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1/2/2005

Freeness

Contact, Manchester

For future music visionaries

British artist Chris Ofili announces the launch of "Freeness", a groundbreaking project aimed at modern music makers of African, Caribbean, Asian and Chinese descent which will provide an opportunity for creative expression outside the confines of the commercial music industry.

'I couldn't believe it when I saw the term "urban" used for the first time. To define the sort of music that someone might make by their ethnic background... I think there's something deeply wrong with that."

"Now is an exciting time to open up and look beyond the margins of what the music industry terms as �urban music' � a collective term for hip hop, soul, garage and R&B where the musicians have to fit into categories. To be creative may mean to fall outside these categories and "Freeness" is aimed at these artists."

"Freeness" is the first project of Chris Ofili's ICEBOX initiative. It is a collaboration with CDR and Blacktronica with support from decibel, Arts Council England, Bloomberg and The Observer Music Monthly. Launching at Plastic People on 26th January 2005 "Freeness" will hold open submission nights in 10 major cities inviting musicians aged 18 and over to come and air their new ideas by playing their unreleased songs, tracks and remixes. "Freeness" is not performance-based nor is it a talent competition. It is aimed at people whose work is created in bedroom studios, on laptops and sampling sequencers. The project embodies the spirit of the enterprise: freedom of expression, free of constraint and free of charge, both to the musicians and to the audience. A selection of tracks from the tour will be compiled for the forthcoming "Freeness" CD, which will be free and launched in summer 2005.

"Freeness" is a not-for-profit venture which aims to give musicians a chance to be heard outside the mainstream. From Playstation wizards to Midi magicians, from the classically trained to the wild and cacophonous, this country contains a variety of sounds and musical stories. "Freeness" will look outside the pigeon holes, unearth the hidden gems in our communities and place them in the spotlight.

Calling all new music makers of African, Asian, Caribbean and Chinese descent. Freeness comes to Manchester next week! If you want to be heard, be inspired by other creative music makers and meet people in the industry, Freeness is the event for you.

Come along on Wednesday 2 February with your CD to Contact between 6pm and 9pm and we will play your tune during the music session between 9pm and 2am. Freedom of expression and free of charge. Freeness. Freeness cannot accept CDs sent in advance or left at a venue and do make sure the track submitted is not your only copy.

For further info contact Angela or Natasha at Shilland on 0207 439 2559 arobertson@shilland.co.uk or nmann@shilland.co.uk

FREENESS TOUR DATES
2 February, Manchester, Contact, Oxford Road M1
9 February, Nottingham, Stealth, Masonic Place, Goldsmith Street NG1
16 February, Birmingham, Medicine Bar, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth B9
17 February, Luton, Sub Club, Luton University, Europa House, Vicarage Street LU1
23 February, Bristol, River Bar, 1 Canon's Road Watershed BS1
2 March, Reading, 21 South Street RG1
9 March, Newcastle, Foundation, 57-59 Melbourne Street NE1
16 March, Leeds, Wardrobe, 6 St Peter's Buildings, St Peter's Square LS9
23 March, Ipswich, Curve Bar, 58 Princes Street, Ipswich IP1

CHRIS OFILI
Within the art world, Ofili is already successful. A winner of the Turner Prize and also Britain's first black representative at the 50th Venice Biennale 2003 where his idea for Freeness was inspired by the release of a CD of previously unpublished music to support his exhibition, Within Reach'. Ofili comes from Manchester and was raised on a variety of 70's funk and the Nigerian music of his parents before later discovering music of the Manchester scene in the 80's and 90's. Now he listens to artists such as Alice Coltrane and Dead Prez when he is painting in his London studio.

ICEBOX
A not-for-profit music-led initiative conceived by artist Chris Ofili, ICEBOX aims to embody a variety of projects that seek to explore, encourage and enable new creative talents. ICEBOX seeks funding for each of its individual initiatives with the intention of providing opportunities for individuals and collaborators alike who may fall outside of, or who are often on the margins of the status quo. ICEBOX aims to provide a creative platform through which experimentation, debate and discursive thought are explored without being subject to the pressures and expectations of a commercially led context, and actively aims to engage with artists of diverse backgrounds and arenas.

CDR
Run by Gavin Alexander and Tony Nwachukwu, CDR aims to give an insight into the consciousness of electronic music producers. Through their acclaimed CDR nights, they aim to provide a reflection of a dynamic and evolving world of music makers who explore their creativity through technology. Their expertise enables the discovery of music often made in isolation, and aims to demystify technology through broadening horizons beyond play lists and charts. http://www.burntprogress.com

BLACKTRONICA
Conceived by musician Charlie Dark in 2001 as a reaction against the social, economic and cultural boundaries placed on black music by the music industry, Blacktronica aims to promote an open and forward thinking forum for black electronic music. The company works with and includes an ever-increasing posse of DJs, producers, poets, singers and like-minded creative people. Rather than concentrating on the race or gender of the music maker, Blacktronica aims to work with a common aesthetic of the music created � with a desire to continually evolve and push boundaries in the pursuit if the perfect beat. Blacktronica holds events at the ICA, Jazz Café and other venues UK and world wide. http://www.blacktronica.com

Freeness is an ICEBOX project in collaboration with CDR & Blacktronica.
Freeness is supported by decibel, Arts Council England, Bloomberg and The Observer Music Monthly.

MANCHESTER
Contact
Oxford Road M1

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