Liverpool Welcomes Modern Music Cities Conference: Shaping the Future of the Music Industry
- by Adam Bailey
- in Latest
Following the resounding triumph of the recent Eurovision Song Contest, held in Liverpool as a gracious host on behalf of last year's champions, Ukraine, a captivating one-day event has been announced. Modern Music Cities (A Eurovision Legacy Conference) is set to take place on Friday, July 14th.
This groundbreaking conference aims to delve into the current state and future trajectory of contemporary music cities. A dynamic program awaits attendees, featuring enlightening discussions, engaging panels, and thought-provoking presentations.
The conference will bring together industry experts, music creatives, cultural leaders, and policymakers to explore the profound significance of music cities. Discussions will revolve around their cultural impact, the role of technology and industry organizations, diversity and inclusion efforts, and the future prospects for the music industry within these vibrant urban centers.
The event will feature an intriguing presentation by Seth Godin, an acclaimed author and visionary thought-leader, who will take participants on a journey to reimagine the potential of music cities and their leaders. Additionally, Professor Emerita Carolyn Cooper, a Jamaican author, essayist, and literary scholar, will share the remarkable journey of Kingston as a leading music city.
Shain Shapiro, the founder of Sound Diplomacy, will shed light on the definition of a music city and the crucial steps involved in creating one. Esteemed panelists from around the globe will delve into the influence and impact of music cities on culture and industry.
Moreover, there will be a stimulating discussion on how technology is transforming music scenes and revolutionizing the experiences of creators. Esteemed speakers include Bryan Johnson from Spotify, visionary musician Gaika, Metaverse expert Des Agyekumhene, and DJ/thought-leader Elijah Cushnie. Additionally, Ben Homewood, from Music Week, will host a panel focusing on the pivotal role of frontline industry organizations in fostering growth and sustainability in music cities, featuring Scott Lewis from EMI North and Soundcity's CEO, Becky Ayres, among other notable figures.
Ammo Talwar MBE, Chair of the UK Music Diversity Task Force, will highlight ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the music industry. Furthermore, Jennifer John, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Black Music Action Group, will present the Liverpool City Region ReMap Report on Black Music, an important initiative supporting inclusivity.
Looking towards the future, a roundtable discussion will be hosted by emerging music creator Ni Maxine, focusing on the needs and aspirations of the next generation of music creators and professionals. Additionally, Kevin McManus, UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, will explore the impact of major events like Eurovision in elevating a music city's brand while providing support to the local music sector.
Seth Godin expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm thrilled to be part of this conference to discuss the magic of connection and how music cities can foster the creativity we need right now."
Professor Emerita Carolyn Cooper shared her pleasure in being part of the Modern Music Cities Conference, a creative platform where she can share her vision of Jamaica as a cultural superpower. She emphasized how the diverse musical genres originating from Kingston have had a tremendous global impact, surpassing the physical size of the island.
Kevin McManus, UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, highlighted the importance of renowned thought leaders and practitioners convening in Liverpool to ignite discussions about the defining elements of modern music cities and their future prospects. These vital discussions will delve into what truly constitutes a music city and how technology and globalization will shape its trajectory moving forward.
Claire McColgan, Director of Culture Liverpool, expressed her delight in hosting this event, packed with some of the brightest minds in the music industry, so soon after Eurovision. She emphasized the significance of delving into the finer details of Eurovision's success and exploring how a city can utilize music to shape its ambitions, fine-tune its identity, and establish itself as an exciting place to be.
Eurovision Minister Stuart Andrew also expressed his enthusiasm, acknowledging Liverpool's remarkable execution of the Eurovision Song Contest and showcasing both Ukrainian culture and British creativity. He emphasized that the conference will contribute to building on Liverpool's legacy of success, ensuring that both the city's music sector and the wider UK music industry can continue to thrive in the years to come.
Tickets for the conference are currently available, offering an unparalleled opportunity to be part of this influential event that will shape the future of modern music cities and their impact on the music industry.
