Madrid; home of Real Madrid, bull fighting and from 23 October to 25 November the Red Bull Music Academy. Now in its thirteenth year, the Red Bull Music Academy has built up a solid reputation across the world its high standard of participants from all musical fields; producers, instrumentalists, MCs, singers, DJs, engineers, broadcasters and songwriters, as well as the calibre of its guest speakers. I was lucky enough to visit the RBMA for two days to check out what the participants have got up to and to meet the only Irish representative Declan Lennon aka Krystal Klear. (A short interview with whom can be found here.)

The application process to the RBMA itself is a gruelling process; budding participants must complete an in-depth questionnaire detailing every aspect of their personality and musical knowledge and tastes, as well as a sample of their work. From the thousands of applicants from around the world sixty, thirty for the two workshops, were chosen to come to Madrid to take part in what can only be described as Disneyland for DJs.

This year’s event took place in stunning surrounds of the Matedaro, the town’s old municipal slaughter house. The premises have been given a new of lease of life having been converted by Madrid Council’s Department of the Arts into the city’s biggest centre for contemporary creation. For the Academy, Red Bull have built a purpose made village for participants featuring a lecture room, radio studio, canteen, performance area and countless recording and production studios.

Each day participants attend two lecturers by high profile industry experts and stars, at night many guest lecturers perform in the Matedaro or in locations around Madrid which are open to the public. Participants themselves get the opportunity to perform around the city or within the Matedaro itself.

For many participants, one of the best opportunities the RBMA offers is the chance to meet and build connections with so many musicians with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. The unique set-up of the RBMA allows the musicians to work together 24/7, with constant access to studios giving artists a once in a lifetime chance to create music with some of the most world’s  talented up and coming musicians.

While at the RBMA I had the opportunity to attend lectures by hip hop enigma MF Doom, Tropicália multi-instrumentalist Tom Zé, Artwork of dubstep trio Magnetic Man and a personal highlight, producer and DJ Andrew Weatherall. For fans unable to attend these insightful lectures, Red Bull record and upload highlights for a global audience.

Lecture: Gareth Jones (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

Lecture: Andrew Weatherall (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

Lecture: DOOM (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

Evenings were devoted to live music; for my first night I witnessed an explosive live performance from none other than MF Doom. My second night gave us the opportunity to finally catch a live performance from Krystal Klear; London based Boiler Room travelled to Madrid to record a live web show featuring some of the participants in the RBMA displaying their skills.

Just two days in RBMA was an amazing experience, for those lucky enough to be chosen to participate it really is the opportunity if a life time. Applications for next year’s event open in the spring with the Academy taking part in the New York. Red Bull Ireland will be holding several events to promote the opening of the applications so hopefully next year’s RBMA will feature several Irish participants.

Photos: Dan Wilton Gianfranco Tripodo/Red Bull Content Pool