By Coral Williamson & Murray Stassen
The Great Escape takes place in Brighton from May 19-21, with 3,500 music industry professionals and thousands of punters descending on the UK’s favourite seaside town to see the best in new music - and listen to thought-provoking conversations about music.
“We’ve got a big job on our hands, with 450 bands and 30 outdoor shows,” says Rory Bett, MD of TGE operator Mama & Company. “And we’ve got a new partnership with the Rain Dance Film Festival, so we’re showcasing three music-led films at the show.
“We’ve also got a full road closure, so we’re going to be throwing a bit of a party down the street. We’ve got more going on this year, mixed with hot Alternative Escape and Great Escape conference programmes.”
Music Week has scoured TGE’s conference and festival programme to identify 16 things you cannot miss at 2016’s event...
1. Spotlight Shows
Tickets to The Great Escape’s Spotlight Shows (fka Dome Shows) have already sold out – but we’re going to tell you how great they are anyway. This year’s lineup sees Oh Wonder at All Saints Church (Thursday), Songhoy Blues at The Old Market (Friday), and Stormzy at Brighton Dome Concert Hall (Saturday).
2. What if YouTube actually is the future?
YouTube has become the company the music biz loves to hate this year. Taking place on Thursday, this conference strand explores the relationship between YouTube and the industry, and how artists, publishers and labels can get the most out of video content.
3. TGE:DIY
This year’s TGE will see CMU:DIY take place on Saturday in partnership with TuneCore. The day, aimed at emerging and independent artists as well as people wanting to work in the music industry, will be dedicated to all things DIY. There will be a mix of lectures, interviews and panel discussions.
4. Transparency! Data! Blockchain! Let’s make buzzwords happen!
We’ve all heard the word Blockchain, but do we all know what it means? PledgeMusic’s Benji Rogers does and he and a range of digital experts are going to explain it to you in this conference strand, which will also discuss data, transparency and how we can work towards a fairer digital music industry.
5. Delegates parties
As always there will be various networking opportunities at delegate parties hosted by the likes of BBC Radio 3, Eventbrite, Audio Network, The Orchard, Music Export Latvia and the Lithuanian Music Business Association. Visit the Great Escape website for info on all delegates parties.
6. Courtroom Conversations
The Courtroom Conversations take place alongside the core conference and will kick off on Thursday afternoon. The segment will see select TGE partners present their own panels, such as UKTI and the British Council in The Old Courtroom, covering a wide range of topics and issues.
7. BIMM Presents
For a second year, BIMM has been named The Great Escape’s education partner. The Hope And Ruin on Thursday will see five BIMM acts play (12-4pm), including Good Foxy. A good place to catch acts at the very beginning of their careers.
8. The Alternative Escape
The official series of showcases take place alongside the core festival programme at The Great Escape. It starts on Thursday afternoon with End Of The Trail Records & South Coast Records hosting over 17 artists at the East Street Tap from 12:00-23:00.
9. CDs! Vinyl! T-shirts! Who the hell is buying this stuff?
Nobody could have predicted CD sales would be as resilient as they are in the UK and around the world. Sessions will look at the physical and merch market in numbers, as well as the future Of CDs & vinyl.
10. AIM presents Scuzz UK Throwdown
AIM and Best Before Records return to The Great Escape festival to represent heavy music for the second year running. Partnering with Scuzz TV, the Scuzz UK Throwdown showcases (part of The Alternative Escape) will be held over two days at Volks, with the likes of Heck and Press To Meco playing.
11. Brighton International Label Market
If your ears are ringing from too many gigs (and you shamefully forgot to wear earplugs), take a break at the second annual Brighton International Label Market. Expect to see a mixture of UK and international labels, including Erased Tapes, Mr Bongo, Freshly Squeezed, Clubhouse, and At The Helm Records.
12. Vevo
This year, Craig David’s TS5 headlines Vevo’s stage at Wagner Hall on Thursday. Daytime acoustic DSCVR sessions come from the likes of Frances, Jones and Declan McKenna, with full sets as the sun goes down. Then there’s the matter of a very special guest...
13. What has the music industry ever done for you?
The music industry has a responsibility to protect the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce. These sessions will discuss ways in which it can ensure its community receives the support it needs. Confirmed speakers for this include Help Musicians UK’s Richard Robinson and Vice’s head of music, Alex Hoffman.
14. Amazon Front Row Live: The Secret Show
The Temper Trap will play an Amazon Music show on Saturday, at a top-secret venue. It’s Amazon’s third Secret Show, with Paul Weller playing last year and The Kaiser Chiefs playing in 2014.
15. Alcopop! & BSM
Previously a staple at The Alternative Escape, this year sees the renowned indie label take over The Hub for an official matinee show on Friday with Johnny Foreigner, OhBoy!, Yndi Hylda and Woahnows.
16. Closing party
Q Magazine hosts a special closing party, featuring DMA’s and psych-dance group Jagwar Ma at the Corn Exchange. It’s the best way to see out your Great Escape 2016 with a bang.
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