Welsh DJ High Contrast to host digital masterclass at USW

High Contrast – one of the UK’s most prolific drum and bass artists – will host a digital masterclass with the University of South Wales later this month as part of the new Cardiff Music City Festival (CMCF).

Born and bred in Cardiff, High Contrast’s journey from young music enthusiast to internationally renowned DJ and producer has inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps, thanks to his unique sound of emotional melodies, complex rhythms and meticulous production techniques.

The music production masterclass will take place on Saturday 28 September at 4.30pm, at USW’s Cardiff Campus. The digital event, live streamed from High Contrast’s studio into the University’s main theatre space, offers an immersive experience and interaction with the man himself. There is also an option to join the masterclass online.

The event will include live demonstrations of High Contrast (real name Lincoln Barrett) combining old-school technology with modern production techniques, as well as opportunities to learn about the making of his latest album, set for release in October, and a live performance of one of the new tracks.

There will also be a Q&A session where you can ask about his creative process, production methods and much more.

Tickets for the High Contrast masterclass cost just £5 or you can register to join the live stream for free. To book your space, visit Eventbrite.

The three-week Cardiff Music City festival will be launched at USW’s Cardiff Campus the previous evening (Friday 27 September) and aims to attract 20,000 visitors to the city by celebrating iconic artists and welcoming emerging talent.

Supported by Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, the festival aims to celebrate artists who push the boundaries of music production and performance, with exciting events, music industry talks and mind-blowing installations at venues across the city.

The line-up includes pioneering electronic artists, Leftfield and Orbital, the barrier-breaking Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees, genre-bending Irish rap trio Kneecap, and jazz poet and saxophonist Alabaster DePlume, among many more.

Running until Sunday 20 October, CMCF also includes the Welsh Music Prize, set to be announced on 8 October at the Wales Millennium Centre, international arts festival Llais (9-13 October), and multi-venue music festival Sŵn (17-19 October).

Lincoln Barrett, aka High Contrast, said: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the Cardiff Music City Festival and having the opportunity to give some insight into my creative process. Having been in the music industry for 25 years so far, I think it’s important to share some knowledge with the next generation of music producers, artists, and anyone for that matter who is curious about how drum and bass gets made!”

Lucy Squire, Head of Music and Drama at USW, added: “The Cardiff Music City Festival represents the culmination of three years of intensive planning and preparation by Cardiff Council and its Music Board, building on the 2019 Sound Diplomacy Report to firmly establish Cardiff as a Music City – the first of its kind in the UK.

“We are honoured to host this exclusive masterclass with High Contrast at USW within the programme, and are excited for the opportunity it presents to attract a global audience of music enthusiasts.”

Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “Music is the beating heart of Cardiff and the first Cardiff Music City Festival is a key part of our music strategy to support every part of the city’s music ecosystem – from musicians to producers, promoters, venues and beyond.

“The whole city will be alive with music throughout the festival. It promises to be a really special few weeks. Music is such a powerful means of bringing people together and perhaps now more than ever, that sense of social cohesion is really important.”

The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added: “This brand new music festival is fantastic for Cardiff and I’m proud that we’ve been able to support the festival and elements of the city’s music scene over the years. It’s an amazing line up embracing all types of musical genres that will really showcase the city’s diverse range of music venues.”