Red Bull
Music Academy
FAQ
In a nutshell, what is the Red Bull Music Academy?
The Red Bull Music Academy is an event that travels the world. A yearly celebration of all the journeys and breakthroughs, all the dreams and intricacies that go into the music we love. In between checking gear, chatting on tunes, and spinning in clubs, you'll get a rare glimpse into local musical hybrids in different countries each year. Believe! And in your free time, you can talk to people from around the world who started revolutions in sound. They're the people we look up to, and they're looking to you for a fresh perspective in turn.
Is the Red Bull Music Academy for DJ's, or producers?
The Academy is intended for anyone with a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution:
DJ's, producers, MC's, singers, dancers, promoters, sound engineers, broadcasters, banjo players...
They'll all be considered.
If I'm a successful applicant, what do I win?
There's no winners or losers, simply a group of like-minded people who we think will interact well at the Academy. Once there, they'll make friends and learn the kind of knowledge that money can't buy. Creativity is the only currency here. The workshops are free, open only to successful applicants. The Red Bull Music Academy also covers flight and accommodation costs.
How much experience do I need to have?
No particular set of skills is necessary. Don't worry if you haven't reached level 16 in Shaolin vinyl mastery, or have yet to memorise Roger Linn quantisation values. Of course, if you're a highly trained wax assassin, we won't hold it against you. From megaclub DJ's to aspiring laptop producers, no one is excluded. We rate figures with personality much more than figures on a paycheck. Trust.
How do I apply to the Red Bull Music Academy?
All you need to do is to download and print the application form and fill out the answers to our questions - telling us something about what it is that moves you. Then make us a mix, or a selection of your own tunes (audio CD's only - no mp3s or similar), add two current printed photos and post to the given address. The application form is available during this year's application period, March 14th to May 5th 2008. Just click here to go to the Apply section of our website. Easy!
So what are your selection criteria?
For each Academy, two groups of 30 participants are chosen to represent a wide range of cultures, musical backgrounds and set of skills. People who we think will be able to contribute to and gain from the Academy in their own unique ways. There are no set quotas for any country or genre of music. Therefore everyone has an equal chance of coming along - as long as they have a creative vision, an honest attitude and an open approach.
We are a band, a project, a crew - how do we apply?
Since we strongly believe in personalities and individuals, we treat everyone the same, no matter whether you are a bedroom DJ, laptop lapdancer, one man army crate digger, 1st violin in a symphony, proudest producer on the block, tuba in a marching band or the stiffest m ever next to a c. We like you to meet new people, take in some new influences and go back and share them with your peers. Yet, no one will forbid you and your entire crew to enter indiviually. But please do understand that fairness, logistics and our desires to create open socio-dynamics alone do not allow us to invite entire crews - with 2 x 30 spaces to give away, minus all the members of (the entire Wu Tang Clan + So Solid Crew)... Now you do the maths.
If I've applied before and didn't get in, does that mean I'm not the kind of person you're looking for?
No! Often the number of potential participants far outnumbers the amount we are able to invite. If you've applied in the past and not got in, there's a chance you may have missed the final cut by a cat's whisker, a hair's breadth. You should definitely apply again: this year, you might be just the person to create the right balance in the final selection of 60 people.
Who selects the participants each year for the Academy?
Once the application period has closed, a group of sound pioneers, label headz, respected journalists and Academy Content Team members from all sorts of countries meet up in some secret location in Germany. There, they carefully consider your application and they take great care to listen to your music with focused attention. Every application is read by at least two people. They're not influenced by hearsay or propaganda in their decision. It's simply about you and your music.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Sadly, no. We'll have to let you decide your skill level for yourself. In any event, we hope you'll start to get some insights into your own approach just by filling out the application form. Don't forget to keep a copy of the music you send us, because unfortunately this can't be returned either.
