School is back in session at the 8th RBMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept 2005

School is back in session at the 8th RBMA

Five New Zealanders are among the sixty international students selected to stir it up in Seattle.

More than 2000 people from 67 countries across the globe applied for the eighth edition of the Red Bull Music Academy – a music workshop that unites an international mix of DJs, musicians and producers under one roof to explore cultural myths, break ideological boundaries, and create music.

Out of the international talent pool, only 60 exceptional individuals were selected including five New Zealanders.

Isaac Aesili, DJ Gwaan Gal (aka Alicia Slater), Adam Wright from Auckland and Adi Dick (aka Adrian Dick), Flex aka XO (Jacob Webster) from Wellington will make the journey to this year’s Academy hosted during November in Seattle, WA.

The other students come from 33 different nations including Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Estonia, Israel, Lithuania, Russia and Singapore and the U.S.

This year New Zealand will be also have a key speaker taking part in the Academy. DJ and producer Mu from Fat Freddy’s Drop has been invited to lecture in Seattle.

HIGHER LEARNING

The Academy is divided into two, two-week terms with 30 students participating in each term. The first term runs November 6 - 18, 2005, and the second November 27 - December 9, 2005. But don’t expect to get “discovered” or win a record contract here. At the Academy, egos, gimmicks, and conventions are left at the door. The Academy seeks to provide a unique and memorable experience that will last a lifetime rather than the fabled 15-minutes of fame.

The Academy’s unique, free-wielding curriculum fosters a creative environment of shared learning that allows students to form cultural networks that transcend the classroom. Classes range from breaking down chord progressions, to sketching out mixes, composing lyrics, and collaborating on tunes with some of the best in the business. At night, students break out of the classroom and translate the day’s lessons into intoxicating performances at local dancehalls alongside local talent.

Lecturers and mentors range from living legends and essential old school figures to some of the most talented young craftspeople making music today. Past lecturers include the father of African Jazz Hugh Masekela, legendary funk drummer Bernard Purdie, internationally renowned turntablist Cut Chemist, boogie pioneer Leroy Burgess, master mixer Bob Power, Clive Chin, Grand Wizard Theodore and Osunlade.

GETTING’ DOWN IN SEA TOWN

More of a concept than a place, the Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) travels the globe in search of inspiring locations to drop new beats. Founded in Berlin in 1998, the Academy has since touched down in an array of host cities including Berlin, Dublin, New York, London, Sao Paulo, Cape Town, Rome, and now, Seattle. Dynamic, culturally diverse and musically progressive, Seattle is an ideal locale for RBMA 05.

Beyond its longstanding jazz and funk tradition, Seattle has witnessed the rise of the manic garage rock scene of the ‘60s and the formation of the Sub Pop label and ‘grunge’ movement in the ‘90s. Music legends from jazz and R&B icons Ray Charles and Quincy Jones, to surf rock dudes the Ventures, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Mr Square Dance Rap himself Sir Mix-A lot have all called Sea Town home during their formative and most prolific years. It is in this thriving and intimate metropolis that the eighth installation of RBMA will come to life.

www.redbullmusicacademy.com

ENDS

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