Preview Reeperbahn Festival 2025

Each September, Hamburg’s Reeperbahn turns into Europe’s biggest stage for new music. Across four days, the festival blends concerts, art, film, and industry talks—making St. Pauli the place to discover fresh talent and experience the future of culture.

To be honest, I wanted to skip this year’s Reeperbahn Festival. The journey from Switzerland is long and hotel prices in Hamburg skyrocket during such events. Is it worth all the effort? Won’t it be the same procedure as last year? Too many gigs being played at around 70 venues in the vicinity of the Reeperbahn?

Of course! Several promising events and acts appear again in this year’s diverse programme. I couldn’t risk missing out on a few fantastic festival days of music and friends, right? Here are some of the reasons why I changed my mind and will be attending the 20th edition of the Reeperbahn Festival from 17 to 20 September under the hopefully unifying topic ‘Imagine Togetherness!’. And remember: there are several shows free to visit without a ticket at the Festival Village on Heilligengeistfeld. I recommend downloading the helpful App on your smartphone to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Wednesday, 17. September 2025
Step into a world where gentle melodies meet raw emotion. Anett Tamm alias Alonette offers a sonic elegance and songs that feel like pages from a personal diary. With this Estonian artist, you will be enchanted by timeless sounds, vivid stories and folk-inspired songwriting.
20:00 Ballsaal

Frànçois & the Atlas Mountains
François & The Atlas Mountains may no longer be signed to Domino Records, but they continue to weave their signature blend of poetic chanson, indie pop and Afro-influenced rhythms. Led by French-born songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Frànçois Marry, the group is known for creating music that effortlessly shifts between cultures and languages, blurring the line between intimacy and vastness. The cosiness of St. Pauli Church will be just the right place for this.
20:45 St. Pauli Kirche

Flora Hibberd
Flora Hibberd’s exceptional debut album Swirl, released earlier this year on 22Twenty, was a real discovery for my radio show Golden Glades on ByteFM. Her artistic DNA is cool and haunting, similar to Cate Le Bon or Aldous Harding. Her voice is deep and instantly appealing, and while I’m not sure if she’ll be coming on stage with just a guitar, I’m sure it will be fascinating to listen to her stories.
22:00 Schmidt’s Tivoli / Angie’s

Loving
Imagine stepping into a room where every note of guitar resonates like a memory and the vocals feel like the echoe of your own soul—that’s the world of Loving. Since releasing their first songs on Bandcamp about 10 years ago, they’ve been favourites on my radio show. Jesse Henderson and David Parry continue to create sweet, unpretentious tracks that are easy to listen to. Just sit back and relax to this dreamy lo-fi folk tapestry from Canada.
23:50 St. Pauli Kirche

Thursday, 18. September 2025

Liz Pelly & Johann Scheerer
Liz Pelly’s latest book Mood Machine should be part of the curriculum in every school: based on numerous interviews, she takes an in-depth look at the impact of Spotify on music and listening culture. Her conversation with Johann Scheerer, founder of Clouds Hill, is entitled ‘Critical Listening: The Problems with Streaming Culture’ and will be one of many interesting talks during this year’s festival.
16:00 East Hotel 

Mei Semones
Mei Semones offers the opportunity to see an up-and-coming young artist before she makes it big. Her music cannot be pigeonholed into a specific genre and is difficult to describe – but it is exciting. She works with rich dynamics and contrasts. Her guitar playing is extraordinary and complex, influenced by jazz, bossa nova and indie rock. Sometimes she sings in Japanese, sometimes in English, constantly switching between style, mood and language. Her upcoming show promises more than just a performance – it is an invitation into the hybrid world of Mei Semones, accompanied by a full band with strings and orchestral elements.
19:30 Mojo Club

No Frills
The showcase of the Canadian label We Are Busy Bodies / Having Fun alone is a good reason to visit the Reeperbahn Festival on Thursday. Daniel Busheikin founded No Frills as a bedroom pop project in Toronto, but it has since developed into a full band. Their sound is deceptively cheerful: jangling guitars, lush melodies and upbeat arrangements often contrast with lyrics that deal with themes such as defeat and depression, always accompanied with a wink and self-confidence. This contrast between words and music and the nonchalant delivery are the reasons why No Frills resonates so strongly and why they have been Golden Glades‘ favourites since day one.
20:20 Schmidtchen

