After the record-breaking success of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by the UK city of Liverpool, on behalf of last year’s winners, Ukraine, a new one-day event, Modern Music Cities, has been announced.
On Friday 14 July, this seminal event will ask what contemporary music cities look like presently and need to look like in the future, with a dynamic programme of insightful discussions, engaging panels, and thought-provoking presentations.
Industry experts, music creatives, cultural leaders, and policymakers will explore the significance of music cities, their cultural impact, the role of technology and industry organisations, diversity and inclusion efforts, and future prospects for the music industry within these cities.
A presentation by award-winning author and thought-leader Seth Godin will Reimagine Music Cities, exploring opportunities for them and their leaders, whilst Jamaican author, essayist and literary scholar Professor Emerita Carolyn Cooper will share the journey of Kingston as a leading music city.
Sound Diplomacy’s Shain Shapiro explores the definition of a music city and the steps involved in creating one, whilst expert panellists from around the world delve into the influence and impact on culture and industry.
A discussion on how tech is transforming music scenes and impacting creators features Spotify’s Bryan Johnson, visionary musician Gaika, Metaverse expert Des Agyekumhene, and DJ / thought-leader Elijah Cushnie. And Music Week’s Ben Homewood hosts a panel on the role of frontline industry organisations in fostering growth and sustainability in music cities, featuring Scott Lewis of EMI North and CEO of Soundcity Becky Ayres, amongst others.
Chair of the UK Music Diversity Task Force, Ammo Talwar MBE highlights the efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry, and the Launch of the Liverpool City Region ReMap Report on Black Music, will be presented by Chair of the Liverpool City Region Black Music Action Group, Jennifer John.
Looking to the future, emerging music creator Ni Maxine hosts a roundtable discussion on the needs and aspirations of the next generation of music creators and professionals, whilst UNESCO City of Music Officer for Liverpool, Kevin McManus explores the impact of major events like Eurovision in elevating a music city’s brand while supporting the local music sector.
Tickets are available now.