Brighton Music Conference 2024 full programme 14 May 2024
A GUY CALLED GERALD, A MAN CALLED ADAM, CRAZY P, DJ PAULETTE, EROL ALKAN, FLAVA D, HEIDI, MR C, SAYTEK, SOLAH, SMOKIN JO
-Over 200 industry leading professionals taking part in panels and workshops
-Keynote Interviews with Erol Alkan, A Guy Called Gerald and Danielle Moore and Chris Todd from Crazy P.
-New and improved ‘A&R Sessions’ headed up by prolific DJ / Producer Steve Mac
-8 networking events at some of Brighton’s best loved venues (all within easy walking distance)
-4 exclusive pod parties on the iconic Brighton i360 observation tower with Bushwacka!, Erol Alkan, Fabric and Hospital Records.
The award-winning Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading electronic music and networking event is excited to announce the full programme for its 11th edition. Taking place at the prestigious Brighton i360 complex and various venues around the city from 22nd to 24th May 2024, BMC will once again bring together Industry-leading professionals and present a programme of insightful talks, workshops and networking events.
This year’s event will include Keynote Interviews with internationally renowned artists Erol Alkan, A Guy Called Gerald, Danielle Moore and Chris Todd from Crazy P. Other sessions include two DJ Q&As featuring a host of top artists including DJ Paulette, Danny Byrd, Heidi, Justin Robertson, Mr. C, Matt Jam Lamont, SYREETA and Smokin Jo and two all-star Producer Q&As with A Guy Called Gerald, Funk D'Void, Just Her, Particle, Saytek, Seb Zito, Shadow Child, Steve Mac and Sally Rodgers from A Man Called Adam, plus a Label Q&A with Hospital Records and 20 years of Shogun Audio.
The Association for Electronic Music will present two sessions on The DJ Touring Landscape and AI & Your Audience, Harm Reduction: Health, Hearing & Wellbeing will be discussed with ACS, Beatport will present their Annual Report, Cavendish Music will host a conversation with Commercial Artists Writing For Sync, Data Transmission’s Grahame Farmer will deep dive into all things Social Media, Inflyte will explore the question ‘Is the Algorithm Truly Listening?’, the Label Radar session will share key strategies to make your demos resonate in What Labels Are Actually Looking For?, shesaid.so and NOWIE will tackle the topic of Working in Live, Point Blank will present a Track Breakdown of Frankie Knuckles ‘Your Love’ with Ski Oakenfull and AlphaTheta (Pioneer DJ) will be showcasing the OMNIS-DUO all-in-one DJ system and the WAVE-EIGHT DJ speaker.
If that wasn’t enough other topics being featured in this year's jam-packed programme include; A&R, DIY and Self Release, Management, Marketing, Neurodivergence, Podcasts, Radio's role in the electronic music landscape, Resident DJs, Ticketing, Vocals and much more. AIM, FUGA, Listen Up Therapy, NTIA, PRS, PPL, Skiddle and Steinberg will also be hosting sessions which will be announced soon. BMC also supports the charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life who present an update on their latest projects and how they use the power of music to change lives and save lives. View the BMC 2024 programme here
BMC are also excited to present the new and improved ‘A&R Sessions’ which will feature over 30 labels across different genres giving more opportunities for immediate feedback with leading A&Rs in the electronic music industry. Headed up by the prolific DJ and music producer Steve Mac the ‘A&R Sessions’ will take place at The Tempest Inn on Brighton’s beachfront with a relaxed, friendly environment, where up and coming producers will have the opportunity to book one-to-one sessions with the labels of their choice
The legendary pod parties at BMC are exclusive events held 450 feet above the city in the i360 Pod observation tower. This year’s Pod lineup will feature 4 exclusive networking events supported by AlphaTheta hosted by Bushwacka! and Hospital Records featuring Flava D, Texas and SOLAH on Thursday 23rd May and Erol Alkan presented by Inflyte on Friday followed by the Fabric reunion as the finale with Terry Francis and Howie B and Keith Reily back to back.
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, The official BMC Welcome Party will take place on Wednesday 22nd May at the Tempest Inn, one of Brighton’s best loved beach bars. Hosted by AFEM the event will give attendees the opportunity to network and enjoy the sunset and sea views with complimentary canapes and drinks from 7pm and music courtesy of Mr C, Mutiny, Amber Jolene (Live PA), Queen B and Sarah France.
