A Greener Future and the European Arenas Association Collaborate to Create Sustainability Guidelines
A Greener Future (AGF) and the European Arenas Association (EAA) are pleased to launch AGF’s Arena Sustainability Guidelines for the EAA. These guidelines are based upon foundational requirements of Greener Arena Certification and are intended to support arenas with the green transition, highlighting fundamental steps that venues from all countries need to take.
Working together, the two organizations have developed a set of guidelines that cover a range of areas including waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and more.
“We are delighted to be partnering with AGF on this important initiative" said EAA president Olivier Toth. "Our members are committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability across our industry. This collaboration is an opportunity for us to share our expertise and work together to create sustainable business practices that will benefit not only our members but the entire industry”.
“We are very happy to be working with the EAA on this project” said AGF CEO Claire O’Neill. "Being a green business is not only essential for creating a better future for life and communities, it’s the only way to do any kind of sustainable business. Anything less will not survive the next decade. Through this collaboration with the EAA we have created guidelines to get arenas started that are relevant, practical, and effective, helping arenas transition to long-term, sustainable operations”.
The guidelines, based on the Greener Arena certification framework, include not only environmental but also social and economic impacts from EDI, Health & Well-being to local ecosystem and community impacts and investments. Developed from the latest research and best practices in sustainable venue management, the guidelines will act as a set of recommended practices to facilitate EAA member arenas in their decision-making, planning and implementation. The guidelines will also be available to non-EEA members wishing to adopt greener business practices.
About A Greener Future (AGF):
AGF (formerly A Greener Festival) is a not-for-profit company and founders of the world's first sustainability standards for festivals and events. Committed to helping events, festivals and venues around the world to be greener, AGF provides certification, education and training, consultancy, resources and green riders, and facilitating the exchange of good ideas. They share information about best practice currently being employed for green events, and how the impact on the environment can be limited at future events. They offer independent assessment and verification of events and venues sustainability claims through the AGF certification for festivals, venues, tours and events. https://www.agreenerfuture.com/
About the EAA:
The EAA represents 37 arenas in 20 European countries that operate some of the world’s most forward-looking venues, hosting unrivaled programs with outstanding artists, productions, sports and corporate events. The association’s member arenas host over 2,700 annual events attracting a total audience of over 18 million people.
For further information:
nikita.coulter@agreenerfestival.com
victoria@europeanarenas.com
Brighton Music Conference Full list of Events with Carl Cox, Charlie Tee, Dave Clarke, Just Her, Mark Knight and more
Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event announces the full list of events and pod parties for its 10th Anniversary edition. Taking place from the 24th to 26th of May 2023 at the prestigious Brighton i360 beachfront complex, the 2023 edition will welcome some of the biggest names in the electronic music scene from the past, present and future.
Networking is a big part of the BMC ethos and there are plenty of opportunities to meet industry colleagues and connect with like-minded people at the many exclusive networking parties at some of Brighton’s best-loved venues, including the Brighton i360 observation pod. The official BMC Welcome Party will take place on the roof terrace at Rockwater on Wednesday 24th May. Hosted by AFEM the event will give attendees the opportunity to network and enjoy the sunset and sea views with music courtesy of Richard Earnshaw, Ridney, Ralph Lawson, Simon Field and Sophie Lloyd.
The legendary pod parties at BMC are exclusive events held 450 feet above the city in the i360 Pod observation tower. This year’s lineup will feature 6 special events and kicking things off on Thursday 25th May will be Radio 1’s Charlie Tee going back 2 back with Pola & Bryson from the mighty Shogun Audio, followed by Mark Knight - Where Music Matters, celebrating 20 years of Toolroom Records and the closing set from Alan Fitzpatrick. On Friday 26th May BMC are delighted that the legendary Carl Cox will take to the decks for an exclusive sunset DJ set up on the pod. A special showcase from Steve Mac and Irvine Welsh’s new label Jack Said What will follow with Jon Carter, Steve Mac, Serge Santiago and Irvine Welsh all going back to back to back. The Baron of Techno Dave Clarke will make his debut in the pod for the final session of the 10th edition.
After each day of the conference, there will be a variety of networking events at some of Brighton's best love venues. On Thursday, BMC will present the sunset sessions on the i360 Roof Terrace with Just Her, Kate Patrick and Zoe Vice. The PRS networking event will see Data Transmission celebrate 15 years with DJs AllDis, Danny Marx, Ian G, Loz Seka (Toolroom), Franz-Koltren, Mizaru, Ree2, The Sandman, Trish O (Heldeep / Toolroom), Wilkie (63b) and Enter Art Gallery will showcase the Simon Dunmore collection, celebrating four decades of music inspiration displayed in a photographic artwork by Mark Vessey. shesaid.so will also return to host a networking breakfast event in collaboration with the NTIA on Thursday morning at the i360 complex and a mixer at the Brighton Beach House with a special Q&A with Nemone (6 Music). This event can be booked via the Soho House App or via the guestlist. Places are limited.
The PRS networking event will see Data Transmission celebrate 15 years with DJs AllDis, Danny Marx, Ian G, Loz Seka (Toolroom), Franz-Koltren, Mizaru, Ree2, The Sandman, Trish O (Heldeep / Toolroom), Wilkie (63b) and Enter Art Gallery will showcase the Simon Dunmore collection, celebrating four decades of music inspiration displayed in a photographic artwork by Mark Vessey. shesaid.so will also return to host a networking breakfast event in collaboration with the NTIA on Thursday morning at the i360 complex and a mixer at the Brighton Beach House with a special Q&A with Nemone (6 Music). This event can be booked via the Soho House App or via the guestlist. Places are limited.