The Boojums
Labelmates The Boojums are just getting started. The Trio hails from Nova Scotia is about to release release their self-titled debut LP at the End of October. Their music channels the raw energy of ‘60s garage rock, the sneer of ‘70s punk, the edge of ‘80s alternative, and the hooks of ‘90s power-pop—yet the result is something undeniably fresh and of-the-moment. Get ready for a sonic time warp with a modern twist with The Boojums.
22:30 – Schmidtchen

Friday, 19. September 2025

Dressed Like Boys
I recently came across the Belgian record label Mayway with French singer-songwriter Aure and her minimalist acoustic songs. Dressed Like Boys, Jelle Denturck’s project, also releases its music on Mayway and is a heartfelt thing. His songs are based on intimate piano arrangements and stories taken directly from Denturck’s own life. The frontman of Belgian indie rock band DIRK takes a slightly different direction with his solo project Dressed Like Boys. Instead of guitar-driven energy there are personal songs that deal with queerness, relationships and memories.
Friday, 16:00 Indra | Saturday, 23:25 Nochtspeicher

Delivery
Melbourne has always produced an above-average number of sharp, unpredictable guitar bands, and Delivery is one of them. Their shows remind us that punk energy does not have to be synonymous with sloppiness. The interplay between the two (sometimes even three) guitars is precise but never sterile. Delivery still carries the DNA of Melbourne’s DIY scene, but they clearly have their sights set on bigger stages.
Thursday, 22:25 Molotow |  Friday, 18:00 Molotow 

Kratzen
If you like music that invites you to immerse yourself, appreciates repetition as a compositional device and creates moods from minimalist elements, then you should definitely see KRATZEN live. The band’s latest album, III, was produced together with Olaf Opal and reduces everything to the essentials: repetition, subtle variations and atmosphere. Fans of krautrock, post-punk, or minimalist wave will feel right at home.
19:45 Pooca Bar 

Saturday, 20. September

Honeyglaze
On Saturday, Molotow is hosting an afternoon curated by Jackson Irvine. Jackson is not only one of the coolest footballers and current captain of FC St. Pauli, but also a real music fan. Every month, he produces a radio show for ByteFM and plays a lot of music from his hometown of Melbourne. Honeyglaze, on the other hand, hails from South London. The trio combines emotional indie rock and post-punk with introspective lyrics. It will be interesting to see how they switch between delicate moments and dynamic energy.
18:30 Molotow

Far Caspian
Far Caspian at the Reeperbahn Fest is probably one of those shows that will stay with you for a long time: not because of pyrotechnics or stage theatre, but because of its honesty, craftsmanship and emotional depth. I’m a big fan of the current album Autofiction. It’s a record that builds on dream pop and shoegaze textures , but filters them through a more personal, reflective lens. I like the feel and textures of this music and look forward to hearing it live.
19:25 Knust 

Natalie Bergman
One last recommendation for Saturday evening is Natalie Bergman. This artist has developed a unique style in today’s indie scene by combining vintage soul, gospel warmth and folk intimacy into a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal. I’m not sure if she’ll be performing alone or with a full band, but I’ve heard that she likes to engage with her audience and try to explain the stories behind her music.
21:30 Nochtspeicher 

Whether you’re looking for the next big headliner or happen to discover your future favourite artist in a backroom club, one thing is certain: for four days in September, the Reeperbahn pulsates to the rhythm of music. I hope my recommendations will help you find your way around the variety of events and showcases. Don’t forget to get your ticket before it’s too late.

Gutes Pflaster

Manche Städte waren oder sind ein gutes Pflaster für Musikschaffende. Und Musik kann manchmal ein gutes Pflaster für die Seele sein. In der doppelten Bedeutung der Redewendung wollen wir uns in der heutigen Golden Glades-Ausgabe suhlen. Mit dabei: frische Alben von Silver Synthetic und Eliza Niemi.

