Since 2007 Denovali Records have been curating a international music festival they call Denovali Swingfest around Europe. Returning this year on 18 April at London’s Village Underground – as part of London’s larger Convergence Festival – followed by a stint at the capital’s Cafe Oto the following day (19) organisers Timo Alterauge and Thomas Hack have put together a guide to this year’s line-up in Playlist. “The first editions took place in Essen, Germany – since 2013 Denovali presents similar events in London and Berlin,” the pair explain. “The name Swingfest is an homage to the Swing Kids being active during the Nazi dictatorship. Focussed on various forms of experimental and adventurous music the line-up offers an opportunity to discover a wide range of international Denovali artists live and is rounded off by various renowned non-label guest artists. A hallmark of the festival is the renunciation of the headliner principle: all artists are receiving the same attention – the length of each artist’s concert is equal.”
Piano Interrupted (pictured) – Emoticon
“The opener of their latest album The Unified Field, which we released last year. We are looking forward to their first home match at the Swingfest London.”
Anna von Hausswolff – Mountains Crave & Epitaph Of Theodor
“We are happy to release Anna’s collaboration project Hydras Dream with Matti Bye. Their debut The Little Match Girl is due for release this year. Not the only good reason to invite her to the Swingfest London edition”
Origamibiro – Ada Deane
“We are looking forward to seeing Origamibiro’s unique audiovisual performance for the first time. Expect the first typewriter on a Denovali Swingfest stage and other nice gadgets. Their latest album Odham’s Standard just appeared on Denovali this February.”
Petrels – Giulio’s Throat
“Petrels will open the second day of the festival at Cafe Oto, were are happy to bring Swingfest to this renowned place for experimental music for the first time. Petrels latest album Mima came out in February, his EP The Silver Chimney Club / Wat Tyler is due in April.”
Porter Ricks – Nautical Dub
“We are delighted to feature one of the rare performances of this highly influencial dub/techno duo, whose pioneering groundwork has left its traces in the works of many artists on our label and at our festivals.”
Ulrich Schnauss – A Ritual in Time and Death
“After featuring Ulrich Schnauss last year at the Berlin edition of the Denovali Swingfest, we are happy to have him play again in London on the first day at the Village Underground.”
Hidden Orchestra – Strange
“This one’s from Hidden Orchestra’s debut Night Walks which appeared on Denovali as a vinyl edition. We are looking forward to seeing the new audiovisual show in collaboration with video artist Lumen for the first time.”
John Lemke – Ivory Nights
“John Lemke’s debut People Do came out last year and will be followed by the EP Walizka including many great remixes this May. This will be John Lemke’s premiere as a solo artist at the Denovali Swingfest and we are looking forward to his set with a live viola player.”
Thomas Köner – Novaya Zemlya 1
“Thomas Köner is already a Swingfest veteran and it is always a pleasure to feature him in the lineup, not to mention his appearance as part of legendary Porter Ricks. This one is from his latest Novaya Zemlya album which came out on vinyl via Denovali.”
For the full line-up and ticket details head to Denovali.com/swingfest.
