rmba 2010.

Yes yes, the academy is back once again, this time in London, UK. I can’t start to let our readers know how invaluable a resource their video archives have been for me. I’ve watched over 50 lectures from artists like – Theo Parish, Moritz Von Oswald (Basic Channel), Goldie, Steve Goodman (Kode9), D-Bridge, Mala, Derrick May, A Guy Called Gerald, … A stunning cast of some seriously innovative legendary artists. These video’s are a godsend for me, and in my opinion better than any classroom oriented instructions you could receive at a music technology college. Of course, the topics of discussion are never centered specifically around one area, like ‘production & techniques’ – instead, the focus is set to encompass a fuller span touching on all areas related to musicianship and the industry. The wealth of knowledge and experience to be had is absolutely unsurmountable.

The application process for the academy can be quite rigid because they’re selecting from a large pool of applicants all competing for a limited number of invitations. You can expect then that if you’re lucky enough to attend you’ll be surrounded by like minded aspiring artists, all with a common love for music and their craft. That being said, I have to pose the question: do you get to choose which lectures you attend? I always find it a bit funny (or frustrating) when audience members don’t know, or have never heard of these lecturers. I can’t help but think to myself “my god, don’t you realize how lucky you are? How the **** do you not know who’s sitting in front of you?” Gilles from Lost Art, a partner of the RMBA, has provided me with a little condensed clip of the lecture from Mala back in 2008.

*edit: just found this mix mala did a couple weeks back and thought i’d share it.
Mala – Live @ KiSS FM 06/02/2010

The academy not only hosts some of the biggest names from House, Techno, DnB, Dubstep, and all the other electronic musics, but also features a variety of artists and industry professionals involved with Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Pop, … Basically, regardless of your background and musical tastes there will be something here for you. Aside from the lecturers there is also been quite a few recent participants that have really launched themselves forward through the academy. Don’t quote me on this bit but I have an inkling that Jamie Woon and Subeena we’re both previous participants. I know at very least that they definitely collaborated on a track together titled “Solidify” featured on the RMBA compilation CD from 2008. Other participants include: Desto, Braiden (Rinse FM), Hudson Mohawke, (Steve Beckette, founder of Warp Records found and signed him here) as well as many other’s that are probably featured on the RMBA compilation CD’s.

This year’s line up is again, an all star back 2 back – But what else does the academy offer? Well, to start with, they host group workshops where the artists and participants together go in depth into the science of sound and music production. Throughout the runnings there is also some great parties to attend. I’m obviously a bit late announcing this but Mala and Goldie both did sets at Culture Clash, a recent showcase in conjunction with the academy. If you’re living in or around the London area, stay tuned on the Red Bull Music Academy website for any information on anymore up coming parties.

P.S. attn. RMBA, please fix the videos for Carl Craig, MJ Cole, and Kieran Hebden. I’m dying here….