Month: January 2023

One of the world’s leading global music events, AVA Festival (Audio Visual Arts) has built a reputation for welcoming a diverse array of global acts to its Northern Ireland home, plus providing a platform for local talent north and south of the border.. Building on that ethos, AVA announce the names for their 2023 edition, including Central Cee, Slowthai, Kettama, Overmono, Eliza Rose, Hèctor Oaks, SPFDJ, Job Jobse, KI/KI, Kojaque, Sally C and more. Returning to their iconic Titanic Slipways location across 2nd – 3rd June, AVA looks forward to welcoming the most eclectic range of sounds the festival has seen to date. Tickets for the festival are available from Friday at 10:00AM, with Weekend, Group & Deposit-scheme tickets available starting from £30 – To get exclusive first access to tickets in our presale tomorrow at 10AM signup here.

AVA Belfast’s programme has evolved – staying true to its electronic roots but welcomes a wider array of sounds to reflect the tastes of its attendees. For 2023, Central Cee headlines – the West London rapper who has exploded for his unique take on UK rap / drill, aesthetic and continuously solid output. The first ever UK artist to achieve 1 billion Spotify streams in one year, the first UK rapper to achieve such a feat, Central Cee is one of the most vital artists to break through in recent years – and his performance at AVA will be one of a select few UK & Ireland summer shows. Also joining is esteemed artist Slowthai; whose intellectual, cheeky output influenced by rap, grime, punk, plus unforgettable performances have gained him a reputation as a solid talent. Representing the Irish squad is Soft Boy Records boss and Irish prodigy – Kojaque.

G-Town records boss and party starter Kettama joins the infamous AVA Boiler Room stage for an unmissable performance, plus AVA solid faves Overmono return for a live main stage show consisting of a euphoric blend of rave, trance, and breaks – following a highlight set at the festival in 2022. On top of that, there’s esteemed selectors and producers Job Jobse, KIKI, SPFDJ, I.JORDAN and many more.

An AVA first timer is Eliza Rose, the artist behind the UK “people’s anthem” and Number One record B.O.T.A. Eliza will be joined on the line-up by her production partner  Interplanetary Criminal, bringing good-time vibes, garage and more. Hector Oaks will also make an appearance, the revered party selector and resident at some of the world’s most loved parties Bassiani (Tbilisi), and Herrensauna (Berlin.)  Also on board are rising Berlin trance due DJ Heartstring and plenty more.

As always, there’s a stack of local legends on board to showcase the health of the current Irish movement including Holly Lester, EMBY, Jordan, Carlton Doom and plenty more. Kessler and IAMNOTYOURMATE both also rep for Irish acts, and after their electric performance at AVA’s NYE special, both sets will be hi-energy highlights on the bill.

AVA found its perfect home at the industrialist Titanic Slipways, and the team are excited to head back after a success. There’ll be adaptations – new indoor areas, arts spaces, bars, maximising the space in the heart of Belfast’s shipping area. For visitors, AVA is an opportunity to experience the Belfast craic in a way like no other – with the locals, in an incredible space, with the extended AVA family. Flights arrive into Belfast from most major cities and there’s plenty of hotel options.

AVA has grown into an essential event for culture in Ireland – pioneering the first large-scale multi-stage event to represent a modern Belfast, promoting the growing community in Northern Ireland and beyond. AVA support local artists with a platform along with some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, and also opportunities for work, education and networking. AVA has created an inclusive, vibrant, and celebrated space for talent to be nurtured from their DJ competitions to work programmes. We look forward to another year with AVA at the centre of Ireland’s thriving music movement.

‘At AVA, we are committed to evolving as both a festival and a cultural movement, with a mantra to never stand still. 2023 marks a moment where AVA is evolving as music and cultural tastes change. It moves with the moment whilst staying true to its origins in electronic music. It’s where multiple artforms converge to create memorable moments for music fans and electronic arts enthusiasts. Our commitment to design, festival experience, high production levels and amplifying local talent is as strong as ever, and we can’t wait to bring you our next AVA Belfast edition this June!’ – Sarah McBriar, AVA Festival Director 

Returning to Printworks as part of the venue’s final season, we can reveal plans for the innovative AVA London conference taking place across the daytime of Friday 24th February 2023.

