Elevate Festival 2016 - We Are Europe!

A longing for fundamental change has been the backdrop for any and all political debate in the crisis-riddled Europe of recent years. This year, from October 20 – 23, Elevate and a number of other European festivals put forth a joint effort to demonstrate what happens when lived solidarity, abundant curiosity and innovation turn into a trans-national effort    full of music, political debate and activism. As a part of the new initiative We Are Europe, Elevate's goal over the course of these 4 days is to strike up a dialogue revolving around current sociopolitical discourse like the refugee movements and initiatives aimed at a broader democratization of Europe. In the evening, it is customary that Elevate delivers its signature mix of cutting-edge live acts and Djs with danceable club nights and experimental takes on the concert experience, challenging the audience's ear. 

This year's lineup, co-curated by festivals from four different European countries

The only constant this year, is that the locations in and around the Schlossberg will be home to all the differently arranged stages – each one diligently curated by a different partner festival. On Saturday for example, Nuits Sonores from Lyon will bring in the London sound acrobat FunkinEven for his first-ever Graz show. Resonate Festival from Belgrade have invited Warp Records' own Mount Kimbie and the one-man-hiphop-hardcore-house-show LONE. The festivities will be kicked off by none other than the spoken word legend Saul Williams who will share the c/o Pop-Festival – curated stage with the auditory alchemist Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith. The festival will then come to a fittingly cathartic close when the noise berserkers SWANS grace us with a stop on their final world tour. They will be sharing the evening with the equally apocalyptic Anna von Hausswolff.

European Politics and Concert Culture

Coupled with the extensive discourse programme, this year's Elevate as a part of We Are Europe will make its mark on the international music and art landscape in politically turbulent times – with its unique mix of passionate escapism and hands-on world improvement ethos in the midst of extraordinary sonic landscapes.