The idea of using urban voids as a ground for change in arts is getting more exciting each day, and we are proud to be part of this founding movement. After the 2008 Academy edition in Barcelona, where young architecture and design firm Estudi Frank Dominguez reinvented a storied textile factory in many inspiring ways, it is now time for Lisbon, Portugal to see its own industrial landscape gaining a fresh and creative sparkle: the Red Bull Music Academy Lx Taster 2009 is about to recover a dusty and industrial aisle to make way for cutting-edge music, arts and street culture from March 12 to March 15.

What does such a Taster taste like? Well, the name of this project is kinda self-explanatory: the Taster is a local branch of the Red Bull Music Academy, a showcase of all its peculiarities, and the right spot to get for all potential participants to get the information they need to apply. But, on the other hand, it’s a whole experience in itself. 50 selected DJs, producers, musicians, songwriters, sound engineers and bedroom MCs from all corners of Portugal will gather for four days of mutual inspiration and exchange. Plus: they’ll have the chance to get to know and talk to some of the most interesting music people ever.

While the memorable 2008 debut edition saw the Academy couch buckle from the strain of musical heavyweights such as Juan Atkins, Waajeed, Arthur Baker, and revered fadista Carlos do Carmo, this year’s roster of lecturers includes self-made audio geek Deadbeat and the unpredictable Om’Mas Keith amongst others. Both of them will also perform in clubs around town, such as the Minimercado and the Music Box. And there’s more to it than lecture sessions and parties: Long-time Academy team member Patrick Pulsinger will guide things in all the studios set up for the occasion, and also bring his very own Viennese Midas Touch to a closing workshop open to the public on Sunday, March 15.

Still in the process of restyling, the venue for the Red Bull Music Academy Lx Taster remains a secret as yet. We do know, however, that a group of six local artists put together by the Who collective will intervene directly in the space, thus contributing to a creative and interdisciplinary atmosphere. FM national Radio Antena 3 will be on air every day, transmitting live from the Red Bull Music Academy Radio studio built on location of the Lx Taster ’09. An online stream as well as nuff live recordings from all the nights-out, will be available on www.redbullmusicacademyradio.com.

Check back here for more guest lecturers, venue infos, and party dates throughout the next couple of weeks – the Red Bull Music Academy Lx Taster ’09 definitely has a few more surprises to unveil...

BONUS: On The Floor! - Live at RBMA Taster, Lisbon - Juan Atkins (Model 500, Metroplex, Detroit)