Gutes Pflaster war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 30.04.25 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr. Wdh.: Donnerstag, 01.05. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 03.05. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr


ArtistTrackLabel
Samantha CrainDragonflyReal Kind
Daughter of SwordsTalk to YouPsychic Hotline
Jonathan PersonneDeuxime vieBonsound
Julii SharpJe N'attends Que ToiOnly Lovers
VemberlainI Like YouHidden Bay Records
Owen DuffGive up on MeOwen Duff
Big Warm BedBuilding RoadsDance To The Radio
Silver SyntheticRight TimeCuration Records
Silver SyntheticCool Blue NightCuration Records
The ConvenienceVanity ShapesWinspear
Brian D'AddarioUseless TearsHeadstack Records
Jimmie KilpatrickAnswering MachineYou've Changed Rec.
Cici ArthurWay ThroughWestern Vinyl
Eliza NiemiDustyTin Angel Records
Eliza NiemiGreen BoxTin Angel Records
No FrillsOpen Book We Are Busy Bodies
The Simple PresentI'll Take That With MeKUS
The Slow SummitsSpirit of the LyricsSubjangle
Orange JuiceI Can't Help MyselfDomino
Edwyn CollinsPaper PlanesAED Records
FloristHave HeavenDouble Double Whammy
Dumb ThingsSelf Helpself-released
Companion SongsBowl And SpoonAkkerbouw Records
Die Zärtlichkeit AhnungslosKUS
Pina PalauOutdoor GuyMouthwatering Records
M. John HenryYou Show Me WaysGargleblast Records
FirestationsA Weight Starts To LiftLost Map Records
ArmstrongSitting In My Own BackyardSubjangle
The ChillsStay LongerFire Records
Lael NealeWild WatersSub Pop
Kids On A Crime SpreeWhite Light-White HeatOakland Weekender
Dean Wareham New World JulieCarpark
LAKELove is DeeperDon Giovanni

Living Lo-Fi

Das kalifornische Trio Cheekface ist so erprobt wie erfolgreich darin, das Entsetzliche in lustige Phrasen zu verpacken: «Are you using frozen food as medical first aid?», fragt Greg Katz etwa im titelgebenden Song «Living Lo-Fi». Sein Sprechgesang, der stets ein wenig an They Might Be Giants und die B-52’s erinnert, nimmt sich selbst und die Welt nicht allzu ernst, dies aber auf höchstem Niveau. Wir widmen uns in dieser Ausgabe (u.a.) Cheekface und ihrem neuen Album «Middle Spoon».

Living Lo-Fi war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 19.03.25 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr. Wdh.: Donnerstag, 20.03. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 22.03. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr


ArtistTrackLabel
Exploding FlowersAcross A SeaMeritorio
VemberlainQuality TimeHidden Bay Records
Coeur JoieDimi l'etoileLa Souterraine
Robert ForsterStrawberriesTapete
Cornelia MurrHow Do You Get By22Twenty
The High Water MarksPostcardMeritorio
Cloud StudiesCloud CartographyHappy Robots Records
Cool SoundsAnd That's How I Got The CongasNice Guys
CheekfaceLiving Lo-FiCheekface
CheekfaceArt HouseCheekface
The Burning HellCelebrities In CemeteriesYou've Changed / BB*Island
Dana GavanskiHang in for Us BothFull Time Hobby
Piano JohnAll NightNice Guys
Guy BlackmanDon't Ask Don't TellChapter Music
Hologram TeenConnection transpacifiqueHologram Opera
DonovanWear Your Love Like HeavenSony
NorabelleHow Long Does It Takeself-released
Phoebe RingsDriftingCarpark
No FrillsDrive Me We Are Busy Bodies
No FrillsThe ScrapsWe Are Busy Bodies
euroboyMolenvlieteuroboy.bandcamp.com
HŽlo•seHold Onheloise.bandcamp.com
Supernova EasyCasio LoverRed Brick
Mamalarky#1 Best of All TimeEpitaph
St. DukesAimless in BlueLast Night From Glasgow
AutogrammRandy (Don't Screw Up)Dirt Cult / Goodwill
Ben EdgeVisionsGlass Modern
Lavinia BlackwallThe MakingThe Barne Society
Pale LightsPaper WagonKUS / Jigsaw
The LoftTen YearsTapete
Edith FrostCan't SleepDrag City
Takuro OkadaShadow Temporal Drift

