Intro - Bende
The alarm starts ringing. 9 am, January the 4th, Saturday. For a glimpse of a second I seemed to have forgotten the exciting journey I have determined to embark upon. The wait was over as sudden realization hit me… It’s the day of the Made in Pécs Festival!
The Made in Pécs Festival has premiered in 2016, guaranteeing a slice of excitement, and carefree enjoyment of the local bands to bystanders, enthusiasts and hard-core fans alike. The first few occasions had their difficulties, but with commitment the Made in Pécs-team kept on delivering, even throughout the compromising times of the covid-19 outbreak. Since then, the festival got larger, greater and more accessible than ever, with locations ranging from old-timer pubs to the top-hit nightclubs, even having an outdoor stage. Although the bands sometimes must face technical and physical difficulties, their active and passionate outlook rarely wavers as this event grants them a great opportunity to spread their wings and deliver a night (and day) to remember.
The concerts and locations do not require any registration, and are completely free to all, with each band guaranteed adequate equipment for a twenty-minute mini-concert to rock the city or to tug at our heartstrings.
As I arrived downtown, I came to wonder about how - for the first time in a while - I arrived early for the occasion I wanted to most professionally observe. I figured a little excitement wouldn’t hurt. Surely there was a better way of spending my time in this bustling city than reminiscing about the sweet Sencha I’ve had this morning, so it was time to improvise…
Leőwey Rock City @ Amper - Bende
The first location in my preview became a prelude of sorts, with Leőwey Rock City as the welcoming committee of a promising day. The club itself was underground, an entirely nightclub feeling, which the place could capture even in the morning hours. The corridors were easy to navigate, with many fans looking to support their favourite performers. The band started the concert with the solo singer performing a rhythmic rap with great beats. It was a proper act on its own and hyped up the excitement of the band. After which came the main attraction, a rock base with vocals similarly rap-like as earlier. It had some industrial metal feel to it, though the bass and electronic soundboard motifs counteracted that. The last hit of theirs had a death-metal base to it to surprise the crowd, with metal lyrics feeling a bit off-putting, ending the performance with a risky but successful move. Overall, an interesting, daring performance, proving to be a kicker start for the festival atmospherically.
30Y @ Pécsi Est - Fanni
‘If you told me’, my friend looked at me with a serious face ‘that it is only 10 in the morning, I wouldn’t believe you’. And she was right. It did not feel like morning hours at all except for me craving for a large cup of hot coffee. It can indeed feel unusual, almost surreal, I would say, to stand among a crowd of people bustling around the stage waiting for a concert. It was not a new thing to experience though: since Made in Pécs Festival exists we tend to make our appearances. It is not just us who have this festival in our calendar every year, visitors love to return and have fun at the concerts of their favourite local bands, while also getting to know freshly formed or not-yet-so-well-known talents of Pécs, which is, let’s face it, a cool thing to do.
It was only 10am, and the Pécs Est club, a favourite of many locals and foreigners, was full of bright-eyed, wide-awake people ready for the earliest concert of the venue. ‘Good morning,’ said Zoli Beck, the frontman of the beloved local band 30Y, as they showed up on the stage, as tradition has it, starting the list of performers at Pécsi Est for the day. As the concert began, I suppose, everyone forgot that it was not even noon yet. The 4-member band gave an energetic, charismatic, vibrant performance. They chose to play their most upbeat songs which got the crowd singing along loudly and jumping on the floor as usual.
‘This is your alarm clock this morning’ Zoli said between songs, and I found myself thinking: if I started every day like this, maybe I would end up becoming a morning person after all.
There is something lovable about them: all four members, Zoli, Zaza, Ádi and Papa, seem like a small family, not only because the formation includes an actual pair of brothers, but also because of their visible loyalty to each other. Their fans feel close to them and like to listen to their stories, along with their songs.
30Y was formed in 2000 in Pécs, they are celebrating their 25th birthday this year. Their music occupies a significant place in the life and history of Hungarian alternative rock music, with an emphasis on lyrics that often depict social situations and stories of people struggling with their lives in different ways. Although they are a nationally known and popular band, they do not consider themselves stars and are not defined by their numbers and success.
For them, the most important thing is to give and to connect. And I think for most of their fans, that's what matters too.
They like to stick to traditions, such ending the year at Pécsi Est while starting the next one there as well, on the Made in Pécs Festival, in the morning. Well, it would be hard to deny that we love these traditions too.
Sopianae Brass and Védant @ Utcaszínpad / “Street Stage” - Bende
In my recommendation of the different locations, I must mention the outdoor stage in Széchenyi Square. I had the pleasure to listen to two bands there, one of which had always been unmissable, and the other was a welcome surprise.
The latter was none other than the Sopianae Brass band, who performed modern hit songs adapted to the jazz genre, with a bit of curious playfulness. The band, coupled with a drummer, who even got to show his skill once after providing the much-needed beat for more recognizable – but not more appreciated - instruments such as the saxophone. Famous hits brought to life included ‘Bella Ciao’, and even ‘Everytime We Touch’ which evoked the holiday spirit for a while, proving that
with careful adaptation a classic can gain an entirely new perspective.