After each day of the conference, there will be a variety of networking events at some of Brighton's best love venues. On Thursday, DJs getting the party started while guests enjoy the sunset on the i360 Top Deck from 5pm will be Carly Wilford, Just Her, Sarah Monument and Zoe Vice. PRS for Music will host a networking event at The Hotel Pelirocco from 6pm with special guest DJs Brandon Block, Wildblood & Queenie, Caroline the DJ, Ifeoluwa and Harold Heath. Local label Jack Said What / Out Yer Box will also host a networking mixer from 6pm at The Break Point Cafe with DJs Evl Tom and A-Sides (Hip-Hop set). shesaid.so will also return to host a networking breakfast event in collaboration with the NTIA on Thursday morning at the i360 complex giving attendees the chance to make some new connections in a relaxed chilled environment before the conference kicks off.
On Friday, Grahame Farmer will kickstart your day with Blueprint breakfast, a special round table session at the i360 complex for up and coming DJs and artists to build their careers. The NTIA will host a networking event in association with ACS at The Tempest Inn with special guest DJs A Guy Called Gerald, Alex P, Dorian Flagrant, Flambe, Mikee Hollywood, Richard Earnshaw, Ridney, Steve Taylor from 6pm. Decadance will also take over Block Bar from 6:30pm broadcasting live with live sets from Kirbs, Kadio, Koipino, Charmain Love and special guest DJ tba.
If that wasn’t enough, BMC has teamed up with the beachfront underground electronic music venue The Arch for two special events. On Thursday 23rd May Crazy P Soundsystem will be headlining the main evening event as part of the conference programme. With one of the best live dance music shows on the planet, Crazy P have been leaving their mark on the landscape of British dance music for the last 15 years. Fusing slinky underground disco, deep electronic throbs, shimmering pop moments; this is dance music with a voice, a heart, and soul. Crazy P Soundsystem will be on stage at 10.30pm. Support from NOLAN & English Disco Lovers’ Sam Moffatt. On Friday 24th May, BMC and Inflyte present Erol Alkan, Funk D'Void, Size and Friends. Celebrating 10 years of Inflyte Room 1 will feature Erol Alkan, Funk D'Void, Paul Inflyte with Room 2 hosted by Size featuring Larnie B2B Robin, Lola, POoK, Rockets and The Lovely Lucinda.
For the official After Party on Saturday 25th BMC Presents G3T LOO5E in the Bunkr with SAYTEK Live, Larnie, Nina Carina, Lebby, Chema Gonzalez b2b Brunonumerouno Robin.
NEWS & PRESS
Wilful Publicity to rebrand as Wilful & Sullivan
David Sullivan becomes co-director of the music PR agency alongside founder William Luff Twelve years after launching Wilful Publicity, Founder and Managing Director William Luff is delighted to announce that the company will be re-branding as Wilful & Sullivan Publicity, in...more
Attitude is Everything marks 25 years of transforming accessibility in live music and events
Attitude is Everything (AiE), the UK charity that has transformed access and inclusion across live music and events, marks its 25th anniversary in 2025 with a renewed call for industry-wide action. Founded in 2000 by Suzanne Bull MBE, Attitude is...more
Tomorrow’s Warriors x Fontana announce Career Mentoring Scheme
Award-winning talent development organisation, creative producer and charity Tomorrow’s Warriors today announced a new partnership with Fontana (Universal Music UK) to deliver an innovative Career Mentoring Scheme to 12 emerging Warrior musicians. This marks the third round of the initiative, which...more
Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall - The essential concert series returns for 2026
Incredible gigs raising funds for young people with cancer ‘Cureator’ ROBERT SMITH announces today: ELBOW plus special guests MRCY ROBERT SMITH’S COMEDY FAVOURITES featuring MAISIE ADAM, BRIDGET CHRISTIE, JACK DEE, ANDY HAMILTON, DOM JOLY, MILES JUPP, ATHENA KUGBLENU, STEWART LEE, DARA Ó BRIAIN MOGWAI...more
£800 Million Won’t Create Jobs if Businesses Are Being Priced Out Says NTRIA
Statement from Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:“The Government’s announcement of £800 million to tackle youth unemployment risks missing the point entirely if the businesses that create jobs are being priced out of existence. You cannot subsidise people into...more
CMAT extends long-term global deal with AWAL
BRIT Award-nominated and 2x Mercury Prize-shortlisted Irish superstar CMAT has signed another long-term deal with label partner AWAL. After the widely successful release of her album EURO-COUNTRY, which debuted #1 on the Irish charts (her third #1 Irish album with...more
AIF statement on new inquiry into UK live music industry competition and market functioning
A statement from the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) CEO John Rostron regarding the newly announced Business And Trade Committee inquiry into issues impacting competition and market functioning within the UK's live music industry. "AIF welcomes the newly announced Business And Trade Committee inquiry into...more
