Reeperbahn Festival strikes again

The Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg has grown up fast and just celebrated its 18th anniversary at the end of September. Around 49.000 attendees took over my old neighborhood St. Pauli in search for networking events and to celebrate fresh talents. Once again, the festival presented an ambitious program and tried to explore important topics like sustainability and diversity, AI and parenthood in music. And yes, it’s true: navigating the sheer number of events and showcases can be a little overwhelming. But there’s never anything wrong with just going with the flow.

During the four days and nights of the festival, I mingled with international colleagues and had many interesting talks to old and new friends. And of course, I saw all sorts of showcases. Here’s a handy round-up of the best of them:

The first pleasant surprise was the French shooting star Zaho de Sagazan. Her music is a hybrid of soulful nouvelle chanson and dark electronic pop. As I already heard her debut album „La symphonie des Éclairs“, I was curious to see how the young artist would translate this on stage. It was simple, but effective: while in the back two guys each enthusiastically turned the knobs of cabinet-like modular synthesizers, the 23-year-old artist swept across the plain stage in normal everyday clothes. Her announcements in English were absolutely charming and within no time the club was fidgeting and sweating. A great performance by Zaho de Sagazan, even for people like me who don’t particularly like dirty techno beats.

 

Clever and witty German lyrics, a foot-tapping rhythm and jazzy arrangements is the package I received from Noth playing a tiny place upstairs of Grüner Jäger. The stage was way too small for the six-piece ensemble, well equipped with saxophones and flute. There’s something special about this band, not only because of the great musicianship. Although Linus Kleinlosen and Luis Schwamm are from different cities, they collaborate on all songs and lyrics. They filled the room with a wide musical range, rooted in jazz, avant pop and in crisp indie rock – and every nuance sounded great. I would like to see Noth get a bit more recognition (at least in the German-speaking world) abecause they have already released two fabulous records. Well, my old colleague Carol v. Rautenkranz of L’Age D’Or fame stood next to me during the whole live set. And I can tell you: he was sceptical at first, but quite impressed in the end. No doubt, Carol still knows what is good.

It was a huge disappointment that the Canadian songwriter Julie Doiron had to cancel her shows on the Reeperbahn Festival due to personal matters. But her slot was taken over by a fabulous three-piece from Wales: The Bug Club play catchy songs with so much verve and fun that it’s hard not to fall for their infectious harmonies from the start. Two-minute pop hits like „Little Coy Space Boy“ set the bar, new songs from the upcoming double LP were also included in the setlist, all in the not too busy backyard of the famous Molotow club. Dressed in 80s jeans and white T-shirts, the power trio played on with irrepressible energy, driving and dizzying. Drummer Dan Matthew wiggled his head like Ringo Starr while bassist Tilly Harris pulled some moves as if she was playing with AC/DC. And guitarist Sam Willmett showed some incredible work on the fretboard. Like fast and crazy country licks that I can’t quite put my finger on. Definitely something you don’t hear very often in modern day indie rock.

 

In the 19th century, the unique red bricks housed a schnapps distillery. Today, the vaulted cellar called Nochtwache is a popular venue and served as the stage for the festivals best-kept secret: Vanity Mirror have released the fantastic debut album “Puff” and they wear their influences on their sleeves. The band consists of singer and songwriter Brent Randall hailing from Toronto and drummer Johnny Toomey, who lives in LA. In tow they had two guest musicians who stepped in with style on bass and analog keys. And immediately I felt transported back into the late 60’s. Not only because Vanity Mirror create perfect pop in the vain of the Kinks or Emitt Rhodes. From using vintage equipment to wearing original outfits from the 60’s, every detail seemed authentic. The venue was dark and slightly too warm, and it could have been a brilliant show, if only the sound would have been less muddy. But no matter, Johnny kept twirling his drum sticks and Brent casually chewed his gum, while Vanity Mirror delivered an impeccable performance. Another hit from their other group Electric Looking Glass rounded off the set – and I was more than satisfied.

Although the Reeperbahn Festival is a great spot for discovering the next big thing, there’s also space for a couple of well-known names: Chrissy Hynde was in town and performed with The Pretenders. Arab Strap played a stripped down, but solid showcase as a two-piece with material from the old “Philiphobia” days. And then there was Billy Bragg.

I’ve never considered myself a fan of Billy Bragg and would probably have missed this wonderful show full of inspiration, solidarity, laughter and great songs if my dear colleague Alice hadn’t been so keen to go. (By the way: Alice is well known for her hand-picked radio shows “Off Beat” on Novum.fm and “Kaleidoskop” on ByteFM and I can only recommend her detailed recap of the festival here). We both agreed, that Billy Bragg has aged well. It’s hard to believe he’s 65, as he has the energy and enthusiasm of a young person. His career is built on the foundation of being a protest singer for the working class – and he still has a lot to say. He is absolutely on top of his game, talking about trans rights and the Nazis in suits (referring to the German right-wing Party AfD). And yes, it sounded like a sermon when he spoke about his activism and the power of music: “Maybe it can’t change the world, but it has the power to make you think that change is possible.”.