On Friday, Grahame Farmer will kickstart your day with Blueprint breakfast a special round table session at the i360 complex for up and coming DJ's and artists to build their careers. Mixmasters will take over the i360 top deck with DJ’s Huxley and Ramin Rezaie. The Tempest will host HW Events with DJs Mikee Hollywood, Paul Heron and Scott Diaz and Tru Thoughts will take over the Fortune of War with Anchorsong (Live) and DJs Wheelup, Bruk Rogers, 3x DMC World Champion JFB + Tru Thoughts DJs. Off Your Box will take place at Break Point Cafe with DJs Evl Tom, Mini Da Minx, Chad Jackson, Luca Lebleu.
Providing the musical backdrop during the day at the i360 complex will be Gaydio and Toolroom with DJ’s performing in the iconic disco bug. Line ups to be announced.
In the BMC Networking Hub BIMM students will have the opportunity to play alongside local DJs and artists. Thursday's line up will include Janika Tenn, Markus Saarländer, Queen B, Rob Made and Serge Santiago. Friday’s line up will include; Tru Thoughts Records presents Achorsong (Live), Bruk Rogers, J-Felix, Wheelup and Mick Fuller, plus an exclusive scratch demo performance from DMC World Champion JFB and a special live set from Scott Booth.
If that wasn’t enough, some of Brighton's best love clubs will host events on Thursday and Friday. Timo Maas will headline Berlin at The Arch on Thursday with Banxi, Chemz and Markus Saarländer. On Friday there will be a Jack Said What party at WaterBear Venue with Ithurtz, Irvine Welsh, Serge Santiago, Sarah Monument, Jon Carter, Steve Mac, Carl Loben and Nolan. Elemental will see Toolroom’s Ellis Moss performing on the Oculist roof terrace supported by a host of Brighton’s up and coming DJ’s including Oliver Knight, Andthen, Eldeanyo, Loz, Seka, Greg Willowe, Joe Williams, Joey Ward, Dan Hayes, Alldis, Kodename47. And last but not least Brighton Love Jungle will take place at the Volks with DJ’s Remarc, Bizzy B, Ricky Force, Dub One, Biggsy.
See full list of events here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/bmc23_events/
BMC - Where Beats Means Business
More info on BMC here: https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/
BMC Tickets
BMC Golden tickets - Sold out
BMC tickets are onsale now for £125 + b/f from the BMC website: www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk
Notes to Editors
For more info please contact Nikki | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
About Brighton Music Conference
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the UK's leading electronic music conference & networking event, focusing on innovation, education & the key issues facing the electronic dance music sector. BMC brings together Industry-leading delegates and speakers at over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. It is attended by 1000s of experienced music industry professionals, the next generation of DJs, producers as well as electronic music enthusiasts.
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.
ESNS opens artist applications for the 2024 edition
Upcoming artists can now apply for a spot at the ESNS showcase festival. ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is all about discovering new music. Every year, about 300 upcoming European artists present their work to music industry representatives and an eager crowd of enthusiasts. ESNS has a proven track record of helping to break new acts on the international music scene. ESNS facilitates the bookings of European acts on festivals outside their home countries via ESNS Exchange and generates extensive media exposure for these artists in cooperation with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), export offices and media.
ESNS consists of a music conference and a showcase festival. Every year, more than 4000 music professionals flock to Groningen. During daytime they are the first to learn about current topics in tech, live- and the recording industry. Furthermore, ESNS has proven to be fruitful networking grounds for industry connections and new deals. During the night, the conference attendees hit the town to visit the ESNS showcase festival. For the artists, this is a unique opportunity to present themselves to labels, agencies and to bookers. Most of the large European Festivals and clubs are present at ESNS, on the lookout to complement their line-ups with fresh European talent.
ESNS is the key exchange for emerging European music talent, with a proven track record of helping to break new acts on the international music scene, with now well-known names such as Altin Gün, Alina Pash, Arlo Parks, Deki Alem, Dua Lipa, Fontaines D.C., girl in red, Hania Rani, The Haunted Youth, July Jones, Meduza, Priya Ragu, Pip Blom, Pongo, Queralt Lahoz, Sans Soucis, Sigrid,Trupa Trupa and Wet Leg.
The conference side of the event attracts more than 4,000 entertainment industry professionals from all sections of the industry, including representatives of over 400 European festivals. Each year, ESNS stages around 300 showcases all over the city of Groningen as well as offering a comprehensive and focused conference programme of around 150 panels and keynotes, alongside multiple networking opportunities.
European acts wishing to play ESNS 2024 (January 17 – 20, 2024) will be able to submit an online application for a showcase at the festival from May 1 until September 1, 2023, at esns.nl/play-at-esns
Focus on Poland
ESNS is proud to announce Poland as the Focus Country for 2024. In close cooperation with Music Export Poland and partners, the Focus on Poland was announced at NEXT Fest on April 20th. Every year ESNS highlights the very best emerging acts from a different country, showcasing the diversity of musical talent across Europe.
ESNS Exchange
Playing at ESNS not only means playing at the festival in January. Acts that played at the festival also are a part of the ESNS Exchange programme. ESNS Exchange, the European Talent Exchange Programme, was introduced in 2003 to make the ‘exchange’ of European artists across Europe possible on a greater scale than ever before. An initiative of ESNS, ESNS Exchange facilitates the bookings of European acts on festivals outside their home countries and generates extensive media exposure for these artists in cooperation with Euroradio, export offices and local media. This way, ESNS Exchange aims to give a boost to the international careers of European artists.
