Entertainment

Ireland's largest music conference kicks off in Belfast ahead of AVA festival

The AVA Festival takes place at the Titanic Slipways on June 2 and 3
The AVA Festival takes place at the Titanic Slipways on June 2 and 3

Gemma Bradley, Ash's Tim Wheeler and Chumbawamba singer Dunstan Bruce are amongst the artists sharing advice about the music industry at the Output Belfast x AVA Music Conference.

Taking place at The MAC and Oh Yeah Music Centre, there is a host of free-to-attend workshops, masterclasses, panels and talks addressing issues across all aspects of the music industry, with a focus on creative and business skills.

There are talks on the economics of streaming, promoting music, pitching new music to artist mangers and the convergence of music and AR.

Performer and BBC Radio Ulster presenter Gemma Bradley brings together a panel of industry experts to discuss how artists can break into the music industry as EDM, electronic and dance acts.

Chumbawamba founder Dunstan Bruce will answer questions on his 2023 documentary I Get Knocked Down – a story of the rise of Chumba and their epoch defining anthem.

And the closing keynote address sees Tim Wheeler give the inside story of the legendary U2/Ash referendum concert of May 1998 following the Good Friday Agreement.

“We understand the great potential of the music industry across the Island of Ireland, and we believe that bringing our two conferences together will further boost what’s possible for the event,  and its ability to inspire and elevate both artists and the industry. We plan to instigate greater education, greater support, and greater attention to what is creatively possible,” says Sarah McBriar, Founder of AVA.

Following a showcase for emerging artists tonight, tomorrow the music moves outdoor to the Titanic slipways with four stages of beats. 

Goldie, Peggy Gou, Kettama, DJ EZ, Overmono, Ben UFO, Central Cee, Blawan, Eliza Rose, Yung Singh are SPFDJ are amongst the many acts that will perform at AVA on June 2 and 3. 

London rapper CENCH aka Central Cee
London rapper CENCH aka Central Cee

London rapper CENCH aka Central Cee was the most-streamed UK Hip Hip artist in 2022 with hits like Doja Cat and Let Go and will take to the mainstage on Friday in a huge Belfast debut. 

On the same bill international house and techno polymath Peggy Gou has joined the bill to blend genres and styles with her headline energy. 

AVA also champions homegrown talent, including Kettama, Swoose, Spray, Kessler + Enby, and Nikki O, as well as a festival-closing set from Northern Irish powerhouses and AVA veteran’s Or:la B2B Sally C.

:: For further information and tickets visit www.outputbelfast.com and https://avafestival.com.