Braggs setlist was mostly focused on welcome classics and the night was closed with one of his biggest hits “A New England”, which got the enthusiastic festival audience singing along.

One of the best things about this club festival is that alternative spaces open their doors to host different showcases. For me, the grand finale of the four-day festival was This Is The Kit in Hamburg’s St. Michaelis Church on Saturday evening. The building is considered one of the most beautiful Hanseatic Protestant baroque churches and has 2500 seats. Not all of them were occupied when This Is The Kit played their set with a full band. What is immediately noticeable is the enormous delay in the sound. Even normal speech is difficult to manage in such a space. Paris-based bandleader Kate Stables was keen to play it safe and chose some quieter songs for the setlist. And although the intimacy suffered and was lost in the large building, the magic of Stables‘ swirling vocal melodies won the hearts of everyone present. At the latest shortly before midnight, when the audience sang along a mantra-like „be okay“ to the song „Dibs“, the warm feeling of good company and community came up. What a perfect ending for the second post-pandemic year of the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg.

Lieder vom Verschwinden

Das Verschwinden und wie sich davon singen lässt, darum geht es in der heutigen Sendung: Der amerikanische Songwriter Stephen Steinbrink hat sein neues Album „Disappearing Coin“ genannt – aus lauter Faszination über einen Straßenmagier, der einen Vierteldollar aus der Hand eines jungen Passanten wegzauberte.

Ruth Garbus widmet ihr Stück „Mono No Aware“ dem japanischen Konzept, mit der Flüchtigkeit des Lebens umzugehen und darin eine zerbrechliche Schönheit zu erkennen. Ebenjene ist auch den schottischen Altmeistern Teenage Fanclub bekannt, weshalb sie ihr neues Album „Nothing Lasts Forever“ benannt haben.

Und schließlich zitiert der Sendungstitel das zweite Album von Noth. Inmitten feiner und vielfältiger Arrangements erzählt die Köln-Hamburger Band unter anderem von der geliebten Stammkneipe, die einer schicken Cocktailbar weichen musste.

Lieder vom Verschwinden ist zu hören am Mittwoch, den 20.09.23 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr. Wdh.: Donnerstag, 21.09. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 23.09. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

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


ArtistTrackLabel
The GoodsDear AngelineDandy Boy Records
Video AgeAway From The CastleWinspear
LutaloPush Back BabyWinspear
Misty CoastBreatheFysisk Format
Robert KretzschmarApartmentEinfach Jason/Wagram Stories
NothWunder PunktBackseat
NothZum Güldenen EinhornBackseat
Ruth GarbusMono No AwareOrindal
Teenage FanclubIt's Alright PeMa / Merge
Teenage FanclubI Will Love YouPeMa / Merge
Mutual BenefitUntying A KnotTransgressive
Marika HackmanNo CaffeineChrysalis
The CoralSea of MirrorsRun On Records
Toro Y MoiBack ThenDead Oceans
BeatenbergDon't Call Her Over To YouLeafy Outlook
Crow BabyLittle MugDuchess Box Records
Patio Either WayFire Talk
Nation of LanguageSurely I Can't WaitPIAS
Marta Del GrandiChameleon EyesFire Records
Barbara McNairThe Good Times Are GoneAce Records
The MaureensAlisonMeritorio
LewsbergWithout A DoubtLewsberg Records
Robert RotiferChewing on the Bones of the Sacred CowGare Du Nord
Swansea Sound I Made A Work Of ArtSkep Wax
Stephen SteinbrinkPonyWestern Vinyl
Stephen SteinbrinkCruiser (Reprise)Western Vinyl
Helena DelandBright Green Vibrant GrayChivi Chivi / Believe
Family StereoTake Carefamilystereo.bandcamp.com
Castle TheaterPartcastletheater.bandcamp.com
Ty SegallVoidDrag City

Zurück ins Licht

«Back To The Light» heißt die neue Single von Teenage Fanclub. Das klingt hoffnungsvoll – zumindest für Menschen, während das Licht auf Insekten eine oft fatale Anziehung ausübt. Die Bedeutung der Leuchtkraft für verschiedenerlei Kreaturen, darauf wird in den Songs der heutigen Sendung gelegentlich Bezug genommen.

Auch The Clientele wagen sich mit dem ambitionierten Doppelalbum «I Am Not There Anymore» zurück ans Licht der Öffentlichkeit. Das britische Trio zelebriert hier abermals seine Liebe zum Kammerpop, getragen von Alasdair McLeans fein ziselierter Gitarrenarbeit.