BBC Introducing launches in America
BBC Introducing in America will launch in Tennessee on Friday 5 December with a new show airing on the first Friday of every month. The new programme will see BBC Introducing join forces with college radio shows, piloting in Tennessee, to...more
Reservoir announces publishing deal with female-led disco-soul band Say She She
Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR), an award-winning independent music company, today announced a global publishing deal with Nya Gazelle Brown, Sabrina Cunningham, and Piya Malik, who together comprise Brooklyn-based band Say She She. The deal includes each member of the band’s...more
Distiller Music Publishing and Alternative Songs announce joint venture co-signing of Poppy Baskcomb to worldwide publishing deal
Distiller Music Publishing and Alternative Songs today announce a joint venture co-signing of acclaimed songwriter and artist Poppy Baskcomb to a worldwide publishing agreement. The news arrives as singer-songwriter Poppy Baskcomb celebrates her debut UK Top 40 singles chart hit...more
Sony Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Rising Star Sienna Spiro
Sony Music Publishing today announced the signing of breakthrough singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro to a global publishing agreement. With a timeless sound, captivating vocals and a gift for cinematic storytelling, Sienna has already made a remarkable impact across the music scene. At...more
Brogeal & Eve Goodman revealed as Scottish & Welsh Ambassadors for the 2026 edition of Independent Venue Week
Falkirk five-piece Brògeal and rising folk singer Eve Goodman will join Nova Twins as artist ambassadors for the 2026 edition of Independent Venue Week. The much-loved nationwide event returns on Monday 26th January, with hundreds of authentic, independently-owned venues around the...more
From Tickets to Takeoff: Gig-Tripping Made Seamless with viagogo and Booking.com
viagogo, the leading global secondary ticketing marketplace, today announced a new partnership with Booking.com, one of the world’s largest travel platforms, to make event-going even more seamless. Through the industry-first partnership, fans purchasing tickets on viagogo can now easily add...more
The Great Escape conference announces collaborators and themes for 20th anniversary edition in 2026
The Great Escape's UK-leading conference is pleased to announce its brand new line-up of industry collaborators and the themes they will delve into at its 20th anniversary edition - from the live industry to artist careers and the next generation...more
Nominees revealed for 2026 BRITs Critics' Choice
SUPPORTED BY BBC RADIO 1 JACOB ALONROSE GRAYSIENNA SPIRO SHORTLIST CONTINUES TO ACT AS A BAROMETER FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF BRITISH TALENTWINNER ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY THE BRIT AWARDS 2026 WITH MASTERCARDSATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2026 AT CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER ON ITV The BRIT Awards 2026...more
Scheme supporting BRIT and Mercury Prize-winning artists begins new funding round
£1.6 million Music Export Growth Scheme to support UK artists to go global opens up to applications Funding criteria strengthened and due diligence process beefed up to build on scheme's massive success Scheme has led to an estimated £73.5 million return to...more
Ivors Week returns for 2026 as The Ivors opens for entries and the Academy launches its second Summit
The sixth annual Ivors Week returns to celebrate and empower songwriters with industry events led by The Ivors Academy. The Ivors Academy Summit confirmed for 19 May at BFI IMAX, with exclusive early tickets now on sale. The Ivors with Amazon Music,...more
whynow Music Unveils Exclusive Mick Jagger & Kinks Christmas Merchandise Campaigns
Mick Jagger photographed by Denis O’Regan at Slane Castle, Ireland, just before going on stage – one of the limited-edition fine art Giclée prints available in this newly announced collection whynow Music has announced the launch of an exclusive range of...more
Last Night A DJ Saved My Life unveils 'A Sonic Adventure in Nepal 2026'
Following Sold-Out London Premiere of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough', a documentary of a previous Kilimanjaro expedition, led by electronic artist Nightmares On Wax Sign-up:https://www.thetribeexperience.world/nepal-2026 Dates: 16th - 29th November A global wave of female DJ submissions continues to surge as the charity...more
Twist Digital Entertainment Services Teams Up with Tuned Global to Supercharge Twist Music in MENA
