It’s seldom to save the appreciation of details in a constantly growing scope. Fortunately, the organizers of the German DOCKVILLE FESTIVAL were able to bridge. Despite the increase of the festival there was enough space left for small musical rough diamonds. Every single music lover found one’s personalized niche and could drift to their favourite melodies in front of Hamburgs habour. Apart from the bigger stages that presented the headliners and therefore enticed most of the audience; there were charming, hidden stages which invited the visitors to dance out of space or just leave their cares behind. Between trees, lovely installed lights and sculptures one got the feeling to be stranded somewhere far away in the jungle. Muffled basslines and melodic rhythms emphasized the escapist atmosphere.
Photo by Sarah Bernhard
An accomplished combination of alternative, indie, jazz and pop music as well as electronic sounds and hip hop offered each festival visitor the variety which didn’t merely fill them up, but rather whet their appetite. Even better that the organizers recently received the assurance to use the biggest river island in Hamburgs district Wilhelmsburg until 2014 – according to that the appetite for the next MS DOCKVILLE FESTIVAL doesn’t have to expire. Besides the musical offer there were scouting expeditions through the art installations of the earlier MS DOCKVILLE KUNSTCAMP, Poetry Slams and the DOCKVILLE- Cinema which invited the festival visitors to a multifaceted entertainment.
The first day began with perfect weather. After putting up the tents and enjoying the first beer under the bright sun, the timetable clarified that it won’t be easy to choose between the numerous acts. Particularly advantageous : the short distances which were quite commitable, except for Saturday. Little by little the visitors spread out to the festival area and bathed in the world of music. Noteworthy at this point especially the performances of ODDISEE, MØ, RANGLEKLODS and last but not least the headliners of the evening: FOALS. These highlights are exemplary for the musical complexity of the MS DOCKVILLE FESTIVAL . From deep and inspiring hip hop to clear voices with incredible soul to electronic, unconventional sound effects to innovative but still sterling math- rock.
Saturday- or more precisely the spectator magnet. Simply put, some less attendees would be more relaxed. But if you got the chance to have a convenient look at your favorite acts you could consider yourself very lucky because the offer was more than great. It bears mentioning that the hip hop culture became an integral part of the MS DOCKVILLE FESTIVAL . According to this national as well international artists like HERR VON GRAU, DOPE D.O.D., WOODKID and MAC MILLER also cater for the influx of people. Even so the energetic and colourful CRYSTAL FIGHTERS plus promising newcomers like the Norwegian indie- electro duo LEMAITRE and the 70er wave MS MR brought the audience into action with fluttering and infectious beats. For all those who had some reserves left, could outspend theirselves till the early hours to electronic tunes served by popular DJ’s and producers.
The last festival day had still plenty to offer. Fresh newcomers like THIS VOID woke the already exhausted music lovers up, made them forget the rain and set the crowd in motion. MOHNA gave rest and energy for the last upcoming artists. With accumulated reserves the people set out to MISS LI, CHVRCHES and FM BELFAST that performed in exchange for KAKKMADDAFAKKA. Fortunately, the volume control was finally unlocked so that the sound was much more powerful than the days before.
To sum up, the organizers of this year’s DOCKVILLE FESTIVAL succeeded in creating an unique picture frame which embraced an abstract adorable and glowing painting show in the colours of music, art and people.
What could be more beautiful?
Dockville Festival
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