Tuxedomoon | USA
ABOUT
Tuxedomoon – one of the flagships and leading stars of the Belgian label Crammed Discs. Tuxedomoon are mentioned in the same breath as Joy Division, Killing Joke, Bauhaus, Blondie, and New Order as pioneers of movements such as new wave and no wave. In their work, they also embrace classical and ballet music, sonic avant-garde, post-punk, and post-rock. Although they hail from San Francisco, their influence has essentially spread across the entire world. At the turn of the 1970s and 1980s, they were an essential and integral part of the emerging New York counterculture in the era of Warhol, Basquiat, and Lou Reed. Their next step was moving to Europe for nearly a decade, where the artists continued their search for a unique musical style and language. This resulted in explorations of minimal music, jazz, and even Romani music. Today, after more than 30 years of activity, Tuxedomoon remains an example of sublime artistry and sincere messaging on stage, enjoying the high esteem reserved for unconventional bands. Fans in Lublin will surely have the chance to hear live performances of the group’s great hits, such as “In a Manner of Speaking” and “No Tears,” as well as immerse themselves in the trance-like, dreamlike atmosphere that invariably accompanies Tuxedomoon’s performances.
The event is organised with the support of the General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in Warsaw.
CRAMMED DISCS
The concert was part of a showcase dedicated to the Crammed Discs label. Operating continuously for over 35 years, the label has earned worldwide recognition and established itself as a premier brand. Although based in Brussels, Crammed Discs does not focus solely on Belgian or even European music. On the contrary, it releases a very broad musical spectrum, ranging from world music, rock, and jazz to new wave, post-punk, and modern electronica. The label presents artists from all over the globe, and their extensive catalog—now exceeding 350 titles—features bands from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and numerous corners of Europe. In the global music market, Crammed Discs has long been perceived as a boundary-breaking, committed, bold, and inquisitive label. Over the years, the label’s activities have even given rise to thematic sub-labels dedicated to contemporary Brazilian music and niche electronic sounds.
As part of the Crammed Discs showcase, five performers associated with the label came to Lublin for their only concerts of the summer. Representing the United States and the new wave movement was the iconic Tuxedomoon. The phenomenal Kasai Allstars feat. Basokin took us on a journey to Africa, while the Dutch group Skip & Die provided a dance set featuring incredibly dynamic and high-energy music. A true treat for fans of the label was undoubtedly the concert by Aksak Maboul—the band led by Marc Hollander (the label’s founder and head) and a Belgian legend of the 1980s counterculture. The group performed alongside Veronique Vincent, with guest appearances by artists from Aquaserge. These young French musicians also performed their own material, as the Aquaserge concert completed the full Crammed Discs showcase. Traditionally, beyond the music itself, the festival featured meetings related to the label, film screenings, and unique Crammed Discs releases available at our Festival Club. Joining us in Lublin at our special invitation were the label’s visionary founder, Marc Hollander, and his long-standing creative partner, Hanna Gorjaczkowska
VIEW PHOTOS