Partnership to support Twist’s expansion into the UAE and Saudi Arabia Twist, a fast-growing digital entertainment platform in MENA, has renewed its partnership with Tuned Global, the leading B2B music technology platform, for another three years. This collaboration powers the next...more
Merlin and Singa Ink Partnership to Bring Thousands of Original Recordings to Karaoke
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, has partnered with Singa, the leading karaoke technology company, to make thousands of original master recordings available on the platform. This historic deal marks a major leap...more
The club is alive, as JLS joins The O2’s coveted 21 Club
The O2, the world’s most popular live entertainment arena, came alive with the sound of music over the weekend, as JLS returned to the venue for two incredible headline shows as part of their ‘The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits...more
ESNS festival line-up complete for 40th Edition
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) announces the final 41 artists from all over Europe that will be playing at Eurosonic and Noorderslag. The music showcase festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, taking place from January 14 to 17 in Groningen. The...more
Stars join forces with creative and cultural organisations from across UK and Europe to remove barriers to touring and drive growth
Stars have joined forces with creative and cultural organisations from across the UK and Europe to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange and drive growth. They unveiled a major new alliance today called the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC). Its members...more
Wise Music Group strikes deal with GoGo Penguin
The Manchester-based trio GoGo Penguin have signed an exclusive publishing deal with Campbell Connelly & Co, part of Wise Music Group. Their music blends breakbeats, minimalist piano, strong basslines, electronica-inspired drums, and anthemic riffs, with influences from trip-hop, jazz, rock,...more
Songtools announces strategic partnership and platform integration with ONErpm’s OFFstep
SongTools, the fast-growing platform empowering music creators with one-click marketing and ad tech solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership and full platform integration with OFFstep, ONErpm’s proprietary artist and label platform. Through this partnership, the SongTools integration has been...more
YouTube wraps its 20th anniversary year with a new feature announcement & 2025 trends
YouTube to Unveil Annual Trending Lists & Launch New Personalised 'YouTube Recap' Feature YouTube is announcing two major end-of-year moments to close out its 20th anniversary year. YouTube Recap is the first-ever personalised feature, which launches on Wednesday 3rd December alongside...more
Apple Music Replay ‘25: A More Personal Look at Your Year in Music
Apple Music and Shazam Also Reveal Their Year-End Charts Apple Music today released the highly anticipated Replay '25 experience, bringing listeners an even more personalised and insightful journey through their year in music. With new and deeper discovery insights, Replay '25...more
IFPI convenes cross industry panel at UN Copyright Agency to examine the future of music licensing with AI
With AI licensing agreements accelerating and reshaping the music industry's relationship with generative AI, IFPI is bringing experts spanning music, AI and economics together to discuss AI training and music rights: with a focus on the report on copyright and...more
Independent music labels return a third of revenue to artists, reveals new report from ORCA
Global think tank and advocacy group, the Organization for Recorded Culture and Arts (ORCA), has released a first-of-its-kind report analysing the economic investments and social impact of nine leading independent record labels. Analysis shows these labels invested $134 million in artists...more
THE HEADLINES
UK parliamentarians join call to regulate most powerful AI systems (see News)
Martin Mills is trying to thwart a record industry takeover by Universal (see Features)
IMPF says members should reject AI deals that do not value songs properly (see News)
Which songs do we replay the most? (see Analysis)
Spotify Wrapped 2025 goes live (see Digital)
Daddy Yankee files lawsuit against former manager and third parties for alleged royalty scheme (see News)
EU touring: Impact of Brexit worsening, says UK Music report (see Reports)
ORCA released a report analysing the economic investments and social impact of nine leading independent record labels (see Reports)
Jorja Smith’s label requests share of royalties from ‘AI-cloned’ song (see News)
A creative nation is a thriving nation (see Opinion)
Australian report also highlights how other non-US English-speaking countries are hit by algorithms (see Reports)
AI slop: Spotify, Tunecore, and credibility (see Comment)
Warner Music signs deal with Suno, settles lawsuit (see News)
EC sends UMG its statement of objections to Downtown acquisition (see News)