Beyond the Music: first tickets on sale as new global music conference and festival launches

Last night, New Order took to the stage of The Moody Theatre, Austin, Texas, to launch Beyond The Music – the world’s first change-making music conference and festival.

Earlier in the day, Beyond The Music hosted a Fireside Chat at the UK House, featuring Beyond The Music founder Oli Wilson, co founder Sarah Pearson, and Chair Rose Marley, alongside the Mayor of Greater Manchester, UK, Andy Burnham. The four discussed why now is the time for Manchester to launch an international music festival and conference and how Beyond The Music will be different from other events.

Today Beyond The Music announces details and ticketing information for its first edition in Manchester, UK on 11 - 14 October 2023

At the heart of Beyond The Music will be four days of live music by the most exciting new and established artists from around the world, alongside a series of conferences exploring The Past, The Present, The Future and The Summit, identifying everything from the entrepreneurs who have aided in defining Manchester’s music DNA to the new wave, the right to sustainability, ownership and equality within the industry, and how to find music’s place within the new cultural economy of tech, gaming, branding and film & TV.

"The industry has seen a decline from £5.8 billion in 2019 to £3.1 billion in 2021. The economy of the music business has been severely challenged by the pandemic, exit from the European Union and the development of new technology, and coupled with the evolution of the cultural economy it is forcing us to examine current infrastructure and models that have existed in the industry for years - are they fit for purpose for now?“  asks Beyond The Music’s co founder, Sarah Pearson.

“It is incumbent on us to look at the ethical practices of the business, which need root and branch reform. We need to change the very nature of how we live and breathe as an industry, putting artists and musicians first. Beyond The Music is a response to a need for evolution and innovation.

“We haven’t scratched the surface of the true value of this cultural powerhouse. Music is the most shared art form in the world, it’s how we communicate across borders, how we build relationships, it’s democratic and it’s egalitarian. Music defines people’s lives, gives pleasure and eases pain. It’s important to all of us, so the very foundation upon which it’s built should be too.”

Career-defining live music performances will include the Skyline Series, which will see three unique shows from the rooftops of Manchester, and Curated, consisting of exclusive performances from established music names across 10 key venues in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and city centre.

What makes Beyond the Music different?

Beyond The Music is the first festival and conference to have an integrated decision-making structure to create actions. Launched today, its Co-operative Membership programme will allow everyone from musicians, producers, managers, record labels, and trade bodies, through to delegates and gig lovers to have their say in the future of the global industry. By participating in Beyond the Music, everyone will have a stake and a say.

 “It's where content meets tech meets social reform and leads the world in innovation. From the unions and suffragettes to building the first computer and discovering graphene, it's what we’ve always done.”

The festival has also outlined various social initiatives to aid and support the growth of the music industry in Greater Manchester and beyond, from helping young people find careers in the music industry, to supporting grassroots music venues. 

Find out more information about Beyond the Music