Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg presents another edition of the celebrated |lx finest – Sounds from Luxembourg showcase at the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg. Four acts will take the stage at HÄKKEN club in the heart of St. Pauli on Friday, September 22nd from 8:30p.m.: Josh Island (groovy singer-songwriter pop combined with soul and folk elements), CHAiLD (electro-pop with a trace of pleasing melancholy), MAZ (explosion of emo-rap with references to metal and punk), and DasRadial (electronic beats and cutting-edge lyrics from a dystopian dreamscape).

If you’re attending Reeperbahn Festival as pro/delegate, make sure to stop by early for our networking reception at 7:30p.m. with finger food and wine from Luxembourg!

RSVP HERE

Friday, 22. September at HÄKKEN
Spielbudenplatz 21/22, 20359 Hamburg

19:30 – Networking reception (only for delegates)
20:15-  Doors open to the public
20:30 – 21:10 | Josh Island
21:45 – 22:25 | CHAiLD
23:00 – 23:40 | MAZ
00:15 – 00:55 | DasRadial

Josh Island | 20:30
(+ Friday 22th September at 16:15 – MOPO-Mobil in the Festival Village)

Josh Island is a true European. Born in the British roundabout town of Milton Keynes to a Dutch family, he moved to Germany and the Netherlands before eventually settling in Luxembourg. This natural curiosity for cultures and people is reflected in his music, with the ability to go beyond geopolitical boundaries. As a vocal powerhouse, soulful songwriter and engaging live performer, Josh Island has been steadily growing a loyal fan base across Europe. He draws inspirations from Sting, Jamie Cullum or John Mayer, a dynamic blend of catchy singer-songwriter pop with strong influences of soul and folk. At its core lies, Josh’s unique ability to connect with the crowd – his interactive shows breakdown invisible barriers between audience and artist. Since starting out playing local bars in Luxembourg at the age of 15, he has opened for James Morrison, Passenger and Clueso, toured the Benelux and Germany and released two EPs. He has worked with Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue) and represented Luxembourg at the Eurotoire songwriting camp on Cyprus. On 15 September 2023, he is releasing his album ‘In My Head’, an introspective yet mature full-length debut, recorded by Portuguese producer Nelson Canoa (Sara Tavares, Carminho, Mariza) at his studio in Torres Vedras, the winegrowing region north of Lisbon. The Black Mamba (Eurovision 2021) was his studio band. The first singles went on to achieve national airplay in the Benelux and Germany and added to numerous playlists, further cementing him as one of Luxembourg’s most international pop songwriters. This fall, Josh is embarking on a 20-date European tour.

CHAiLD | 21:45
CHAiLD burst onto the music scene in 2019. The young rising pop artist from Luxembourg rapidly became known and stood out for his unique, soothing yet intense voice that pulls at your heartstrings and transports you into his melancholic universe. While there’s a nostalgic air to CHAiLD’s vocals, they also possess a modern twist resonating as vulnerable, strong, and intimate all at the same time. CHAiLD identifies as a Gen Z artist, standing up for a youth generation seeking self-expression. That said, a sincere approach to his music means CHAiLD wears his heart on his sleeve, a path that has helped attract a fan base attending his concerts and seeking out his music, which hails from all walks of life. Despite being on the scene for a relatively short time, CHAiLD has many remarkable achievements under his belt whether it is supporting major acts such as Nothing But Thieves, Dean Lewis, and Mahmood, or performing at local and international festivals. He’s also achieved extensive radio play and chart success in Luxembourg, as well as releasing his debut EP “Urgent Care” in 2023.

MAZ | 23:00
(Saturday 23rd September at 16:15 – MOPO-Mobil in the Village Festival)

Maz emerged from a conservative little town in Luxembourg, where the blueprint to a traditional way of life was put into his cradle in 1999. It took a while for his beautiful, yet gory poetry notes to escape his bedroom drawer; for the pride flag to appear between metal posters. Today, he puts his thoughts into an explosion of emo-rap with references to punk and metal music. He mixes skilful rap with distorted screams and melodic hooks; creating a dark, yet hopeful form of expression. As Maz enters the stage, he ties audiences up into the limb of a giant marionette. A powerful collective beast that puts up a fight against social injustices and inspires one to accept their own darkness just as much as their light. This captivating live energy seems to have escaped from secrecy, earning him slots at iconic festivals such as Sziget or ESNS and the award for the best live performance at the Luxembourg Music Awards in 2022. Maz is currently based in Berlin and Brussels and is working on his forthcoming album while currently releasing his EMO SEASON EP.

DasRadial | 00:15
DasRADIAL grows out of the absurdities of our digital age: a being, not man not machine, walks between dream and reality. Musician and actor Max Thommes, who spent 10 years as the drummer in the band INBORN! produced by acclaimed producer Ross Robinson, has been going his own way since 2019, creating a dystopian cosmos with DasRADIAL. After several works for the German State Theatre, he also produced the title track of the Arte documentary “UNTERM_RADAR”. With his electronic beats and sharp-tongued lyrics, DasRADIAL now seeks the symbiosis of art figure and live musical performance. On stage Max Thommes will be joined by drummer Wouter Rentema who also plays for Bonaparte and Sophie Hunger.

