The indie change: from the festival hit to the mainstream-aura in Neustrelitz!

The indie change: from the festival hit to the mainstream-aura in Neustrelitz!

When you speak of the music scene in northern Germany, hardly a path leads past the Immergut Festival. Since its first edition in 2000, music lovers from the region and beyond the picturesque town of Neustrelitz have been drawn. This year the festival is already celebrating its 25th edition and with an exciting program.

originally launched as a platform for "indie" music, the term was still far from its current meaning. At the beginning of the 2000s, the term “indie” mainly distinguished musicians and bands who worked independently of large record labels. Daniel "Kemper" Kempf, co -founder of the festival, describes how the view of "indie" has changed over the years and what this means for the actors of the scene. Many have been looking for their luck in the mainstream, but the evergart remains the independent and creative soul. The beatsteaks, one of the first acts, are exemplary for the typical "indie" sound, which was often undilated and innovative, far from commercial success. So reports [Friday] of the origins and development of the term “indie” from the subculture.

a festival of volunteers for the region

A very special aspect of the Immergut Festival is the organization. This year, the two festival makers Charlotte Brehe and Charlotte "Lotzi" Litzinger represent the third generation of the organizers. The association who is taking the festival has around 130 members who split up to various mini groups, from infrastructure to communication to sustainability. Around 30 of these members are active all year round. This shows how important the festival is for the local community and how much the people are connected to their region, as the taz explains.

The production costs have been raised due to a shortage of skilled workers, inflation and increased energy and travel expenses. Early ticket prices started at 115 euros, while later buyers have to scan 150 euros for admission. But the organizers cannot be discouraged and also offer cheap tickets for students: inside the region.

The contingent of the anniversary

The festival makers have put together a fantastic line-up for the 25th anniversary. Artists: Inside, who have been there for a long time, like Erobique, Shout Out Louds and Urge Sala, will enter the stage. A special highlight will be the return of Nilüfer Yanya, who first appeared in Neustrelitz in 2019. This expresses the close connection between artists: inside and the audience, a characteristic of the Immergut Festival that aims to create a family atmosphere.

Over the years, the Immergut Festival has also contributed to raising the indie scene to a new level. Bands such as isolation Berlin, picture book and international music were part of this year's program and remind us that despite the change in the "indie" concept towards commercialization and influencing major labels, the roots of the independent music scene continue to exist. Herzmukke impressively illustrate the development of indie music and its permanent popularity through festivals.

Overall, the Immergut Festival shows that despite all the challenges, the music scene remains alive and dynamic. For the makers: inside, the artists: inside and the loyal visitors: Inside, this festival will be more than just an event - it is part of life, community and culture in this region.