Skepta, Octavian & Arlo Parks announced for online live series, hosted by newly-launched platform On Air

15 September 2020 - Press release

Three of Britain’s best artists - Skepta, Octavian and Arlo Parks - have been handpicked for a unique weekend of music hosted by streaming platform On Air in partnership with music discovery platform Dummy.

From October 9th-11th, audiences across the globe can enjoy exclusive pre-recorded performances from the UK’s leading acts from the comfort of their homes, whilst doing their bit to support live music. The artists will be debuting exclusive material for fans, as well as tracks from their back catalogues and, with an array of special guests confirmed to appear too, it’s set to be a weekend of surprises. 

Each performance is produced and will be broadcast worldwide via On Air, a new platform leading the future of event streaming. With the world still in varying stages of lockdown, music fans can be united in their support of their favourite artists, whether it’s with a group of friends and a sound system or from their armchair through headphones. Each of the three events promise state-of-the-art production, lighting and set design, with specially-constructed stages to complement each artist with their unique take on the production. Projection and lighting renegades Rebel Overlay are installing a hi-spec, boundary-pushing display for a truly immersive audio-visual experience. 

An era-defining artist and cultural figurehead, Skepta needs little introduction. The MC and producer won The Mercury Prize withKonnichiwaand took his sound to the whole world on 2019’s chart-storming Ignorance Is Bliss. After a host of recent collaborations, including with Octavian on ‘Papi Chulo’, the BBK crew recently reunited on Frisco’s ‘Red Card’ single, proving that Skepta is never afraid to return to his roots. An artist who sells out arenas on the regular, this will be a one-off chance to catch the rapper from the front row. 

With two award-winning mixtapes under his belt, Octavian's hugely-anticipated debut album is scheduled for this year, with Skepta working on it as Executive Producer. Bringing melodic flair into cutting-edge lyricism, the South London rapper experienced homelessness before his wild success and Black Butter signing, single-handedly changing the rap game in the process. An artist known for bringing the energy through his live performances, Octavian’s set will be a must-see for anyone interested in the future of rap in 2020 and beyond.

Arlo Parks is an artist currently undergoing a phenomenal year. Her breakout single ‘Black Dog’ has amassed almost 10 million streams worldwide, hitting the A List at both BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6Music. Arlo performed the song live to a television audience of millions in front of the Pyramid Stage, as part of this year’s BBC Glastonbury coverage. The rising singer- songwriter, poet and visual artist has gone from writing songs in her bedroom to collaborating with Phoebe Bridgers, winning an AIM Award and setting the world on fire with her brand of lo-fi, storytelling music that broaches topics like mental health and gender identity. Thanks to the pandemic, the opportunity to see Arlo live has been scarce, but her famously intimate live gigs will for the first time be open to a global audience.  

The Dummy Live shoots will be overseen by Matt Askem, a highly-acclaimed director who has worked with some of the world’s largest tours, broadcasts and TV specials for artists such as U2, Muse, Adele, Faithless, Fat Boy Slim, Paul Weller, Take That, Alicia Keys and many more. Askem has also worked on multiple iconic events, including as Broadcast Director for the 2012London Paralympics Closing Ceremony featuring Coldplay, Jay Z and Rihanna.

Production will be overseen by Steve Nolan, whose 40 year career in Event Production and Lighting Design includes credits such as The BRIT Awards, The MOBO Awards, The BAFTAS, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and as Senior Production Manager for the 2012 London Paralympics Closing Ceremony. Nolan’s early career was marked by extensive global touring with the likes of U2, The Rolling Stones, The Cure, Bob Dylan and many more. 

They will be joined by multi-award-winning Lighting Designer Tim Routledge, known for his design shows worldwide including tours for Beyonce, Spice Girls, Sam Smith, Stormzy, Florence & The Machine, Take That and many others. Routledge’s further accolades include being the Lead Lighting Programmer of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing ceremonies, and awards including Lighting Designer of the Year in 2020, 2019 and 2015 as well as two Royal Television Society Awards. 

The events were filmed and produced at the unique location of The Steel Yard venue, in the city of London.

Tickets are available for each day, October 9th, 10th and 11th 2020, but all three can be bought as part of a special package. Each performance starts at 8pm BST. 

Dummy Live - Broadcast Schedule 

Skepta | Friday, 9th October | 8pm BST | Tickets: https://bit.ly/32tX8CU

Octavian | Saturday, 10th October| 8pm BST | Tickets: https://bit.ly/3kjSSMt

Arlo Parks |Sunday, 11th October | 8pm BST | Tickets:https://bit.ly/3mq48bV