The Red Bull Music Academy is an event that travels the world. A yearly celebration of all the journeys and breakthroughs, all the dreams and intricacies that go into the music we love. In between checking gear, chatting on tunes, and spinning in clubs, you'll get a rare glimpse into local musical hybrids in different countries each year. Believe! And in your free time, you can talk to people from around the world who started revolutions in sound. They're the people we look up to, and they're looking to you for a fresh perspective in turn.
Is the Red Bull Music Academy for DJ's, or producers?
The Academy is intended for anyone with a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution:
DJ's, producers, MC's, singers, dancers, promoters, sound engineers, broadcasters, banjo players...
They'll all be considered.
If I'm a successful applicant, what do I win?
There's no winners or losers, simply a group of like-minded people who we think will interact well at the Academy. Once there, they'll make friends and learn the kind of knowledge that money can't buy. Creativity is the only currency here. The workshops are free, open only to successful applicants. The Red Bull Music Academy also covers flight and accommodation costs.
How much experience do I need to have?
No particular set of skills is necessary. Don't worry if you haven't reached level 16 in Shaolin vinyl mastery, or have yet to memorise Roger Linn quantisation values. Of course, if you're a highly trained wax assassin, we won't hold it against you. From megaclub DJ's to aspiring laptop producers, no one is excluded. We rate figures with personality much more than figures on a paycheck. Trust.
How do I apply to the Red Bull Music Academy?
All you need to do is to download and print the application form and fill out the answers to our questions - telling us something about what it is that moves you. Then make us a mix, or a selection of your own tunes (audio CD's only - no mp3s or similar), add two current printed photos and post to the given address. The application form is available during this year's application period, March 14th to May 5th 2008. Just click here to go to the Apply section of our website. Easy!
So what are your selection criteria?
For each Academy, two groups of 30 participants are chosen to represent a wide range of cultures, musical backgrounds and set of skills. People who we think will be able to contribute to and gain from the Academy in their own unique ways. There are no set quotas for any country or genre of music. Therefore everyone has an equal chance of coming along - as long as they have a creative vision, an honest attitude and an open approach.
We are a band, a project, a crew - how do we apply?
Since we strongly believe in personalities and individuals, we treat everyone the same, no matter whether you are a bedroom DJ, laptop lapdancer, one man army crate digger, 1st violin in a symphony, proudest producer on the block, tuba in a marching band or the stiffest m ever next to a c. We like you to meet new people, take in some new influences and go back and share them with your peers. Yet, no one will forbid you and your entire crew to enter indiviually. But please do understand that fairness, logistics and our desires to create open socio-dynamics alone do not allow us to invite entire crews - with 2 x 30 spaces to give away, minus all the members of (the entire Wu Tang Clan + So Solid Crew)... Now you do the maths.
If I've applied before and didn't get in, does that mean I'm not the kind of person you're looking for?
No! Often the number of potential participants far outnumbers the amount we are able to invite. If you've applied in the past and not got in, there's a chance you may have missed the final cut by a cat's whisker, a hair's breadth. You should definitely apply again: this year, you might be just the person to create the right balance in the final selection of 60 people.
Who selects the participants each year for the Academy?
Once the application period has closed, a group of sound pioneers, label headz, respected journalists and Academy Content Team members from all sorts of countries meet up in some secret location in Germany. There, they carefully consider your application and they take great care to listen to your music with focused attention. Every application is read by at least two people. They're not influenced by hearsay or propaganda in their decision. It's simply about you and your music.
Can I get feedback on my application?
Sadly, no. We'll have to let you decide your skill level for yourself. In any event, we hope you'll start to get some insights into your own approach just by filling out the application form. Don't forget to keep a copy of the music you send us, because unfortunately this can't be returned either.
When will the selection results be announced?
The selection process will be finished by July 14th, 2008. All applicants will be notified by email, whether they've been successful or not.
What happens to the application that I sent in?
Your details will be logged on a database for the selection process and deleted after the election process is completed. Red Bull guarantees all applications will not be used for any other non Music Academy purposes.
Can I send in my application via email?
