A leading light in Belfast’s growing electronic music community and a sell-out success last year, AVA Festival is an event that celebrates and nurtures talent from across Ireland. After announcing a mega bill of the evening headline performances, AVA and Generator NI, Northern Ireland’s Music Industry Development Programme, are proud to announce the first set of speakers, panels, and sessions for the Free Daytime Conference happening from 11am on Saturday 4th June. Juan Atkins, Dave Haslam, Bicep, Mark Lawrence, Shanti Celeste, Lizzy Bowman, Halina Wielogorska, Mark Lawrence, Sarah McBriar, Ableton, Pioneer, Native Instruments, Belfast Underground Records and more will take part in panels, talks, workshops and sessions throughout the day, plus record fairs, street food, art and more.
Known as the ‘Originator of Techno’ and Metroplex Records boss, Detroit hero Juan Atkins will be the lead speaker at AVA’s conference. In 1985 Juan was inspired by European pioneers Kraftwerk and the novels of Alvin Toffler to create a futuristic soundscape he then named ‘TECHNO.’ After rejection of the ‘techno’ from big labels, Juan embraced the enterprising spirit of his hometown and created Metroplex Records. His career and journey through 40 years of electronic music will form the basis for his talk. This session covers the origins and growth of techno, his career, starting a label, and advice, followed by a Q&A.
DJ and writer Dave Haslam DJ’d over 450 times at the legendary Hacienda in Manchester during the late 1980s and is a household name in the club world. He’s the author of ‘Manchester England’, a groundbreaking study of Manchester’s radical and musical history, and three more books; including the latest ‘Life After Dark: A History of British Nightclubs & Music Venues’ in 2015. Dave will be joined by Mark Lawrence, the director of the Association of Electronic Music, to discuss ‘Life after Dark’ – his book, the culture of nightclubs and the nighttime economy, touching on political and cultural issues that are at the forefront of the industry.
Belfast lads Bicep have gone from bedroom DJs to globally acclaimed artists, an inspiring journey. Venturing into new territory by creating a full live / AV show this year, the Feel My Bicep lads, Matt & Andy will host a special talk discussing the transition into the live world. From inspirations and successes to challenges and leanings, this talk will be an insightful look into artist development and growth. On top of this, the talk and Q&A will prepare the audience for the debut of the live show, part of AVA’s night programming.
‘Pushing the dial on Women in Electronic Music’ will host 5 inspirational women from across the electronic music industry. A panel consisting of Lizzy Bowman (Red Light Management), Shanti Celeste (BRSTL, NTS, Idle Hands) Halina Wielogorska (She said.so, Clintons Law, Boiler Room), and Sarah McBriar (Up Productions & AVA Festival Founder) will discuss how women can join together to inspire the next generation, share experiences of how they have progressed throughout their own careers.
Interactive technology and equipment drop-in spaces also makes up elements of the conference programming, with specialists & master classes from Ableton, Pioneer, Native Instruments and The Beat Emporium. Focused on the audio, visual and arts talent and industry within Northern Ireland and beyond, AVA will offer connections and knowledge of the music, film and arts worlds. Whether people are there to get fully involved, or are just curious, all are welcomed. More keynotes, talks, talent and sessions to be announced. Register now for the FREE AVA Conference – www.avafestival.com/conference.
Further commitment to developing talent comes in the form of the emerging producers & DJ’s competition - shining a light on the fresh faces coming from Ireland’s thriving underground scene (NOTE - only open to Irish applicants.)
DJ Comp : The emerging DJ competition gives the opportunity for an up-and-coming DJ to showcase their skills in a 30 min mix, with 3 finalists performing in a live final at Belfast Underground Records. The winner wins a slot AVA 2016, feature on the Feel my Bicep Blog and Belfast Underground Records Radio show.
Producer Comp : Unsigned producers can enter the AVA competition to feature on an EP with Extended Play, a feature on the Feel My Bicep blog and mentoring and artist development support from JMX & T-BONE. Submit your track or mini-mix via email to info@avafestival.com add in the subject: ‘AVA Emerging Artist Track – Your Name’ by May 20th. T&C’s apply to both competitions, please see notes.
A one-of-a-kind event in Belfast, AVA Festival and Conference is paving the way for a new generation of talent. There are limited free spaces on the AVA conference workshops, available via www.avafestival.com/conference and limited tickets for the AVA evening showcase, with a price tag of just £30, with less than 50% remaining. For those travelling from the UK and beyond, T13 Belfast is only 10 minutes by car from Belfast City Airport (LDN > BEL approx 1hr30) and flights are available from £40 via skyscanner.net. Accommodation wise there are plenty of hotels, and apartments for rental close by for group bookings. Whilst there is no car parking at T13, there are various paying car parks close by.
EVENING LINE-UP : LINE UP (More TBA)
RØDHÅD, Bicep Live Show (UK Debut), Mano Le Tough, Gerd Janson, Optimo, Phil Kieran, Psycatron, Jordan, Hammer, Swoose & Cromby, Jika Jika, Twitch DJ’s, Misfit (live), OR:LA, Terriers (live), T-BONE B2B JMX, JC Williams, Sunil Sharpe, Brame & Hamo, Belfast Music Club, Guerrilla Shout, Belfast Music Club, Belfast Underground Records.
AVA FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE
Saturday 4th June 2016 – 11.00am - LATE
Venue: Titanic Quarter, Belfast
AVA Free Conference register here: www.avafestival.com/conference
FESTIVAL TICKETS ARE ON SALE FROM £30 - www.avafestival.com/tickets
Emerging electronic music producer and DJ competitions are only open to residents of Northern or Southern Ireland. AVA Festival is committed to showcasing both local and international talent, and the emerging producers competition is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the strength of the thriving underground scene on the island. Full criteria for competitions below.
Criteria
Emerging Producer
● Producer must not have had a previous release.
● Must live in Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland.
● Entry can be any style of electronic music.
● 1 track per entry.
● Submissions will be made to the i nfo@avafestival.com with the heading ‘AVA Emerging Artist
Track - (Your Name)’ by 6th May 2016.
Emerging DJ
● Must not have been a previous/current resident DJ.
● Must live in Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland.
● Entry can be any style of electronic music and any format.
● 30 minute mix maximum.
● Submissions will be made to the i nfo@avafestival.com with the heading ‘AVA Emerging Artist
Mix - (Your Name)’ by 6th May 2016 .
Generator NI programme delivers development support to artists, managers, record labels, and music publishers to assist in developing skills, new markets, networks and competencies. With a focus on collaboration, Generator NI aims to work with, support and build on the success of other music development initiatives to help drive the sustainable growth of the local industry across a number of music genres. It will also help stimulate cross-sector links within the wider creative industries and nurture opportunities for music businesses to develop partnerships across the film and television sectors and other diverse digital platforms.
There are 4 key areas that the programme prioritises:
Seminars and Events - Bringing the music industry to you
Market Development - Showcasing great music and taking great businesses to the international market place
Mentoring - Expert advice, support and guidance
Talent Development - Our accelerator programme for exceptional N.I. creative talent
Generator NI is funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) www.generatorni.com
Additional info:
#avafestivalni