Brighton Music Conference 2025: the electronic music industry gathers this week on the UK’s south coast

From May 21 to 23, 2025, Brighton will host the 12th edition of Brighton Music Conference (BMC), the UK’s leading event dedicated to electronic music and professional networking.

With over 240 industry professionals participating in panels, workshops, and mentoring sessions, BMC reaffirms its position as a key meeting point for established players and rising talent across the global electronic music scene.

Confirmed guests include: 808 State, Angie Brown, Arthur Baker, DJ Rap, Fatboy Slim, Fat Tony, Hilit Kolet, Jess Bays, Jumping Jack Frost, Marcia Carr, Paul Oakenfold, Ray Keith, and Smokin Jo.

A Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Program

This year, BMC introduces a new Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle programme, developed in collaboration with Skiddle. Held at the Harbour Hotel, this initiative features morning yoga and sound bath sessions alongside panels focusing on mental health and physical resilience within the music industry.
Tonic Music, Music Minds Matter, and registered dietitian Sally Freeman will contribute sessions on stigma, mental wellbeing, and strategies for sustainable health in high-pressure environments.

Hearing protection is also a core topic, with ACS presenting “The Tinnitus Toolkit” and NTIA showcasing the “Listen for Life” initiative.

A Closer Look at Key Issues Shaping the Industry

Among the central themes discussed in this year’s conference:

• “The Power of No: How to Thrive in the Music Industry”

• “Burnout”, presented by Sound Mind

• “Motherhood & DJing”, exploring the balance between family life and career

• “Neurodiversity & DJing”, following the success of last year’s session

• “Beyond the Buzzword”, hosted by shesaid.so, on the importance of community

The Tempest Programme: Tools for Artists and Professionals

Thursday opens with a session on PR & Marketing, followed by talks on music monetisation, release strategy with FUGA/Downtown, and a social media session hosted by Data Transmission.
Label Radar will lead a panel on avoiding common industry pitfalls, while ellevate will provide a hands-on workshop on brand development and audience growth for 2025.

AFEM will present two dedicated sessions for emerging talent:

• “Where Are The Party Starters?”, on supporting the next wave of promoters

• “Finding The Right…”, focused on selecting agents, labels, and publicists

Additional topics include:

• A&R strategies via the Wonk Creator Clinic

• Sync licensing insights from Cavendish Music

• The Beatport Industry Hour

• Royalties and revenue breakdowns

• Artificial Intelligence in music

• Vinyl sustainability challenges

• The open-floor “Ask Us Anything” session

Horizon Joins the Line-Up as a New Official Venue

The newly added Horizon nightclub (formerly Honey Club) will host panels and artist sessions in a larger format, offering extended programming and new perspectives.
Highlights include:

• “Long Live the DJ Narrative” by Attack Magazine, on DJs becoming authors

• A dedicated Sync panel

• A spotlight on vocalists and songwriting in dance music

• Live Q&As with DJs and producers

• The annual DJ Agents Panel

• “Jungle”, exploring the roots and evolution of the genre

• “Who Rules the Airwaves?”, delving into radio, playlists, and podcasts

• A practical “DIY” guide for independent artists

• “Crediting Vocalists”, a vital discussion on fair recognition

Keynote Interviews and Documentary Screening

This year’s keynote interviews will feature Graham Massey (808 State), Arthur Baker, and Paul Oakenfold.
Attendees will also have access to an exclusive screening of the Frankie Knuckles documentary, followed by a Q&A session.

A&R Sessions: A Platform for New Talent

Held at The Tempest, the A&R Sessions will allow artists to submit demos and receive direct feedback from top-level A&R executives.
Led by acclaimed DJ and producer Steve Mac, participating labels include:
Armada, Axtone, Beatport, Defected, Toolroom, R&S Records, Perfecto, Shogun Audio, Wh0 Plays, We Are The Brave, and many more.
Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Networking Events and Clubnights

Networking lies at the heart of BMC’s philosophy. Among the standout events:

• Welcome Mixer @ The Tempest with DJs Jess Bays, Miss Rae, Trophie and others

• PRS Mixer @ Harbour Hotel with Hilit Kolet, Paris Cesvette, Sophie Lloyd

• NTIA Mixer @ The Tempest with Arthur Baker, DJ Hatcha, Graham Massey (808 State)

• Blueprint Breakfast with Beatport & Plugin Boutique, offering mentorship in an intimate roundtable format

The Official BMC25 Closing Party will take place at Oculist on Friday, May 23, in collaboration with Decadance UK Radio, and will be broadcast live.

In addition, Brighton’s iconic seafront venues will host a variety of club events on Friday and Saturday, including:

• Horizon with Paul Oakenfold, Black Octopus, Sarah Monument

• Volks featuring Ray Keith, DJ Rap, Degs

• Tide hosting Angelo Ferreri, Maslow Unknown, Pique, and others

• Waterbear, Patterns, and The Tempest, with performances by Graham Gold, Nina Carina, Mixmasters and more

Brighton Music Conference 2025 promises to deliver an unparalleled experience for professionals and creatives across the global electronic music landscape.

For further info visit Brighton Music Conference official website