play without needing to do anything more than play their tracks.
Michael Kill CEO NTIA says:
“We are extremely excited to partner on the KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor initiative, and will without doubt add another dynamic insight to businesses playing recorded music within their spaces.”
“The roll out of this cutting edge technology in the UK will go a long way to developing stronger, more tangible insights into the music being played within businesses across the UK.”
“The developments within music recognition technology software over the last few years, will also allow for more accurate data to be delivered to the music rights industry, ensuring that music creators get paid royalties for what is played by DJs at events.”
Yuri Dokter CEO DJ Monitor says:
“Further to our partnership with the NTIA since 2021, we are now pleased to introduce the most cutting-edge Music Data solution together with our strategic partner AlphaTheta.”
"DJ Monitor has been monitoring and successfully identifying DJ sets in venues and festivals around the world, for CMOs such as PRS for Music and PPL, who use the data to fairly and accurately distribute to their rights holders.”
Greg Marshall - AlphaTheta - KUVO UK Lead says:
“We are thrilled to partner with the NTIA to bring our creator-supporting track identification tech to venues across the UK.”
“Together we will empower venues with valuable music insights, empower the music rights industry with reliable data to enable accurate royalty payments to creators, and empower DJs to support music creators without needing to do anything more than play their tracks. Everybody wins.”
Andrew Fleming - CEO SWG3 Glasgow says:
"We are excited to integrate the KUVO powered by DJ Monitor music system into our venue. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances our understanding of the music being played but also ensures that the creators behind the tracks receive the recognition and royalties they deserve. It's a positive step forward for the entire industry, promoting transparency and fairness while supporting the artists who make our events possible.”
Jack Henry - Operations Director E1 London says
“The KUVO powered by DJ Monitor music recognition technology is a gamechanger for the Electronic Music scene. As a venue operator, being able to ensure writers and artists are recognised for their talents is vital for the industry and we are proud to have the technology installed within our venue”.
Editors Notes:
About KUVO Powered by DJ Monitor: Weblink https://kuvo.com/partnership-with-djmonitor/
About DJ Monitor
Since 2005, DJ Monitor has been the global market leader in monitoring electronic music and venue-based and festival monitoring, being the preferred supplier of the most established Collective Management Organizations around the world.
The tech-driven end-to-end services ensure the most accurate music usage reporting possible, approved by Cisac members and international courts.
With an experienced team, mature technology, and a globally integrated database, we cover both the commercial world repertoire and niche genres. We provide complete services for events and festivals, retail locations and venues, broadcasting and online platforms & DSP’s.
About Night Time Industries Association (NTIA):
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is a leading advocacy group dedicated to promoting and enhancing the nighttime economy. NTIA represents a wide range of nighttime businesses, from bars and clubs to cultural venues, and works to create a vibrant, safe, and inclusive nighttime environment.
About AlphaTheta Corporation (former company name: Pioneer DJ Corporation)
AlphaTheta EMEA Limited is the subsidiary of AlphaTheta Corporation responsible for sales and marketing in EMEA. For more than 20 years, its Pioneer DJ brand has been a market leader in the design and production of innovative DJ equipment and software. The company works closely with DJs and clubs to deliver next-generation products that inspire and shape the global dance music community and has recently launched a new range of musical instruments for production and live performances. Its portfolio includes brands such as AlphaTheta, Pioneer DJ, rekordbox, TORAIZ, Pioneer PRO AUDIO, and KUVO. AlphaTheta Corporation is in the Noritsu Koki (TSE:7744) Group, headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is led by President and CEO Yoshinori Kataoka.
Download images and marketing assets from https://www.alphathetahub.com
Night Time Industries Association Urges Political Parties to Prioritise Night Time Economy
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is calling on all Political Parties to recognise the vital importance of the Night Time Economy (NTE) by implementing a comprehensive national strategy and appointing dedicated leadership within central government. This appeal is underscored by the following key proposals aimed at fostering growth, resilience, and sustainability within the sector:
- Appoint a Minister for the Night Time Economy: NTIA urges the establishment of a dedicated ministerial position to oversee and champion the Night Time Economy at the highest level of government. This role will ensure focused attention and strategic direction for the sector.
- Establish Regional Representatives: To facilitate effective communication and coordination across regions, NTIA recommends appointing regional representatives. These individuals will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the national strategy is effectively implemented at the local level.
