The UK’s leading independent festival for new music, Sound City, made a truly triumphant return to Liverpool, with a sold-out festival and conference to almost 7,000 music lovers from around the world.
And fresh from the success of going back it roots, Sound City is all set to return across the first summer bank holiday in 2019 across Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th May once more in the Baltic Triangle.
Taking place over its 11th momentous year, Sound City embraced the wild spirit of the underground, showcasing over 300 of the very best bands, artists and performers from across the world who all converged in the city in a sun-kissed weekend of discovery. In a move which got everyone talking, after 3 years in the docklands area of the city 2018 was all about returning to its roots – and what a return Sound City was able to make, seemingly bringing every music and adventure lover to the city’s creative heart.
Firstly the SC+ conference opened proceedings on Friday 4th May with over 2,000 delegates from all over the world, taking place in the historic Cunard Building which saw a series of illuminating, engaging and inspiring keynote speeches, interviews, roundtable debates, workshops, business meetings and more. The British Music Experience was a stunning backdrop, culminating in a mesmerising conversation with Alan McGee.
Then the action shifted to the city’s thriving Baltic Triangle for the weekend, where over 20 venues hosted some of the best music on the planet, from the boldest and best emerging new talent to some true icons all mixing together across the intimate site for almost 7,000 fans. Packed to the rafters venues saw countless standout performances, from DMA’S, The Slow Readers Club, Peace, Sunset Sons, Yellow Days, Baxter Dury, Picture This, Idles, Wye Oak, Black Honey and many more alongside acclaimed International artists. There was also an eclectic arts programme including opera, poetry, acoustic performances, spoken word, unique collaborations and yes – even life drawing.
Sound City Liverpool is the only major showcase and industry event for popular music talent development in the North. Run by the Sound City organisation, it includes Sound City Festival and the Sound City + convention. In 2018, Sound City very proudly became one of Arts Council England’s regularly funded National Portfolio Organisations, receiving support from Arts Council England into the not for profit Sound City (Liverpool) Ltd. company which is to support talent development for artists and industry via Sound City, Sound City+, Sound City Korea, Off the Record, Sound City Music Entrepreneur Training throughout the year.
In 2018, Sound City had an impact of £1.15m to Liverpool City Region and 1.43m to England’s economy. Artists and industry taking part in Sound City initiatives have to date generated £25 million on contracts signed in business outcomes. Since 2008, Sound City have worked with over 3000 emerging artists and 20,000 industry professionals and created hundreds of jobs across the sector via its U.K. and International initiatives.
And finally, artists can now apply to showcase at two of South Korea’s most important industry events, MU:CON and Zandari Festival, as part of the Sound City Korea initiative. Supported by Arts Council England’s International Showcase fund, this is the fourth year that Sound City will take artists to MU:CON and Zandari, providing a gateway into the exciting Korean music market across October 5 – 7. The Sound City Korea initiative invites artists plus a member of their team to apply and includes funding to attend the showcases. Artists should be based in England and include details of their current UK and international activity in their application as well as links to their music. Applications are open until 6pm on July 27, to apply go to: https://form.jotformeu.com/61935061241348
Becky Ayres, Sound City’s COO, explains: “We had a magical return back to our roots and could not have asked for a better Sound City this year, which was a sell out before we even started. The weather was the final glorious touch for what was a real showcase of what this great city is all about, with the festival embracing its musical heritage and bringing it very much into the now. We are very thankful for the ongoing support from Arts Council England and everyone who helps make Sound City the success it is. We would like to say a huge thanks to everyone, and we are already planning for 2019.”
Sound City
Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th May 2019
Taking place across Baltic Triangle and Cains Brewery, Liverpool
www.soundcity.uk.com
Twitter: @soundcity / Insta: @liverpoolsoundcity