‍On Air Fest Announces ‘Design Matters’ Live Tour with Debbie Millman, Roxane Gay and Special Guests!

Introduces New Audio Experiential Brand, On Air Presents

‍As the First Live Podcast Tour Under the Banner of On Air Presents, The World’s Most Influential Design Podcast, Design Matters, Will Gather Fans in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia & DC, Sep 18-21, 2023.

TICKETS & DETAILS
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BROOKLYN, NY: In the wake of their most groundbreaking year to date, the team behind On Air Fest has announced On Air Presents, a new arm of the organization dedicated to live audio experiences. 
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On Air Presents launches at a moment in podcasting when revenue streams and engagement channels must diversify for the long term strength of the industry. And the quality of creative storytelling warrants new platforms. Over the coming months On Air will announce more live podcast tours, exhibitions, pop ups and immersive experiences designed to strengthen the connection between audio and audiences.

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On Air Presents will help podcasters and networks connect and engage deeper with their audiences and create new revenue for them. And for advertisers, these verticals will allow them to capitalize on the power of live storytelling and reach the most engaged audiences.

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For the inaugural live podcast tour, On Air Presents Design Matters Live with Debbie Millman, Roxane Gay & special guests, Sep 18-21 2023 in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia & DC.

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For years, Millman has been a staple at On Air Fest’s flagship festival in Brooklyn interviewing the likes of Ira Glass, Starlee Kine and Laurie Anderson for live episodes of Design Matters. Building on these successes it was the natural way to introduce On Air Presents to the world. 

“I have been hosting Design Matters for 18 years and my live episodes have been some of my favorites,” Millman said. “I couldn't think of a better time or better team to conduct my first ever tour with.”

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“Podcasting is shaping the cultural zeitgeist, so this is the right moment to expand ways in which fans can engage with their favorite shows” says Scott Newman, Founder and Creative director of On Air Fest and work x work, the parent agency behind On Air Fest. “Debbie is a seminal talent and along with Roxane, experience-goers are in for a real treat.”

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With this upcoming live tour, On Air Fest is excited to continue their streak of innovation. Earlier this year, they created the first ever immersive podcast experience, On Air: The Podcast Experience, allowing fans to step into custom design exhibitions for My Favorite Murder, Radiolab, On Being, Object of Sound and The Heart. Now, On Air Presents is taking their offerings for both fans and creators further than ever before.

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Monday, Sep 18
New York: Music Hall of Williamsburg
8pm ET

Tuesday, Sep 19
Boston: Arts at the Armory 
8pm ET

Wednesday, Sep 20
Washington DC: Miracle Theatre
8pm ET

Thursday, Sep 21
Philadelphia: World Cafe Live
8pm ET

About On Air Fest

On Air Fest is advancing the culture of audio. We bring together an expansive range of emerging and established voices to explore the creative possibilities of sound. Created and produced by work x work, On Air Fest has evolved into the premier cultural event for audio storytellers and inspired listeners. Throughout the year, we produce a range of cultural programming, from annex events, to our residency program, creative collaborations to cultural campaigns, podcasts, live events and immersive experiences. On Air Fest carves a place for artists and storytellers who are defining this moment in audio. 

About work x work

work x work is a full-service creative agency amplifying the world's leading brands through storytelling, design, and experiences. Our innovative work has made us the go-to agency for organizations looking to participate in audio culture. In addition to design, strategy and events, we create multi-channel campaigns, original content and produce podcasting's premier cultural event, On Air Fest.

About Design Matters 

Design Matters with Debbie Millman is one of the world’s very first podcasts. Broadcasting independently for over 18 years, the show is about how the world’s most creative people design the arc of their lives. Design Matters has a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, two Webby Awards and has been named an “All-time favorite podcast” by Apple Podcasts three times.

About Debbie Millman 

Named “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, and “one of the most influential designers working today” by Graphic Design USA, Debbie Millman is also an illustrator, author, educator, curator, and host of Design Matters, one of the first and longest running podcasts in the world.. Debbie is the author of seven books, and the co-owner and Editorial Director of PrintMag.com. Debbie co-founded the world’s first graduate program in branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2010. Now in its 13th year, the program has achieved international acclaim. Debbie is also President Emeritus of AIGA, one of five women to hold the position in the organization’s 100+-year history and was awarded a lifetime achievement award in 2019. 

About Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay’s writing is widely published. She is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times. She is the author of the books Ayiti, An Untamed State, the New York Times bestselling Bad Feminist, the nationally bestselling Difficult Women and the New York Times bestselling memoir Hunger. Her latest book, Opinions, will be out in October. She is also the author of World of Wakanda for Marvel. She is at work on television and film projects.

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