Photo Self Esteem – credit Olivia Richardson
FOCUS Wales has become Wales’ biggest music industry event, with three days of panels, keynote talks, and industry advice. Not only this, the festival has introduced a new 1200 capacity big top venue, pushing the overall festival capacity to 20,000. The festival will see over 400 music industry professionals, and 250+ acts descend upon Wrexham from around the world, across 5 – 7 May 2022.
The festival keynote session has been announced today as Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem) in conversation with Jude Rogers (The Guardian). Rebecca will discuss her career in music thus far, including traversing the industry from 00’s indie band to award winning pop star, and composing music for a theatre production starring Jodie Comer.
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Jude Rogers will also be in conversation with music writer and Flip The Script author Arusa Qureshi, following the publication of Jude’s book The Sound of Being Human: How Music Shapes Our Lives.
Other panel topics will explore sustainable touring, PRSF’s Power Up Wales, PR, what it means to be an indie label in 2022, and publishing. PRSF will also be hosting an official event for their Talent Development Partners.
Industry participants announced include: Lauren Down (End of The Road Festival), Cils Williams (ATC Live Agency), Jessie Atkinson (Giwise), Ben Ryles (DHP Family), Ian White (Outer/most Agency, USA), Shikayla Nadine (SNM Management), Adam Lewis (Planetary Group, USA), Anika Mottershaw (Bella Union), Chris Wynters (Six Shooter Records), Jeroen van den Bogert (BLiP Agency, Netherlands), Oskar Strajn (ESNS, Netherlands), Dana Beeler (Music Nova Scotia) plus representatives from PRS Foundation, AIM, PPL, and Arts Council.
Acts announced for FOCUS Wales 2022 include…
Following the release of their 4th album Bright Magic late in 2021, PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING will be performing their most ambitious live set to date, headlining Llwyn Isaf, the new big top tent on Thursday 5th May. Following Rebecca’s keynote conversation at the festival, SELF ESTEEM make their live debut in Wrexham on Friday 6th May.
One of the most influential bands in modern UK music, ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN will headline on Saturday 7th May. Other headliners announced include post-punk band GOAT GIRL, touring off the back of their critically acclaimed 2021 album On All Fours, award winning Welsh artist GWENNO, and the hotly tipped alt-rock group CRAWLERS. Also joining the line-up are the exciting 16 piece collective, BALIMAYA PROJECT fusing West-African folkloric music and jazz in a unique, contemporary way.
FOCUS Wales 2022 takes places 5th, 6th, 7th May across various venues in Wrexham, North Wales. FOCUS Wales is supported by Arts Council of Wales, PRS Foundation, and Welsh Government.
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