Thoughts from the attendees of this year’s Brighton Music Conference

If you follow us on Instagram (If not, we highly recommend you consider doing so – simply click or tap here), you’ll have no doubt seen that the Skiddle was in attendance at this year’s Brighton Music Conference.

The UK’s premier electronic music conference celebrated it’s 11th edition last week with three days of parties, stalls and panels taking place in venues across the city, including the recently refurbished Tempest bar and night club and the iconic Brighton i360.

A lineup of special guests and well-known DJs attended the renowned industry gathering to discuss their professional experiences, whilst sharing strategies for maximising marketing and PR efforts, and debating the impact of consumer behaviour on the ticketing sector in 2024.

Rather than sharing our own biased thoughts on the Brighton Music Conference—we’re huge fans, after all—we decided to let the event’s guests offer their own opinions for a more impartial review. Hear what they had to say in the short interviews below and click on their names to find them on social media.

1 Ov Many

Please introduce yourself:
“I’m 1 Ov Many, a Tech House producer and DJ from County Durham.”

What do you hope to gain from attending the Brighton Music Conference?
“I’ve come down to network, to meet people who’ve got the same interests as me music-wise, and to talk to others working in the industry.

My goal is to hopefully get tracks out with some of the label heads present, to get my music played and to see people dance. That’s what it’s all about for me. It’s easy to add these sorts of people on social media but then there are probably hundreds if not thousands of people doing the same thing. At events like these, you can make that personal connection. I feel better about sending labels or label execs my music once I’ve made that connection.”

Are there any particular panels that you’re here to see today?
“I’ve come here not knowing without doing my homework on the panels. I’m just jumping in and seeing what I can learn on the fly.”

Are you hoping to attend any of the parties? Are there any artists on the lineup that you’re looking to go and see?
“I’m going to the Bushwacka party tonight on the i360. I’m also looking forward to seeing Carly Wilford up in the clouds as well, and I’ve got a few sets of my own lined up in clubs across Brighton over the next few days too.”

For any other aspiring producers or DJs considering attending Brighton Music Conference in the future, what would you say are the main draws? Why should they come to an event like the Brighton Music Conference?
“I think the opportunities to network are the biggest draw; making new friends and stuff like that. If you’re interested in the industry and electronic music, you can’t beat it. It’s like having a wider group of friends, isn’t it?”

Amber Jolene

Please introduce yourself:
“I’m Amber Jolene, I’m a vocalist and songwriter and I’ve been making music for the past 21 years. I’ve recently had a release on Divine, titled “Some People”, and on Last Night on Earth, titled “Can You Feel This”.

Is this your first time at Brighton Music Conference?
“It is, and it’s also my first time appearing on a panel here. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and any advice I can bestow. Being a female in the industry who’s had a career lasting over two decades, I guess it’s an interesting angle.”

Aside from your singing, have you ever tried your hand at any other disciplines in the electronic scene, such as promoting or DJing?
“I like to do live PAs. I actually did one at the Welcome Mixer event at the Tempest. I also produce lots of live videos and DJ occasionally as well. I try and do what I can.”

Are you interested in seeing any of the other panels throughout the conference?
“Yes, absolutely. There’s a PR and marketing panel I’m eager to attend. There’s a panel on DJs and Neurodivergence which sounds very interesting. Other than that, anything which involves recording and editing.”

For any other budding vocalists who might be considering attending an event like this or coming to BMC next year, what would you say? Why should they come?
“Events such as Brighton Music Conference are great places to network. They can also help you to learn exactly what it is that you want to do, and, if you put yourself out there, you can find great advice from experienced industry professionals.”

L E N K E

Please start by introducing yourselves:
“We’re Kevin and Lenny, and we’re a DJ and producer duo called LENKE from London.”

