In this month’s festival overview, we introduce events that equally enthral music enthusiasts and industry professionals.
HowTheLightGetsIn
26-29 May 2023
Planned as a series of events during the year, the May edition of HowTheLightGetsIn takes place in the picturesque Welsh town Hay-on-Wye. The format incorporates a music programme and lectures on philosophy. The latter is not a figure of speech as HTLGI will see Slovenian thinker Slavoj Žižek, British novelist Esther Freud and physicist Brian Greene discussing the Error and Renaissance, this year’s festival theme.
Brighton Music Conference
24-26 May 2023
The tenth edition of Brighton Music Conference presents an extensive line-up, primarily with a focus on DJs and electronic music. The programme features well-known names such as DJ Paulette and Irvine Welsh, an author of one of the most British contemporary novels Trainspotting and founder of Jack Said What label. The networking and panel discussions form an essential part of the conference. Needless to say, it’s a must for industry professionals specialising in all things electronic.
Primavera Sound (Barcelona)
29 May-4 June 2023
With its first edition in 2001, the venerable Primavera Sound has been growing over the years. The festival boasts of nine editions organised in different locations, including Bogotá and Asunción. Traditionally, the round opens with the event in Barcelona at the end of May. The music programme is as impressive as always featuring artists like Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Sparks, John Cale, Laurie Anderson and Blur, to name just a very few. Running alongside, the conference addresses topical affairs such as intellectual property and AI interference, licensing in music streaming and more.
SPIKE Bulgarian Music Showcase
25-27 May 2023
Unlike the aforementioned events, SPIKE is relatively new on the map of European showcase festivals. The upcoming May edition will be the second. Yet, the conference programme doesn’t fail to impress. The list of speakers includes ABBA recording engineer Lennart Östlund as well as UK manager and drummer Ed Bicknell, best known for working with Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, Gerry Rafferty, Bryan Ferry, Scott Walker and The Blue Nile.