With C’est Karma one of Luxembourg’s most multifaceted musicians will also perform at the Reeperbahn Festival as part of the Hamburg Music Business X Backseat Showcase presented by Fanklub.

On her third EP, “Amuse-Bouche,” Karma’s style is covered in noise/industrial and hyperpop influences. The daughter of two first generation immigrants, and supporters of feminist and LGBTQ+ causes, approaches music as a tool for social change, also attacking the inaction on the climate crisis and the disparity between the filthy rich and the less fortunate (although she sometimes indulges in more sentimental remarks or mentions her love for pasta).

Wednesday, 20 September, 8:00p.m. at Grüner Jäger

Francis of Delirium | Real Love
Single release: 20 July | Dalliance Recordings | Producer: Catharine Marks

With her new track “Real Love”, Jana Bahrich aka Francis Of Delirium expands the darker, grunge influenced sound of earlier releases into a softer, more fragile scenery. The song is about being in love with your best friend for years without finding the right timing and suddenly it worked out. Asked about the song writing process, Jana says: “After writing our last EP ‘The Funhouse’ which was all about darkness and the feeling of being engulfed by the chaos of the world, I just couldn’t write anything super dark and heavy at the time, it just wouldn’t come out. My body and brain were just guiding me to writing lighter, more open music. If there’s a motto to the song, it’s about finding the nerve to be honest, even if circumstances don’t always seem to be in your favour”.

Englbrt | Odes to Everything
EP release: July 14 | Listen Records

ENGLBRT is the collaborative duo of Georges Goerens and Niels Engel. The astonishing partnership sounds effortless thanks to the chemistry between two of Luxembourg’s most prolific and respected musicians. Like a well-adjusted science experience, they carefully draw from a vast field of source materials to achieve genre-defying results. After being active in acclaimed projects within the Luxembourgish music scene, both musicians retreated into renowned culture hub Kulturfabrik to eventually come up with ENGLBRT’s distinctive sonic palette, laying the groundwork of future recordings with their first EP ‘Odes to Everything’.

Josh Island | In My Head
Album release: September 15 | Josh Island

Josh Island’s debut album ‘In My Head’, produced by Portugal-based producer Nelson Canoa, will be released on September 15th. The first four singles, ‘Make It’, ‘Pennies From Heaven’, ‘Rewind’ and ‘Patio Blues’, are teasers of an album showcasing Josh’s love for catchy earworm melodies, guitar-based grooves and intimate ballads that pull on your heartstrings. Josh is this year’s recipient of 2023 Glonal Project Grant which he wants to use to promote the album – including a European tour in fall 2023.

ROME | Gates of Europe
Album release: August 25 | Trisol Music Group

“Gates of Europe” starts off with a burst – a haunting collage of the sounds of February 24th, 2022, the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine – and proceeds almost chronologically through the first year of war via meticulously crafted songs. The album blends traditional song writing craftsmanship with more radical arrangements, carefully combined with intricate and obscure poetry. The 14 songs are captivating glimpses into the inner life of a country that is facing the storm with resolve and courage. With more than 50 official releases, including circa 20 albums, live sessions and various other official releases, ROME has managed to create a world of its own entirely and built a strong and devoted following in Europe and the world.

Seed to Tree | A Little Life
Album release: September 8 | popup-records

On their upcoming album “A Little Life” Seed to Tree returns with a welcome change-up, as they move away from their trademark indie sound, experiment with electronics and write from a more mature perspective. On the single releases “Overhyped”, “Major Lydian” and the title track “A Little life”, Seed to Tree is taking a new turn on their musical journey, walking down the memory lane of new wave and dream pop, loaded with pop-cultural references hinting at David Bowie, The Talking Heads or 90s cult movie Trainspotting. But besides being an homage to all the influences that have been part of the band’s history, the album is mainly a realisation that the band Seed to Tree has become more than the sum of all their inspirations. After playing music together for more than a decade, the four musicians are finding their comfort of a home town in creating songs together that have an identity on their own. The record release concert will take place a den Atelier on September 16th.

Scarlet Anger | Hunger
Single release: June 4 | Scarlet Anger

“Hunger” is the second single of Scarlet Anger’s upcoming album “MARTYR” that will be released at the end of this year. The Thrash Metal band was founded in 2007 by vocalist Joe Block and guitarist Fred Molitor who explain the song’s content like this: “The song title refers to the central theme of the song, which is the insatiable greed and inner hunger that drives us. The term ‘Hunger’ symbolises the intense longing and desire for more, whether it be material or immaterial.”  Their previous albums “Freak Show” (2016) and “Dark Reign” (2012) earned lots of respect and appreciation among critics and fans in the Metal scene.