Alas, no. All applications need to be sent via the regular postal service or couriers, and should contain the requested CD with mix or production examples, plus two current printed photographs and your completed questionnaire. It might be worth considering a recorded delivery service if you are worried about your application arriving safely.
I've sent in my application but haven't heard back from you. What's happening?
We usually send out a confirmation as soon as your application has been entered into our database, which could take until mid-June. If you haven't received a confirmation until June 5th, please contact us at apply[at]redbullmusicacademy.com.
The delay could be for one of two reasons:
- Your application may not have reached us.
- Your application has arrived but we couldn't read your email address to notify you. So please, write those email addresses clearly folks...
What age should I be to apply for the Red Bull Music Academy?
You'll need to be 18 or over (born after September 21st, 1990) when this year's Spanish edition of the Academy workshops starts... but there's no other age limit. If you're a senior citizen writing bomb-diggety Hip Hop tunes in your rocking chair, you'll be considered along with everyone else, seen?
Red Bull isn't sold in my country. Can I still apply?
Definitely, you can. It's irrelevant whether or not Red Bull is sold in your country.
I've heard of a Red Bull Music Academy CD-Rom. What's that all about?
Every year we produce a CD-Rom for our representatives to distribute. It's put together to give you a window onto what the Red Bull Music Academy is all about. The CD-Rom contains short clips from previous workshops, which are also available on this website - check the Diaries or browse through our extensive list of Lectures and Tutorials. You don't need the CD-Rom or have to know any of our representatives to apply for the Academy. The application form on the CD-Rom is the same as the one available here. If you would like to get hold of a copy, you can try contacting the nearest Red Bull representative to you - they're all listed in our Contacts section.
Will the Red Bull Music Academy sponsor me and help my career?
This ain't no Pop Idol bizzle - the Academy doesn't give out certificates or sponsor artists. It's not about getting 'discovered' by a record label either... We offer the participants who come along a unique experience, one they're likely to never forget - an experience filled with the inspiration you need to keep making the music that moves you. If you want to be supported by Red Bull in any other way, you should contact the Red Bull representative in your country. The contact details of all international Red Bull offices can be found at www.redbull.com.
By the way, Red Bull generally has no interest in publishing any of your music, and doesn't obtain copyrights to any of your work.
What do the local representatives do?
The representatives are personally spreading the word on the Academy, since there never was a single advert or billboard for it. They're available to answer any your questions. They'll also take care of your travel logistics if you're invited.
How is the Academy's programme developed?
An international team consisting of journalists, DJ's/producers and label owners get together each year and decide on the content of the workshop programmes. The schedule is different each year, involving a wide range of innovators from all angles of sound... people who will be both entertaining and insightful. People who, while being pioneers in their own right, might gain something from the experience themselves.
The selection process will be finished by July 14th, 2008. All applicants will be notified by email, whether they've been successful or not.
What happens to the application that I sent in?
Your details will be logged on a database for the selection process and deleted after the election process is completed. Red Bull guarantees all applications will not be used for any other non Music Academy purposes.
Can I send in my application via email?
Alas, no. All applications need to be sent via the regular postal service or couriers, and should contain the requested CD with mix or production examples, plus two current printed photographs and your completed questionnaire. It might be worth considering a recorded delivery service if you are worried about your application arriving safely.
I've sent in my application but haven't heard back from you. What's happening?
We usually send out a confirmation as soon as your application has been entered into our database, which could take until mid-June. If you haven't received a confirmation until June 5th, please contact us at apply[at]redbullmusicacademy.com.
The delay could be for one of two reasons:
- Your application may not have reached us.
- Your application has arrived but we couldn't read your email address to notify you. So please, write those email addresses clearly folks...
What age should I be to apply for the Red Bull Music Academy?
You'll need to be 18 or over (born after September 21st, 1990) when this year's Spanish edition of the Academy workshops starts... but there's no other age limit. If you're a senior citizen writing bomb-diggety Hip Hop tunes in your rocking chair, you'll be considered along with everyone else, seen?