For more information on ESNS Exchange and its latest results, go to https://esns-exchange.eu/
Press accreditation
Press are required to request press accreditation to attend the festival. Find all the information on acquiring accreditation to both the festival and the conference on the online press centre of ESNS.
Amsterdam Dance Event confirms Claptone for first ever live interview and immersive experience at ADE Pro
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) invites fans and professionals to get close to the enigmatic Claptone as the first confirmed conference speaker for this year's ADE Pro. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the hit single "No Eyes," ADE Pro will host the first-ever live interview and Q&A with Claptone, offering an in-depth look into the meteoric rise of the artist behind the golden mask.
The announcement follows the recent news of a fourth day being added to the ADE Pro Conference program. In addition to the existing three-day offering, professionals are now able to attend keynotes, discussions and networking sessions on ADE Saturday as well.
Get Closer to Claptone
The conference event is set to explore Claptone's career in a fully transformed space that reflects the artist's enigmatic persona. Attendees will gain insights into the milestones and defining moments that have shaped Claptone's success, through exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, live and archive shots, and highlights of the artist's most notable achievements.
Claptone's rise to fame has solidified his position as a leading force in the music scene. This event presents the opportunity to explore the impact of anonymity and storytelling in electronic music and to gain a deeper understanding of the artist himself.
Attend ADE Pro 2023
The ADE Pro Pass grants access to the full conference program, alongside networking events, the ADE Festival program and more. Tickets are now available at the current Early Bird rate through ADE’s website.
About ADE Pro Conference
ADE Pro is the ultimate annual business gathering for the global electronic music industry. The three-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 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 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
Principal partners: Heineken 0.0 | Desperados
Mallorca Live Festival Announce Line Up
MALLORCA LIVE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE FULL LINE UP
Black Eyed Peas, The Chemical Brothers, The Kooks, Bomba Estéreo, Peggy Gou, Moderat, Helena Hauff and more
Mallorca Live Festival, the most important music event in the Balearic Islands will be back at Calvià’s Old Aquapark from 18th to 20th May 2023 with yet another quality and eclectic lineup including; Black Eyed Peas, The Chemical Brothers, The Kooks, Bomba Estéreo, Peggy Gou, Moderat, Bad Gyal, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Dandy Warhols, The Reytons, !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Helena Hauff, Sven Väth and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80.
Day 1 of the festival on Thursday will kick off with The Kooks and German techno legend Sven Väth bringing over the iconic Ibiza party Cocoon to host the electronic music stage with DJs such and Gregor Tresher and Emanuel Satie. The Spanish music scene will take over with Vetusta Morla, the most important rock band in recent years, and international star Bad Gyal, as well as Natos y Waor, León Benavente, Ginebras, Rusowsky, Rojuu, Xavibo and Carlangas, amongst others, alongside UK up-and-coming band Courting.
Friday will be headlined by Grammy winners and record breakers Black Eyed Peas who will get the party started for their first performance in the Balearic Islands. After an extended break, German trio Moderat is back and will bring their latest tunes to Majorca, leading the electronic music bill alongside Peggy Gou, who rejoins the lineup this year. The guitars come in through Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Dandy Warhols and the most experimental and tropical rhythms will play at the festival thanks to Peru’s Dengue Dengue Dengue, Colombia-based Bosq or Cuban-Spanish Toccororo. The Spanish scene is present with the country’s most streamed artist, Quevedo (who made history with ‘Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol.52’ alongside Argentine producer Bizarrap) and rapper twin brothers Ayax y Prok, as well as local Majorca heroes L.A. and Dollar Selmouni.
Mallorca Live Festival will close its sixth edition with The Chemical Brothers as Saturday’s headliners, marking the Manchester duo’s first visit to the island. An eclectic evening is ensured with Bomba Estéreo, one of Colombia’s most original and exciting bands, UK indie rockers The Reytons, dance-punk masters !!! (Chk Chk Chk), Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti’s son Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, German DJ Helena Hauff or rising Latin star Yendry. Amongst Saturday’s Spanish scene, beloved indie rockers Viva Suecia and interesting young proyects like Blanco Palmera, Gazzi, Ralphie Choo or La Plazuela, as well as the ensured party at the Flexas stage, organised by one of Palma’s most legendary venues, with Samantha Hudson, Mind Enterprises and Joe Crepúsculo, amongst others.
Taking place in the beautiful Calvià region, Mallorca Live Festival is a premium festival experience set between the lush green hills of the Serra de Tramuntana and some of the best beaches in Europe. Festival visitors will be able to enjoy an exciting festival experience as well as enjoying everything the island has to offer from beautiful blue flag beaches and stunning sunsets, to mountain hiking and bike rides, to the historic feel and ancient architecture of surrounding towns as well as many local delicacies and a multitude of bars and restaurants to enjoy. Discover more about Mallorca here: https://mallorcalivefestival.com/en/mallorca-en/
Mallorca is a magical island destination you can visit all year long and Mallorca Live is the perfect event to kickstart the summer season.
Tickets:
Festival tickets are available from €59 plus service fees on the Mallorca Live website www.mallorcalivefestival.com/en and See Tickets, Mallorca Live’s official ticketing platform.
Mallorca Live has joined forces with Logitravel and offers holiday packages including hotel and festival pass at good price. https://mallorcalivefestival.com/en/plan-your-stay-packs/
About Mallorca Live Festival
Mallorca Live Festival was launched in 2016 and soon became the most popular international music festival in the Balearic Islands. In Mallorca, it's regarded as the most prestigious brand within the music entertainment industry.
Once more the festival has the support of institutions such as the Government of the Balearic Islands through the Agency for Tourism Strategy of the Balearic Islands (AETIB), the Consell de Mallorca through the Mallorca Tourism Foundation and the Calvià City Council.