Tagesgeschäft

Genug der Jahresbilanzen, Feiertage und Sonderwochen! Golden Glades ist zurück im Steinbruch des Tagesgeschäfts. Frische Musik will ans Licht gefördert und von allen Seiten durchleuchtet werden. Gnadenlos aussortieren und rückhaltlos loben, damit wollen wir nun fortfahren. Vielen Dank für die Kenntnisnahme.

Tagesgeschäft war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 22.01.25 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr. Wdh.: Donnerstag, 23.01. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 25.01. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Hamburg UKW: 91,7 & 104,0 MHz & DAB+
Berlin DAB+: Kanal 7B


ArtistTrackLabel
Saint EtienneHalf LightHeavenly Recordings
HorsegirlJulieMatador
No FrillsShopping In The Toothpaste AisleWe Are Busy Bodies
Dorothea PaasNo MetaphorTelephone Explosion
Dana GavanskiBusiness of the AttitudeFull Time Hobby
TunngEverything ElseFull Time Hobby
citron citronBazar tout nuBongo Joe
Daga VoladoraLejos de la multitudLovemonk
Artificial GoWalk like a DogFeel It / Future Shock
Jack Erin BrownCode GreyNudie Rec. / Tunnel Rec.
Dislocation DanceRoad To HappinessMarina Records
The MuldoonsGone Too FarLast Night From Glasgow
Good WilsonI Let Time TellMorinoko
Carolina LeeIf I TryMarzipan Records
Darren HanlonGood Vibrationdarrenhanlon.bandcamp.com
Snowy BandLooking BackBlossom Rot Records
FellThe ReturnLost Map
good flying birdsi care for youRotten Apple
RyliI Think I Need You AroundDandy Boy Records
Chime SchoolMercury GirlDandy Boy Records
CandymouseAre You Our Missing Idiot?Old Bad Habits
CandymouseLast Of The True BelieversOld Bad Habits
The Burning HellBottle of Chianti, Cheese and Charcuterie BoardYou've Changed Rec./BB*Island
Laundromat ChicksSecretsSiluh
Prism ShoresHolding PatternMeritorio
DropkickPrimary Colours Bobo Integral
AssistantSong For JilSubjangle
Helen McCookerybookReaching For HopeTiny Global
Awkward iChilly Walks Home Excelsior Recordings
Minta & The Brook TroutRandom Informationminta.bandcamp.com
Dean WarehamYou Were the Ones I Had to BetrayCarpark
The Gentle SpringI Can't Have You As A FriendSkep Wax
Sure SureFriends From The PastSure Sure

Best Of 2022

Although the new year is already in full swing, it’s always worth taking a look back. Here are some of my favourite albums released in 2022:

Michael Rault: Michael Rault

A warm and sonic depth runs through this self-titled album by Michael Rault. The songwriting of Harry Nilsson springs to mind, Emitt Rhodes or even Stevie Wonder. Amidst the lush harmonies and spacious analogue sound, you could almost get the idea that this is a lost work from the 70s that only recently has been rediscovered. But no: Michael Rault releases music since 2008. His present work is the second for Wick Records, which in turn are associated with Daptone. And shows a very mature and passionate songwriting. The sensitive quality is surely also related to the fact that many things changed in Michael Rault’s life: he left his partner, his manager and his backing band, moved from Montreal to Los Angeles and recorded some of the songs in his bedroom. But for the big production, for the smooth string and wind arrangements, there was plenty of help from his circle of friends and rounds off this historically well-inspired piece of classic pop just perfectly.

