Dance music powerhouses to discuss industry’s future

26 April 2021

Legendary DJ and Producer Judge Jules and 808 State’s Graham Massey will take part in a UCLan-led online conference

Some of the biggest names in electronic dance music are joining together with University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) academics to discuss the future of the genre and the industry post Covid-19.

Legendary DJ and Producer Jules O’Riordan (AKA Judge Jules) and Graham Massey, co-founder of electronic music pioneers 808 State, will take part in a free live online mini conference to discuss the position and prospects for the world of electronic dance music now and beyond the pandemic.

Jules, who has been a major name in the industry for decades, is also a leading entertainment industry lawyer. He and seminal musician Graham, whose extensive production and remix credits includes artists such as Bjork and David Bowie, will be joined at the event, which will be live streamed on YouTube from 2.00pm on Thursday 6 May, by DJ/Producer Rohaan, and other industry experts.

"We are very fortunate to be able to tap into the expertise of these panellists"

UCLan lecturer Tony Rigg, music industry consultant and former Operations Director for Ministry of Sound

Also joining the live discussion will be senior music industry executive Silvia Montello; Tristan Hunt, from the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) which provides a global voice for the electronic music industry; as well as UCLan lecturer and music industry consultant Tony Rigg, himself a former Operations Director for Ministry of Sound.

Tony said: “The group will look at the current position and challenges facing the electronic dance music industry, and where things are heading.

“Taking stock is incredibly valuable, particularly when we are recovering from the disruption of Covid-19 and reconsidering possibilities.

“We are very fortunate to be able to tap into the expertise of these panellists. The event is streaming live, so we will also be aiming to answer some audience questions through the comments section on YouTube.”

The round table discussion will be followed at 3.00pm by a look at a new book from Bloomsbury Publishing called ‘The Evolution of Electronic Dance Music’. The book, edited by UCLan academics Professor Ewa Mazierska, Les Gillon and Tony Rigg, will be available to download on the day, with the hardback format available next month for those who prefer a physical copy.

The free livestream on YouTube starts at 2.00pm on Thursday 6 May.

26 April 2021