Anyone who has become jaded by the commerciality of live music, especially festivals, could find some relief this October. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, along with various other industry figures including Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, have announced a new two day music “happening” in Berlin. The event is entirely not-for-profit and currently without an official name. It will take place October 1 and 2 at FunkHaus studios.
In the announcement, organisers cited “egolessness” as a “guiding system” for the event. Rather than coalescing around a single venture, the idea is “based on friendships and relations of people that have evolved over years and the desire to put something together”. Although no formal lineup is to be announced, so far eighty artists have been confirmed.
That list includes members of Bon Iver, Alt-J, Poliça, The Staves plus My Brightest Diamond‘s Shara Nova, Lisa Hannigan, Damien Rice, Alexander Ridha (aka Boys Noize), Yoann Lemoine (aka Woodkid), Vincent Moon, Fog‘s Andrew Broder, Hauschka and many more. The statement from organisers continued to say that “It’s about new material, collaborations, unique arrangements, and dissolving borders”.
Image via Pitchfork
There will also be no set performances, with artists gathering together a week before to rehearse and experiment. Audiences will then be guided through the various studio spaces to witness the various performances.
Every artist involved will be making their contribution without expectation of any fees, and patrons are assured that the cost of a ticket covers production costs only. Even more importantly, the event is also entirely free of commercial sponsors, meaning audiences won’t be bombarded by advertising or promoted merch. Although the event is presented by Michelberger Hotel.
This is not the first time that Vernon and Dessner have turned their hands to live music. Next week sees the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival take place in Wisconsin, brought together by the two musicians.
You can check out full details for their Berlin event here, including the full list of confirmed artists so far and information about tickets.
Image: The Independent