Interview Martin Zalewski – Organizer "Scream it Loud, Out Festival"
Today we have a nice and noteworthy guest for an interview in the heart of Düsseldorf's old town. Please introduce yourself briefly.
Martin: Yes hello, I am Martin. My field of activity is organizing concerts. I've been doing this for several years now. Initially in the regional area, including Pretty Vacant and People Club Bar in Düsseldorf. In the meantime, also outside the city gates.
You say you've been doing this for several years, and also regionally in the meantime. So tell us where and with whom?
Martin:
Outside, I currently have the opportunity to organize concerts in Cologne and Krefeld. In Oberhausen as well, where I have worked with the band Useless ID, among others. In Wuppertal, I have organized events with Radio Havanna and the Kafkas. So it’s obvious that I can slowly stretch my wings...
And now it’s slowly but surely going into a different dimension. The Stahlwerk here in Düsseldorf is quite a remarkable venue, isn’t it?
Martin:
Yes, that's right. After the small gigs that have been done so far, the time has come to start something different and new.
On July 23 of this year, the Stahlwerk will become a stronghold of punk rock. Together with the Treibgut, the open-air location of the Stahlwerk, we will offer a festival that has not yet existed here in Düsseldorf. 12 bands that all have something to offer. I can only say, it will be worth it.
Let’s talk about the bands. They have been divided into two categories. On one side, the regional scene, which is really well represented here. And the national scene. What can you say about that?
Martin:
No problem, but I would first need to elaborate further to explain the principle of the festival. We want to present the whole thing in the style of the VANS Warped Tour, where there are no fixed headliners or small bands. That’s exactly what we wanted to bring here as well. It can very well be that a local band plays right before a big act, and vice versa. So it’s all without a fixed hierarchy. That’s why I’m also very proud that Strung Out, a really great, big band from the USA, which I have seen at many festivals, is part of it.
Also joining us are the well-known RANTANPLAN, who are anything but unknown. Also from Hamburg are the guys from SLIME, who are truly still legendary. From the younger scene, we have, for example, bands that have already made a name for themselves. I’m also very much looking forward to RASTAKNAST, as they have also significantly shaped punk rock. And of course, our local bands like Cube Casiono, Jolly Roger, and Mighty Mammut Movement. Naturally, through the events in our own city, several friendships have been formed, so it’s quite natural to consider these bands as well. With Jolly Roger, it also adds that they are currently incredibly popular and have, for example, won the City Beats Final (local band contest).
I find this principle of promoting our scene very commendable and exemplary. What I noticed in the band introductions is that you have MMM on board, which stands out a bit. 98% punk rock and then a very reggae-heavy band in the lineup.
Martin:
Yes, that’s true, but I think the variety is simply good. After all the chaos, having a cozy dance is certainly not the worst thing. Aside from that, with RANTANPLAN, there’s another ska band involved, even if they still have a punk rock influence. And finally, RAMAZURI will also join, who have also turned to ska punk. So overall, it fits together somehow.
In addition to all the mentioned bands, there’s another one. I find it very interesting that you are giving the newcomers a chance. I read online that you are organizing a band contest, which will also take place at the Stahlwerk on June 30, 2011. The winner will also get a slot in the program. Which bands are represented there?
Martin:
Correct. The concert will take place in the club area of the Stahlwerk. In advance, there was an application phase, during which we selected the bands with some people. Now we have chosen 4 bands that will play in the contest.
The bands FLSNE, Vollkomme Egal, JWD, and What Else? from Mülheim an der Ruhr will be participating, who will have an away game.
The winner will be decided solely by the audience, over which we will have no influence. And that’s how it should be.
How many applications did you have in your inbox for this contest?
Martin:
There were about 30 bands that applied; we had actually expected a few more. However, it’s quite challenging when something like this takes place for the first time. The next problem was that some bands applied from outside Düsseldorf. In principle, that’s not a problem, but we wanted to clearly emphasize the promotion of the local scene, so we initially set those applications aside.
Wonderful, that’s all for now. I wish you much success for this event and hope you don’t take on too much.
Martin:
No, I don’t think so, as I am very satisfied with the advance ticket sales so far. And thank you very much for the interview.
We’ll see each other at the festival.
Info:
http://rockzentrale.wordpress.de
http://screamitouloud.de