Apollo Ghosts: Pink Tiger

In their native Canada, Apollo Ghosts are already known and appreciated. The band was formed in 2009 around songwriter Adrian Teacher and drummer Amanda Panda. Most recently, they released an album with ambient tracks as well as a collection of local cover songs, whereby only artists from Vancouver were re-scored by Apollo Ghosts. And now, titled Pink Tiger, there is a regular studio work that deserves special attention: Pink Tiger by Apollo Ghosts was created over the last three years: 22 songs, divided into two chapters: Pink features the acoustic version of the band. It shows a smooth and clever songwriting, in which Teacher undergoes a self-analysis. During the recordings he had the feeling that everything was falling apart: his father was dying and he also lost part of his hearing. The second chapter – Tiger – was recorded a year later and celebrates the endurance of friendship, music and hope. Garnished with strumming guitars, the three piece presents some good old energetic indie rock. So this double-album shows two different sides of one and the same band. And the good thing is: both are absolutely entertaining from beginning to end.

Papercuts: Past Life Regression

Music that refers to the baroque pop of the 60s is still occasionally produced today. For example, by Jason Quever and his project Papercuts. Past Life Regression, his eighth album, sounds very organic and you can hear that the man behind Papercuts not only writes songs but also works as a producer for others: Sugar Candy Mountain, Cass MacCombs or Beach House –  they all have placed themselves in his trusting hands. When Quever himself plays music as Papercuts, his songs often have a melancholic touch and the vintage-heavy sound palette plays well into his hands.

Partner Look: By The Book

When two people wear the same or a very similar outfit, one often speaks of a partner look. I didn’t realise until now that this term is only common in German-speaking countries and tends to cause confusion elsewhere. But that’s exactly why a band from Melbourne has named itself after this pseudoanglizism. The quartet Partner Look consists of the German-born sisters Ambrin and Anila Hasnain and their partners Dainis Lacey and Lachlen Denton. All four musicians are also involved in other music projects: Cool Sounds, The Ocean Party and Studio Magic and also move in related pop terrain. They play through their debut very nonchalantly: By the Book by Partner Look is an album that offers very good entertainment in its casual, charming way.

Dana Gavanski: When It Comes

Dana Gavanski and her music have been on my radar from the very beginning. I’ve watched her songwriting evolve from humble, soulful folk to a more daring art-pop direction. On her second album, When It Comes, the Serbian-Canadian songwriter is coming a step closer to the wondrous sound world of Robert Wyatt. She has a very playful and honest style, and like Wyatt, it’s the fragile voice that really carries you away. Hard to believe, but it wasn’t long ago that Gavanski lost her voice due to illness. Thankfully, she’s back again and in great shape and has delivered this wonderful, timeless yet beautifully idiosyncratic album that sadly far too few people know about. Also check out the live report from last year’s Reeperbahn Festival. It was a very special event!

Way Dynamic: So Familiar

There are always cultural hotspots, places where a lot of talented musicians gather at one time and create something special: an exceptional sound that stands for a certain time and a certain place. One such hotspot at the moment is clearly Melbourne in Australia. Good projects are springing up like mushrooms and everything is somehow connected. Way Dynamic is the name of the project of the Australian Dylan Young. Young, who was just touring as a drummer with Emma Russack & Lachlan Denton as well as Snowy Band. He played two gigs each evening and now presents his ambitious solo project: Way Dynamic. On his stunning debut So Familiar, Young shows a knack for putting together familiar retro sounds in a new way. The sound of the American West Coast and the early 70ties shimmers through, yet it is not simply copied. Once again, I’m amazed at how a single person manages to replace an entire band so effortlessly.

No Frills: Downward Dog

Downward Dog is the fabulous debut of the Canadian band No Frills. In their own words, this is a collection of DIY pop hits with serious themes such as depression, despair, life and death. But most of all, this band wants to have fun! And that is noticeable all along the record: No Frills from Toronto moves quite nonchalantly through the songs. Also the recording process was exceptional. For example, the singer wore a hygiene mask and sang through a toilet paper roll attached to the microphone. Just to capture the right sound for his voice. This pretty much sums up the album – lots of ideas floating around to discover!