Iceleak | Name
Single release: June 2 | Soave Dusk

The latest single “Name” of the Italian-Luxembourgish DJ and producer Filippo Gorla aka Iceleak, adds another notable track to his release list that reached more than 10 million streams on Spotify. Iceleak’s songs have received support from the biggest names of house music, like Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Lost Frequencies, Hardwell, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Oliver Heldens, Mike Williams, Sam Feldt, Lucas & Steve, Morgan Page, Breathe Carolina, Borgeous, ARTY, Swanky Tunes, Yves V, LVNDSCAPE, Leandro Da Silva, Provenzano and many more.

NOSI | Home
Single release: July 27 | Beast Records, distributed by ADA Benelux, part of Warner Music Benelux

DJ and producer NOSI has gone from playing small venues in Luxembourg to performing at the biggest clubs abroad in a short period of time, and releasing several singles that all achieved chart success including a number one in the Luxembourg national charts. NOSI has made a name for himself receiving international recognition for his DJ sets but now his focus is more as a producer with his own songs and varying music styles. “Home” is just another step on this journey and he’s currently working on a lot of new music to be released in the near future.

Fusion Bomb | Fusion Bomb
EP release: June 30 | Fusion Bomb

Fusion Bomb’s new EP acts as a bridge, connecting the raw intensity of their critically acclaimed debut album, “Concrete Jungle”, to their upcoming second album, scheduled for release still in 2024. The four tracks “Personality?”, “Confessions”, “Consolidate” and “Fifty One Fifity” from the EP got “all the thrash and groovy shit ’Concrete Jungle’ have and a crossover attitude that welcomes many other influences”, so Luc and Scott from Fusion Bomb about their EP.

EDSUN | Live at the Rockhal
Release & video release: August 18 | Beast Records, distributed by ADA Benelux, part of Warner Music Benelux

EDSUN is a multidimensional force combining contemporary dance and R&B to create bold and uplifting art. His abundant creativity and artistic direction are best expressed in his live shows and visuals. His inspiration comes from energy sources like SZA, Janelle Monàe and Beyoncé. EDSUN strives to be remembered as a performer that stood up for something, a badass risk taker incorporating social issues deeply into his art, effectively creating a discourse around those subjects. The three live tracks are taken from EDSUN’s legendary live show at the Rockhal least year and arranged by none other than Sergio Manique Jr.

Ryvage| Les Nuits I 
EP release: July 28 | Independent Little Lies

Initially composed for a geo-localized nocturnal soundwalk project combining voices, sound-layers and electronic compositions to be listened to while walking around post-industrial sites in southern Luxembourg, the three tracks on the “Les Nuits I” EP are the brainchild of a collaborative effort by electronic musician Ryvage, actress Elsa Rauchs, whose voice can be heard on two of the three tracks, and a team of sound technicians. “We approached the tracks and lyrics as if they were the soundtrack to an imaginary film, each piece corresponding to the musical setting of one or more scenes from a fictional story describing the inner monologue and nocturnal wanderings of a young woman in the near future,” explains Ryvage. He adds: “In 2020, we began surveying working and idle steelworks sites in southern Luxembourg and capturing the industrial sounds and noises of the town of Esch-sur-Alzette. These samples served as starting points for the compositions and as raw material for some of the sounds”. The “Les Nuits I” EP thus invites us into the inner world of a young woman who has decided to accept her condition as an insomniac, defying the daytime laws of the society she inhabits. We’re not in 2023, but in a near future, from which we learn little beyond a few fragmented textual indications. It’s a dark journey through time, marked by a sometimes melancholic, sometimes oppressive atmosphere, and interspersed with moments of light and driving energy.

2023 Global Project Grant Laureate (pop/rock), Josh Island is releasing his first album In My Head, on 15 September. Recorded by Portuguese producer Nelson Canoa (Sara Tavares, Carminho, Mariza) at his studio in Torres Vedras, he was accompanied in the studio by The Black Mamba (Eurovision 2021). His two singles Fire In You and Love Don’t Come Easy, released in 2022, have been broadcast in Germany and the Benelux countries and are available on numerous streaming platforms.

The Global Project Grant offers Josh Island the opportunity to raise his profile abroad through press relations in targeted territories, digital campaigns and give him a chance to tour abroad with his band rather than alone. This fall, Josh will embark on a twenty-date European tour.

About Josh Island
Josh Island is a true European. Born in the British roundabout town of Milton Keynes to a Dutch family, he moved to Germany and the Netherlands before eventually settling in Luxembourg. This natural curiosity for cultures and people is reflected in his music, with the ability to go beyond geopolitical boundaries.

As a vocal powerhouse, soulful songwriter and engaging live performer, Josh Island has been steadily growing a loyal fan base across Western Europe. He draws inspirations from Sting, Jamie Cullum or John Mayer, a dynamic blend of catchy singer-songwriter pop with strong influences of soul and folk. But at its core lies Josh’s unique ability to connect with the crowd – his interactive shows breakdown invisible barriers between audience and artist.
Since starting out playing local bars in Luxembourg in 2015, he has opened for James Morrison and Passenger, toured the Benelux and Germany and released two EPs.