- Develop a Central Government Strategy for the Night Time Economy: A national strategy is crucial for the cohesive management of the NTE. NTIA calls for this strategy to be given mandatory consideration by local governments, ensuring alignment and uniformity in policies that impact the night time economy.
- Align Local Policies with the National NTE Strategy: To create a unified approach, it is essential that local authorities align their policies with the national NTE strategy. This will foster a cohesive environment for managing the night time economy across the country.
- Transfer Control of NTE and Hospitality to DCMS: Shifting the oversight of the Night Time Economy and Hospitality to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will provide a balanced focus on cultural, economic, and regulatory aspects, ensuring the sector’s diverse needs are met.
- Create an Integrated Licensing & Planning System: An integrated system will streamline processes, protect businesses, and create cost efficiencies. This system is essential for reducing bureaucratic barriers and fostering a supportive environment for NTE businesses.
- Reform Business Rates: Lowering the multiplier for NTE businesses will protect independent operators and preserve social and cultural hubs, which are the backbone of the night time economy.
- Reform VAT to European Standards: Aligning VAT with European levels will support recovery and growth, helping the sector rebound from the current crisis and remain competitive internationally.
- Elevate the Agent of Change Principle to Primary Legislation: Implementing this principle in primary legislation will protect existing businesses and communities.
- Introduce Mandatory Business Licensing for Security Providers: Creating consistent operating terms, tax parity, and compliance across the private security sector will enhance safety and reliability within the NTE.
- Implement a Heritage Protection Scheme for Venues and Cultural Spaces: Similar to protections for galleries, castles, and museums, this scheme will ensure the preservation of venues that are integral to the cultural fabric of our communities.
- Establish a National Fund to Support and Protect Cultural Venues: A dedicated fund will safeguard the future of our industry, ensuring that grass roots and cultural venues can continue to thrive and contribute to the economy and society.
Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, stated, “The Night Time Economy is a critical component of our cultural and economic landscape. These measures are essential for its recovery, giving it the ability to grow and fuel regeneration. We urge all political parties to consider these important recommendations.”
Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester, said:
“The current government has failed the night time economy. All political parties should seize the opportunity in the coming weeks to understand the significant impact the night time economy has on both the economy and culture. It's crucial to recognize that the patrons of our venues, events, and festivals are the voters of the future. Their experiences today will influence their decisions at the ballot box tomorrow.”
“Nightlife, encompassing the enjoyment of events with close friends, family, and communities, plays a vital role in people's lives. The government's neglect of this sector, especially in their prospective manifesto’s, undermines the future of high streets and cultural spaces. Night time cultural spaces not only bolster the local economy but also contribute significantly to the national economy. With proper support, they have the potential to recover, grow, and fulfill their crucial role.
For the complete NTIA Manifesto “Darkest Before the Dawn” Authored by Philip Kolvin KC please follow the link below:
https://ntia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/Darkest-Before-The-Dawn-FINALpdf.pdf
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Greening the Greenfields - How festival goers can be part of the solution
As the summer festival season gets into full swing (the sun was recently spotted in the UK sky), A Greener Future (AGF), the not-for-profit company dedicated to making the live event sector sustainable, shares top tips on how we, as festival-goers, can positively impact the events we attend.
“Festivals are all about fun, community and connection, and they can be even greater when we use them as a catalyst for the green transition we need to see in the world,” says Claire O’Neill, festival sustainability expert and co-founder of AGF.
The best way to protect our future and that of our planet is by reducing, reusing, and sharing. So, let’s start the 2024 festival season off with an (eco-friendly, non-fossil) bang, by packing wisely, travelling conscientiously, eating plant-based, and buying pre-owned items – simple lifestyle choices we can make to significantly reduce our impact on the planet, the wildlife, and each other, whilst still enjoying fantastic events.
So, if you want to be a conscientious, planet-hugging, festivalgoer, follow these tips:
1.Choose the Greenest Way to Travel
One of the most significant negative environmental impacts of greenfield music festivals is audience transport. In the recent 2024 AGF Annual Festival Report, we reported that the average percentage of attendees travelling by car to rural festivals had dropped from 67% to 58%, whilst the average percentage of attendees utilising public transport to attend rural festivals had increased from 16% to 19%.