Pete Astor: Time On Earth

Pete Astor and his bands The Loft and The Weather Prophets are among the best Creation Records had to offer in the 80s. And British songwriter is still a very good storyteller: Time On Earth is the name of his new album, and as on its predecessor One For The Ghost, the theme of „life after death“ plays a central role. Pete Astor shows himself reflective and personal, and he knows exactly what he is singing about. Dealing with death can be a cheerful and comforting thing when you think of dear friends who have recently passed away and are sorely missed. Life goes on while Pete Astor created one of his most beautiful albums.

Ohne Schnickschnack

Das Leben ist zu kurz für schlechte Musik und unnötigen Schnickschnack. Sandra Zettpunkt versucht deshalb, ohne ebensolchen durch diese Sendung zu kommen – und den Verzicht auf Firlefanz zugleich zu thematisieren. Ob es gelingt?

Was genau als überflüssig empfunden wird, liegt natürlich im Ohr der Hörenden. Auf spielerisch-ornamentalen Art-Pop und kammermusikalische Arrangements wollen wir heute jedenfalls nicht verzichten, dafür sorgen Healing Potpourri, Maxwell Farrington And Le SuperHomard sowie alte und neue Songs von Michael Head (The Pale Fountains).

Im Fokus aber steht das bezaubernde Debüt «Downward Dog» von No Frills, was zu Deutsch unserem Sendungstitel entspricht. Nonchalant bewegt sich die Band aus Toronto durch ihre liebenswürdigen DIY Pop Hits, selbst ernste Themen wie Verzweiflung und Tod werden vergnüglich ins Spiel gebracht. Hausgemacht und originell ist die Musik von No Frills – und natürlich kommt sie ohne all das aus, was wir in dieser Sendung eh nicht hören wollen (und aus Gründen der Diskretion hier ungenannt bleiben soll).

Ohne Schnickschnack war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 15.06.22 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Donnerstag, 16.06. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 18.06. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Hamburg UKW: 91,7 & 104,0 MHz & DAB+
Berlin DAB+: Kanal 7B


ArtistTrackLabel
David WestSo We Ran AwayTough Love
Lawrence ArabiaLick Your WoundsHonorary Bedouin
Maxwell Farrington & Le SuperHomardI Had It AllTalitres
The Heavy HeavyAll My DreamsATO Records
Jill LoreanKneadingMonohands Records
HorsegirlWorld of Pots and PansMatador
Biff Bang Pow!Someone Stole My WheelsCherry Red
Biff Bang Pow!She HauntsCherry Red
Erica Dawn Lyle & Vice CoolerThe Immortals (f/ Brontez Purnell)nefoclandtrust.org
Kamikaze Palm TreeIn The SandDrag City
No FrillsSave the Beesnofrillsmusic.bandcamp.com
No FrillsDarkhorsenofrillsmusic.bandcamp.com
Cormac O CaoimhThere Must Be A CatchBaby Moon
Girls At Our Best!Getting Nowhere FastOptic Nerve
Martin CourtneySailtboatDomino
Art MooreMuscle MemoryANTI-Records
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Air WavesWaitFire Records
Sing LeafHammerheadTin Angel Records
The High LlamasPainters PaintV2 Banana
Healing PotpourriWindRun For Cover
Julie Doiron, Dany PlacardJean-Talon MarketSimone
FlasherI'm BetterDomino
R.E. SeraphinI'll Be AroundSafe Suburban Home
Teenage Tom PettiesBoxroom BluesSafe Suburban Home
Pulse ParkSine WaveShoredive Records
Infant FinchesAccents For AdamPapercup Records
Young GuvChange Your MindRun For Cover
Say Sue MeWe Look AlikeDamnably
The Pale FountainsYou'll Start A WarVirgin
Michael Head & the Red Elastic BandAmerican KidModern Sky
GintisNever Be LonelyMai 68 Records
Bobby OrozaSweet AgonyBig Crown Records
HuskySYWDself-released
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