Josh Island is represented by booking agency Dox Live since August 24.

About Global Project Grant
Created by music:LX and taken over by Kultur | lx, the Global Project Grant is awarded to a musician of each genre (pop/rock/electro/hip-hop, jazz/world, classical/contemporary). It allows to support the artist in the development of a project that aims to stimulate his/her career. Kultur | lx follows the artists and their teams in each stage of the project.

More information about the Global Project Grant can be found here
Applications to be submitted by September 18, 2023

The Global Project Grant, available to artists in the Luxembourgish music scene, offers them the chance of setting out and proposing a project that will enable them to kick-start their career development, promotion and marketing, participation in tours, involvement in international workshops/conferences, and to increase the depth of their compositional work.

This initiative is intended to add value to the project and to encourage artists and their teams to plan their strategy one year ahead, with a dedicated budget. For its part, Kultur | lx is committed to accompanying the laureates in all stages of the project.

More information about Global Project Grant here
Deadline to apply: September 18, 2023

In 2022, Francis of Delirium embarked on three tours: early in the year, a first-ever North American tour as support act for The Districts, with around thirty dates across the USA and Canada, including their first headline gig in New York at Baby’s All Right; the band then supported Briston Maroney across Europe before touring the UK as headliners in the autumn. Francis of Delirium have also released a series of three EPs with The Funhouse, out on 27 April on Dalliance Recordings.

Francesco Tristano released his new album on early music on 11 February 2022 via Sony Classical. The promotion of this album, which marks his return to the baroque repertoire, was accompanied by a series of concerts in Europe and a marketing strategy designed to promote both the release of the album and tour dates in specific territories.

Claire Parsons and Laurent Peckels founded the collective The Aquatic Museum, at the crossroads of pop and chamber music. The collective worked on their eponymous album, which combines jazz harmonies with pop sounds, while retaining the delicacy of chamber music. Alongside this album, an application is currently being developed that will transport users into an aquatic museum and guide them through the rooms of this virtual space.

Previous laureates

2023
Pop/Rock/electro/hip-hop : Josh Island
Jazz/World : Greg Lamy

2022
Pop/Rock/electro/hip-hop : Francis of Delirium
Jazz/World : Claire Parsons
Classical/contemporary : Francesco Tristano

2021
Pop/Rock/electro/hip-hop : TUYS
Jazz/World : Michel Meis 4TET
Classical/contemporary : Cathy Krier

MAZ | Emo Season
EP release: 5 May | Beast records

“EMO SEASON” is a collection of songs reminiscent of early 2000s emo rock and dealing with a state of mind specific to the artist’s generation. It explores, among many other themes, a newfound confidence in queer expression, coming-of-age insecurities, body image, love and heartbreak. Throughout the seven tracks, Maz confronts his own vulnerability and paints a very human picture of the ups and downs of self-esteem.

“Hope’, the final single from the EP can be streamed here:

CHAiLD | Urgent Care EP
EP release: 14 April | Beast records

“This world just seems a bit too heavy sometimes. I seek shelter in my inner world, my dreams and my imagination. As I close my eyes, my mind slows down and I feel myself fading away to peaceful places. “Urgent care” is a collection of songs about vulnerability and healing from trauma through honesty with oneself and others. I wrote it in a time where I felt hopeless, and in which songwriting was my way to cope with my anxiety. In a way, making this record was my “urgent care” – CHAiLD

Judasz&Nahimana | Meu Inferno
Single release: 24 March | Cotard Collectiv

“A beautiful lost soul pursued by an entity from her inner terrors and wandering through vast, misty meadows, seeking a way through the most deceptive forests to get close to her. She has dared to enter the sacred place from which there is no escape, finding herself in a space frozen in time, for eternity…”

Turnup Tun | REALTALK
Album release: 28 April

Among the 11 songs on the album, some have already been released as singles, including “Mamacita”, “Nach e Kuss”, “Hook”, which was created in collaboration with Skinny J, and “Camouflage”, on which CHAiLD sang in Luxembourgish for the first time. The album also includes new tracks, such as “Stratosphere”.

Josh Island | Rewind
Single release: 17 March
Album release : 15 September

With “Rewind” Josh calls on listeners to take a step back when things don’t work out: “We all have moments that we worry about what’s next, a fear of failure. Sometimes you’re not comfortable with a situation, things don’t go to plan or you’re simply unsure what steps to take. Take a step back – and start over again.”

This theme not only comes up in the lyrics, but also in the song’s arrangement, with lots of reverse effects and repetitive riffs. Rewind is a pop-rock track full of driving guitars, rhythmic vocals and a massive, crescendo finale. The single was produced once again by Nelson Canoa (Sara Tavares, Carminho), who also produced Josh’s last EP and upcoming album. Musicians from The Black Mamba (Eurovision 2021) formed his studio band during recordings.

