Opinion
12 Oct 11

Painting The World Red

For over ten years, the Red Bull Music Academy has toured the globe, bringing a series of music workshops and festivals to the people, delivering the vibrant energy synonymous with its name. Now, it goes one step further.

Formed in 1998 with the determined aim of “exploring music beyond the beat”, the Red Bull Music Academy started life as a DJ-focused event, inviting applicants to submit their work before being considered for workshops and performances. Since then, the Academy has expanded its reach, incorporating all aspects of music in a reflection of Red Bull’s global ambitions.

To mark its 14th edition – set to take place in Madrid this October – the Red Bull Music Academy took on its most ambitious project yet; a world tour of ten of its former host countries. At time of writing, the tour has passed the midway point and much like Sebastian Vettel tearing down a chicane in his Red Bull Formula 1 car en route to victory, it has no intention of slowing down as it approaches the finish line.
That finish line, somewhat ironically, is more of a beginning than an end as the month-long celebration plans to turn Madrid upside-down in pulsating fashion. Held in the stunning surrounds of the Matedero, the Academy will live on as a cultural hub even after the curtain falls on November 25, ensuring that the music won’t stop for years to come.
With the assistance of the Academy, Matadero Madrid will become very much its own entity, ushering in the development of projects from the entire spectrum of music in addition to exciting opportunities for those concerned with performing and visual arts, design, dance, architecture, urban planning, landscape design, fashion, literature, cinema and thought. Essentially, Matadero Madrid stands to serve as a monumental reminder of the Academy’s spirit and passion for creativity and craft.
In the meantime, the tour has already taken in Cape Town, Berlin, Paris, Detroit, Toronto, Melbourne, New York and Rome, embracing each respective and unique cultural identity and breaking boundaries along the way. With Sao Paulo and London to follow before the eagerly-awaited culmination in Madrid, the global jaunt has built momentum by involving the public every step of the way. 13 years on, the Academy continues to provide essential education.

For more information on the Red Bull Music Academy, you can visit redbullmusicacademy.com. Check out hotpress.com for documentaries relating to the world tour.