On May 9th, Liveurope will host the fourth edition of Europe Day at Ancienne Belgique to proudly celebrate European music, putting a spotlight on the new sound of London jazz and reveling in the musical connections between Britain and Brussels. An afternoon of panels from 16h30 to 19h00 and an evening concert from 20h00 will focus attention towards another part of the Europe’s and the UK’s connection: music.

London is the epicenter of a new generation of forward thinking and free spirited musicians who, by playing with codes of different genres have created a hub for reinvention of the jazz scene. Underground modern jazz has flourished in the shadow of Brexit, where identity politics are a staple in daily conversations.

‘We Out Here’, the latest release presented by Brownswood Recordings, Gilles Peterson’s record label which has championed independent, eclectic music from the UK and beyond,  features jazz revolutionists such as Nubya Garcia, Moses Boyd, Joe Armon-Jones and Theon Cross. The participants will have the chance to hear and feel this innovative fusion in the club of Ancienne Belgique, starting at 20h00.

Before dipping into the realm of the London underground, we’re preparing you with an afternoon panel event that will explore the ways in which music can be a vehicle for building progress and generating a dream in a context where the European Union is struggling to elicit optimism. After all, could music be that extra touch of soul missing in the European narrative? 

AGENDA:

16:30 – 17:30 Panel 1: London calling for an ever more European music scene
Once the results of the Brexit referendum were announced and the negotiation process initiated, British music operators didn’t cut their European connections short. Much to the contrary, many music labels, venues and organizations chose to revive their commitment to projects beyond the Channel, while rising stars in the scene seemed to be increasingly influenced by the political space through which they were navigating.

This panel will be the opportunity to discuss the impact of Brexit on the music scene and the connections between London and other European capitals. It will feature a round table of artists, music industry executives and other stakeholders within creative professions.

Emily Moxon (Brownswood Recordings, UK)

Amélie Snyers (Village Underground UK/BE)

Elisabeth Sills (PRS Foundation, UK)

Nubya Garcia (Saxophonist & Composer, UK)

Moderator: Wyndham Wallace (The Quietus, Uncut – UK)

17:30 – 18:00 Break

18:00 – 19:00 Panel 2: Is music that extra touch of soul missing to the European narrative?
At a moment when the waves of anti-EU populism show no signs of ceasing, debates on European values and identity have never been higher on the public agenda. Simultaneously, the potential of the music sector in Europe is growing in influence. Some of Europe’s most innovative acts stem from the old continent, while languages are no longer a barrier to international success, which is prominently seen in triumphs of Belgian rap, Norwegian Techno, and Portuguese dance music. In this light, it is also the right time for the EU to invest in music as materialized by the Music Moves Europe preparatory action that is currently exploring the potential for a funding program for the sector for 2021. If the potential of the industry deserves to be maximized, can music be one of the tools that will rebuild the narrative of Europe and its identity?

Eric Corijn (Professor of Social and Cultural (Urban) Geography, VUB, BE)

Aurélie Poppins (Musician, Cocaine Piss, BE)

Helen Smith (Executive Chair, IMPALA, BE)

Julien Jaubert, aka Shkyd (Parisian DJ & Producer)

Moderator: Diego Velazquez (Luxemburger Wort, LU)

19:00 End

20:00 AB Club: Brownswood Recordings Presents ‘We Out Here’ - AB