Ireland's largest music conference returns to Belfast on February 16 with some of the industry's top names lined up to lead a day of seminars, panels and keynotes at the MAC.
Over 400 people are expected to attend Output 2017 to hear from noted speakers including award-winning musicians and managers of globally recognised talent, and to take part in a range of workshops and networking opportunities.
Now in its third year, the event is organised to address the challenges and opportunities that the music industry presents, highlighting the key role that music and performance plays within Northern Ireland’s buoyant creative industries sector.
In the evening, the spotlight will once again turn onto the country's homegrown talent, with a series of free showcases taking place across venues in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. It's an opportunity for the travelling industry to sample and connect with some of 2017's most buzzy and talked about new bands and singers, with shows presented by Irish record labels, management companies, blogs and media organisations.
Bands playing this year include Derry~Londonderry teenagers Touts, whose management team includes The Stone Roses' manager, and who are about to tour with popular English five-piece Blossoms; Callum Stewart, whose breakout 2016 single 'Parachutes' has led to several major label deals; New Portals, Spotify favourites bound for the prestigious South by South West music showcase in 2017; Ryan Vail, whose debut album was Radio One presenter Huw Stephens' album of the week; Kerrang! favourites Making Monsters; and The Voice finalist Leah McFall.
Amongst those presenting the artists are Ireland's most influential music blogger, Nialler 9, Northern Irish arts and music publication The Thin Air, Derry-based record label Smalltown America, PRS for Music and the Irish Music Rights Organisation.
Showcasing artists Include:
David C Clements, Callum Stewart, TOUTS, Jealous Of The Birds, Silences, The Wood Burning Savages, Robocobra Quartet, Leah McFall, Brand New Friend, Ryan Vail, Brash Isaac, New Portals, Bad Fit, Kid Trench, Gross Net, Beauty Sleep, Joshua Burnside, Isobel Anderson, Carriages, ROE, Sullivan & Gold, Scenery, Autumns, Malojian, Hiva Oa, Junk Drawer, Sister Ghost, Making Monsters, R51, Le Boom, Robyn G Shiels, PATHS, Chanele McGuinness, ELLLL, Susie Blue, Hot Cops, Michael Mormecha, Wake America, Tuskany, Jamie Neish, LARKS and Travis Is A Tourist.
Showcase hosts include:
Cool FM, Nialler9, IMRO, Scratch My Progress, Touch Sensitive, Help Musicians NI, PRS For Music, Voodoo, Nerve Centre, Sentric, Hope & Fury, Champion Sound, AVA Festival, Stendhal Festival Of Art, Chordblossom, State.ie, The Thin Air, Smalltown America Studio, Primitive Sound, OLD FANG, Homebeat and This Greedy Pig.
Output is organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with Generator NI. The daytime conference runs from 10am - 5pm before evening showcases, which begin at 8pm and continue until midnight. Full details of who is playing, where and when will be released on www.outputbelfast.com.
