This year’s Wide Days showcase is set to feature a diverse range of artists from across Scotland, including seven acts selected for the international talent development programme and four performing at the opening reception.
Supported by Creative Scotland and PRS Foundation, and selected by a panel of 30 music industry and media figures, the former include BBC Introducing Scotland winner BEMZ, fellow rapper CHEF, Tik-Tok sensation Callum Bowie and alternative pop artist Katherine Aly. They will be joined by Edinburgh producer, Cyrano, intelligent indie purveyors, Savage Mansion, and dream popsters Swiss Portrait.
The opening reception on Thursday 19 May, is hosted in partnership with the Music Venue Trust charity (which was officially launched at Wide Days in 2014), and forms part of their Revive Live initiative. The Jellyman’s Daughter, who showcased that year and went on to become the organisation’s Scottish ambassadors, will perform at the event, along with rising stars Lizzie Reid, Alex Amor and Kapil Seshasayee.
“Scotland is experiencing a boom in talent and it’s a privilege to be able to present a snapshot of some great artists,” says Wide Days founder, Olaf Furniss. “We would like to thank the 140 acts who took the time to apply, our selectors and our partners.”
All live shows are open to the public, with free tickets available for the Friday showcases which begin at the Liquid Room, followed by The Caves, and a limited number of tickets for the Music Venue Trust welcome party now on sale, with 50% of profits being donated to the charity.
This year’s convention, which is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund, begins at noon on Thursday 19 May, adding a half day to conference programme, which continues for the whole of Friday. As part of a partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, it will move to the Assembly Rooms from its previous venue, Teviot Row House.
Drawing on the organisers’ experience developed through numerous online events hosted during past two years, Wide Days will place a strong emphasis on connecting participants, with a dedicated meeting strand and space during throughout the conference. This includes the opportunity to book a slot with representatives from event partners PPL, the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), PRS Foundation, Creative Scotland and PRS For Music, as well as the full-spectrum of industry professionals from the UK and abroad.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland, says: “The live and in-person return of Wide Days to the Scottish music calendar is proof that our industry is ready to push through Covid and get back to what it does best – showcasing the stars of tomorrow, providing on-the-pulse advice for musicians at all career stages and generally shouting about the strengths of Scottish music from the rooftops of Edinburgh. Creative Scotland is proud to have increased its funding support for Wide Days 2022 as proof of our belief in a home-grown music industry that is the backbone of arts and culture in Scotland.”
Joe Frankland, CEO of PRS Foundation said “Wide Days is a hugely important moment in the music industry calendar and we’re proud to be continuing our support for the event and in particular their showcase which each year platforms artists who go on to have impressive careers. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the seven exciting artists performing on this year’s showcase alongside the wider performances and activities that make Wide Days a must attend event.”
Beverley Whitrick, COO of the Music Venue Trust, says “We are thrilled to be a partner to this year’s unmissable Wide Days, continuing a relationship which first started in 2014 with the launch of Music Venue Trust in Scotland. Wide Days is a crucial gathering of the Scottish music industry and community, and we look forward to meeting with venues and colleagues from across the country, celebrating the very best in new Scottish music, and sharing MVT’s plans for future work in Scotland.”
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer at PPL, says “PPL has been a proud supporter of Wide Days for over ten years. The conference plays an important role in Scottish music, helping local, national and international artists and professionals develop their careers through networking and education, so cementing the country’s reputation for world-class musical output. PPL also contributes to Scotland’s industry by providing a valuable revenue stream for performers and recording rightsholders – neighbouring rights royalties. These royalties can be an important source of income and we will be hosting a number of sessions throughout the conference for those who want to understand and maximise their neighbouring rights. We invite you to attend and look forward to meeting the great and the good of the Scottish music industry in person.”
Rich Legate, Artist Development Manager, Attitude Is Everything, says “Our work at Attitude is Everything is delivered best in partnership with our allies and supporters across the music industry. We’re therefore delighted to be playing our part in Wide Days 2022, sharing how to remove barriers for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent fans, artists and professionals.”
Stuart Fleming, Senior Relationship Manger for Scotland and Northern Ireland, PRS for Music, said “I’m delighted that PRS for Music is once again partnering with Wide Days in 2022. Continuing our support of their exciting conference and music programme allows us to keep championing some of the most creative and diverse emerging music creators across Scotland.”
Claire Cordeaux, CEO, British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) says “Wide Days know that good health is integral to creative excellence and it is great to see how artist wellbeing has been built into the programme from the start. BAPAM is delighted to bring our clinical expertise and healthy practice knowledge to join Wide Days in supporting artists and professionals in the music industry.”
Tickets and more information can be found at: https://www.widedays.com