62 Artists From 29 Countries Chosen For 2012 Red Bull Music Academy In New York

NEW YORK, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Bull Music Academy announced today the 62 participants selected to take part in its 15th yearly edition which takes place in New York City from September 30 through November 2, 2012. Flying in from 29 countries and six continents, each group of participants will encounter two weeks of lectures from musical luminaries, work together in custom-built studios and perform in NYC's best clubs and music halls.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120717/LA41752-INFO)

After an extensive selection process, going through thousands of applications from producers, instrumentalists and vocalists from no less than 93 countries, Red Bull Music Academy is looking to make this year's 15th annual edition the most memorable experience yet. Applicants not only had to describe and send a sample of their music style but were also asked personality questions, ranging from the title of their autobiography to the menu they would cook for the first dinner with their in-laws to a Rorschach test with inkblots in the shape of New York City. When selecting Red Bull Music Academy participants, a panel of 21 experienced professionals from five different countries looked for those with a strong creative vision, a passion for learning and sharing, enthusiasm for music across genres, and a truly global, open-minded outlook. The jury listened to a grand total of 149,409 minutes of music, and answered 1,439 questions via e-mail.

For the first time, applications were received from Swaziland, Afghanistan, Tanzania and Cambodia. Participants come from 29 countries, including nine artists representing the United States. You can find some more information on both 2012 Red Bull Music Academy applicants and selected participants in the infographic attached.

These chosen visionaries will study, record, and break bread with some of the world's most renowned and influential musicians, all with the hopes of creating something memorable. Notable graduates from previous editions of the Red Bull Music Academy include Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, Nina Kraviz, Aloe Blacc, J-Wow of Buraka Som Sistema, Jamie Woon, Katy B, Oddisee, Lunice, Teri Gender Bender of Le Butcherettes, TOKiMONSTA, Samiyam, Natalia Lafourcade, Cosmin TRG, Doc Daneeka, Dorian Concept, Tiger & Woods, XXXchange, New Look, Brenmar, Nick Hook of Cubic Zirconia, and many more.

In addition to recording with acclaimed artists, participants will also hear lectures by their revered mentors (2012 Red Bull Music Academy lecturers will be announced in the coming weeks). Past lecturers have included ?uestlove, Steve Reich, James Murphy, RZA, A-Trak, Bun B, Carl Craig, James Brown's right-hand man David Matthews, Gilberto Gil, dubstep trailblazers Skream, Benga, Mala of DMZ and Kode9, Dam-Funk, DJ Premier, Sly & Robbie, Gilles Peterson, acclaimed record producers Trevor Horn and Tony Visconti, Just Blaze, Biz Markie, Erykah Badu, the most recorded drummer in music history Bernard Purdie, Chuck D, Hugh Masekela, Jeff Mills, Jay Electronica, M.I.A., Just Blaze, Leon Ware, Leroy Burgess, Moodymann, Theo Parrish, Mark Ronson, Peter Hook of New Order, afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen and many more.

DISCOVER U.S. PARTICIPANTS

For nearly 15 years the Red Bull Music Academy has secured the reputation of creative incubator and musical forum across the globe—but it is the talent and the experience that distinguishes it as revolutionary. Each year, thousands of people apply for the opportunity to attend workshops and put their own skills to the test, assembling in a different, global music capital. Here in New York City, the culture capital of the world, the world will reverberate with 21st century music innovation. And it begins with talent:

Bonnie Baxter or Shadowbox is a self-taught producer, instrumentalist and vocalist from New York City. You might have heard her heavy vocals with a dose of fuzzed-out electronic soul or her multilayered beats on her 'Haunted By Colors' EP or through her collaborations with Lapalux and DjRUM. http://soundcloud.com/shadowbox4u

Michael Morrison as Octo Octa has been releasing records for less than two years but has already found a niche. The Brooklyn-based artist has spread his wings on both east and west coasts by plugging into 100% Silk and Not Not Fun sister labels, which combined make one of the most talked-about networks in the US music underground scene. His warm take on classic club music provides refreshing, considering he doesn't have a background in club culture – but that naivety is accompanied by the guileless charm and humility which shine through his music. http://octoocta.bandcamp.com/

Eliza Coolidge combines her passion for family and music to create a synergistic sound. As a kid in Boston, she was inspired to pursue music when she saw her father's reaction to her singing in school recitals, and later she started a band with her brother titled "Knox." In her music, Eliza combines traditional song forms with unconventional electronic experimentation, and has garnered some unlikely approval; Knox's second EP will be released on UK label Last Night on Earth, headed by superstar progressive trance DJ Sasha. www.soundcloud.com/knoxtheband

Joseph Butler, Seattle's Kid Smpl, produces, DJs and creates a soundtrack best suited for an impending digital dystopia. His background experience crafting hip-hop, angsty hardcore punk and dubstep has lent itself perfectly to his most recent moody atmospheric and rain-soaked productions. www.soundcloud.com/kidsmpldubs

Julian Cubillos, native of Torrance, CA, has something we can call the "West Coast Factor"— that "whatever hardships the world may hold for you, picking up the guitar, strumming along and whistling is always an option" kind of thing. Julian not only churns out light-hearted garage pop tunes like it's nobody's business, but he also writes substantial and mature lyrics that blend with huge harmonies. It's that Cali magic. www.juliancubillos.bandcamp.com

James Walker, or Jimi Nixr, marries the emotional severity of southern blues with the psychedelic vibe of modern R&B. In other words, he sounds pretty much unlike anything you're heard lately. A native of Dallas, TX, James is on a quest to develop his own style in the overlapping spaces and sounds of music. www.soundcloud.com/jiminxir

Diego Herrera as Suzanne Kraft goes solo on labels like Germany's Running Back, and channels the best of baggy Manchester House, syrupy Balearic Disco, and kraut-inspired pop. Suzanne Kraft blends sweet chords and thick bass lines, the sophistication of Paradise Garage with the rebellion of his Venice Beach residence. www.soundcloud.com/suzannekraft

Michael Rathbun, or Distal, is all about the dance. He has already released a full-length album on Pinch's Tectonic label, singles for Starkey and Dev79's Seclusiasis imprint and Sinden's Grizzly label, and remixes for 2nd Drop and Trouble & Bass. A manager of his own label, Embassy, Distal has come a long way from his base in Atlanta, Georgia. www.soundcloud.com/distal

Anna Levin as Annalove describes her style as "Beyonce on lean, booty bouncing in a g-wagon, all while floating in the clouds." Annalove explores the tides of "trill-wave" and "dripstep" while throwing in some gangster bass—her style is kind of like a Rolls Royce pimped out with fully tinted windows and neon undercarriage lights. A drummer and Audio Engineering student, Annalove combines rhythm and atmospheric tones to create night-drive music at its finest. www.soundcloud.com/annalove   

MORE FROM THE RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY

Take a dive into the Red Bull Music Academy archives and hear past interviews, live shows, and music by distinguished Academy alumni such as Flying Lotus, Jamie Woon, Natalia Lafourcade, and Aloe Blacc. Thousands of club and festival recordings, DJ sets, and documentary formats are available at rbmaradio.com.   

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SOURCE Red Bull Music Academy