Instead of driving, can you travel by train or coach? Train travel around Europe is easy and fast and many festivals organise inter-country coaches to shuttle their audiences in. Of course, choosing festivals closer to home is also a way to reduce travel emissions.
Could you pack light and cycle? Check your festival’s website or social media accounts to find out if they run group bike rides – check out charities like Sustrans or organise a group yourself. Group bike rides are a great way to meet fellow festivalgoers and reduce your impact on the environment whilst getting yourself fit enough to throw some serious shapes when you get to the dancefloor.
If you have no alternative but to travel by car, make sure there’s a human bottom in every seat. Connect with fellow travellers through the festival’s own channels or check out platforms like Liftshare and GoCarShare.
3.Reduce Food Waste & Eat Plant-Based
After audience transport, food and drink are usually the second-largest source of a festival’s emissions.
It’s tempting to take enough food with us to last a fortnight when we head to a festival, but studies have shown that much of the food that people take sadly ends up going to waste, along with all its packaging. Only take non-perishable food that you know you will eat, and if you have any left, take it home or donate it to a foodbank.
Crucially, festivals who moved to a fully meat-free event reduced their food-related emissions by over 60% on average according to the 2024 Festival Sustainability Report, with 55% having a formal sustainable food and drink policy that included plenty of delicious local plant-based options.
We can massively reduce our impact by eating a plant-based diet. Or at the very least cutting down on the amount of meat and dairy we consume. Reducing animal agriculture is “our best and most immediate chance to reverse the trajectory of climate change,” according to scientists. The planet, not to mention the animals, and our bodies, will thank us for it.
3.Take Your Camping Gear Home
Camping equipment is for life – not just for festival. Campaigns such as Love Your Tent and #takeyourtenthome have done a great job of highlighting the scale of the problem of abandoned camping equipment at the end of festivals. If you really can’t take it home, then don’t take it. Book pre-pitched camping and travel light.
And if the thought of sleeping in a small tent fills you with abject terror, check out boutique glamping options or buy a second-hand bell tent and share it with non-snoring friends with good personal hygiene.
4.Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Free drinking water is always available at festivals, so take a refillable bottle and save yourself some moolah whilst doing your bit to reduce plastic usage. Or be a real eco-warrior and take a reusable cup and cutlery for that early-morning cup of joe or for snaffling plant-based curry between performances.
And, if a concession stand doesn’t allow you to use your own cup, use their reusable cups if provided.
The 2024 Festival Sustainability Report showed significant areas of improvement in festivals reducing the use of single-use plastics, with 60% having a reusable cup system and bans on single-use plastic serve ware increasing from 54% in 2022 to 75% in 2023. Please help us get that figure higher in 2024.
You can also use reusable containers for toiletries and refill them with eco-friendly products rather than carrying large items or buying small plastic disposables. Look for soaps and toiletries free from chemicals such as triclosan, parabens, phthalates, fragrances and sodium laurel sulphate. Note that vegan soap doesn’t necessarily mean chemical-free. Never buy products with microbeads or cotton buds with plastic sticks.
Disposable vapes are bad for the environment and the majority end up in landfill sites or are incinerated, so please use refillable ones if vape you must.~
5.Just Vote! #CrashTheParty
We can do all of the work in the world on our personal footprints and impacts. If we don’t have a systems that works for a green transition and a Government that will make that happen we will remain stuck. In the UK #CrashTheParty is a non partisan campaign to get people registered to vote, applying for voter ID if they need it, and turning out to the ballot box on 4th July. In the EU the campaign #WeVoteEurope is in full force and for the US #RockTheVote. This could be the most important year of elections of a lifetime as the incoming governments worldwide could either step up and make change, or fail us.
6. And Finally…
Other easy changes we can implement as festival-lovers is using paper hand towels instead of wet wipes (which aren’t biodegradable) and swapping fast fashion for second-hand and vintage.
And for those of us who really want to stand out on the dance floor after one too many pints of organic and locally sourced cider – reach for the biodegradable body glitter.
So, there you have it, five relatively easy changes we can all implement to make the forthcoming festival season the least environmentally impactful fest season yet.
As the African proverb goes: If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent the night with a mosquito.
Have a fantastic summer!
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
Nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music Festival PR | Festival PR | Event PR