On 17 October, the first ever Climate Music Blowout event will take place at the EartH venue in Hackney, London.
Courtesy of headline sponsors Sonos and panel sponsors PRS for Music, Key Production and AIM, this event is open to all with free admission.
Alongside panels discussing recording, manufacturing, the live sector, the role of artists and future visions, Climate Music Blowout will be asking attendees to consider the issues of sustainability specific to the digital sector in an age of streaming and NFT’s and will encourage them to post topics on a digital board to create a framework for further discussion at a forthcoming follow up event in 2022.
The Climate Music Blowout live show will feature rock band Black Country, New Road playing a special improvised set involving guest performances from friends. Brighton indie band Porridge Radio will also perform a set, along with psychedelic soul artist Skinny Pelembe and London collective Steam Down.
The event is being organised by climate and music organisation Music Declares Emergency, creative studio Adapt and promoter Bird On The Wire, and will present a day of talks, panels and music performances with the aim of addressing how the UK music industry can play a key role in responding to the climate emergency.
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO, PRS for Music, said: ‘PRS for Music is proud to support the inaugural Climate Music Blowout conference and live show, which will engage the music community in how it can take a leading role in responding to the climate emergency. PRS for Music is focussed on how it can positively deliver its sustainability initiatives and support the wider industry. We look forward to exploring the challenges and opportunities for music businesses, creators, and fans and how we work together to create innovative solutions for a greener industry, and planet, for everyone.’
The organisers of Climate Music Blowout said: ‘The UK music industry has taken a leading role in responding to the climate emergency in word and deed. On 17th October we look forward to welcoming all those who believe that music can help create safer, better, greener futures to Climate Music Blowout to decide on what we need to do, who we need to do it, and how we can bring everyone together to ensure it happens.’
Deji Bryce Olukotun, Director of Policy and Corporate Responsibility at headline sponsor Sonos, said: ‘Listening is the first step on the path to climate action. We urgently need to address climate change, and the music industry can both call attention to the crisis and help us imagine a sustainable future. We’re honoured to be able to support these urgent conversations at Climate Music Blowout because we believe they will lead to creative solutions.’
The event will open at 1pm with an introductory address from Mike Smith, Global President of Downtown Music and Trustee of Earth Percent. The afternoon will then present a series of panel discussions on topics including how record labels can operate on a zero-emissions basis; environmental efforts at music festivals and moving towards a zero-carbon live sector; and the production of vinyl and physical music merchandise in ways that are ethical and sustainable. PRS for Music will also host a session on the challenges artists can face when standing in support of action on the climate emergency.
The full programme for the day is attached here.
