This June, 100 bands from around the world will play in Dublin’s famed Dame District as part of youbloom@Dublin. The festival has brought bands from around the world to one of the most musical cities on earth, allowing them to meet and connect with other bands in the Dublin community.
“Last year, youbloom@Dublin played host to bands from right here in Ireland to the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and Israel – truly an international melting pot of talent!” says founder/CEO Phil Harrington.
The event gives emerging artists a platform to promote themselves and gain valuable music industry insight. The theme of this year’s conference is “Beautiful Vision,” which focuses on learning about the business of music through master classes and panels with industry experts.
“Artists get a chance to pick the brains of some very experienced people in the music industry and learn from their successes – and their mistakes,” Harrington says.
Highlights of the 2014 festival will include a keynote speech by Alan McGee and a Q&A session with music journalist Neil McCormick, A&R master Nigel Grainge, legendary producer Rupert Hine, and songwriter extraordinaire Alex Von Soos.
“I think the key is to really connect and engage with the other bands,” Harrington explains. “It's amazing the friendships that have formed around the festival. It leads to opportunities to play in other countries with encouragement and support from local bands, and fosters a real sense of community amongst all the artists.”
20 Sonicbids artists who apply by March 16, 2014 will be selected to play at the three-day festival. The panel that selects the bands consists of “well-respected industry figures, with years of experience,” according to Harrington.
“Besides sounding great, a youbloom band must be self-motivated and passionate about the music they play,” he continues. The panel is looking for bands that “take an interest in all parts of the music industry… and want to get involved in all elements of the festival – the performing, the workshops, and the conferences. We look for potential and professionalism.”
Think you've got what it takes? Click below to apply to youbloom@Dublin today.