A Great Escape for all

Of course, it was pouring down with rain. Of course, the venues were packed to the rafters. Of course, everyone loved every minute of it. Another Great Escape Festival is behind us, and – certainly from the perspective of Swiss Music Export – it was the best ever. Switzerland was the featured country at this year’s event, and our acts – there were no fewer than nine of them! – took full advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase their art in front of a pan-European crowd of super-knowledgeable professionals and fans.

All networking events organised by Swiss Music Export – there were five – were extremely well attended by Swiss as well as international conference delegates. In musical terms, the highlight was undoubtedly our traditional live showcase at the Komedia club, this time expanded from three to four acts. One Sentence. Supervisor from Baden opened proceeding with a blistering set of post-psychedelic krautrock. Baba Shrimps went down well, too – their brand of airy guitar/electro-pop always does. Me + Marie’s deftly paced loud/quiet dynamics featured some very beautiful vocal harmonies. Last but not least, Odd Beholder finished off proceedings in a delightfully moody fashion with their melancholy brand of electronica songs.

Alongside the rest of the Swiss contingent – Buvette, Debrah Scarlett, Sophie Hunger, Zeal & Ardor and Hyperculte – all showcase acts also played a set as part of the conventional Great Escape Festival programme. Perhaps the most successful was Zeal & Ardor whose vertigo-inducing combination of blues, gospel and death metal was easily one of the most talked about performances of the festival.

In short – an absolutely great time was had by all of us at Swiss Music Export. Now bring on 2018!

Have a look at the great TV report the Swiss national TV made of The Great Escape 2017!

Great Escape Festival
Baba Shrimps
Buvette
Debrah Scarlett
Hyperculte
Me + Marie
Odd Beholder
One Sentence. Supervisor
Sophie Hunger
Zeal & Ardor