The festival also has the support of Estrella Damm as main sponsor, as well as the INNSIDE by Melià hotel chain, the shipping company Baleària, Air Europa airlines, Logitravel, Coca-Cola, Tanqueray 0.0, Porto Pi and See Tickets. Radio 3, Cadena SER Radio Mallorca, music magazine Mondosonoro and music website Jenesaispop are the official media partners.
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
Music PR | Event PR | Festival PR
Westway Lab 2023 - 10 Years of Co-Creation, Knowledge Transfer and Music
10 years of Co-Creation, Knowledge Transfer, and unique new music
Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpublicity.co.uk
NTIA Launch Partnership With New Nightlife Safety App ‘Where You At’
NTIA launch partnership with ‘Where You At’ (WYA), the new female-founded nightlife safety app which solves the problem of losing friends in busy venues. Combining the power of bluetooth technology and precise in-app mapping, the innovative app is currently being piloted across several venues in London and Nottingham. The industry launch event will take place on the 16th March 2023 at London venue, E1.
The Launch event will feature an art exhibition, a panel talk about safety in the nightlife industry with speakers from across the sector and an afterparty. The evening will also demonstrate how WYA's innovative application of Bluetooth technology functions, allowing attendees to navigate around the venue via the app and locate themselves, friends, and various facilities. The app even works even when there is no internet connection or phone signal and if there is an incident, you can also ping your friends to alert them to come to your aid.
The event will begin with an art exhibition ‘Nightlife’, curated in partnership with the art collective Loose Screws. Taking place from 2-9pm with 50 artworks on display, attendees will be able to precisely locate and read details about the artworks using the app, showcasing a novel function of the app at the intersection of art and tech.
There will be a welcome speech at 7pm with Tamzin Lent (CEO & Founder) and Silvana Kill (NTIA), before a panel comprised of Darkwah, Gaby Cartwright (Live), Liam Cross (Night Tales), Ross Patel (Whole Management) and Sam Hennerly (Safer Dance) will discuss the vital steps the night-time industry needs to take to ensure revellers can focus on fun, without having to worry about safety. Here, emerging artists will explore what the theme ‘Nightlife’ means to them.
The evening culminates with an after party, featuring sets by Tai Lokun, secretluvvr and Gee Lee. This is an opportunity to see the app tested in situ.
WYA APP LAUNCH EVENT
E1, Unit 2, 110 Pennington St, London E1W 2BB
16th March 2023 6 - 11PM
RSVP: https://www.universe.com/events/wya-launch-pop-up-tickets-6J315N
CODE: WYA
https://www.wya.world/
Speaking on WYA founder Tamzin says:
“You know that feeling when you’re out with friends, and suddenly you can’t find them? We’ve all been there. That’s where WYA comes in. Our app solves this problem using indoor mapping, so you can precisely locate your friends, seeing whether they’re by the bar or on the dancefloor. And the best part? It works without an internet connection or signal, making your nights out safer and more enjoyable.
"We are very excited to debut the WYA app at our launch event at E1. This is a proof of concept event, highlighting the innovative capabilities of the app to our community. We also want to thank our early adopters in London and Nottingham for helping us to build our product - which is on a mission to make nightlife easier, and safer, for everyone.“
Silvana Kill, Director for the NTIA says:
Following recent campaigns looking at the safety of the vulnerable people at night, the Night Time Industries Association has partnered with “Where You At” App which is a mobile app that allows individuals to find and message their friends, tracking their precise location in and around night time spaces.
An exceptional amount of work has been done within the sector, which is focused on creating safer environments for people to socialise within, and build public confidence. Under the Night Safe Champion programme, this initiative is one of many layers of safeguarding mechanisms which will prove to enhance communication between staff and customers if they are feeling vulnerable or concerned about their safety.
“As someone who has been involved in this sector for 25 years, I’ve seen first hand how quickly an individual can become intoxicated, disorientated or simply lost. The moment you are on your own, you become vulnerable. The Where You At app is a great solution, for such circumstances, and its unique functionality means you can still use the app without a signal which makes its accessibility an even more valuable tool.”
“We continue to talk about the issues faced in our night time spaces. It's time we start talking about what we are doing as an industry and the many initiatives like the Where You At app that are available out there that can help prevent and protect vulnerable people.”
“The challenges around safeguarding are many, and multi-faceted; bringing together partners with initiatives and solutions like the Where You At app, as a way of helping our customers feel safe, supported and empowered to enjoy a night out, without concerns”
“It is not just about bringing together solutions and service providers, it is about ensuring everything we do has a positive impact on the ground”
“Every safeguarding initiative we work with, commits to measuring and monitoring its effectiveness, as part of their commitment to continuous improvement. And as part of the Night Safe Champion programme, we do this by asking our customers”
“The Where You At app, can not only be used to help and support, but could also be used to aid in reporting, and assist in investigations and might help to increase the chance of a successful prosecution”
“It is of vital importance that we all work together as a community to stamp out such crimes. We do this by driving away current normalised behaviours that vulnerable people currently have to face, empowering workforce to ensure they have the confidence to engage, help and support, and make sure our customers feel heard and feel safe.”
About WYA
WYA uses Bluetooth beacons to allow individuals to locate and message their friends within clubs (down to the cubicle) – even without a signal. The app is free for users, helping to make nights out easier to navigate.
Nights out are improved because friends can find each other easily – which has both social and safety advantages. Individuals can alert friends when they feel unsafe. This data can be passed on to venues, allowing them to make data-driven changes to their clubs. We believe that the time-stamped and precise location data could also better enable users to better report incidents.
