Beyond The Music has confirmed the first 60 artists set to perform at its conference and festival, Beyond The Music: Discovered. Taking place from 11 – 14th October, 2023, the event will span across 11 independent music venues within the Northern Quarter, Manchester.
Beyond The Music: Discovered presents a significant departure from conventional music conferences and festivals. The event has partnered with influential curators, including NQ Legacy, SXSW, and Dot to Dot Festival, in a concerted effort to spotlight a diverse and inclusive roster of artists. This strategic initiative is designed to propel emerging artists into the purview of both a broader audience and key industry professionals, thereby fostering career growth and enhancement.
In a move to encourage and discover new talent, the conference and festival offer an open call for artist submissions. Musicians are invited to present their work to a panel of esteemed industry experts, headed by A&R executive Caroline Elleray of Second Songs Publishing. Successful applicants will earn the opportunity to perform live at one of the festival’s prominent music venues, underscoring the event’s commitment to music discovery.
The first group of artists announced for Beyond The Music: Discovered 2023 is as diverse as it is genre-spanning. Among the notable acts are Manchester’s own [ K S R ], a singer-songwriter heralded for his soulful vocals and forward-thinking soundscapes, and Slovenia’s rising star July Jones, whose unique blend of edgy electro-pop and thought-provoking lyrics about relationships, queerness, and mental health has won her acclaim.
The festival’s commitment to representation is further underscored by the ‘Kick Like A Girl’ showcase at Night & Day Cafe, which features an all-female lineup curated by Loose Articles. This effort reflects the festival’s objective to challenge prevailing attitudes and influence booking changes at industry-wide festivals.
Beyond The Music positions itself as a pioneer, establishing a decision-making structure designed to effect genuine action within the industry. Its unique Co-Operative Membership programme invites participation from a wide range of stakeholders, from musicians and producers to managers, record labels, and music enthusiasts.
Early bird tickets for the first edition of Beyond The Music are available now for £29 per day / £49 for the weekend, for a limited time.
The festival has also launched a Pay It Forward system in order to maximise accessibility for those who are hoping to advance their career within the music industry, but may not be able to afford the full ticket price. Applications for PIF tickets are open here.
