In what has become one of the funkiest modern rites of spring, Red Bull Music Academy bellows and stampedes its way through New York May 01-30, kicking up a polyphonic dust of electronic beats and knowledge. And yeah, there’s a pretty cool party or two, here and there.

Among this year’s many (many, many) highlights bridging the digital and generational divides are: a night of African electronica featuring Nozinja, DJ Spoko, and others; the NYC debut of New Orleans Bounce sensation Sissy Nobby at a GHE20G0TH1K blowout; conversations with A$AP Rocky, George Clinton and minimalist godfather La Monte Young; three nights of FKA Twigs live; a PC Music party featuring SOPHIE and the premiere of their “Pop Cube” performance; a Tri Angle roster night including The Haxan Cloak and Evian Christ; a Nothing Changes jam featuring Genesis P-Orridge and Merzbow; a Storm Rave reunion with Frankie Bones, Adam X, and Heather Heart; Que Bajo?!'s Barrioteca Tropical with Uproot Andy, Geko Jones and more; a Jamaican Yardcore day fest in Fort Greene park headlined by Assassin; a tribute to Arthur Russell, and a closing night nod to the hip hop/dance label he co-founded, Sleeping Bag Records featuring Kurtis Mantronik, Morgan Geist and Nicky Siano on deck duty.

We’ve loaded up a teaser playlist and will be following events all month.

Head over to RBMA for the full schedule and check back here for updates!