meakusma is on home territory this weekend, the organisation set to team up with the Goethe-Institut bringing an exciting and broad programme to the newly renovated Alter Schlachthof in Eupen.
It is the fifth time that meakusma and The Goethe-Institut are joining forces. This time their event will be held in Eupen, the informal capital of the German-speaking community in Belgium. It’s also the hometown of meakusma, formerly a record label but now an all-round collective who organise club nights, events and workshops with an event this Saturday due to be held at cultural centre Alter Schlachthof (old slaughterhouse).
Eupen is a rather small city, situated in the far right corner of Belgium, close to the German and Dutch border. Due to its German roots it’s the ideal location to showcase some of the most interesting German artists around. All three rooms of Alter Schlachthof will be in use. In the first room, Halle (‘hall’), there will be DJ sets from Levon Vincent, Efdemin, Zenker Brothers and Caspro, while in the foyer Rüftata 110 and Bryce Hackford will provide the counterpoint in the form of a nice ambience to chill and enjoy the exhibited illustrations by Poste Adrienne. The third room Kühlraum probably offers the standout talent on the night.
American-Hungarian saxophonist, lyricist and composer André Vida has worked with Ricardo Villalobos, Jamie Lidell, Jim O’Rourke, Lee Ranaldo and Arto Lindsay among others. He experiments with blending poetry, free jazz and electronic music. His Brud retrospective, released by the PAN label, is excellent.
German music legends Hans-Joachim Roedelius (Cluster and Harmonia) and Stefan Schneider (co-founder of Kreisler and member of To Rococo Rot) have so far released two captivating albums together on Bureau B, fusing electronica with a feel for nineteenth-century romantic piano music. Hans-Joachim Roedelius is also recognised as one of the most influential musicians of the past 45 years as a member of the essential electronic krautrock band Cluster and as a solo artist. Still focused on experiment and contemplation, a collaboration with Schneider promises to be a real treat.
More German music legends: Hans-Joachim Irmler (Faust and Klangbad) and Jaki Liebezeit (Can, Cologne Tapes and other projects). Last year’s first collaborative effort, Flut, was released on Klangbad. In a review here on The Quietus, Joe Banks wrote: “None of these pieces are perfect, but it’s the sense of the unknown, the apparent misstep leading to a new path, that makes them so compelling. Flut is a fine example of what can happen when music is allowed to go free.” Their live performances are highly informed by the improvisatory nature of their collaboration.
Goethe-Institut & meakusma Night V takes place on December 5, in Alter Schlachthof, Eupen. For more information, click here