The app is being created by a small team led by Tamzin Lent after experiences of sexual assault in nightclubs. Jamie Legg, the CTO, has said that ‘it is the first app to offer peer-to-peer safety (in contrast to teacher-student or parent-child), permitting friends to look out for one another’. WYA is partnered with the Night Time Industry Association, and is currently being trialled in London at XOYO and E1, and in Rock City, Stealth, Rescue Rooms and The Level in Nottingham. Working with Nottingham Trent SU and Sheffield SU, they have an ambassador program looking for feedback for refining the app. Their initial progress was featured by Time Out, The Guilty Feminist, Dazed, The Guardian and more, this vital app is set on making nightlife safer for all.
Italy takes centre stage at The Great Escape 2023
Italy will take centre stage at The Great Escape as the focus country for the 2023 edition with a host of exciting new artists ready to make their mark on the international music scene. Already known for its fashion sense, cultural monuments, beautiful landscapes and art, Italy's music scene is now gaining global recognition with a new generation of young and talented musicians including Anna Bassy, BLUEM, Eugenia Post Meridiem, HEIR, Maria Chiara Argiro, Milanosport, PEAKS!, Sans Soucis and The Gluts.
Already making waves is songwriter, artist and producer Sans Soucis, whose music combines elements of Congolese Rumba, classic Italian songwriting, electronic R&B and alt-pop sounds. Recent accolades include the Music Moves Europe ‘Grand Jury’ prize, TicketMaster’s breakthrough artist for 2023 and inclusion in Spotify’s global RADAR campaign.
Italian-Nigerian singer-songwriter Anna Bassy is one of the most interesting emerging talents in the Italian new soul scene effortlessly blending African roots with soul, pop, electronic, and folk influences.
BLUEM aka Chiara Floris is a Sardinian singer, songwriter and producer living in London. Her new album ‘Nou’ is an important landmark in her creative vision, being representative of her heritage where she creates a rich musical landscape that stays true to Sardinian musical traditions, stories and sounds but moving them forward in her own way.
Eugenia Post Meridiem is a quartet blending electronic music and psychedelic guitars with percussive jazz origins. Rolling Stone Italia named the band among the twenty most promising Italian musicians of 2020 and their second studio album ‘Like I need a tension’ was released in November 2022.
HĒIR is the industry’s new alt-pop prodigy, known for ethereal vocals and bold synths.
Already the muse of many fashion designers and magazines, her passion for music was sparked by opera, which has influenced her current love of cinematic sounds. Heir’s new EP
titled 'Is that all there is?’ is due out on 7th April.
Maria Chiara Argirò has been quietly weaving her way around the UK jazz, classical and electronic worlds. Her new album, ‘Forest City’ marks her out as an exciting rising electronic artist, where jazz meets Kelly Lee Owens, Jon Hopkins and Radiohead.
Alt Rock duo PEAKS! have received widespread support from streaming platforms across Europe including New Music Friday on Spotify on Amazon Music’s Fresh Rock and New Rock playlists. Across the airwaves, Jack Saunders has supported them as part of his BBC Radio 1 ‘Future Artists’ section and their first single ‘Blackout’ was featured in the opening episode of last season‘s Love Island and BBC Match of the Day.
Currently working on their first album, Milan-based Milanosport are a romantic post-punk outfit centred around Fender guitars, 10 amps, synths and teamwork. Also hailing from Milan are the Fuzz Club noise punk and psychedelic four-piece The Gluts.
As part of the focus campaign, Italia Music Export will host two special showcases at The Great Escape featuring some of the best and most exciting emerging talent coming out of Italy. More info and set times will be announced soon.
Listen to all the acts here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4CucFcJUA91tjTRkOctUuK
More about the artists
Anna Bassy
https://www.instagram.com/annabassy/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/76s04CnDX5gMiAl3Mkq7iC?si=hyWnMpFjRxiaHYOHF7cKng
Italian-Nigerian singer-songwriter Anna Bassy is one of the most interesting emerging artists in the Italian new soul scene. She wrote her first songs in 2016, originally conceived to be performed solo only with a guitar. Now the project has evolved to include a full band lineup that has brought new life to the arrangements, making them more intense and sophisticated whilst still retaining their delicacy, and blending African roots with soul, pop, electronic, and folk influences.
Since the start of the project in 2019, Anna has continued to pursue opportunities to perform her songs live as an essential way of expressing herself. To date, she has played over 70 concerts across Italy. In October 2021 Anna released her debut EP ‘Monsters’ which was a journey through fear in its various forms. Moving into 2022, Anna released a new EP "Genesi", which was a return to the roots, including some of the first songs she ever wrote. Anna was also selected to be part for the 2022 Keychange program, the international movement for gender balance in the music industry.
BLUEM
https://www.instagram.com/sailorbluem/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eFOTBAGM0w0SH7jnTYSd1?si=AQBiKKDnSV-K3LYE3_gD9A
BLUEM is Chiara Floris, a Sardinian singer, songwriter and producer living in London.
She first moved to the UK to study music for film, and soon became inspired to start her own musical venture.
BLUEM began with 2018’s “Picolina”, her first EP, self-released, that was all sung in
English. She has since released “Notte” in 2021, which received widespread praise in the
Italian music scene and explored an instinctive, primordial experience of love.
Alongside writing and producing, BLUEM’s music has been heavily influenced by her
developing pole dance practice that has become an informative part of her creative process, teaching her discipline and hard work.
“Nou” is the latest development of BLUEM and is an important landmark for Floris in
stepping further into her creative vision. ‘Nou’ means ‘new’ in Sardinian, and the album set to be released in May is representative of her Sardinian heritage in a way that feels both authentic to her and to the culture. It creates a rich musical landscape that stays true to Sardinian musical
traditions, stories and sounds but moves them forward in her own way.
