This is an archived page from 2019. Find out more
Still Processing’s Jenna Wortham, editor Tina Brown, poet laureate Tracy K. Smith, and Missing Richard Simmons’ Dan Taberski are among the headliners at the 2019 On Air Fest 2019, a festival where audio and podcast fans, creators, and industry leaders come together to explore the art of sound through performances, conversations, listening parties, art installations, live podcasts, and more.
The four-day festival takes place at Brooklyn’s Wythe Hotel through March 3rd
On Air Fest opens with the Hot Pod Summit, the podcast industry business summit co-hosted by Hot Pod editor Nick Quah and the creative studio work x work on February 28th. This invite-only day-long event brings together 150 key decision-makers to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges related to the emerging podcast industry.
The festival then opens up to the general public for three days of events featuring a roster of storytellers, creators, and musicians that includes Design Matters host Debbie Millman, The Antlers’ Peter Silberman, Crimetown co-creator Zac Stuart-Pontier, Love + Radio’s Nick van der Kolk and talent from some of the world’s most innovative podcast, media, and entertainment brands including Radiotopia from PRX, CBC Podcasts, Science Friday, Artforum, Complex, VICE Media, and ESPN 30 for 30.
Highlights of the initial line-up for On Air Fest 2019 include:
A listening party and meet and mingle with hosts and producers from Radiotopia, including a special feature presentation by The Kitchen Sisters.
Radiolab sound designer Dylan Keefe shares his secrets for creating rich and layered stories through sound.
Pushing the boundaries of audio fiction, Kaitlin Prest takes you into the world The Shadows, her CBC Podcast about one artist’s search to make great work and find great love.
Media giants Complex and VICE Media present their new podcasts and highlight how they are adapting their voices for a new medium, including a session with Vice News and live podcasts from Motherboard and Broadly’s Queerly Beloved with hosts Fran Tirado and Sarah Burke.
Last Sounds of the Day, an original short form of sonic dreamscapes composed by artists like Peter Silberman of The Antlers for On Air Fest and presented to guests staying at Wythe Hotel throughout the festival.
The premiere of new works by emerging artists supported by the On Air Fest 2019 Residency Program. 2019 residents will be invited to stay for five nights at Wythe Hotel, developing their project and cultivating their craft before presenting their work at the festival.
A live performance by musician-storyteller duo James & Jerome.
A conversation with filmmaker and podcaster Zac Stuart-Pontier about the creation of Crimetown and the Crimetown Presents series.
A feature showcase by ESPN 30 for 30 Podcasts as they continue to innovate in documentary storytelling across film and audio.
A special programming integration with Mastercard, showcasing thought leaders and creative forces behind their groundbreaking podcast, Fortune Favors The Bold, which is changing how we think about money today.
A live session from Acast, an all-encompassing podcast platform that is supporting creators, publishers, and brands while driving unparalleled growth in international listenership.
A conversation with Adobe’s Khoi Vinh about Wireframe, the podcast telling deeply researched stories about design.
Artforum profile interview with editor-in-chief David Velasco.
A rare stage performance from Science Friday’s Undiscovered blending audio and projections to tell the overlooked history of the first woman to circumnavigate the globe.
A dedicated audio lounge in the hotel lobby, presented by Simplecast, a leading podcast hosting and technology company, open to the public and live streaming intimate conversations and performances throughout the long weekend.