Features
‘The Future Of Music Is Safe’: Q’s With Adam Ryan, The Great Escape
The Great Escape is the UK’s biggest talent festival and music business conference. This year, May 15-18, marks the festival’s 16th edition, and it comes with a renewed conference format, curated by a host of industry experts. More than 500 acts are to perform across Brighton’s venues, which are in dire need of some love in the form of music fans spending money inside. Pollstar spoke with The Great Escape’s head of music, Adam Ryan, to find out all there is to know about the upcoming gathering on England’s south coast.
See: The UK’s Great Escape Unveils Full Conference Schedule
Pollstar: When you look at the applications for this year’s Great Escape, how do you feel about the future of live music in general?
Adam Ryan: The future of music is safe in the hands of this year’s current selection of artists performing at TGE, and those who are not. We are proud of the support our platform offers to emerging artists making their first steps into the music industry. Whether it’s working with Roundhouse Rising, BIMM, or ReBalance, Festival
Republic’s pioneering program focused on supporting female musicians; or the global agencies who showcase their latest signings like WME, UTA, or Wasserman – TGE is one of the best places in the world to see what’s currently happening in the new music arena. Every year I’m taken aback by the creativity and talent of the performers at the festival.
What program points at this year’s Great Escape would you like to highlight?
We have worked extremely hard to revamp the conference this year, working alongside some fantastic industry organizations and key players to curate some exciting discussions. There’s a lot to dig into but with the help of Association of Independent Music, The Council of Music Makers, Night Time Industries Association, BBC
Introducing, and Youth Music we’re set to bring their expertise and networks to life. Together, they’re poised to transform the Great Escape conference into a powerhouse platform, connecting music professionals and ensuring they stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry trends.
The plight of grassroots music venues, clubs, and pubs in today’s economy has been well reported. Does the feedback you receive from the venues participating in TGE suggest that this annual spotlight helps them throughout the year?
Each year we try and use as many of the city’s venues. I think we’re currently at around 30, if you include the Alternative Escape. Brighton’s grassroots venues don’t have it easy. With the increase in the cost of touring, the city is missing from most UK tours nowadays. Coupled with rates and rent increases, it’s a sad time for these UK businesses. According to the MVT, 16% of UK Grassroots Music Venues have been lost in the last 12 months. I encourage you to try and visit as many of the venues as possible over TGE and buy a pint. Don’t blame me for your hangover, though!
Did you receive more applications or less than in 2023 or any usual year?
TGE receives around 15,000 applications each year, this number is around the same each year. We currently work with around 28 country partners who help spread the word and process the applications with us. The Great Escape receives submissions from around the globe. It’s a fantastic resource and we are extremely lucky to be in this position. For anyone applying, good luck!
Do you observe any trends, like certain genres becoming significantly more popular than in recent years; more bands vs. solo acts; anything like that?
The first TGE took place in 2006, showcasing around 120 artists. Predominately all-male, white indie bands or solo female artists. 2006 wasn’t the greatest time for shared opportunity. The introduction of streaming platforms has made audience tastes broader, in my opinion, and the cost of equipment becoming more affordable means
it’s an extremely exciting time to be making music. The Great Escape is definitely one of the broadest festivals for new music. The Late Escape has played host to some of the world’s most exciting DJs, and producers, while the core program offers everything from jazz, pop, grime, R&B, indie to country, and Americana. We try our hardest to work with the best partners to showcase what’s hot or what we feel is being underrepresented by radio or press.
Can you pick a few artists that everyone should have on their radar right now?
There’s over 500 artists performing at this year’s event. Mary in the Junkyard, Hitech, Gia Ford, Frost Children, and Tom Lark would all be worth checking out.
Anything you’d like to add?
Tickets are on sale at greatescapefestival.com.