Red Bull isn't sold in my country. Can I still apply?
Definitely, you can. It's irrelevant whether or not Red Bull is sold in your country.
I've heard of a Red Bull Music Academy CD-Rom. What's that all about?
Every year we produce a CD-Rom for our representatives to distribute. It's put together to give you a window onto what the Red Bull Music Academy is all about. The CD-Rom contains short clips from previous workshops, which are also available on this website - check the Diaries or browse through our extensive list of Lectures and Tutorials. You don't need the CD-Rom or have to know any of our representatives to apply for the Academy. The application form on the CD-Rom is the same as the one available here. If you would like to get hold of a copy, you can try contacting the nearest Red Bull representative to you - they're all listed in our Contacts section.
Will the Red Bull Music Academy sponsor me and help my career?
This ain't no Pop Idol bizzle - the Academy doesn't give out certificates or sponsor artists. It's not about getting 'discovered' by a record label either... We offer the participants who come along a unique experience, one they're likely to never forget - an experience filled with the inspiration you need to keep making the music that moves you. If you want to be supported by Red Bull in any other way, you should contact the Red Bull representative in your country. The contact details of all international Red Bull offices can be found at www.redbull.com.
By the way, Red Bull generally has no interest in publishing any of your music, and doesn't obtain copyrights to any of your work.
What do the local representatives do?
The representatives are personally spreading the word on the Academy, since there never was a single advert or billboard for it. They're available to answer any your questions. They'll also take care of your travel logistics if you're invited.
How is the Academy's programme developed?
An international team consisting of journalists, DJ's/producers and label owners get together each year and decide on the content of the workshop programmes. The schedule is different each year, involving a wide range of innovators from all angles of sound... people who will be both entertaining and insightful. People who, while being pioneers in their own right, might gain something from the experience themselves.
What does an average day at the Academy look like?
Each morning participants, team and lecturers gather on-site, checking emails and grabbing liquid refreshments. The building is bubbling with activity as we prepare for the day's guest speakers to take the famous Academy couch. There, armed with a mic and a turntable or a piece of hardware, each guest explores crucial know-how, sharing the dreams that pushed them forward to where they are. Since the legendary first session back in '98, when Jeff Mills revealed his transglobal hotel secrets, the Academy lectures have offered a chance for participants to glean those pearls of renegade wisdom.
Then, after breaking-down chord progressions and wising-up to business pitfalls, it's time to hit the beats. Participants have the chance to DJ one-on-one and sketch out mixes, or collaborating on tunes, flipping styles.
It's free time, and anything could happen. You might find yourself exchanging licks with your favourite Reggae-Soul composer in a studio session, or writing sentimental lyrics with a Scandinavian singer/songwriter at a milkshake bar. The building echoes with noise and music well into the night, and then we head out on the town. All the Academy attendees get down to each other's sets, forging links and recording memories, all the time checking ways to develop their vibe.
So who are the mysterious people behind the scenes at the Academy?
They've tried to keep a low profile in the past, but maybe it's time to find out about some of the personalities who've worked 26 hours a day to make the Academy what it is - no compromises, no limitations, no detail overlooked. The people who have been running the Academy for the last nine years are committed music lovers just like you. They're journalists whose love for music led them to feature-writing instead of truck driving. Label heads who started putting out music to advance their home-town scenes. They're people who hail from different points on the globe, where they're listening to the soundtrack of their daily lives, staying connected and planning the Academy. Click here to spy on them.
Why is the Academy always moving around?
The Academy shifts location to zoom in on micro-cultures and new musical hybrids that are springing up all over the world. It gives international participants at each Academy a chance for an original adventure, their own unique set of experiences. The Academy also aims to help local music-makers in each new location to form friendships and make contacts, by attending workshops that are open to the public, and by playing alongside their international counterparts in the city's clubs. Thus participants in Brazil had the chance to attend samba schools, and locals in Cape Town could attend a workshop with Bob Moog on sound synthesis. It's a two-way street, and everyone's getting closer to the essence of music. The vibe that is created is incomparable - something close to a revelation. We all know music brings people together, but global politics could benefit from the spirit of the Academy.
