Red Bull Music Academy and Red Bull Radio to shut down later this year
The institutions will leave a 20 year legacy of high profile artists and events...
Red Bull Music Academy and Red Bull Radio will shut down later this year as the energy drinks giant looks to switch up the structure of its creative output.
The operations were overseen by a consultancy, Yadastar, which is parting ways with Red Bull in autumn following a 'mutual decision'.
Sources at Red Bull confirmed the news in a statement to Resident Advisor, explaining that as of 31st October the much-loved platforms will be no more in their current format.
“After 20 years of supporting artists worldwide with its music program in a rapidly changing world, Red Bull will maintain its purpose of providing a global platform to promote creativity—but it is changing the means of delivery. Red Bull will be moving away from a strongly centralized approach, will gradually phase out the existing structure and will implement a new setup which empowers existing Red Bull country teams and utilizes local expertise. Red Bull will continue to explore new ways to support promising and cutting-edge artists wherever they may be.”
Since 1998 Red Bull Music Academy has helped bring countless impressive names to the fore via workshops and events across the globe. DJ Mag cover stars such as hardcore experimentalist Mumdance and South African house player Black Coffee, rising talent like Naive boss Violet and techno originator 'Mad' Mike Banks have all been involved. Red Bull Radio, meanwhile, hosted a vast array of online broadcasts across a broad spectrum of genres.
At the time of writing it is not clear how this will impact staff. Yadastar posted the following to Twitter:
— Yadastar (@yadastar) April 3, 2019
The music community has already been making feelings clear about the news. You can dive into the 20 year Academy legacy here.
Cant express my gratitude 4 @rbma @Yadastar 4 evrything theyve done over the years in supporting n fostering so much talent n culture frm ground up n exposing me n countless others to tons of cool shit we‘d nvr hav come across otherwise. End of an era but onwards n upwards 4 them
— Hudson Mohawke (@HudMo) April 3, 2019
Sad to see @RBMA and @redbull_radio are closing. Thanks for the support. https://t.co/QQempCsk1v
— Planet Mu (@Planetmurecords) April 3, 2019
I've had tremendous support from @RBMA & @redbull_radio over the years. RBMA was one of the few outlets that really put a proper spotlight on many underground & iconic Artists & DJ's. Those lectures, those articles, those mixes. Truly a myriad of information. End of an era!
— Mike Servito (@mikeservito) April 3, 2019
A big thank you to @RBMA for my experiences in 2011 as an attendee in Madrid. And for all the insightful content from over the years. What an undertaking. Game changing stuff.
— Om Unit (@om_unit) April 3, 2019
I’m incredibly sad to learn about the closing of rbma and Red Bull radio, say what you will but the truth is these programs gave a lot to our community.
Especially feeling for my friends and rest of the lovely and skilled people that will be jobless now.— Mor Elian (@_morelian) April 3, 2019