STRASBOURG MUSIC WEEK is a Euro-regional event of professional meetings and emerging musical discoveries aimed at creating links between the region and its four border countries: Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium. From 16 to 19 May 2023, the festival will offer conferences, round tables, workshops and friendly professional moments, combined with showcases throughout the city allowing the discovery of some twenty artists from Strasbourg and elsewhere.

Kultur | lx has been invited to present its functioning, its missions and the support offered to music professionals during the conference: “La connaissance des marchés – structuration et financements” (Knowledge of markets – structuring and financing) alongside Mobiculture (France), Empowork culture (Belgium) and Touring Artists (Germany). The conference will take place on Tuesday, 16 May, at 3.30 pm in the Auditorium of MAMCS. Three Luxembourg artists have also been programmed for the STRASBOURG MUSIC WEEK, one of them at the PELPASS FESTIVAL which starts right after Strasbourg Music Week on 18 May.

MAZ
16/05 at Le Wagon Souk

C’est Karma
17/05 at La Péniche Mécanique

Culture the kid
18/05 at Pelpass Festival

TUYS | Everyday Soleil
Single release: March, 10 | TWO STEPS TWICE records

Everyday Soleil is a track about the sunlight that a relationship can bring to our lives. The song comes with a new part of TUYS’ upcoming short film

“Reality Management Ltd.” in which TUYS turn into a company selling realities to frustrated clients. The band has performed at the last editions of festivals such as Reeperbahn Festival, Iceland Airwaves or ESNS and will tour Europe in May after the release of their album. The latest single “Look Alive” has been playlisted in All New Rock (US), Indie Goesting (on the cover), New Music Friday BE or All New Noise.

«Tour mates of The 1975, Everything Everything and Imagine Dragons, TUYS are kicking off their 2023 with a stellar new single, ‘Look Alive’» – House of Solo

Pleasing | feed me to those I envy the most
Single release: February, 14 | TWO STEPS TWICE records
EP release: April, 7 | TWO STEPS TWICE records

“feed me to those I envy the most” is Pleasing’s second single of the upcoming EP titled “for us to escape”. The tale started with “the structure’s above” where a divine being descends to question Patrick’s pursuit for meaning. This time, Pleasing unleashed noisy synths, uncontrollable screams and melodic atmospheres to throw back any frustration at one’s biggest judge: Yourself. From feelings of inferiority to egocentric and bitter behavior, the judge will use every expectation you have towards yourself to bring you down.

“Pleasing has achieved a master stroke: his new song makes depression tangible without trivialising it.” – Kulturnews

Sheebaba | bruit_RE
bruit_RE digital release: February, 24 | Katalog records
bruit/bruit_RE physical vinyl release: March, 14 | Katalog records

During the recording and production of their debut EP “bruit” in early 2022,  Sheebaba quickly realised that the material they gathered is capable of more than just what they are able to do with it. The universe of Sheebaba is ever expanding and so are the possibilities of their output. In order to reveal what their songs can become if interpreted by someone else, Sheebaba gave the stems to some of their favourite artists from Luxembourg, Germany and the UK and let them run wild with it. The result is an EP that flows in the same vein as the group‘s usual work, yet coming from a bunch of different angles.

Seed to Tree | Major Lydian
Single release: March, 17 | Pop-up records

On their new single Major Lydian, Seed to Tree is taking a new turn on their musical journey, walking down the memory lane of new wave and dream pop. Their newest song is loaded with pop-cultural references hinting at David Bowie, The Talking Heads or 90s cult movie Trainspotting. But besides being an homage to all the influences that have been part of the band’s history, the song is mainly a realisation that the band Seed to Tree has become more than the sum of all their inspirations. After playing music together for more than a decade, the four musicians are finding their comfort of a home town in creating songs together that have an identity on their own.

ENGLBRT | Harm
Single release: February, 24 | Listenrecords

Both musicians draw on a long legacy of omnivorous instrumental and genre-bending music, with a sound that is slow and widescreen, incorporating elements of electronica, contemporary jazz and well-crafted indie-pop. As if working from a lab setting, the duo composed by Georges Goerens and Niels Engel, isolates samples from their common musical lexicon to unearth hidden relationships, always leading to the discovery of enticing combinations. Those first experiments and songs shaped the nature of the collaboration resulting in their debut EP Odes to Everything to be released on the Berlin-based label Listenrecords in 2023. Taking cues from the endless scroll of everyday life, ENGLBRT delivers a dazzling soundtrack to our accelerated culture, shaping new sonic possibilities in the process.

Josh Island | Rewind
Single release: March, 17
Album release: September, 15

With “Rewind” Josh calls on listeners to take a step back when things don’t work out: “We all have moments that we worry about what’s next, a fear of failure. Sometimes you’re not comfortable with a situation, things don’t go to plan or you’re simply unsure what steps to take. Take a step back – and start over again.”

