The Radio Academy is to bring a range of new audio experiences to The Radio Academy Festival 2025 with the support of Dolby Labs.
Taking place on 17th September at the Royal College of Physicians in London’s Regent’s Park, Dolby will transform the venue’s Dorchester Library into a state-of-the-art audio space.
The Dolby Library will feature work created and mixed in Dolby Atmos, offering producers an opportunity to experience sonic arrangements and expand their creativity into three dimensions.
The Dolby Library’s programme, hosted by Stephanie Hirst from Hits Radio, will include work by Wisebuddah, Emmy award-winning sound designer Nick Ryan and Media Art Xploration, and broadcaster and psychologist Dr Sian Williams alongside neuroscientist Dr Catherine Loveday:
- Introduction to Dolby Atmos immersive sound to show how accessible Dolby’s tools and technologies are. The half hour session will cover the basics of Dolby Atmos and what you need to get started.
- The Psychology of Sonic Branding by Wisebuddah and Genelec, an immersive audio experience mixed in Dolby Atmos within Wisebuddah’s new 9.1.4 studio at their Soho HQ. This session delivers a ‘mini movie for your ears,’ narrated by some names from radio, celebrating the power of sound and sonic branding.
- An exclusive preview of Sonic Sunset by Nick Ryan and Media Art Xploration. For the first time in Dolby Atmos, Sonic Sunset is a collaboration between British and American artists which connects people to three distinct and endangered ecosystems: the rainforests of Borneo, the skies over southern India, and the deep Subarctic waters.
- Immersive audio and the human brain. Broadcaster and psychologist Dr Sian Williams and cognitive neuroscientist Professor Catherine Loveday to find out how immersing ourselves in music changes the way we think and feel.
Richard Addis, Music Engineer, from Dolby says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Radio Academy Festival and to showcase the amazing work already being created by members.
“As the landscape of audio becomes more competitive, we’re seeing huge appetite for immersive listening experiences, and Dolby Atmos is enabling that demand to be met technologically and creatively.”
Matt Fisher from Wisebuddah says: “We’re buzzing to join the Radio Festival alongside Dolby and other industry pioneers to showcase how sound can be truly immersive and transformative.
“At Wisebuddah, we believe audio is the most emotional and immediate medium, and our session brings this to life through a unique sonic story – a mini movie for your ears that celebrates the beauty and power of sound.”
Nick Ryan from Nick Ryan/MAX says: “We are thrilled to share an exclusive preview of Sonic Sunset at the Festival before it is premiered at Museum of Science, Boston. Take the journey to listen anew to the environment, feel the impact of human activity, and consider what is at stake. “
Radio Academy MD Dixi Stewart and Festival Executive Producer Chris North say: “The Radio Academy Festival is all about championing the people and technologies shaping our broadcasting world and redefining the art of sound.
“This exciting installation with Dolby means we can now fully inhabit radio’s theatre of the mind and deeply immerse ourselves in the exhilarating future of audio.”