Eugenia Post Meridiem
https://www.instagram.com/eugenia_post_meridiem/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/47wCQih5a5wC9l3LqDRySE?si=kJcHYdi5SbqgSdM-yX0ydg
Fate, coincidence or divine intervention? Eugenia Post Meridiem took shape in the summer of 2017 after three months of travelling around Lisbon, when by chance Eugenia (voice, guitar) met Matteo (bass), Giovanni (guitar, keys) and Matteo (drums, percussion). The quartet soon moulded together, blending Matteo’s bass and electronic music skills, Giovanni’s psychedelic guitar and Matteo's percussive jazz origins.
The initial meeting then led to the creation of a series of songs that showcased Eugenia’s wonderful voice and remarkable songwriting potential, and blended layers of soul, indie and folk influences. Distinct 60s and 70s psychedelic directions are combined with the 90s sound textures that are l held together, interpreted and channelled through four completely different musical backgrounds.
The band spent the summer and autumn of 2019 touring around Italy, releasing their first record in October 2019. 2020 saw them play a number of key festivals, incl. ESNS, MENT and WAVES Vienna, and get selected for the INES talent pool. Rolling Stone Italia named Eugenia Post Meridiem among the 20 most promising Italian emerging musicians of 2020.
In 2021 the band released LIFE SLEEPER SIDE A and SIDE B, which were followed up by performances at MIL festival in Portugal and Reeperbahn in Germany. Eugenia Post Meridiem have now recorded their second studio album “Like I need a tension’, released in November 2022 via Bronson Recordings.
HEIR
https://www.instagram.com/heir/?hl=en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zroxWKoeCisPvqHj5CtqW?si=Bos3phENQimR-SKo3LXnWw
HĒIR is the industry’s new alt-pop prodigy. Known for ethereal vocals and bold synths, the London-based artist, is already the muse of many fashion designers and magazines. Raised by two classical musician parents, the singer comes from Naples in the south of Italy. Her passion for music was sparked by opera, which has influenced her current love of cinematic sounds. Titled 'Is that all there is? and set for release on 7th April 2023’, Heir’s new EP Is a contemplative query about an existential dilemma. The singer describes it as a body of work that challenges you to be lost before you’re too found. Being lost is how you embrace unpredictability and play your own instead of other people’s games in life.
Maria Chiara Argiro
https://www.instagram.com/maria_chiara_argiro/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uz9ERD3U5c4F2CZDS0mzb?si=e4LJOC7NQ6S837cF-I2qaQ
Maria Chiara Argirò (pronounced ma-REE-ah key-AH-rah r-gee-ROW) has been quietly weaving her way around the UK jazz, classical and electronic worlds since she moved to London from Rome 11 years ago. A pianist from the age of nine and a key player in the capital’s multi-national jazz scene, she’s lent her skills to indie band These New Puritans, lush jazz troupe Kinkajous and, more recently, collaborations with Jamie Leeming – their 2020 album Flow was nominated for one of the albums of the year in the Jazz Revelations Awards and was the Guardian’s jazz album of the month – and beat-driven duo Moonfish.
But with her new album, Forest City, she finds a glistening thread between these movements: it marks her out as an exciting rising electronic artist, where jazz meets Kelly Lee Owens, Jon Hopkins and Radiohead. It’s a concept record, about the “duality of nature and city”, and where organic sounds and textures seem to flow above the urban sprawl.
Milanosport
https://www.instagram.com/milanosportsportsport/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Om07vNuCtNPdkHuYKkSNl?si=o1nU3_xyRCiJ-9XP-g123Q
MILANOSPORT are Fender guitars, 10 amps and synth bound together by teamwork. Each member of this romantic post punk band from Milan carries a completely different musical past, where punk mixes itself with surf rock, synth-pop, electronic Soviet, shoegaze and Irish folk.
“Ain’t big enough”, the band’s first self-released EP, gave Milanosport the opportunity to reach the international market playing Linecheck Festival in November 2022. Currently, the band is working on their first album produced by Jennifer Gentle’s frontman Marco Fasolo.
PEAKS!
https://www.instagram.com/yeswearepeaks/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OmQ3QpipDrfFdHjtYNMp1
PEAKS! are an Alt Rock duo from Italy who started creating music back in 2020. Their debut live shows at The Great Escape 2022 gained rapturous praise and were followed up by festival performances at 2000 Trees and BST Hyde Park with Pearl Jam. The band went on to play their first Italian show in front of 10,000 people in Mantova Italy, supporting Placebo and finished the year supporting Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes.
Their releases have received widespread support from streaming platforms including New Music Friday Spotify across Europe, as well as key playlists including All New Rock, The New Alt, Pop Rock Shot, Alternative Beats, Rock Italia and New Noise. They also gained support on Amazon Music from their Fresh Rock and New Rock playlists, were featured by
Jack Saunders as part of his BBC Radio 1 ‘Future Artists’ selections and heard on Love Island and Match of the Day.
Sans Soucis
https://www.instagram.com/sanssoucismusic/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vXFvvWirlvTwcl184KfDc?si=7VPcnBLCTG2Ne6cSSXvoVA
Sans Soucis takes her name from a childhood nickname meaning ‘carefree’. The Italian songwriter, artist and producer has been releasing music independently since 2018, on an intense journey to find herself spiritually and sonically. Latest EP “On Time For Her” is her most vulnerable work yet, tackling childhood and racial trauma and a search for her identity within a Western society.
