THE RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY TURNS TEN!

APPLICATION PHASE FOR BARCELONA 2008 NOW OPEN

March 14 – May 05, 2008

Workshop Term 1: September 21 – October 03, 2008

Workshop Term 2: October 12 – October 24, 2008

It’s double digits for the annual Red Bull Music Academy. The tenth Academy hits Barcelona this autumn and they are now accepting applications from passionate producers, singers and DJs who want access to mind-blowing lectures and access to jaw-dropping studio equipment. The Academy takes place during September and October and applications can be made between March 14th and May 5th 2008 at Redbull Music Academy.

Each year two groups of thirty participants cherry-picked from all over the world – there have been house DJs from Khazakstan, hip hop producers from Colombia and multi-instrumentalists from New Zealand – are accepted into the Academy for a fortnight-long term. They are joined by a colourful list of musicians and musical experts who share studio tips and the stories behind the tunes during informal lectures and lab lessons. Gigs are then played by the guests and Academy attendees in different venues around the city.


Legendary drummer Tony Allen at Red Bull Music Academy Toronto

The Red Bull Music Academy first opened its doors in 1998 and has become a platform for those who shape our sonic future. Since then over 450 pioneers of modern music have spoken at its various editions held around the globe including ‘90s hip hop godfather DJ Premier, Planet Rock producer Arthur Baker and The Mizell Brothers as well as a host of young producers from Sinden to Skream. In addition, many of the 600 alumni have gone on to collaborate with the experts they met at the Academy and have written albums or started their own labels. Previous participants include Buraka Son Sistema, Mr. Hudson and the Library, Aloe Blacc and Flying Lotus.


World's youngest DMC winner and currently Kanye West's DJ (don't hold that against him) A-Trak at the Academy. (His brother is in Chromeo fact-finders)

Traveling to a new location every year The Red Bull Music Academy has previously touched down in Cape Town, Berlin, San Paulo, Melbourne and Toronto. Each editing involves setting up a bespoke campus filled with local art, and building both a live recording room and a labyrinth of studios – and filling a borrowing-room with desirable synths, samplers and keyboards ready to be borrowed by the participants.


M.I.A. at the Academy

Applicants must be passionate about music, have a desire to learn and share ideas and be 18 before September 21 2008. Once the application process is completed, successful applications will be invited to participate in one of two terms: September 21 – October 03, 2008 or October 12 – October 24, 2008 in Barcelona.Download your applications here.



For those interested in finding out more about The Red Bull Music Academy check out RBMA Radio for on-demand access to over 500 exclusive shows, mixes, live feeds, tribute sets, guest DJs and interviews, as well as lecture podcasts from some of the Academy’s most inspirational guests. All information and lectures are also available at Redbull Music Academy.


In addition as part of this year's Red Bull Music Academy programme, Karen P's Broadcasting welcomes Ethio-jazz originator Mulatu Astatke for a one-off live date at London's Cargo on Thursday 17th April, his first gig in the city for 15 years. The night will be recorded especially for Red Bull Music Academy Radio.

I'd give my right arm to see Mulatu live but being miles away in California means it isn't going to happen. If you're there, GO! Don't think debate it, just GO! Buy his records as well, they're immense.