This theme not only comes up in the lyrics, but also in the song’s arrangement, with lots of reverse effects and repetitive riffs. Rewind is a pop-rock track full of driving guitars, rhythmic vocals and a massive, crescendo finale. The single was produced once again by Nelson Canoa (Sara Tavares, Carminho), who also produced Josh’s last EP and upcoming album. Musicians from The Black Mamba (Eurovision 2021) formed his studio band during recordings.

CHAiLD | Close to You
Single release: March 17 | Beast records

Close to you is a romantic sing along in the car pop song. It is about the genuineness of the first love and how it makes us feel like we’re on top of the world. Along the lines of Julia Michaels and Tate McRae, imagine this song to be a warm and nostalgic ray of sunshine as we’re slowly coming out of winter.

CHAiLD | Urgent Care EP
EP realease: April 14 | Beast records

“This world just seems a bit too heavy sometimes. I seek shelter in my inner world, my dreams and my imagination. As I close my eyes, my mind slows down and I feel myself fading away to peaceful places. “Urgent care” is a collection of songs about vulnerability and healing from trauma through honesty with oneself and others.

I wrote it in a time where I felt hopeless, and in which songwriting was my way to cope with my anxiety. In a way, making this record was my “urgent care”” – CHAiLD

MAZ | LAST DAY
Single release: February 17 | Beast records

LAST DAY is Maz’ second single of his “EMO SEASON EP” campaign. It’s a song about trying to enjoy every last bit of every single day because it might be your last. « There’s not enough time in this life to play a fake and restricted version of who you really are ; free yourselves! ». This is a one of the brighter tracks in the rather dark Univerze of Maz, combining pop and punk-rock elements which will make people feel like it’s summer during the cold and dark winter.

EDSUN | Carter
Release : March 24 | Beast records

“Artists get taken advantage of a lot of the time. This is a reminder to ask for what is yours. As an eye witness I can say that we are getting tired of excuses. Business is Business, now cut my check.”- EDSUN

And that’s a wrap on ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) 2023!  MAZ, Francis of Delirium, and TUYS, all made Luxembourg proud through their performances throughout the Groningen, Netherlands-based showcase festival. For Francis of Delirium and TUYS, this was their first live-and-in-person event at ESNS after being presented digitally the past two years due to the pandemic. MAZ on the other-hand (selected with Luxembourg’s public service radio station 100,7) made his ESNS debut. 

“It was an honour to be at Eurosonic this year,” said MAZ. “I’ve played a lot of showcases around Europe over the years, yet everywhere you go, ESNS is always talked about as ‘the spot to be,’ so I was really glad I was chosen to perform.”

We kicked off the festival week on Wednesday, January 18th with a late-night News Café session featuring psych-pop band TUYS, who have been part of the ESNS Exchange program for a couple of years now. Playing at ESNS not only means playing at the festival in January. Acts that played at the festival also are a part of the ESNS Exchange programme. ESNS Exchange, the European Talent Exchange Programme, was introduced in 2003 to make the ‘exchange’ of European artists across Europe possible on a greater scale than ever before. An initiative of ESNS, ESNS Exchange facilitates the bookings of European acts on festivals outside their home countries and generates extensive media exposure for these artists in cooperation with Euroradio, export offices and local media (our local media partner is 100,7). This way, ESNS Exchange aims to give a boost to the international careers of European artists.

Yann Gengler (Bass and singer) of the band mentioned they “had the chance to play at least three ESNS Exchange festivals last year through the program (Iceland Airwaves, FOCUS Wales, and Reeperbahn Festival). It was an amazing experience to perform shows and get to meet new artists and professionals in various markets.”

We continued on Friday with three more shows. Francis of Delirium performed a few songs to a packed Plato Records Store performance in the afternoon followed by their official ESNS showcase at the mythical and sold out VERA. The band’s two shows arrived off the back of their live performance last year at ESNS’s Music Moves Europe Talent Awards, of which the band was nominated. 

“We got to come up to Groningen to perform at the awards ceremony, however due to the pandemic the city was completely shut down, so we didn’t get to perform in front of an audience.” Lead singer and guitarist Jana Bahrich mentioned. “So it was really exciting to be at ESNS23 this year and to see the city buzzing with the eclectic mix of acts playing around the city.”

MAZ finished the musical portion of the week with a full house of fans and delegates at the Grand Theatre Main, a strong performance that Dutch public broadcasting company, RTV Noord, gave an “11/10 (!).”

WHAT THE MEDIA ARE SAYING

“It’s the weekend and everyone feels [the enthusiasm], because there is plenty of dancing and jumping. Also by this reviewer.’ His verdict: 11/10 (!).” – RTV Noord

“Francis of Delirium ripped through an impressive show of 90s inflected alt-rock with all the fervour and grit of a teenage nightmare.” – The Line Of Best Fit

“…[Francis of Delirium] showed some real emotion in ‘Quit Fucking Around’ that really clicked. Bahrich is only 21, there is still room for growth. What she has already said makes us look forward to more.” – HUMO

“At the Grand Theatre, MAZ delivered an energetic show and wowed the room with an epic performance. His rhymes came as if from the flint. His stylistic jumps from rap to metal to emo kept one on edge. We are curious how things will continue for our famous rapper.” – 100,7

We’re kicking off 2023 with one of the most exciting showcase festivals of the year!  MAZ, Francis of Delirium, and TUYS, are all headed to ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), which is set to take place live-and-in-person from 18-21 January, 2023. Francis of Delirium and TUYS both were presented digitally during the festival’s online conference the past two years due to the pandemic while MAZ (selected with Luxembourg’s public service radio station 100,7) will make his ESNS debut. This will be a unique year in that it’s the first time ESNS has confirmed three Luxembourgish acts at the annual event (in years past only two were sent).

