The fourth edition of the music and culture festival founded by Michel Welter and Hochmuth will feature internationally known bands such as the Hives and Nothing But Thieves, as well as Enola Gay, Priya Ragu and Hania Rani, among many others. Keeping the line-up as intact as possible while promising the best offer to visitors was a challenge, but, with the staff of neimënster and den Atelier, the Siren’s Call team made it work.
Tracy Heindrichs: What was it like organising the festival after it was postponed twice? Was it like starting anew?
Max Hochmuth: There were two sides to this. Of course, we had a line-up two years ago which had to change because in two years, a lot of things can change for bands and their tours. Den Atelier had to rework a lot of things in their bookings too. On the other side, the organisation is becoming pretty straightforward because it’s the 4th edition. Some things change here and there, but in general, the team knows what they’re doing. Of course, it was exhausting to wait and to reorganise this festival a second time. We took a little bit of time to rework some of the graphics and to give it a fresh look after the two year break.
A few artists that you originally booked--like Nothing But Thieves--are still part of the show. Was it challenging bringing them on again or were they up for it?
They absolutely were. We’re really happy that Nothing But Thieves are coming because it’s an absolutely genius band and they are excited to play some of these festivals. So it was just a matter of rescheduling and it worked out. It’s really nice.
So more than just music, it’ll be a full day of experiences.
How is this edition different from previous Siren’s Call’s?
Every time, we have a bit of improvement, some stuff that we want to do differently. This year, there’s going to be even more programmes for kids. The festival has always had this rule to have something planned for kids, so their families can come to music festivals. There’ll be a dedicated section for kids. Kids up to 12 can also come in for free, so parents come with their kids in the afternoon and then in the evening bring them to their grandparents or somebody, so the parents can come back to party.
Of course, the music is the main element, but there are also creators’ markets, a 360 sound installation, the ‘nuit des lampions’ (“night of lanterns”) which we are really happy about because they will light the whole way between neimënster and Melusina, the two main venues. So more than just music, it’ll be a full day of experiences.
How do you distinguish yourself from other Luxembourg festivals?
We’re far away from the old festivals where there were two headliners playing in a random field. Festivals these days--there is a cultural part, there’s food, it’s a whole world you can discover. I guess everybody is in there to get the experience--it’s not just a stage with some music anymore.
What would you say is the highlight of the festival?
The Hives and Nothing But Thieves! But Hania Rani too! She’s an amazing Polish pianist. And then, one of most special concerts in general--and I can only recommend it--is the last concert happening at Melusina. Every time, the venue is packed and it’s a type of concert that stands out a little bit. This year it’s Enola Gay, who is a newcomer with some good and special sounds. Then after there’s the afterparty at Melusina and de Gudde Wëllen.
Luckily, we’re at a point where there aren’t any big sanitary measures anymore that you have to follow. Otherwise we couldn’t have set up the festival.
How many people do you expect this year?
Last edition we were almost sold out, so 2,700-2,800 people. Of course, we’re hoping for the same trend but I have to say, a lot of people are not yet super convinced to come to festivals. And then, festivals are also completely dependent on the weather… but we hope for the best!
How has it changed from an organiser’s point of view to organise a festival after a pandemic?
Luckily, we’re at a point where there aren’t any big sanitary measures anymore that you have to follow. Otherwise we couldn’t have set up the festival. It’s a small festival, it needs to survive by itself. So we want to make sure that people have a good experience and that everybody gets along.
Siren’s Call takes place on Saturday 25 June. For more information or tickets, click .