So if it's all this - why have I never heard of it? What does Red Bull get out of it?
It might seem too good to be true - and perhaps you have to be there to understand, there's nothing hoax, nothing phoney about the Academy. It's actually a very simple recipe: the best in music, past & present, from around the world, under one roof, getting down just for the funk of it. Red Bull has decided to support music by letting you do it your way. Frankly, Red Bull hopes to gain your personal respect and props by giving you respect and props and does not want to shove marketing rhetoric down your throat. Staying in the background and giving the gift of an experience to music lovers - that's why you won't find big billboards advertising the Academy, rampant radio ads or any musical or cultural stereotypes being exploited. The Red Bull Music Academy is there to advance and inspire at grassroots level - expect your expectations to be overturned in the best possible way. This is for you.
Each morning participants, team and lecturers gather on-site, checking emails and grabbing liquid refreshments. The building is bubbling with activity as we prepare for the day's guest speakers to take the famous Academy couch. There, armed with a mic and a turntable or a piece of hardware, each guest explores crucial know-how, sharing the dreams that pushed them forward to where they are. Since the legendary first session back in '98, when Jeff Mills revealed his transglobal hotel secrets, the Academy lectures have offered a chance for participants to glean those pearls of renegade wisdom.
Then, after breaking-down chord progressions and wising-up to business pitfalls, it's time to hit the beats. Participants have the chance to DJ one-on-one and sketch out mixes, or collaborating on tunes, flipping styles.
It's free time, and anything could happen. You might find yourself exchanging licks with your favourite Reggae-Soul composer in a studio session, or writing sentimental lyrics with a Scandinavian singer/songwriter at a milkshake bar. The building echoes with noise and music well into the night, and then we head out on the town. All the Academy attendees get down to each other's sets, forging links and recording memories, all the time checking ways to develop their vibe.
So who are the mysterious people behind the scenes at the Academy?
They've tried to keep a low profile in the past, but maybe it's time to find out about some of the personalities who've worked 26 hours a day to make the Academy what it is - no compromises, no limitations, no detail overlooked. The people who have been running the Academy for the last nine years are committed music lovers just like you. They're journalists whose love for music led them to feature-writing instead of truck driving. Label heads who started putting out music to advance their home-town scenes. They're people who hail from different points on the globe, where they're listening to the soundtrack of their daily lives, staying connected and planning the Academy. Click here to spy on them.
Why is the Academy always moving around?
The Academy shifts location to zoom in on micro-cultures and new musical hybrids that are springing up all over the world. It gives international participants at each Academy a chance for an original adventure, their own unique set of experiences. The Academy also aims to help local music-makers in each new location to form friendships and make contacts, by attending workshops that are open to the public, and by playing alongside their international counterparts in the city's clubs. Thus participants in Brazil had the chance to attend samba schools, and locals in Cape Town could attend a workshop with Bob Moog on sound synthesis. It's a two-way street, and everyone's getting closer to the essence of music. The vibe that is created is incomparable - something close to a revelation. We all know music brings people together, but global politics could benefit from the spirit of the Academy.
So if it's all this - why have I never heard of it? What does Red Bull get out of it?
It might seem too good to be true - and perhaps you have to be there to understand, there's nothing hoax, nothing phoney about the Academy. It's actually a very simple recipe: the best in music, past & present, from around the world, under one roof, getting down just for the funk of it. Red Bull has decided to support music by letting you do it your way. Frankly, Red Bull hopes to gain your personal respect and props by giving you respect and props and does not want to shove marketing rhetoric down your throat. Staying in the background and giving the gift of an experience to music lovers - that's why you won't find big billboards advertising the Academy, rampant radio ads or any musical or cultural stereotypes being exploited. The Red Bull Music Academy is there to advance and inspire at grassroots level - expect your expectations to be overturned in the best possible way. This is for you.