Return to Rio to host first EMCPLAY event, adds new speakers to conference

The first EMCPLAY event, Return To Rio, will see an exclusive showcase hit Manning Bar from 5pm to 3am in Sydney during the conference in November.

As part of the new Aussie-forward EMC format, the first event sees them work closely with local promoters to bring Sydney an exclusive show featuring a three-hour set from SASHA, Return to Rio fave Hoj (All Day I Dream), Cid Inc and more.

“This is the first year that EMC have opened applications for promoters, labels, agencies and management companies to Host EMCPLAY events on the weekend of Friday 16 November to Sunday 18 November,"  EMC executive producer Jane Slingo tells TMN. 

"Despite the challenges Sydney has experienced within its nightlife over the past four years, there are many examples of world-class events being hosted at various times both day and night, especially during Sydney’s beautiful summer.

"Having Return to Rio hosting The Rio Revel as a part of EMCPLAY’s new format is a bit of a dream come true - Ricky and the Rio team have nailed an incredible lineup of some of the biggest electronic music artists in the world and we couldn’t be happier to have The Rio Revel as a marquee event at EMCPLAY this year.”

Going off on Saturday 17 November, Return To Rio will also feature Greg Wilson, who will host his Credit To The Edit stage with Late Nite Tuff Guy, The Owl, plus a secret super-star guest.

“We are backing it up from the ‘ultimate weekend away’ to throw an almighty shindig in the centre of Sydney," added Richard Cooper, from Return to Rio.

"It will be a chance for music fans who missed the chance to catch extended sets from these legendary artists at Return to Rio experience a sprinkling of the magic at the Rio Revel."

General on-sale will commence 9am (AEST) Tuesday 11 September.  To register for pre-sale tickets, head to Return To Rio’s Facebook page.

EMC also dropped a bunch of new speakers for its 2018 conference program.

Paradigm Agency’s Denise Melanson and Ian Bron, (USA) United Talent Agency’s Chad Cohen, (USA) Supermodified Agency’s Robb Harker, (ASIA) Chartmetric’s Mike Warner, (USA) Rhythm & Vines’ Kyle Bell, (NZ), and 2SER’s Lorna Clarkson will join SASHA, Gilles Peterson, BLOND:ISH, Greg Wilson, Flexmami, DJ Mag’s Charlotte Lucy Cijffers, John Watson and AAM’s Leanne de Souza.

More speakers will be announced in September and October. You can grab tickets and find out more on their website HERE.

Applications are still open for artists who wish to play the showcase at EMCPLAY, as well as promoters, labels, agencies and collectives wanting to host an event. You can do so HERE.

Artist applications close 11:59pm Friday 7 September and Host applications close 11:59pm Wednesday 12 September.