The programme will be led with a selection of talks, workshops, and interactive sessions that are built around four key themes : Innovation, Diversity, Sustainability & The Future. The key conference themes will be broken down into a range of topics and panels within our current electronic music industry, from creativity to diversity, shining a light on working with neurodivergency through to Web3’s role within audio-visual art.

Other participating speakers will include: Jaguar (BBC/BEMA), Heléna Star, (FoundationFM/BEMA), Niks (Black Artist Database/BEMA), Hannah Shogbola (Primary Talent, BEMA), Steve Hogan (WME), Simeon Aldred (Broadwick Live), Lynn Cosgrave (former Acting Management for Carl Cox, John Digweed), Maria May (Head of Electronic at CAA), Laila McKenzie (Lady of the House), Tom Ketley (FLY Events), Tristan Hunt (AFEM) plus many many more.

As always, there will be live interactive sessions, such as hands-on masterclasses, demonstrations and workshops, Australian born label Steel City Dance Discs will host a DIY tape making workshop where attendees can create their own physical artefacts. Overall this will contribute to a carefully curated programme, providing an educational and inspiring experience for conference attendees and delegates. Tickets for the conference are available from just £15 – and can be purchased from Kaboodle here.

Global payments and technology provider Square will join AVA as a new leading partner for 2023. Square makes technology that helps sellers more easily run and grow their businesses with its integrated ecosystem of commerce, staff, customer, and banking solutions. As part of this partnership they will host a special panel talk built around venue and festival operations with industry experts.

A key part of the AVA London agenda is the Keynote interviews, where a selection of carefully curated artists and industry professionals will impart wisdom, insights and their own stories to the audience. For 2023’s edition of AVA London, Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard will step up to discuss their experience as one of the UK’s most infamous crossover electronic acts, fresh off the back of selling out multiple Brixton Academy shows. Hot Chip have been pushing the boundaries of pop, electronica and synthpop since their debut in 1995, and this will be a rare opportunity to hear them discuss their journey.

After launching ‘Beautiful’ last year esteemed DJ and Hooversound label boss Sherelle will sit down in conversation with Niks (founder of Black Artists Database and co-founder of BEMA) to discuss the motivation behind the project. Beautiful is a label/organisation that offers resources (such as classes, workshops) for black and queer artists, inspired by Sherelle’s own experience within the industry and a drive to share her own knowledge.

Technology, music and art have always grown together, whether that’s from music production techniques to pushing the boundaries of live arts, visuals and creativity within the music industry. AVA London has always been inspired by cutting-edge technology, and are pleased to host a talk around this topic. Firstly, ‘How is technology changing the way we create, view and collect art?’ featuring David Rudnick, will discuss topics such as the metaverse, digital art, NFT’s and more. Another panel will explore Neurodiversity In The Music Industry, looking at how leaders can empower neurodiverse colleagues and artists. This session will be led by AFEM, presenting the results of their research with a selection of experts and artists.

Resident Advisor will curate an edition of the RA Exchange Live series with Tony Andrews, the founder of Funkton-One audio and Turbosound. A pioneering force in the professional audio industry since its formation in the early 1970s. Over the years, Andrews’ sound systems have been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From the very beginning of Glastonbury to Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa tours, Roger Waters’ Berlin Wall Concert and, more recently, at Space Ibiza, Cielo New York, Resistance Ultra Miami / Privilege Ibiza, Berghain, Lost Beach Club, Carl Cox’s Awesome Soundwave at Wembley Arena and, of course, AVA Festival.

AVA London will also have a Drop In Area which will host a range of brands from labels and charities to tech and equipment. Networking activities will increase with space for meetings and industry catch-ups – aimed at generating business and attracting talent. Further information will be released closer to the event.

Built around on four key themes: Innovation, Diversity, Post-Pandemic & The Future – AVA London will provide a space to host important conversations around these topics. As the live industry moves into new spaces in 2023 in both technology and creativity, AVA’s London event will take a look to a bright future with insights and expertise from prominent professionals, experts and artists.

Last remaining tickets for the conference and club are available on the AVA website.