Neues gibt es auch von der siebenköpfigen Kombo Pia Fraus aus Tallinn. Auf «Evening Colours« wissen sie Shoegaze und Dreampop geschmackvoll aus verschiedenen Winkeln zu beleuchten.

Zurück ins Licht war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 23.08.23 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr. Wdh.: Donnerstag, 24.08. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 26.08. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

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


ArtistTrackLabel
FonteynDiamond LightBorn Losers Records
IslandsLifes A JokeELF
Martin FrawleyThis Is Gonna Change Your MindTrouble In Mind
Mikaela DavisPromiseKill Rock Stars
Marta Del GrandiSnapdragonFire Records
CosmetiqueDrink and JiveBlow Up
NothKleines LiedBackseat
The ClienteleClaire's Not RealMerge
The ClienteleLady GreyMerge
Teenge FanclubBack To The LightPeMa / Merge
Colored LightsAshesBobo Integral
MyrkviEarly WarningBaggabotn
Pia FrausEvening ColoursP-Vine / Seksound
Pia FrausSunny AfternoonP-Vine / Seksound
Symbol SoupDial-a-DreamSad Club Records
The BrightsWaitingMeritorio
The RonettesBe My BabyABKCO
Roy Moller Ward SongThe Beautiful Music
Roy MollerFar Be It From MeThe Beautiful Music
Martha FfionGentleLost Map
The Planes Thrift StoreSafe Suburban Home
MJ LendermanRudolphAnti- Records
Swansea Sound Twentieth CenturySkep Wax
LispectorThe RunnersPonytail Records
LispectorDo You Happen?Ponytail Records
moduS ponYDog Eared at the Introsuperpolar Ta•ps
The SpiresSet the Wheel in Motionthespires.bandcamp.com
The GrogansI'm Not SureC.W. Records
Niall SummertonWish You Could SpeakTiny Library Records
Miss TinyRiver HandsSpeedy Wunderground
the 1981EasyDandy Boy Records
The Velvet UndergroundBeginning To See The LightMGM Records
Tomorrow SyndicateHyper-ReceptiveFeral Child

Gebeutelte Seele, heiterer Klang

Traurigkeit und Verzweiflung in fast allen Songs: Da fließen dienstags Tränen, da wird im Pool geweint, und sogar einen Selbstmord gibt es zu beklagen. «Alles ist vergänglich» singt die Gruppe Noth aus Hamburg, «Tired Of Being Alone» klagen die Lieblingsschotten Teenage Fanclub und The High Water Marks berichten über «Trouble From The East». Aber keine Sorge: Mögen die textlichen Themen auch noch so düster sein – die Musik in der heutigen Sendung zeichnet zumeist ein ganz anderes Bild.

Gebeutelte Seele, heiterer Klang war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 09.08.23 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr. Wdh.: Donnerstag, 10.08. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 12.08. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

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


ArtistTrackLabel
West Coast Pop Art Experimental BandShifting Sands Reprise Recordings
Jenny Owen YoungsAvalancheNext Door Records
This Is the KitStuck in a RoomRough Trade
MotherhoodWanderingForward Music Group
Teenge FanclubTired Of Being AlonePeMa
NothAlles ist vergŠnglichBackseat
Au Revoir SimoneSad SongMoshi Moshi
Annie HartI Never DoUninhabitable Mansions
Angelo De AugustineAnother UniverseAsthmatic Kitty
Life StrikeTears On TuesdayBobo Integral
The KinsmenGlasshouse Green, Splinter RedDecca
The GoodsDavid Jones Is DeadDandy Boy Records
Soft on CrimeCrying PoolEats It Records & Tapes
The High Water MarksTrouble From The EastMinty Fresh
The Apples In StereoQuestions And AnswersEarworm
The High Water MarksDream Some MoreMinty Fresh
PodcastsStor lordags kveld/No Singing in the GymPrefect Records
Vanishing TwinAfternoon XFire Records
Girl RayLove Is EnoughMoshi Moshi
Orange JuiceI Can't Help MyselfDomino
Four TopsI Can't Help MyselfMotown
Die ZŠrtlichkeitStarTapete Records
Cut WormsTake it and SmileJagjaguwar
FlypaperLooking For CluesPNKSLM
Salim NourallahUnder AttackHappiness Records
Salim NourallahI Don't KnowHappiness Records
LispectorGive Up On Your DreamsPonytail Records
OrwellNow That You Are The Nightblue-very label
Bonnie "Prince" BillyCrazy Blue BellsDomino
Symbol SoupDark HorseSad Club Records
The Radio FieldOther OneLess Records / Subjangle
BraakeHinter unsern GitternTapete
Julie ByrnePortrait Of A Clear DayGhostly International
Astrud GilbertoThe Shadow Of Your SmileVerve

