Red Bull Music Academy is open for applications to attend free music workshops, lectures and festivals in Tokyo, Japan. But no rush -- you have until March 18th and sending your application in later doesn't affect your chances. There will recording sessions and performances from international music "mavericks" -- producers, vocalists, instrumentalists and more. Over the span of two weeks, they also take care of your big travel expenses: flights, lodging, food and ground transportation.
Sound too good to be true? Well, competition will be stiff. There are two sessions (October 12th to October 24th; November 2nd to November 14th) and they have 30 people each. One of the only big restrictions is they accept individuals not bands. But you can be a DJ, engineer, beat-maker etc...the sky's the limit, so long as you have "a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution," according to the site.
They're keeping it classy and old fashioned with the applications. For starters, you have to send your music on a CD (yes, Compact Disc -- the things you used as Frisbees when you discovered the digital world of music). Next, they prefer you to handwrite your answers. RBMA says "it gives us a better sense of who you are." Wait, this is kind of genius.
They add: "With that said, we will accept typed and printed applications, but you will still have to draw all the pictures by hand." Seems like you can't have a catfish complex going into this psychoanalysis process.
Artist phonies need not apply. But you don't have to be a big shot musician with all the frills and representation. "If some of the questions don't apply to you (i.e. you don't have a website or manager), then just write a poem or something," RBMA says.
Flying Lotus has participated in the program and sings its praises. Questlove of The Roots wishes he had done it. You can learn about previous editions here on the website.
Though this program will be selective, the RBMA gospel isn't elitist. It seems they're trying to keep the music disourse going, as far and wide as possible. The Academy is putting out a documentary February 17th, What Difference Does It Make? A Film About Making Music. Music Times will be sure to follow up on that.
In the meantime, good luck applying if you're going for it!
