As Brighton Music Conference kicks off we catch up with founder, Billy Mauseth
MUSIC fans across the country are gearing up for this year's Brighton Music Conference (BMC) which kicked off yesterday and runs until Saturday.
BMC is the UK's foremost electronic music industry event, bringing together leading delegates and speakers for over 60 talks, seminars and workshops, plus networking events.
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The BMC runs until Saturday
Credit: Picture: SUPPLIED
BMC Professional connects music with business, bringing together thought leaders through a series of panels to discuss the future sustainable growth of the electronic music industry, networking events and access to evening parties across Brighton and Hove.
The event is about plugging in the next generation and fostering new talent via a series of masterclasses, panels and talks. Ticket-holders will have access to the two-day exhibition featuring tech showcases, panels and interviews.
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BMC founder Billy Mauseth
Credit: PICTURE: SUPPLIED
We caught up with BMC founder, Billy Mauseth to chat about the state of the UK electronic dance music scene, what to expect from this year's BMC and much more. You'll find more info
HOW would you describe the current state of the UK dance music scene in 2025? Are we seeing a post-pandemic renaissance, or are there still challenges to overcome?
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Unfortunately, the UK dance music scene is not in the best place, with many venues shutting over the last couple of years. The rising costs of living and difficulties putting on events have also added to the problem.
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People don't have as much money in their pockets now so many are only going out once in a while compared to regulalry attending gigs and club nights.
However, I am also seeing some new venues opening and promising promoters coming through the scene which gives me hope. The next generation still loves music and wants to put on their own nights and
do things their way.
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The conference brings together speakers for over 60 talks
Credit: PICTURE: SUPPLIED
WITH the rise of streaming and social media, how do you think artist discovery and development has shifted in dance music compared to a decade ago?
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Without a doubt promoters use social media platforms to see how many followers/likes artists have. A lot of acts are now booked based on this, not on their musical talent. These days you definitely need to be on top of your socials, which is a shame as music should be the most important thing in my mind.
THIS year's BMC promises some exciting additions. Can you tell us what's new in 2025 and what you're looking forward to?
We're really excited about the new format of this year's event. Instead of having one main venue, we'll use numerous ones to expand the programme.
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There are 10 different venues across Brighton for the talks
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The New Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle programme in collaboration with Skiddle will take place at The Harbour Hotel. Horizon will be the new space for sessions geared towards DJs, Producers and Promoters.
The Tempest will be the place for industry-related talks, the A&R Sessions and the official BMC Welcome Mixer in association with AFEM. The Lazy Fin will host breakfast networking sessions and workshops.
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In total, I think we will be spread across 10 different venues for our talks, the A&R sessions, networking events, industry breakfasts, 1-2-1 meetings and club nights, but don't worry - they are all close together and within walking distance.
Some of the artists we're looking forward to see include: 808 State, Angie Brown, Arthur Baker, DJ Rap,
Ray Keith, Smokin Jo.
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And also, we'll have over 240 industry-leading professionals taking part in panels and workshops, A&R Sessions with 28 leading A&R professionals giving one to one feedback and multiple Networking events at some of Brighton's best loved venues, so there's lots to look forward to.
HOW has BMC evolved since its inception and what role do you think it now plays within the global electronic music industry?
BMC is more about content and networking now. When we launched 13 years ago, we were more of an exhibition with over 70 exhibitors and one theatre. We now have around 10 exhibitors and four theatres. I really hope we are recognised as one of the 'must go to' events in the industry calendar, especially here in the UK.
HOW do you balance the commercial and cultural aspects of the conference – particularly in fostering meaningful conversations while supporting innovation and business?
We do a lot of research, talk to a lot of people in the industry and are always on the look out for the next big thing. We also go to a lot of other events and check out what other people are up to.
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The BMC plugs the freshest talent in the dance music world
Credit: Alamy
WHAT do you see as the role of small clubs and independent venues in nurturing the next generation of UK DJs, producers and promoters?
This is such an important issue. We work quite closely with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and this is a topic we'll be covering at BMC this year. All the big stars started out in small venues and grew their fanbase from there. So it's important to support them and encourage the next generation of promoters.
MANY iconic grassroots venues have closed in recent years. What can the industry – and government – do to better protect these spaces?
There are grants and help you can get for this. The NTIA who also work closely with the government to lobby for support and the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) are both great resources for
to help anyone with this. If you're struggling, please contact them, if they can help you, they will.
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Grassroots artists can benefit hugely from the BMC
Credit: Alamy
HOW important is the relationship between local scenes and global recognition in dance music? Can grassroots culture still influence the mainstream as strongly as it once did?
When I started in this industry, society didn't take us seriously - it was always looked at like it was just a hobby, a bit of fun, it wasn't a career. So there was no real help for people like us, people wanting to get into the electronic music industry. I'm glad to say things are different now. The electronic music scene has reached the mainstream and become popular globally. It's now seen as a real industry and generally accepted - that's a good thing in my mind.
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It all starts in our local areas and eventually it all goes towards influencing the national and global scene.
ARE there any standout grassroots initiatives or venues you think deserve more attention right now?
PRS have got some great grants and incentives for grassroots artists. I would check that out. It's also worth talking to the National Lottery funding - you will have to fill out a load of forms, but you could walk away with a fair bit of help and potentially money for your career.
Brighton Music Conference starts today and runs until Saturday 21 May. You'll find more info
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