More info on each of the artists can be found here.

Discover the schedule below.

TUYS | Wednesday 18 January

23:35 – 00:15 at News Café

Francis of Delirium | Friday, 20 January

20:45 – 21:30 at Vera
12:50 – 13:10 at Plato Record Store

MAZ | Friday, 20 January

21:30 – 22:15 at Grand Theatre Main

ESNS, the key exchange for emerging European music talent, is thrilled to welcome its visitors back to Groningen in The Netherlands. The festival remains one of the most important events for emerging artists each year, who have the opportunity to perform in-front of a selection of 4.000 delegates and around 40.000 visitors. The organisation also helps to stimulate and push the circulation of European music across the continent and beyond.

Artists who perform for Eurosonic are also added to the ESNS Exchange programme which helps to facilitate the bookings of European acts on festivals outside of their home countries and generate extensive media exposure for them in cooperation with the EBU (of which 100,7 is part of), export offices (including Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg) and local media. As part of ESNS Exchange, Luxembourgish acts Francis of Delirium, TUYS, and Klein, all of which have been part of the recent ESNS Exchange program, were able to perform at festivals like Reeperbahn Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, FOCUS Wales, Maifeld Derby, and most recently all three at Iceland Airwaves.

MAZ | “School Reunion”
New music video Released December 14, 2022

“School Reunion” is the latest single and accompanying video from Luxembourgish rapper, MAZ, prominently featuring his singing/vocals for the first time. Speaking of the track, MAZ described in a recent social media post that “School Reunion” is about letting go and celebrating the people that we’ve become. It’s about confidence and actually feeling cool now. It’s about letting go of the self-hatred and those embarrassing moments, letting go of the pain that some people cause with their words and intentions. This song is also a shout out to the “weird” kids and a “f%*k you” to the bullies.” Catch MAZ Friday, January 20th at Eurosonic (21:30 at Grand Theatre Main). More info here.

Scarred | “p A t i E n C e” EP
Released December 2, 2022

Crushing live performances, relentless energy and a tidal wave of melodic atmospheres and ear-catching hooks have made Scarred one of the standard-bearers for the Luxembourgish metal community. Originally a thrash metal project, the band was formed in 2003 by drummer Laurent Kessel and guitarist Diogo Bastos. Drawing on a broad range of influences from the periphery of the metal spectrum (Pink Floyd, Tool…), their sound has matured into a feral blend of technical extremes fused with 90’s metal, creating a proliferate buzz around this five-piece.

After releasing their long awaited self-titled LP in January 2021, Scarred retreated into a cabin in the woods to write new music. The band wanted to relinquish control and see what would come out if they isolated themselves from the outside world. As described in a recent announcement, “there were no pre-written riffs, ideas or lyrics. No blast-beats, no double bass. We only had a variety of instruments, our voices and an open mind at our disposal. It’s always difficult to put music into words but terms such as “psychedelic”, “atmospheric”, “emotional” and “hypnotic” would definitely come to mind as far as describing this 4-song EP called ‘p A t i E n C e,'” released December 2, 2022 via Klonosphere. 

ROME | “Hegemonikon” LP
Released November 25, 2022

‘Hegemonikon’ is ROMEs 17th album and holds a few daring surprises: On this new album, the influences of electronica and new wave have shaped ROME’s trademark guitar-based dark folk into a new beast by adding a subtle touch of post-punk synth-rock to the mix. Ever since the band’s inception by Luxembourg-born mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Jerome Reuter in 2005, ROME has displayed a resilience and constitution found only in Olympic athletes when it comes to releasing hard-hitting, bullet-proof albums every single year.

“Hegemonikon is only 37 minutes in length, but the 11 songs that are on offer provide a stunningly unique and interesting blend of electronica, industrial, folk, and post-punk synths. It is evident that Reuter has no boundaries or limits, his creativity unbounded.” – Metal Talk

TUYS | “Yellow Ether”
Released November 18, 2022 (part of forthcoming LP, out Q2 2023)

What if reality becomes a service? And what if discussions distort? In their upcoming album (due out in 2023) and short film, TUYS turn into Reality Management Ltd., a company selling realities to frustrated clients. With “Yellow Ether,” the first of such realities is revealed.