Born out of a desire to reconnect with the uninhibited joyfulness and authenticity of childhood that all of us lose as we grow older, their music is a radical act of reclamation. Receiving praise from The Guardian, Paper Mag, The Independent, Fader, The Forty-Five, Pitchfork and more, it combines elements of Congolese Rumba, classic Italian songwriting, electronic R&B and alt-pop sounds.
Her accolades include the Music Music Moves Europe ‘Grand Jury’ prize, inclusion in Spotify’s global RADAR campaign, and TicketMaster’s breakthrough artist for 2023.
In recent months she’s performed shows at Cross The Tracks, All Points East, Pitchfork Paris, Eurosonic, and supporting Rina Sawayama in Milan.
The Gluts
https://www.instagram.com/thegluts/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/13WOru4Cg1ZdszgnB1AU17?si=xwHcDvsJRHODFIpmtPhAOA
The Gluts is a noise-punk and psychedelic four-piece band based in Milan (IT). The members are Marco Campana (guitarist), Nicolò Campana (vocals/synth/percussions), Claudia Cesana, (bassist), and Dario Bruno Bassi (drummer). Up to this moment the band has released four studio albums Warsaw (in 2014 for Nasoni Records) Estasi, Dengue Fever Hypnotic Trip, and Ungrateful Heart (respectively in 2017, 2019, 2021 for Fuzz Club Records), one live session (in 2018, Fuzz Club Sessions) and contributed to a number of compilations (e.g Reverb Conspiracy Vol.5). Thanks to the collaboration with El Borracho Bookings, over the past few years the band has toured extensively around Europe playing independent festivals and performing both in South Africa and the USA.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Download more info and photos of artists here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12xUyr5_Vl8TT-XCMuvmGSa4VnqZHgMrq
About the Italia Music Export - SIAE
Italia Music Export is Italy’s first music export office, founded by SIAE in November 2017. Its aim is to promote Italian music worldwide, boost music export revenues and support Italian music companies going global. While supporting the Italian music business, Italia Music Export also advises and assists international professionals interested in working with Italian artists and companies. More info here: http://www.italiamusicexport.com/
NTIA Launch 'Listen for Life' Campaign on World Hearing Day 3rd March 2023
The NTIA recognises how vitally important healthy hearing is to everybody and are excited to be partnering with the World Health Organisation’s Make Listening Safe UK Campaign.
The NTIA is launching an ambitious initiative on World Hearing Day to engage and inform everyone, both young and not so young, working in or enjoying music rich environments on how they can stay safe and hear the music they love for as long as possible.
In conjunction with World Hearing Day 2023, the NTIA are pleased to announce its partnership with the “Make Listening Safe” Campaign in the UK, an initiative of the World Health Organisation to increase the awareness of avoidable risks to hearing and promote the WHO’s global standards on safe listening at venues and events.
The industry has a huge part to play in safeguarding people's hearing across the sector, from bars staff, performers, security and crew. Alongside the guidance developed by WHO, the NTIA is also launching a campaign to work with the industry, to fund a training and accreditation scheme which will make people aware of the impacts and the methods to protect your most valuable asset if you love listening to music. Hearing Loss and Tinnitus (constant ringing in your ears) is commonplace for those working in the industry.
You may not know;
- According to WHO 1.1 billion young people (12-35) are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices when enjoying recreational sound such as music.
- Report from the Commission on Hearing Loss 2014 calculated the cost of hearing loss to the UK economy to £24.8bn, which will potentially rise to £38.6bn by 2031.
- Dementia –Hearing loss is the biggest modifiable factor in a person’s life course that will increase the risk of dementia. Mild hearing loss doubles your risk, Moderate hearing loss trebles it and a severe hearing loss means a person is FIVE times more likely to suffer dementia.
- One in six people are impacted by hearing loss in the UK, our aim alongside partners and key stakeholders is to reduce that number across our sector through awareness and education so that people can listen to music safely within the workplace, social or personal environments.
The NTIA is launching one of the most ambitious programs in the world to engage and inform all those working in or enjoying the music in an industry we all love. It is important to help people avoid what is a completely unnecessary injury to their health so they can continue to enjoy listening to and hearing that music for as long as possible. The NTIA look forward to collaborating with many other organizations that have a genuine interest in conserving the health of all those involved.
Michael Kill CEO NTIA Says:
“Losing the ability to listen to music is inconceivable, especially given that I have based my career on music and night time economy. Thousands of people across our sector suffer from hearing loss, and if we continue to dismiss the wider impacts thousands more will follow.”
“When asked if we would like to work with WHO as part of our wider UK project to educate people on hearing loss and the potential impacts and the methods of protection, we grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”
Robert Shepheard – Consultant Audiologist Says:
“Hearing loss and tinnitus is extremely common with people working in and enjoying music rich environments. It is sometimes not fully understood the irreversible impact listening to loud sound can have on many aspects of our health. As the NTIA’s audiologist it is so encouraging to see the industry taking such a proactive step to maintain the health of everyone involved.“
Lindsay McIntyre – KSG Acoustics Says:
“As a professional in acoustics and audio for live sound, I know how easy it can be to damage your hearing permanently. This can have a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing and may even be career-ending. KSG Acoustics is delighted to be involved with this initiative, especially given the opportunity to reach out to the new generation of audio professionals and audiences and help them to prioritize and normalize protecting their precious hearing.”
Biff Mitchell – Glastonbury & Beautiful Days Festival Says:
“Its time we went further than an earplug dispenser and a set of ear defenders on a sign as the only education given to staff in venues and concerts on the dangers of long exposure to loud music. In over 30 years working in the live sector I have seen people from all parts of the industry suffering from hearing problems and for some resulting in mental health problems it’s time to educate.”
