Reeperbahn Festival veteran Mischa Pearlman previews this year's event, arguing it is one of the few European-based events that get's the "urban festival" right with its venues and selection of artists. We'll be putting his argument to the test this year by will be reviewing the 2011 event in a few weeks, but in the meantime here's why Hamburg is such a great stage for new talent.
For the past half-decade, the Reeperbahn Festival has, over one long weekend in September (22-24 this year), turned Hamburg's infamous red light district into a busy and bustling musical epicentre. Every venue along the tourist-central street and the surrounding area, whether the small and perpetually cramped Molotow (a true rock'n'roll dive), the impressive Uebel & Gefährlich - a huge, now-defunct concrete 'bunker' that looms ominously over the area - or the expansive Gruenspan, where last year Cee Lo Green, one of 2010's biggest names, performed his soulful tunes to a 1000 plus eager fans.
This year, there's nobody quite as high-profile playing, but the list of talented acts is nevertheless extensive, impressive and represents some of the most innovative artists around. Friendly Fires, who play on the Friday night, will be looking to capitalise on the success of their recently released second album, Pala, while raucous folk rockers Dry The River (pictured), electronica maestro Jamie Woon, scrappy 1990s-styled indie punks Let's Wrestle, shoegazing fans The Duke Spirit and rising blues/folk singer-songwriter Marcus Foster head up (but are far from the whole of) the rest of the British contingent.
Elsewhere, London-based Australian duo Gypsy & The Cat, Norwegian indie troupers Team Me, WolfParade offshoots Handsome Furs, seminal emo pioneers The Get Up Kids and Denmark's most famous musical export since Whigfield or Aqua and certainly amomg its best, The Raveonettes, will all be partying away in one of Europe's most hedonistic areas.
One wristband gets you access to every venue, although if there's someone you desperately want to see, making this one of the few European city-based events that truly rivals SXSW with its size and scope.
It's also impossible to avoid Hamburg's close connection to The Beatles and the role the city played in the early development of their career, so walks and tours will spring to life over the three days that the Reeperbahn Festival runs.
There is, of course, far too much to take in - and the possibility of seeing or experiencing everything that you want to is utterly impossible. But give into the city and its unrelenting party vibe - if you go to bed at 5am, that's pretty early - and you're in for a thoroughly enjoyable and exciting musical and cultural treat.
Get more info at Reeperbahnfestival.com.
4:01 PM | 07/09/2011
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