Christina Stürmer is coming to the Popfest 2025 at Vienna's Karlsplatz
For the 16th time, the Popfest will take place at Vienna's Karlsplatz: From July 24 to 27, this year's curatorial duo, musician Verifiziert and journalist Paul Buschnegg, aim to "break genre and bubble conventions." "We want to think of pop beyond the concept of music," said Buschnegg at the program presentation on Thursday, "beyond just showcasing the latest Spotify release to a larger narrative." On the first evening, Christina Stürmer will meet Lino Camilo.
"Stürmer Iconic for Every Generation"
At their very first meeting, curator Verifiziert shared the idea of inviting Christina Stürmer for the opening of the 16th edition of the Vienna Popfest. She didn't expect the Austrian artist to actually agree, she laughed during the program preview at the Vienna Museum. "I thought it would be cool if the opening act was an icon in Austria, and Stürmer is iconic for every generation," said the artist. That evening will be followed by Anja Sodnikar aka Sodl, leader of her own folk & rock band, Lino Camilo, and finally Mietze Conte (one of the many alter egos of producer Filous). "What used to be called charts and niche, all of that is partly created in the same workshop," said Robert Rotifer, who has been accompanying the festival since its inception. "Mietze Conte is a figure that stands for what the Popfest represents."
Sturgeon as Subject of Vienna Popfest 2025
This year's subject of the Popfest is a sturgeon, one of Europe's oldest freshwater fish. "This fits wonderfully because the sturgeon is among the endangered species, and Vienna is working on breeding sturgeons," said Culture Councillor Veronica Kaup-Hasler (SPÖ). In Vienna, work is once again being done on the future, and the festival is a "very strong pool of hope-giving moments" in economically challenging times. "We know we are in times of great challenge, but we remain committed to the development of those species we urgently need to survive, and for me, art and culture are not luxuries but essential for a democratic society."
A wide range of genres is also available on Friday, from Spitting Ibex, "who now sound more elegant and funky," according to Verifiziert, to feminist indie rock from the Burgenland "Erdnussallergikerinnen" lovehead, to the music of Eli Preiss, who is said to have transformed from a suburban rapper to a pop star. Saturday offers "Anatolian psychedelia" from panasea, a joint set by rappers Crack Ignaz and LGoony, the 20th stage anniversary of Kreisky, and neo-grunge from Kässy.
Vienna Museum as Another Location
Other locations include the Vienna Museum, where the zither sounds of Karl Stirner will meet the Italian marble in the foyer. The upper floor will also be used, for example by the 21-year-old singer-songwriter Magda, as well as the dome and Prechtl Hall in the Technical University, where according to Buschnegg, "more niche stuff, party stuff, and more artistic things" will be heard. The nearby Club U will also be used later in the evening. There will again be two film evenings on the weekend before the festival.
Panel discussions at the Vienna Museum will revolve around the topics of cultural journalism and social media. New this year are city tours by musician and local historian Geri Hollerer, who will show people historically important pop venues, such as the place where Jimi Hendrix once performed. On the final day, it is expected to get emotional with the singer-songwriter The Zew. "At the end of the Popfest, it will be intensely intimate," said festival co-founder Christoph Möderndorfer. "Anti-stadium pop," so to speak.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.