AVA London announces the final line-up of keynotes and panels for it’s 2022 Conference
AVA London, the capital’s Leading Electronic Music & Arts Conference, revealed today their final conference programme planned for Friday 18th March 2022 at the Printworks London.
The Conference programme combines a series of talks and interactive sessions that play into the conference’s four key themes: Innovation, Diversity, Sustainability & Post-Pandemic. The event will host over 50 artists and speakers across a daytime programme at the mighty venue, featuring keynote speeches from industry leaders, artist Q&As – as well as hands-on masterclasses, tech demos and workshops to make for an engaging, educational and insightful programme. Last remaining tickets for the conference and club are available on Printworks and AVA’s website.
The fifth edition of AVA London will open its doors with a special keynote interview between Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh and Derry-born bestselling author, Séamas O’Reilly. Welsh has been involved in dance music as both DJ and promoter for most of his life, and is currently co-writing a TV drama series charting the rise of electronic music since the late 80’s.
Kode9 & Mala will join the programme for a special keynote interview with journalist Chal Ravens, Aphex Twin collaborator Weirdcore will be joined by Irish visual artist and founder of Queer Noise Club Aja along with Matt Swoboda of Notch speaking to Creative Review contributing writer Emily Gosling – delving into the connection between sound and visuals that helps define what AVA represents. Three rising UK stars of electronic music, radio broadcasting & curation Jaguar (BBC Introducing/Radio One) Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra / 6Music) and Niks (Black Artist Database) will get together for a conversation titled The Changing Landscapes of Dance Music, discussing music curation, motherhood & diversifying music culture.
Longstanding electronic music publication DJ Mag will host a hot-topic panel on The Future of UK Nightlife with Carly Heath (Bristol Night Time Advisor), Michael Kill (NTIA), Raji Rags (NTS Radio), Hélena Starr (foundation fm) & Mark Newton of (Broadwick Live).
After announcing Elijah as the first ever guest editor for the month of March, electronic music magazine Resident Advisor will host a special edition of the RA Exchange Podcast Live with Elijah at Printworks. Speaking to host Hélena Starr, the co-founder of the Butterz record label and manager to Royal-T, DJ Q, Flava D and Swindle, Elijah will discuss the ideas he has been exploring weekly on Instagram via ‘The Daily’ over the past year.
Legendary live artist and producer KiNK will host a live production Masterclass. KiNK has delivered astounding festival sets at both AVA and Printworks in the past – now he will take to the stage to break down his process for all to see, ahead of another surefire performance at the club in the evening.
AVA will launch a new content partnership with Patreon, the artist-centering membership platform that provides exclusive and direct access to artist content for users and a crucial revenue stream to creators during the challenging past 24 months. They will host a live “Fireside Chat” with Refuge Worldwide Radio, Black Artist Database and Shesaid.s.
One of the most charming DJs in the business Carl Cox will join the programme virtually for a special pre-recorded filmed Q&A session hosted by education partner Virtuoso, who will play into AVA’s innovation theme with a new hybrid session titled “The Electronic Classroom” hosted by founder Austen Smart – this will be followed by a live panel discussion with Jaguar & Plastician.
Next-generation music entertainment company, SoundCloud, will host a panel discussion exploring what a fan-powered future means for independent artists and labels. Hear about new revenue opportunities in streaming for independent artists — including SoundCloud’s fan-driven artist pay model, fan-powered royalties — to how the artist and fan relationship is evolving in today’s digital landscape and more.
In a special panel discussion titled Managing A Post Pandemic Climate, ‘This Is Music’ founder and co-manager to Bicep & Jayda G, Oli Issacs will be joined by Tom Deffee, manager to Floating Points & Four Tet, Georgia Taglietti and ICNAC-founder, strategist and Publicist for Laurent Garnier, previously Director of Communications at Sónar Festival and session host Hannah Shogbola . They will get together for a broad discussion about music and management in 2022.
PRS for Music will host a session titled: Going Full Time In Electronic Music featuring Fauzia, Romy Harber (Believe Digital) and Kelly Burke (Ninja Tune) looking at the mechanisms behind getting paid as a recording artist.
Sentric Electronic will also host a session with established producers, artist and managers on licensing titled: Unlocking Income For Producers And Artists – featuring Rahh (songwriter), Helena Scotland (4ZA & Major Toms), Tom Varney Smith (1f0RTY), acknowledging the fact that many artists aren’t claiming the publishing income they are owed, it will open up the conversation on the impact publishing royalties can have on artist careers, and what it can allow them to do.
AFEM (Association for Electronic Music) will host a panel focussing on sustainability, titled “Events Reimagined” and Moderated by Silvia Montello (Remarqabl) featuring Claire O’Neill (A Greener Festival), Chris Goss (Hospital Records), Will Hutton (Beggars Group), Samantha Togni (Boudica) & Tom Wilshire (Boiler Room).
In addition to the programme there will be a Drop In Area with a host of brands including Sentric Electronic, SoundCloud, Musician’s Union, PRS Foundation, Velocity Press, Notch, War Child & The Right To Dance. Charity proceeds from all donations made during this event will go towards Ukrainan & International Conflict zone aid during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Right To Dance is a fundraising movement from War Child UK in collaboration with the underground music community.
Networking activities will increase with space for meetings and industry catch-ups – aimed at generating business and attracting talent. Networking sessions will be exclusive to accredited pass holders, while the Drop-In Area is open to the general public.
Focusing on four key themes: Innovation, Diversity, Post-Pandemic & Sustainability – AVA brings its core values forward and centre important conversations around an industry rebuilding itself throughout unprecedented times. Working with industry thought leaders bringing their diverse and extensive perspectives to the conference. The full list for the conference will now consist of more than 50 speakers.
The daytime programme will be followed by AVA London’s soon to be sold out night time programme with @mariboustate [DJ set], Kink, MALA b2b Kode9 and more.