The Avalanches to Headline AVA London 2026 Opening Keynote
The upcoming AVA London conference has secured a major highlight for its 2026 edition, announcing that electronic pioneers The Avalanches will feature in an exclusive opening keynote interview. This high-profile session is being presented in partnership with DJ Mag.
A Deep Dive into Creative Evolution
Moderating the discussion is DJ Mag’s own Olivia Stock. She will host the Australian production duo for a comprehensive look at their artistic journey. The conversation is slated to cover their highly anticipated fourth studio album, ‘No Bad Memories’, while also exploring how the pair maintains their signature sampling aesthetic in an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and AI-assisted production.
Attendees can catch this session at the British Library’s Pigott Theatre. The event is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th, running from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM as the official curtain-raiser for the conference.
Inside the Making of ‘No Bad Memories’
‘No Bad Memories’ represents a significant milestone for the group, arriving six years after their last full-length project. The album serves as a testament to their enduring mastery of musical collage. By repurposing audio fragments from vintage commercials and ubiquitous modern technologies, the duo aims to capture the “sonic wallpaper” of contemporary existence.
The scale of the project is ambitious, featuring a sprawling 31-track list. The record boasts an eclectic roster of contributors, including heavy hitters like Jamie xx and Karen O, alongside forward-thinking artists such as Nikki Nair, Jessy Lanza, and Prentiss. This collaborative spirit reflects a broader trend in electronic music, where cross-genre pollination has become essential for staying relevant in a saturated streaming market.
Expanding the AVA London Experience
The inclusion of The Avalanches is just one piece of a rapidly growing agenda for AVA London. The 2026 lineup is shaping up to be one of their most diverse yet, with recent programming updates confirming appearances from industry stalwarts and rising stars alike, including Blawan, ELKKA, Fabio & Grooverider, Jamz Supernova, and FLOHIO.
Beyond artist showcases, the conference is placing a heavy emphasis on cultural discourse. A standout addition to the schedule is a dedicated panel focused on the evolution and preservation of queer nightlife, addressing the challenges and opportunities facing safe spaces in the current economic climate.
