Media Rocks, the ultimate battle of the media bands, is back for 2019 and so are we as one of the event’s sponsors.

We spoke to Laura Pleasants, global director of marketing & PR for Captify (the tech company behind the charity gig) to get the lowdown on what people can expect on Thursday 7 February.

Hi Laura. What can you tell us about Media Rocks and why it’s taking place?

“The first Media Rocks was launched in 2017 by Captify’s CEO & Co-founder, Dominic Joseph and over 400 people from across the UK media industry came together to celebrate the industry’s musical talent.

Before starting Captify, Dom was a professional drummer signed to Polydor records, touring the world for four years and supporting world class acts such as The Chemical Brothers, Blondie and Fatboy Slim. With Dom’s love and passion for music, he decided to launch a music event that would bring the advertising, media and digital industries together as one united force to support a special charity.

On 7 February, Media Rocks, the ultimate battle of the media bands is back. We’ll be bringing the industry together for a night of entertainment with the aim of raising thousands  for an incredible charity, the Saltpond Education Project.”

How will it work on the night? Will it follow the same format as last year?

“Media Rocks is bigger and better than ever, this year we’ll be taking over the entire of Omeara, London’s hottest live gig venue. Six bands will take to a stage graced by the World’s finest musical talent, including The Maccabees, The Mystery Jets and Biffy Clyro.

Before the battle of the bands starts, eBay’s Sarah Helppi will kick off the party with an DJ set in Cantina bar, Omeara from 5-7pm. Last year’s winners, The Vials from PHD, will also return for an exclusive opening performance to get the crowd off their feet.”

Who are the judges this year?

“The band’s fate lies in the hands of the esteemed panel of music industry experts – returning to judge…Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett who is taking a break from his huge world tour, Radio X DJ, Maz Tappuni & Captify’s CEO & Co-founder, Dom Joseph. It’s down to them to crown the champions!”

What companies are represented by bands this time around?

“For the first time ever, Media Rocks is going European as we welcome two bands from Paris, with the remaining four bands from London. It’s set to be an incredible night of entertainment, just take a look at the epic line-up for yourself:

• Manning Gottlieb OMD: CATALINA SKIES
• Harvest: CONCRETE AGE
• the7Stars: FAWKES
• Jungle Creations: EMMA & THE FRAGMENTS
• OMD: THE GRAND
• iProspect: LAVAA

What type of music are you expecting from them?

“From indie rock to heavy metal, original material to rock ‘n’ roll covers, we’re really excited to showcase a variety of music talent this year. You can find out more about the bands here.”

Who can attend?

“Over 700 people from the European media industry will come together for this year’s Media Rocks – from agency friends to media owners to publishers to brand safety partners to global brands. The night is selling out fast, it’s great to hear that it’s raising buzz and excitement among industry folk, with many returning after the success of last year.”

Where can people buy tickets?

“With less than over two weeks to go, tickets are selling out fast! You can secure the remaining tickets here for just £15, with all proceeds going to the Saltpond Education Project.”

Is there anything else people should know about Media Rocks?

“All proceeds from Media Rocks will go to a charity very close to our hearts – the Saltpond Education Project. Saltpond is a small, grassroots organisation aimed at helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable children in Saltpond, Ghana. Without this incredible charity, these children would be trapped in poverty and wouldn’t have access to the education that they deserve. You can find out more about all the amazing work they do here.”

Good luck to all the bands!