The Belgian female collective Ladr Ache, Kety Fusco, the Italian master of the electric harp, the Georgian rockers from Bedford Falls, badfocus – the Czech specialist in club music, and representing Ukraine – SI Process and DZ’OB complete the musical lineup for this year’s edition of the East of Culture – Different Sounds festival. This is the 17th edition of Different Sounds organised by Workshops of Culture in Lublin and the 11th edition held under the banner of East of Culture, a project implemented by the National Centre for Culture with funds from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and by 3 cities in eastern Poland – Lublin, Białystok and Rzeszów.
About
Since its inception, the East of Culture – Different Sounds festival has placed a strong emphasis on showcasing artists from the Eastern Partnership countries. Over the years, it has welcomed the most thrilling talents from Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and Armenia. This year’s lineup continues this tradition, featuring exceptional performers and remarkable female artists. Joining the roster are SI Process, an outstanding percussionist exploring techno aesthetics; DZ’OB, a collective of classical musicians pushing the boundaries of electronic music; and Bedford Falls, an indie rock band from Tbilisi. Representing the contemporary Czech scene is badfocus, a talented young musician and producer. Rounding out the lineup are harpist Kety Fusco with a solo project and the remarkable female ensemble Ladr Ache, known for their unique blend of ethnic, avant-garde, folk, and electronic music.
Ladr Ache – to say that the Belgian female sextet Ladr Ache defies simple genre classifications doesn’t even begin to describe them. Ladr Ache is a living, sonic experiment, existing in a unique space where avant-garde, folk, and electronic music intersect. The artists employ a diverse arsenal of vocal techniques, treating their voices as instruments themselves. Adding to this an array of percussion, unconventional objects, and electronic effects that round out their sound, we are dealing with a truly special act. Coupled with their non-traditional concert format, Ladr Ache seamlessly aligns with the concept of Different Sounds.
badfocus – A Czech composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer currently based in Prague, this young artist has already garnered significant recognition and acclaim. His talents have earned him a contract with the leading Czech label Supraphon and performances at prestigious showcases in Tallinn, Montreal, Athens, and Budapest. His style blends dance electronics, ambient, and synth-pop with the bold inclusion of classical instruments like piano and guitar. Don’t miss the chance to see badfocus live—many experts are predicting a bright future for him.
Kety Fusco – A phenomenal harpist who has taken the world music scene by storm in recent years. The Italian virtuoso has already conquered stages like the Montreux Jazz Festival and Royal Albert Hall, with her music earning praise from none other than Iggy Pop. Her concerts offer a thrilling fusion of classical and modern elements, enhanced by spectacular visuals. Fusco has redefined the concept of harp playing and transformed the perception of the instrument itself.
DZ’OB – A Ukrainian collective of outstanding, classically trained musicians, DZ’OB seamlessly blends technical mastery with bold stylistic exploration. They describe their sound as electroacoustic IDM, a fitting term for their innovative fusion of classical instruments like cello, oboe, and violin with techno, rave, and drum’n’bass elements. This unique combination yields incredible results, skillfully merging diverse musical worlds and making them a standout feature in the lineup of Different Sounds.
Bedford Falls is an indie rock quartet from Georgia, currently one of the most exciting acts on the local scene, and making bold appearances at concerts across Europe. Originating from Tbilisi, these musicians blend a variety of guitar styles—from alternative rock and psychedelic music to forays into dream pop and catchy melodies. Their concerts deliver a solid dose of positive energy and further prove that the contemporary Georgian music scene has a lot to offer.
SI Process – Stanislav Ivashchenko, a powerhouse drummer from Kyiv, brings his skills to life under the moniker SI Process. After years of playing with Ukrainian alternative bands, Ivashchenko has dived into a world of his own. Prepare for electrifying live shows – a potent blend of driving drums, pulsating electronic beats, and unexpected acoustic touches, all layered with captivating effects. This signature sound makes SI Process a versatile act, captivating audiences at both alternative music festivals and techno clubs.
This year’s edition of the East of Culture – Different Sounds festival takes place in Lublin, from June 27-30, 2024. It is a true celebration for fans of alternative music that prides itself on delivering an eclectic mix of musical styles and genres, ensuring attendees experience nothing short of high artistic quality, originality, and a programme that transcends generations and disciplines. However, this festival is more than just music. Each year, the audience can engage with ambitious literature, captivating cinema, visual arts and photography. They can also take part in workshops designed for families.
The upcoming festival boasts an eclectic lineup of gifted performers, including Lubomyr Melnyk, the founder of On-U Sound label Adrian Sherwood, the psychedelic dub supergroup AFRICAN HEAD CHARGE, and the RuinsZu project, a joint effort between legendary avant-garde jazz artists from Italy and Japan. We will also see the New York composer and guitar virtuoso Yonatan Gat, lively Mexicans from the band Sonido Gallo, and the phenomenal Halina Rice with her foot-tapping live act. We will also immerse ourselves in the dark rock of Canadian artist Alex Henry Foster. This year also shines a spotlight on the Polish music scene. Expect a special project featuring Marek Pospieszalski’s octet with surprise guests, the captivating duo Coals, and the infectious grooves of jazz-dance ensemble Tropical Soldiers in Paradise. And for those who crave a powerful beat, Ugory, Ciśnienie, and Mùlk will deliver a high-octane experience.
Admission to the festival remains free, with more announcements coming soon! More information: differentsounds.eu and wschodkultury.eu
East of Culture – Different Sounds
27-30 June 2024
Lublin, Błonia near the Castle
Admission is free
Organisers: The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, The National Centre for Culture, the City of Lublin, Workshops of Culture in Lublin