"Location, location", doesn't normally apply to music festivals. Munich's Oben Ohne Festival however proved that a great location can give a festival a really special atmosphere. The one-day event moved to Munich's scenic Königsplatz, after spending the past two years on the somewhat boring grounds of the Munich trade fair.
Not only the location of the Oben Ohne is somewhat different: the entire concept of the festival is incomparable to other music events. The festival is organised by the local youth centres, which aim to host an affordable, fun day of music for Munich's youth.
And year after year they manage to attract Munich's music lovers - the 16,000-people event sold out months beforehand, although this isn't surprising as tickets cost just 3€.
Eight acts played at the event, with German rapper Alligatoah headlining. There are two acts I saw, which I would like to tell you about. The first band I saw were Regensburg's (Bavaria) Paper & Places. Songs, which start quietly before launching into energetic endings and good rhythms fitted the summer vibes perfectly. Although Munich experienced temperatures of 33º celsius their singer kept dancing away on stage, seemingly loving every minute of it.
My highlight of the day were Munich's homegrown Claire. (If you haven't read our "Introducing" article about them click here). Their energetic, electronic sound saw spontaneous partying erupt around the entire Königsplatz. And those needing motivation to dance just had to watch how appreciative the band are of playing music in front of their fans. Most of the crowd were only familiar with the band's most famous songs, but nonetheless gave the others songs there best efforts.
Not only the location of the Oben Ohne is somewhat different: the entire concept of the festival is incomparable to other music events. The festival is organised by the local youth centres, which aim to host an affordable, fun day of music for Munich's youth.
Photography by Julian Schulz // www.julian-schulz.com
Eight acts played at the event, with German rapper Alligatoah headlining. There are two acts I saw, which I would like to tell you about. The first band I saw were Regensburg's (Bavaria) Paper & Places. Songs, which start quietly before launching into energetic endings and good rhythms fitted the summer vibes perfectly. Although Munich experienced temperatures of 33º celsius their singer kept dancing away on stage, seemingly loving every minute of it.
My highlight of the day were Munich's homegrown Claire. (If you haven't read our "Introducing" article about them click here). Their energetic, electronic sound saw spontaneous partying erupt around the entire Königsplatz. And those needing motivation to dance just had to watch how appreciative the band are of playing music in front of their fans. Most of the crowd were only familiar with the band's most famous songs, but nonetheless gave the others songs there best efforts.
Photography by Jessica Jike
I spoke to Josie-Claire Bürkle, Claire's singer, after the set, who told me how much her and the band were looking forward to playing at London's Oslo in Hackney on September 24th.
Go and see them - you won't regret it!
Benjamin Brown