Heiter bis wolkig

Die Aussichten für Golden Glades sind heiter bis wolkig. Über Westschottland liegt ein stabiles Hochdruckdruckgebiet, das nur durch melancholische Regenintermezzi unterbrochen wird: Der klassisch geschulte C Duncan präsentiert mit «Alluvium» erneut seine schwelgerischen und texturreichen Klänge. Dem perfekten Pop dicht auf der Spur bleiben David Scott und seine Band The Pearlfishers, von denen einige Alben neu als Doppel-Vinyl erhältlich sind. Und die Glasgower Indie-Darlings Belle and Sebastian legen nach sieben Jahren ein neues Studioalbum vor, das selbst an grauen Tagen eine Portion Trost zu spenden vermag.

Heiter bis wolkig war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 18.05.22 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Donnerstag, 19.05. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 21.05. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

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


ArtistTrackLabel
Belle & SebastianUnnecessary DramaMatador
The SmithsBigmouth Strikes AgainRough Trade
David Long & Shane O'NeillBruisedCountry Pylon Rec.
The StroppiesI'm in the WaterTough Love
The Wave PicturesBlink The SunMoshi Moshi
Melody's Echo ChamberEmotional EternalDomino
C. DuncanYou Don't Come AroundBella Union
C. DuncanHeavenBella Union
Eliza NiemiMurphysTin Angel Records
Martin CourtneyCorncobDomino
The PearlfishersUp with the LarksMarina Records
The PearlfishersAlways Running AwayMarina Records
SorryThereÕs So Many People That WantÉDomino
Man Behind TreeCalifornia ZephyrSubjangle
SpiritualizedBest Thing You Never HadBella Union
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Bart DavenportWireless MoonTapete Records
Die SterneAlles was ich willPias
The Boys With The Perpetual NervousnessLook BackBobo Integral
Astrel KFlickering iDuophonic
Ghost PowerZome PrimerDuophonic
Dana GavanskiBend Away and FallFull Time Hobby
Robert WyattJust As You AreDomino
NothZooBackseat
NothWaldbadBackseat
Butcher BoyDear JohnNeedle Mythology
The MuldoonsAudacityLast Night From Glasgow
Built to SpillGonna LoseSub Pop
Kathleen Hanna, Erica Dawn Lyle, Vice CoolerMirrorballBandcamp.com
Slack TimesLook At YouMeritorio
The Magic LanternEnoughHectic Eclectic
Charles WatsonReared In The WestMoshi Moshi

Weitwinkel – Pop

Weitwinkel-Pop heißt unser Thema für heute, es soll einen besonders großen Bogen über Popmusik jenseits des Mainstreams spannen. Zwischen Elektro- und Kammerpop ist alles erlaubt, was keine allzu niederen Instinkte anspricht. Vorgestellt wird u.a. das charmant lässige Debüt «By the Book» von Partner Look aus Melbourne, aber auch alte Helden wie Spoon und Superchunk fügen sich in das heutige Programm ein.

Weitwinkel-Pop war zu hören am Mittwoch, den 23.02.22 – 17:00-19:00 Uhr.
Wdh.: Donnerstag, 24.02. von 7:00-9:00 Uhr und Samstag, 26.02. von 15:00-17:00 Uhr

Stream online here: ByteFM
Hamburg UKW: 91,7 & 104,0 MHz


ArtistTrackLabel
Simen MitlidLeon T.Koke Plate
Aldous HardingLawn4AD
Andy ShaufSatanAnti-
SpoonThe Devil & Mister JonesMatador
SpoonFeels AlrightMatador
Renata ZeiguerSunset BoulevardNorthern Spy
Molly NilssonAbsolute PowerNight School
Rodney CromwellOpus ThreeHappy Robots Records
Roman AngelosAbyssal PlainHappy Robots Records
Partner LookPartner LookTrouble In Mind
Partner LookRodeo TragicTrouble In Mind
Big ThiefNo Reason4AD
Modern NatureDunesBella Union
Kyle MorganRansom The Captive HeartTeam Love
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Los BitchosPista (Fresh Start)City Slang
SuperchunkCity of the DeadMerge
The Divine ComedyCharmed LifeDivine Comedy Records
The Divine ComedyAt the Indie DiscoDivine Comedy Records
NothNur zuBackseat
ShybitsAs Seen On MTVDuchess Box Records
Leaf MosaicBullet TrainSkep Wax
SepiasoundArcadianSkep Wax
Love, BurnsCrush The Flowersfadeawayradiate.bandcamp.com
Love, BurnsDear ClaireKUS
The Left BankePretty BallerinaMercury
Colin BlunstoneMisty RosesEpic
John SouthworthCourier PilgrimTin Angel Records
The SoundcarriersHappens Too SoonPhosphonic
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