Yellow Ether is a track about missed conversations. “It is a collage of a song about our former drummer’s departure (after being in the band for more than 10 years) and also the story of a guy I was dating, who would always leave quite early in the morning,” says Tun Biever. In its video, we follow the first of Reality Management Ltd’s clients into their reality. Rilke Bomann, a German researcher in the field of truth serums, wants her drug to be finally approved. At the end, it’s up to the audience to decide the continuation. Catch TUYS Wednesday, January 18th at Eurosonic (23:35 – 00:15 at News Café). More info here.

Josh Island | “Pennies From Heaven”
Released November 11, 2022 (part of debut album due out September 2023)

2023 Global Project Grant laureate Josh Island is gearing up to release his debut album in September 2023. As a vocal powerhouse, soulful songwriter and engaging live performer, Josh Island has been steadily growing a loyal fan base across Western Europe. He draws inspirations from Sting, Dave Matthews Band or John Mayer, a dynamic blend of singer-songwriter pop with influences of soul and folk. But at its core lies Josh’s unique ability to connect with the crowd – no matter how small or large the venue, his interactive shows remain printed in memory forever.

His latest single “Pennies From Heaven” is a song about cherishing the moment. “What is our relationship with time? What would life be like if it could stand still, and what would you do?”

PTOLEMEA | “Balanced Darkness”
Released October 28, 2022 (part of debut album due out January 21, 2023)

After unveiling her single “Fado,” Priscila Da Costa presents “Balanced Darkness,” the title track off her first album to be released at Rockhal on January 21, 2023.

In line with the two previous singles, “Inspiration” representing the Earth element, then “Fado” illustrating the Fire element, “Balanced Darkness” dives into the Water element. Balanced Darkness shows a connection with nature and our own consciousness. This creation invites us to take a new look at the world and at ourselves, and to embark on a path of exploration and transformation through PTOLEMEA’s mystic sound and visuals. The melody drags us into the depths of the ocean and the message is clear : it is possible to find balance (Balanced) by welcoming the dark parts (Darkness) of our soul.

PTOLEMEA is representing Luxembourg in the EXCITE network in 2023.
Catch her January 21, 2023 at the Rockhal Club where she’ll perform the new record live.

DasRADIAL | “MIKRO_WELLE”
Released October 21, 2022

DasRADIAL grows out of the absurdities of our digital age: a being, not man not machine, walks between dream and reality. Musician and actor Max Thommes, who spent 10 years as a drummer in the band INBORN! produced by acclaimed producer Ross Robinson, has been going his own way since 2019, creating a dystopian cosmos with DasRADIAL. After several works for the German State Theatre, he also produced the title track of the Arte documentary “UNTERM_RADAR”.

With his electronic beats and sharp-tongued lyrics, DasRADIAL now seeks the symbiosis of art figure and musical live performance.
DasRADIAL is representing Luxembourg in the EXCITE network in 2023. Expect more music to come next year!

Serge Tonnar | “Jo An Amen” LP
Released October 15, 2022

Luxembourg legend Serge Tonnar has released his latest album, “Jo An Amen,” (translated to “Yes and Amen”). Tonnar’s new work is like an album of sonorous photographs taken in the pandemic years 2020 to 2022 and asks the question of the value of life in the eyes of a rebel, a fighter who goes his way, far away from the Extremism of all kinds, a Don Quixote of culture, just to remain a humanist. It’s a task the artist himself says seems to be getting more and more difficult.

In November 2021, the musician and activist himself contacted the “Mouvement Ecologique” to propose a joint project around one of the songs from the album, “Gëff mer nach eng Chance.” The idea is to combine art with social commitment and thus contribute to a better world, such is the idealistic ambition of this common project. More information can be found here. 

The Ferocious Few | “Compassion”
Released October 14, 2022 (part of their forthcoming EP, “Only Time Will Tell,” due out February 17, 2023)

Americana punk-rockers The Ferocious Few blend high-paced rock ’n’ roll, folk lyrics, a punk edge and a rockabilly sensibility. Think Johnny Cash meets Nirvana. Their rousing guitar riffs and drum kicks have caught the attention of larger stages and festivals such as Coachella, SXSW, Lightning In A Bottle, Burning Man, Noise Pop, and most recently Reeperbahn Festival. Their latest single, “Compassion,” is part of their forthcoming EP, “Only Time Will Tell,” due out February 17, 2023.

Frontman Francisco Fernandez says the lyrics behind their latest single are an “open call for Compassion, to understand why we fail to empathise and love, no matter the circumstances. As musicians and culture creators, we are in a constant fight for attention, our data to be collected and analysed to create better products and manipulate emotions. Compassion is a call to transform these tools into ways to help each other, not just profit. To come back home to ourselves to our purpose, not just stop at the facade of what is being sold to us.’

CHECK OUT MORE OF THE LATEST LUXEMBOURGISH RELEASES VIA THE “MADE IN LUXEMBOURG” SPOTIFY PLAYLIST. ADDITIONAL RELEASES FROM SIXO, NOSI, SEED TO TREE, CHAILD, TURNUP TUN, AND MORE :