Once again, a core aspect of this festival was reinforced, as the Sopianae Brass band not only delivered a professional yet playful mini concert, but did so to a broad audience, to the joy of young and old.
The other performer, a sometimes breathtaking, consistently heart-wrenching solo-act was none other than Védant. This admirable singer is always a treat to listen to. His carefree yet deeply emotional songs, sometimes melancholic lyrics, coupled with his guitar skills coalesce into
a must-see act at worst, and a beautiful one at best.
Not to mention that great voice of his, which can capture the moment and quickly invite others to listen along. The sometimes bitter yet hopeful songs relate to humorous banter and regular interactions with the crowd, encapsulating the complexity of the underlying themes of these mini concerts. It is always great to listen to this ambitious performer, with a big future ahead of him, granting a remarkable experience for like minded and different onlookers alike.
Joking about the conditions yet still playing on. Persistence… that is the right word to describe your work, or at least what I would find if not for the peace surrounding me standing firm in the cold, cheering on, with a familiar warmth on my side. Quite an experience…
Alauda Arvensis @ Backstage - Bende
Backstage proved itself to be one of my favourite locations throughout the festival, although it had its faults. Design-wise, it was aesthetic, with indoors reminiscent of ballrooms, promptly adjusted to the modern standards. Classy with its interior, and an exterior that blended in perfectly to the buildings of the bustling Király street. This turned out to be a fine location, as the Alauda Arvensis concert drew in a large mass.
The band performed casual rock, with mood-forming, lengthy riffs generating a retro feeling. This special atmosphere was only enhanced by a vocal storytelling, which I would parallel with tracks from the 80s and 90s. This still fresh brand performed the positive vibes with passion, playing it safe and cloaking the potential doubts with a calm demeanour.
Alauda Arvensis delivered a friendly and safe performance. Enriched by their passion they were not halted, in a not flawless but otherwise great location.
Having moved on from the comfortable sitting spot on the side of a mixer-table directly in one of Backstage’s corners I abandoned my refuge. I took a hurry, turned around the corner and down the street, leaping to the door of my next destination.
Péter Dunai and Krisztián Hajdu @ Made in Pécs Café - Fanni
I have to admit that this year's Made in Pécs Festival was quite hectic and spontaneous for me. I had to leave the festival for a few hours in the middle of the day due to my personal commitments. But more importantly, I returned full of energy and enthusiasm. No, I'm joking, at least about the energy part; I still really wanted to have a cup of coffee somewhere - even if my morning wake-up call that day was better than usual.
However, returning to the busy city centre-based festival felt like a nice combination of excitement and comfort; as a local myself I have always loved strolling the city streets, especially when there was an event attracting all sorts of exciting personalities of Pécs.
There are three interconnected entities functioning with the name of Made in Pécs: the festival, a café and a magazine.
This location was so full of people that it was impossible to move. In that sense, this concert was a limited visual experience for me, but as our instincts kick in, it's natural to focus on sound: if I can't see, I can hear better.
Péter Dunai and Krisztián Hajdu's music, authentic Nick Cave songs with familiar rhythms and melodies, allowed me to float along with it and let it take me. Nick Cave's music itself is full of energy and emotion, theatrical and nostalgic, and the duo of Dunai and Hajdu was able to beautifully convey Cave's style through theirs to a packed audience.
They played popular Cave songs like ‘Let Love In’ and ‘Red Right Hand’ and their music floated around us full of iconic sentimentalism. Just the way it should be, when it comes to Nick Cave. The duo made a fantastic job performing, I am sure,
Nick Cave would have been proud to hear it.
Jamberek @ Trafik - Bende
The Trafik club and bar can be considered famous among the locals. The lighting was moody, and the special tiered design of the room split in the middle was a freshly characteristic and great choice for the interior. It had plenty of space to sit in, and the bar was simple yet fashionable, although I couldn’t see much from the large number of people present. It seems the performance of Jamberek found its target audience after all.
The band delivered an interactive experience of the exotic cultures, with instruments to accompany
the typical euphoric atmosphere of the savannah.
There were no tracks, only live music, hypnotizing vocals, with invitations to the audience to join in. This border-breaking interactive implementation only enhanced the niche experience, which with its unorthodox nature surely ruffled some feathers, while igniting sparks in others. Quite literally.
Overall, this performance was more of an experience than a performance, with all its pros and cons. Eye-opening or discomfortable, just to say a pair, as the descriptions could extremely vary. It was not trying to appeal, nor pretend to be for everyone. With a now renowned subcultural mass promoting it, these kinds of performances truly require notable commitment.
Only 15 minutes in and I couldn’t keep lying to myself… I kept on writing my notes, but my mind wandered about. The last straw was when I looked directly above me, and saw a couple sitting, locked in eye contact, moving their hands around in the air in psychedelic movements. I thrust for my coat, got up and as I headed for the exit I peeked back at the room one last time, now noticing the sound mixer’s unconcealed face of sheer boredom, relaxed or otherwise, smoking on, just for good measure…
Kukuts @ Nappali – Bende
Backstage, Amper, Trafik... these locations have all had experiences more on the exotic and creative side, coupled with the modest crowds cheering on, but none of them had the regular festival feel to it as much as Nappali.
