Here’s what to expect at MDLBeast XP Music Futures 2022
A three-day deep dive into the music industry…
Let’s kick off the loudest week in Riyadh with MDLBeast’s annual music conference, XP Music Futures 2022.
The second edition of the industry event, which comes with a nightlife aspect, is set to return to Riyadh from Monday November 28 to Wednesday November 30, as the region’s most forward-thinking gathering of music leaders.
As the warm-up to Saudi Arabia’s seismic weekend EDM festival, SoundStorm (taking place December 1 to 3), XP Music Futures will feature more than 40 industry professionals from all around the world, comprising music experts, artists, and creatives, to share their expertise in a series of workshops, sessions, and panel discussions.
In addition, more speakers will be announced, with 150 speakers set to be part of XP.
Amongst the list of speakers confirmed to be joining the line-up are singer, DJ, and producer Cassy, ex-member of the electronic music trio ‘Major Lazer’ Jillionaire, and Berlin-based DJ, producer, and label owner, Mathew Jonson.
Mathew Knowles, the architect of Destiny’s Child and his daughters Beyoncé and Solange Knowles’ early solo careers, will also offer tips to the regional talent on how to breathe life into their music and entertainment career. Meanwhile, Palestinian-Chilean singer-songwriter Elyanna is one of the eclectic artists set to light up XP Music Futures this year.
Other headliners include the former manager of Swedish House Mafia, Amy Thomson; Lil Eazy, the Jeddah-based rapper and hip-hop musician who has gained popularity across the region for his unique style; and Dutch superstar DJ and Revealed Recordings founder Hardwell, who will initiate conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
Diversity is central to XP’s programming. The conference will offer a variety of sessions throughout its Day and Nite programs, aiming to share insight on various topics relevant to the music industry through anecdotes, presentations, and workshops.
In one of the sessions, titled “The Women Who Lead”, speakers Georgia Taglietti, Sybel Vasquez, and Shermine Sawalha will open up about the forward-thinking, impactful women of the music industry who are breaking barriers and setting the bar high.
In another session titled “How NFTs are the Catalyst to a More Equitable Music Industry” hosted by Richard Zijlma, Emaan, and Timmy Mowafi, the discussion will be based on how NFTs are creating more transparent and inclusive music industry economic models while driving diversity and equity in spaces that were historically inequitable.
This year’s speakers and programming will tap into XP’s four main building blocks, Talent, Scene, Impact, and Innovation, through sessions such as “Building an Audience vs Building a Community” by Natasha Stanbuli and Sofia Guellaty; “Startup Campfire with Jillionaire”; and “MDLBEAST Records: How to Start a Record Label” by Maher Daniel, Sarah Nabil, Munira Almuammar and Jeme.
And of course, when the sun sets, the party starts. Day spaces turn into nite – for a total vibe shift. The warehouses at JAX become intimate and unique music venues, with the best regional event brands and performers across a slew of genres, from indie, disco, and funk to afro-fusion, hip-hop, electronic, and jazz. This is why XP is at the perfect intersection of work and play.
XP program director at MDLBeast, Nada Alhelabi, expressed, “XP Music Futures is working to accelerate and support positive change in the music scene across Saudi and the Middle East and tap into the infinite opportunity present in the region. I can’t wait to hear the experiences, topics, and insights from our incredible speakers at this year’s event and the chance to connect once again with music lovers and creative minds.”
Well, neither can we.
Got your XP tickets yet? Tickets for XP Music Futures have been released in three categories: XP DAY, XP NITE, and FULL XPERIENCE (XP DAY + XP NITE). Fans can find out more and purchase their passes here.
XP Music Futures 2022, Nov 28 to 30, JAX, Riyadh. Book your tickets here. The daily ticket starts from SAR150, while the three-day ticket starts from SAR215. @xpmusicfutures
Images: Provided