words by Mike Ignacio

The Philippines’ annual electronic music convention, the Electronic MusiCon and Expo, comes back to SMX Convention Center in SM Aura at BGC, Taguig from June 19-21 this year. Popularly known as EMEX, it is the event every electronic music enthusiast looks forward to because of its creative lineup of educational talks, gear exhibits, and acclaimed speakers and panelists from the local and international electronic music scene.

This year a couple of EMEX staples return along with even more new offerings for enthusiasts. Talks on Ableton Live make a comeback this year, which will be hosted by Bounce Electronic Music & DJ School as they bring in from Hong Kong, Ableton Certified trainer, Ryan Ash. Izotope Inc, is set to provide product workshops under Evan Allen, Izotope’s very own product specialist. Certified Logic Pro X professional, Josh Evangelista will also demonstrate how to produce dance music using Apple’s popular software, Logic Pro X.

A couple of new entries to the list are the keyboard masterclass clinic with Eric Tubon, Dan Gil, and the Bratpack’s RJ Pineda.  Recurring industry interests such as Night Club Marketing and Local Festivals are shared once more aside from new issues such as The Loudness Wars, and DJ Rates and Foreign Equities. Spotlight is given to some significant artists in the scene such as CRWN, Eyedress, Similar Objects, Kidwolf, and BP Valenzuela.

The country’s popular DJs such as Sanya Smith, Tom Taus, Nix Pernia, Marc Naval, Callum David, Mia Ayesa, Kat De Jesus, Arra Pascual, Cam Abecina and Nina Saputil share some talk time with the audience as well. Special events this year will include the IK Multimedia brand launch from Forerunner Tech,  JB Music’s Allen & Heath DJ mixers and Numark’s line of DJ Controllers, Ableton Push by JB Music, Presonus’ latest control surface, the CS18AI, Pioneer DJ’s newest DJ controller, the XDJ-RX, Audio Technica’s M50x. Philips DJ Headphones by Philips, Behringer X-Air Mixers by Intune Pro, and Native Instruments’ latest controller, the Traktor D2, among more exciting brands and products. TDK, Panvin International, Focal Professional, Marshall by Digits Trading Corporation, Wester Digital, Soundmagic by XOTI, and DJ Mag Asean complete the full lineup.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or professional, amateur or master, it is the one event no electronic music enthusiast will want to miss. The entire industry convenes under one roof to share a common passion and interest, together building a better foundation for it’s future.

Defining Another Decade

Brewing Up a Heartstorm

Getting Down Bad with Jamie xx in Manila