Green Events & Innovations Conference Sold Out Success
A Greener Future for the music and events industry - Adapting to the new climate
Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI) is presented by AGF in partnership with the International Live Music Conference (ILMC)
The 15th edition of the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI), the foremost conference for sustainable events, was a sold out success with over 350 delegates and an agenda with heavyweight speakers, innovators and industry leaders in the global live music, sports and event sector.
Taking place on 28th February at the Royal Lancaster London and supported by Ecotricity, this year’s edition tackled the critical sustainability issues with a gender-balanced lineup of speakers who brought their knowledge, insight, and formidable passion to the panels and conversations.
Proceedings started with AGF CEO Claire O'Neill and Director Teresa Moore revealing that, after 17 years, the company was rebranding as A Greener Future in order to reflect the organisation's evolution beyond festivals to support the broader live events sector.
With that announcement out of the way, the conference kicked off proper with the Adapting to a New Climate Panel and Boom Festival’s Artur Mendes boldly stating that “we won’t work with brands or policy makers who aren’t aligned with our values.” While The Platinum Jubilee Pageant Case Study took a look at the sustainability actions and takeaways from organising this huge and iconic event; and Mark Stevenson (CUR8) highlighted some key facts in Carbon Offsets: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, saying that “Any new fossil fuel exploration is a gun held to humanity’s head.”
Next, AGF and YOUROPE launched their highly anticipated European Green Festival Roadmap 2030 and Switching on Your Audience – Creative Climate Communication which involved a lively discussion about how organisations are engaging their audiences and fans, with Hannah Cox (betternotstop) saying, “It’s taking responsibility as a human being for what you create in the world,” and “If you're running a festival, that is your values being shown to the world, and you have to stand up for what you believe in.”
Andy Cato (Wildfarmed/Groove Armada) and Dale Vince (Ecotricity/Forest Green Rovers F.C.) discussed what makes what we eat sustainable in Food: Back to the Future, which saw Andy stating, “Not only can we grow enough food to feed people, we can grow enough food to nourish people,” and Dale adding “Our fans love the food. Since going plant-based, we sell far more food at Forest Green Rovers than we ever did before.”
In the Moving on from Fossil Fuels panel the O2’s Richard Godsell highlighted the need for venues to act as one on significant changes through groups such as NAA, so that leading venues aren’t alienated and the whole touring circuit is improved. Helen Harland (Manchester City Council) added that “the ultimate goal being that the renewable solutions cost the same or less than generators”. During the Circularity: Turning Off the Tap on New panel Julia Davies (We Have The POWER) discussed the harrowing stats about our 69% decline in wildlife populations since 1970 and the urgent need to turn off the tap on new things, moving to a sharing and reuse economy.
Elsewhere, the ACT 1.5 Exclusive Research session, supported by the hugely successful trip-hop collective Massive Attack and the Arts Council of England (ACE), saw ACT 1.5 (a research project exploring challenges set out in the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research’s Live Music Roadmap) under discussion. The session saw Mark Donne (Writer and Producer) comment, “I firmly believe in ‘piloting by behaviour.’ Not just putting people on stage and giving them the t-shirt.” Whilst Carol Scott (Tait) asked: “What is our legacy going to be? […] It would be pitiful if we could have made a change, but we didn’t.”
AGF Director Teresa Moore said “A Greener Future doesn’t just rely on practitioners but also on research. Judging by the packed room for the Moving forward sustainability theory, research and practice panel the audience understood this”. In this session, the Association of Event Management Educators (AEME) brought together leading event and sustainability researchers to share their findings and discuss the current and future direction of event and sustainability research.
The Quick-Fire Innovation Round presented unique and innovative sustainability ideas including: how the team at Carnicycle are making carnivals sustainable; The Green Room’s approach to sustainable tools for online music; FWRD’s innovative ways to improve bin use through gamification; GEIA’s ideas to support forest restoration; and how Again use technology to make reusable packaging more accessible than ever before.
Then five years on since the first Greener Tour panel, John Robb headed up a discussion on what has changed, what can be changed, and the practicalities of trying to change the touring model. The panel saw Jamal Chalabi (Backlash Productions / AGF) stating frankly, “Everyone thinks it’s about the artist leading it. The artist is really good at messaging, but it’s the industry that needs to get our shit together.”
Finally, to conclude a jam-packed day of inspiring insight and conversation, Brian Eno and Jacob Collier explored ‘music as a social synchroniser’ in the GEI keynote. An enlightening convo that saw Brian comment that “The arts are where we develop our instinct and our conscience,” and Jacob state that “things become possible as you start doing them.”
The day closed with the 16th edition of the International AGF Awards ceremony in which the most innovative and worthy events, venues, organisations, and individuals from worldwide events over the last 12 months were celebrated.
Forest Green Rovers became the first football club to win, scooping both the Catering and Pied Piper Awards. Also winning dual awards were The Netherlands DGTL and the UK's Green Gathering, with other winners Boom Festival in Portugal, and Spain’s Sonidos Líquidos and WomanInFan at Sitges Film Festival. The coveted International Greener Festival Award went to Green Gathering.
Full list of International AGF Award winners:
Circular Event Award - DGTL
Greener Power Award - Green Gathering
Greener Catering Award (supported by Matthew Clark) - Forest Green Rovers
Community Action Award - Sonidos Liquidos
AGF Water & Sanitation Award (supported by Loowatt) - Boom
Greener Transport Award - DGTL
Pied Piper Award - Forest Green Rovers
Greener Innovations Award - WomanInFan@Sitges
International Greener Festival (supported by STACK-CUP) - Green Gathering
More information at agreenerfuture.com / @agreenerfestival