LEGENDARY recording engineer Steve Albini will be visiting Belfast next month as part of the annual Output music conference.
Albini, who has worked with The Frames, Nirvana, the Pixies, Manic Street Preachers, The Stooges and influenced scores of alternative acts with his own bands Big Black and Shellac, will be the keynote speaker at the free day-long event at The MAC, Belfast, on February 18.
It will be the Chicago-based musician/engineer's only speaking engagement in Europe this year, thus offering a unique opportunity for a Belfast audience to gain insight from this reliably straight-shooting music industry figure.
Output Belfast aims to "address the challenges and opportunities that the music industry presents, highlighting the key role that music and performance plays within Northern Ireland’s buoyant creative industries sector".
Organised by Belfast City Council (BCC) in partnership Generator NI, the conference will include panel discussions, music sessions, workshops and 'speed networking events', plus keynote speeches from "award-winning musicians and managers of globally recognised talent".
At night, the emphasis will switch to live music, with a series of free pop-up gigs at venues across Belfast city centre.
"The economic and cultural contribution and potential of the creative industries is widely acknowledged," commented councillor Deirdre Hargey, chair of BCC's City Growth and Regeneration Committee.
"The council is committed to supporting those working in the fields of film, music, digital media and design to achieve their true economic and creative potential."
Full details of Output Belfast's line-up will be announced in mid-January.
:: Register now at Outputbelfast.com.
