Music is therapeutic in itself – it’s an explosive expression of emotions, and no matter what culture we are from, music does bring people together. This is precisely what happened over two nights on Plisskën Festival 2014, where more than 40 conceptual artists performed, last weekend in Athens.
Plisskën festival 2014
Although the show commenced with the bleak omen of the rain, the Plisskën organisers kept everything safe so the show could go on. Luckily, the sun came back soon and the festive mood was spread across the five different stages with a multiple array of sounds flowing from hardcore punk, rock, electronic and soul to house, reggae and funk rhythms; Hundreds of eventgoers sprawled around the arena responding with cheers and enthusiasm.
Plisskën festival 2014
The outdoors area was comprised by a cocktail bar, little shops selling festive T-shirts and hats, a play area urging the crowd to participate in fun competitions, a lounge serving Greek souvlaki, a stage for stand-up comedy where talented artists entertained and interacted with the audience, and a whole lot more of surprises.
Mount Kimbie
The event brought together the most eclectic blend of music from around the world. Among them the so-called “flower punk” band from Atlanta, the Black Lips, enamorating with their rockable sound; the Greek band Imam Baildi who blends traditional songs with contemporary rhythms, marrying electro music with classical to creative innovative vibes. The event was also filled by the melodies of Son Lux, a mash up of contemporary and futuristic musical arrangements with emotive vocals, density and simplicity. Mount Kimbie vibrated the fizzing atmosphere with their unconventional electronica explorations.
Black Lips
During this tumultuous period of economic crisis, instability and propaganda in Greece, for the fourth year in a row, Plisskën festival was a look on the bright sight, a much promising sign that creativity and cultural life is still flourishing and a reminder that “ Our laws, our literature, our religion, our arts have their roots in Greece,” as Percy Bysshe Shelley said.
by Xenia Founta
All the images courtesy of the Plisskën festival