In just a few days, Red Bull Music Academy will be wrapping up its 2014 edition in Tokyo. We were lucky enough to spend five days in the land of super-kawaii, and its a truly unique experience that every music fan should aim to attend.
2014 was the first time that RBMA made its way to Asia – and it only seems right given the region’s rising interest in electronic music. Cities from Seoul to Bangkok to Mumbai are quickly becoming hotspots for dance culture, while the world’s biggest festivals are also moving in to capitalise on the region’s increasingly engaged youth demographic. Tokyo in particular is a perfect fit for RBMA – they both champion underground culture and niche artists from all different walks of life.
RBMA is a healthy mix of getting loose and learning stuff – sometimes both at the same damn time. Still, this year boasted some of our heroes like Just Blaze (responsible for ‘Touch The Sky‘ by Kanye West, ‘Song Cry‘ by Jay Z and about a million other bangers) and Digital Mystikz (proper UK vibes delivered by dubstep legends).
In our five days, we were lucky enough to witness the likes of Floating Points (head of the forever-praised Eglo Records) and Japan’s own GOTH-TRAD (‘Back To Chill‘ is immortal, goddamn it) and get some insights into their craft. As photographers, it’s always nice to see a visual element in electronic music too, and we love seeing how sound interacts with light to create the whole experience for audiences.
While we’re missing RBMA and that Japanese hospitality, we’re very pleased to learn that RBMA will be hosting several events in the near future, right here at home. First up, RBMA will then be bringing the love to Melbourne on November 21, with the return of the infamous Boiler Room. If you’ve ever attended one of these soirees, you’ll understand why they’ve earned legendary reputation among electronic fans. It features intimate sets by some of the world’s most acclaimed artists, and this time their ‘Chronicles’ event will feature Hiatus Kaiyote, Taylor McFerrin & more.
Next up, smack-bang in ARIA Week, RBMA will be hosting their own showcase in Sydney on November 25. Africa Hitech will be leading a lineup of forward-thinking beats The X Studio in Kings Cross, and the best part? It’s free!
Then, on January 1 in Sydney, RBMA will again resurrect their Crate Diggers stage at Field Day. It features local artists playing ridiculously fun sets of specialised genres. Feeling like some nineties R&B, or early noughties electro? It’s all here, and has previously featured out faves like Joyride & Wordlife.
Make sure you catch the RBMA vibes over summer in Australia!