Kukuts was arguably the best to incorporate the rock festival feeling. This trope of theirs is none other than acting as the stereotypical, cocky but confidently cool rock band, while being as brazen, as they are lovable.
Approaching the genre in a fusion, proudly chanting lyrics in Hungarian, matched by the confident interactions with the crowd, surely captured the attention of even the hardiest of rock enjoyers. The solos were shorter, but reduced dragging, instant turns and the drummer only escalated the otherwise all-round decent performance, making an attempt - and succeeding at creating something alluring.
Moreover, the atmosphere just kept on getting better over the course of the performance, culminating in their last song, which seemed to elevate the experience. Sure, there were some nuances, and the sound design felt a bit adventurous overall, while lacking freshness at other times, but the band seemed to double down on its advantages and made a simply captivating show.
Their vision was appealing, which accompanied by the great execution created possibly the most relatable and memorable experience to a majority of festival enjoyers.
Péter Püspöki @ Utcaszínpad / “Street Stage” - Fanni
It was already dark outside when I approached Széchenyi Square. Under a deep blue sky, freezing in the January chill, I walked along Királyi Street, while the area was full of groups of festival goers wandering around, chatting enthusiastically about the concerts they had seen and those they had yet to see. The city lights were shining brightly, and the stage was still empty when I arrived to wait for the next act. The town's Christmas tree stood majestically in the background, and as people began to gather around the small stage, their coats wrapped around them, shivering, I knew this concert was going to be a lot of fun.
Péter (Peti) Püspöki is probably not an unfamiliar figure to those immersed in the alternative music scene in Pécs: he is the frontman of the band
Kubalibre; the icing on the cake of the local alternative party culture.
He is popular with people who like a humorous approach, a mix of dynamic, upbeat tunes that get the crowds dancing and witty, often satirical lyrics about different aspects of life, whether it is serious, deep thoughts wrapped in a funny tone, the pain of going through a break-up delivered with swear words, or something completely profane.
This time it was a solo performance (the Kubalibre concert was planned for the evening – which, much to my regret, I was unable to attend) but the energy of it was still so intense as if it would have been a whole band playing.
I would say one has to have the right mindset for this performance but for those who do it will be something so enjoyable that one will find themselves unable to stop laughing. Püspöki cracked some authentic jokes between each song – and this seems to be a perfect occasion to quote one of his lyrics and his commentary to it that day, so here comes a little English translation to a few lines from Kubalibre’s song titled Pálinka:
‘How's the bat?
In your cellar?
Wrist-slitting
small knife
to harakiri with
at Christmas Eve’
Well, if you, dear reader, think it is not the most appropriate piece of art you have ever seen, let me tell you how the artist commented on it. At the part where he sings “to harakiri with at Christmas Eve” he suddenly stopped for a second, looked at the audience with a straight face and said: ‘this is actually the Christmas-song of Kubalibre.’ Yes. I think this explains everything.
Fall for Me @ Tititá - Bende
If I had to summarize the entire festival in just one picture, it would definitely be based upon the Fall for Me concert.
With all its nitty-gritty ambition, scolded by the sometimes slum-like environment; the air riddled by the substance infused breaths and smoke, then abruptly broken, and conquered by the clear chill of the winter night. Approaching the building, one would enter an atmosphere most familiar to those living in a post-communist country. Graffiti on the walls, with an inner courtyard which housed several leftover items, mostly broken in the side of walls, but there were plenty of places to sit and enjoy - a sometimes intimidating - company. But then, it would dawn on the naive onlooker that a slim door in the middle of a firm wall housed the real commotion. And only there would the worthy finally find the truest form of a typical underground festival in Pécs, supposed if they got through the illuminated gentlemen barring the only entrance. With folks of all ages, those who have families and those who brought them, those looking to support and those who desperately crave it. All in simple but bearable space with an oval roof reminiscent of the past yet granting perfect acoustics. While waiting, it seems inevitable to partake in pep-talk or hear the foulest of introductions. In short, joining the amassing crowd as Fall for Me starts performing. In pure, metal, hegemony. There need not be a lengthy description of how the vocals were off sometimes, or what a truly phenomenal solo crowned the night that day, because only one thing was certain:
the vibe of the Made in Pécs festival is one to experience first-hand.
Epilogue – Fanni
After my last concert I had only one duty left, and I completed it: I finally had the coffee I had been craving all day steaming in my hand. It was a happy moment, not only because of my lovely cup of cappuccino, but also because I was sipping it in Nappali: my favourite local pub. With the music floating around the bar, surrounded by the bustle of people having fun, I took one last look around and soon said goodbye to the Made in Pécs Festival,
although it was not truly a goodbye. It was more of a ’See you next year’.
Photo by Fanni Szabó
