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A GROUP of aspiring artistes, acts and bands from Bahrain are set to be swept up on an all-expense-paid musical journey to Australia by top DJ and producer James Locksmith to showcase their talent and skills on a global scale.
The Sydney native, who currently lives in Dubai, is currently on the prowl across the MENA region, including Bahrain, to find the entertainment industry’s cream of the crop to take with him to his home city to participate in the Electronic Music Conference (EMC).
He has teamed up with the annual week-long event, which will be staged in November, to be one of its main curators.
EMC is considered by music followers and industry experts as the leading electronic event in the Asian Pacific region allowing creative professionals, curators, influencers and tastemakers to network, share ideas and collaborate.
“It is such an honour to be asked to do this after all these years of being away from Sydney,” said James. “I’ve kind of been waiting for something like this to come along. The MENA region is hot right now. In my opinion, people are looking here more than ever. In all the time I’ve lived in this part of the world I’ve never witnessed so much interest being generated.
“Bahrain has immense talent and the EMC will act as a platform to showcase local talent globally. EMC is not just straight up electronic music. We’re looking for indie, bands, beats, hip hop as well as club music-makers. After all, most modern music today, even if it sounds organic, often has elements of electronic music involved.
“This is a great opportunity to explore another part of the world, meet other creative, like-minded individuals, share your work, your process and see how things work on that side of the planet.
“You never know, your music and career could reach greater heights as a result of the experience. No doubt it will be inspirational and create new opportunities.”
The chosen talents will either partake in panels, workshops and collaboration projects or perform during the EMC event. The programme includes conferences, master classes, breakout sessions, a forum and networking events.
There will also be film screenings, parties and pop-ups showcasing the most revered artists of the year as well as the most exciting new emerging electronic music talent.
Aside from existing acts, James and the EMC are also looking for new performers and emerging bands, artists and producers.
While the primary focus is on electronic music, other genres are also welcomed to apply for a place.
James has been obsessed with music videos, independent radio and hip hop ever since he was a child. Then he came across his mother’s old record collection and was hooked.
“At 16, I DJ’ed my first party and haven’t stopped since,” he said. “This led to radio, events, label management and distribution. I’ve been obsessed with DIY and independent music, as well as culture, and have pretty much dedicated my whole career around that.
“I prefer good music, anything that is original, has integrity and is honest. My sound varies between house, techno, disco, world, electronic, jazz, funk, soul and hip hop and all the good sub-sounds that fall in between.”
For more than 20 years, James has been producing and programming, launching instrumental projects and events and DJ-ing from lounges to festival stages. He moved to Dubai in 2011 and immediately became an integral part of a new groundbreaking alternative club scene in the GCC. He has also played his genre-hopping mix in Beirut, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Greece, Morocco and Australia.
“In Dubai, I’ve been able to bring something here that is part of my career and expand on that while simultaneously creating new opportunities for the growing music and culture in the region. I have visited Bahrain from time-to-time to play at clubs and events.
“I’m pleased I am able to bring these two worlds together that I have spent most of my musical life working in both.”
James has worked with artists such as DJ Giles Peterson, Kenny Dope, Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem), Daddy G (Massive Attack) Jamie Woon, Jazzanova, Nightmares On Max and influential label promos like Stones Throw, Compost, Sonar Kollectiv, Brownswood, Wonderwheel, GAAM, Tru-Thoughts.
He has also collaborated with the likes of Red Bull and their popular music academy, as well as with Art Dubai, SOLE DXB, Tiger Translate, SATWA 3000, Analog Room and Vibe Series events. He is also a regular fixture as a performing artist for Groove on the Grass, the leading electronic festival in the region. and currently holds down a long-standing residency at Barbary in Dubai with 2019 highlights set to include a tour of the US in May and the launch of his new podcast series.
Until then, James is working on forming his musical dream team and those interested can send their biographies, EPK and links to info@jameslocksmith.net with the subject line “EMC Australia 2019 ‘ Artist Name.”
“The number of artists that I will be taking with me has yet to be decided,” added James. “I’m in Sydney working on it.”
Readers can also visit www.jameslocksmith.net and message him directly.
