The party organisers, curators and record label Meakusma return for the third iteration of their eponymous festival. Taking place in Meakusma’s hometown of Eupen in eastern Belgium, the festival looks to cement its position as a leading light in Europe’s experimental music festival circuit. The festival’s line-up is suitably diverse, with sets from high-profile acts including Shakelton and John Talabot through to the psychedelic surf-rock of new comers Chillera and a talking gongs art installation.
Whatsmore, Ben UFO and Lena Wilkens have been given “carte blanche” to curate stages, on the Friday and Saturday respectively. Ben UFO’s selections range from a showcase for bass-heavy label Timedance, including sets from Batu and Bruce, to a set from Kara-Lis Coverdale, whose Aftertouches LP is one of the most important pieces of electronic composition since the turn of the millenium. Wilken’s has opted for a slightly less eclectic grouping, focusing on putting a spotlight on contemporary Japanese artists.
Eupen’s location on the Belgian/German border has in effect made the city the unofficial capital of Belgium’s German-speaking community, which in part explains the involvement of Cologne-based outfit Dublab.de in curating the festival’s line-up. Dublab.de, the German arm of the forward-thinking L.A radio Dublab, will be running over 48 hours of continuous music and discussion. An added homage to the festival’s location is included in the opportunity to take part in a number of workshops with renowned field recordist Chris Watson across the weekend, offering the chance to explore the sonic character of the area around Eupen.
Meakusma runs from 7th-9th September. Weekend tickets with camping are still available for 70 Euros- alternatively to camping, accommodation is available in Eupen from around 70 Euros for three nights.
