It’s the end an era as Red Bull Music Academy and Red Bull Radio have plans to shut down.
The brands will reportedly “phase out the existing structure” by October 2019. This comes as Yadarstar and Red Bull have mutually agreed to dissolve partnership, along with their collaborative projects.
Since 1998, RBMA has been known for workshops, festivals, studio sessions and other events. Most importantly, for connecting artists all over the world in over 60 different countries. The success and excitement backing the academy led to the formation a 24/7 radio station and editorial hub. Plus, other media including podcasts, print, books, films, etc.
Over the years, artists including Flying Lotus, SOPHIE, Salva, TOKiMONSTA, Ekali, Nina Kraviz and many more have been involved with RBMA. The news hits hard for established artists and up-and-comers alike, but this certainly won’t be the last we hear from the brand.
In a statment to Resident Advisor, Red Bull said:
After 20 years supporting artists worldwide with its music program in a rapidly changing world, Red Bull will maintain its purpose providing a global platform to promote creativity—but it is changing the means 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.
Yadarstar ended its own bittersweet statement from the co-founders with:
The world is full great ideas. This was one.
Red Bull Music Festival, which operates separately, will continue on as planned in New York and Tokyo.
— Yadastar (@yadastar) April 3, 2019
Sources: Pitchfork, Resident Advisor