What’s the reason for you attending Brighton Music Conference and what do you hope to gain from the event?
“We’re just here for a bit of networking, to meet up with people and to try and get a bit of coverage for our new album coming out soon. Aside from building new contacts, we’re looking for knowledge and good times.”

What panels are you particularly looking forward to attending?
“Well, there’s one in particular that we’re looking to get some advice from, to help with the marketing and PR for our album. We’re hoping to pick the brains of Clara Suess, owner of Suess Media.”

Are you planning to go to any parties or anything, any of the events later?
“There’s a good chance we’ll be attending a few. We came here a few years ago and went to one of the pod parties in the i360, so we’re going to try and stick around for one of them at least.”

What’s it like in the pod, 450ft high looking out over Brighton and Hove?
“It’s a really good experience. We saw Martin Ikin up there, I think it was two years ago? Great session. Loads of like-minded souls enjoying the music and the views.”

Why should others come and attend events like Brighton Music Conference?
“It’s just a great, great day out, plus you end up meeting people you probably wouldn’t meet anywhere else. If you’re an artist or a producer or involved in the industry, there’s good opportunities to be found.”

Josie – The Glitter Bosher

Please start by introducing yourself:
“My name is Josie, my DJ name is The Glitter Bosher and I’m a DJ based in Brighton. I play in Brighton, London, at UK festivals and I am also a promoter, organising nights in Brighton.”

What are the main insights you’ve taken from any of the panels you’ve attended today?
“I think from the panels that I’ve heard so far, the Beatport session was quite interesting, talking about the top trending genres at the moment. I’m really interested in the neurodivergent session because I’m pretty sure I’m ADHD and most of my DJ friends are at some end of the spectrum.”

What do you hope to gain from attending Brighton Music Conference?
“Doing a little networking is obviously really valuable at these sorts of events, so just getting to meet like-minded people and soaking up all the different facets of the industry and understanding all the different elements, from being an artist to PR, and everything in between.”

Are there any parties or events that you’re interested in attending whilst at the conference?
“I’ve got tickets for the Hospital Records party in the i360 which I’m hoping I’m going to be able to head to later. I’ve got kids at home, so I don’t know how much of the late-night stuff I’ll be able to get to but I’m going to try. It’s all part of the fun, being a DJ and juggling work-life balance.”

For any other DJs thinking about attending these sorts of events or Brighton Music Conference next year, how would you sell it to them?
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the industry and really kind of break down barriers. Certain people who might come across as unattainable or who you might put on a pedestal, they’re not. Everyone here is a human being. However far you are into your career, you’re still just a person that’s chugging away, probably facing a lot of the same challenges that a DJ just starting out might also be facing.”

Flambe and Steve Dh | Kings & Queens – Plymouth

Please start by introducing yourselves:
“I’m Craig Roxburgh AKA Flambe, and I’m Steve Durban-Haines, also known as Steve DH.”

What are you hoping to gain from Brighton Music Conference?
“It always drives us and re-energises our passion for music when we get to meet kindred spirits. It’s also good to meet friends that we don’t see that often because we’re always out playing. We also buy a lot of music and you get to put some faces to names by attending events such as this.”

Have you attended Brighton Music Conference previously?
“Yes, this is our third or fourth year. We really enjoy it, mostly for networking and just reinforcing previous relationships with people.”

Are there any parties or events that you’re interested in attending?
“Not this year. We saw Alan Fitzpatrick in the i360 last year, that was a lot of fun. It’s a novel experience, bumping shoulders with famous faces. I’m sure we’ll end up wandering into some event. We’ll see what happens.”

For anybody else who might be considering attending this sort of event or Brighton Music Conference next year, how would you sell it to them?
“If you’re serious about getting on in the industry, attending events like this is vital. No one’s going to come to your door and knock on it, get yourself out there. Do the hard yards, get yourself in front of people, get yourself in front of experts, and listen to what they’re saying.”

Brighton Music Conference will return in 2025. To stay up to date with plans for next year’s event, head to www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.