Local tunes for The Tall Ships Races

The list of local artists includes both seasoned folkies like Souvenirs and Muleskinners, who have been playing for many decades, and brand new names for whom the performance at The Tall Ships Races is the beginning of a hopefully long career. Genre-wise, we cover a wide range, where different shades of pop and rock mix with folk music and lighter electronic tones. The common denominator for all the artists, however, is that they speak to a wide range of people.

Although the audience may be primarily interested in the well-known names at the top of the bill, there are many good reasons to experience local music. The five members of the Aalborg band Søvnmønster have their take on why you should stop by Slotspladsen on Saturday, August 1st at 5 pm, when they play.

Why should the audience who don't know you stop by Slotspladsen when you play?

"Because they'll leave even happier. It's a relatively simple equation that adds up: Summer day + SLEEP PATTERN = Even better summer day. A little more seriously, bands and musicians play music for different reasons, but we are a live band and the energy, community and party in playing concerts is what we are passionate about. Our music is broad, and we love bringing the audience into our concerts, it's something we were passionate about when we were named "North Jutland Live Artist of the Year" a few years ago, and it's something we still live by. Winning the enthusiasm of a new audience is the coolest challenge, and we do that by serving up a slap of excess and giving them a surprising and entertaining concert they didn't know they needed."

Likewise, local Valøya is looking forward to playing for the audience at The Tall Ships Races.

"When we think of The Tall Ships Races, we have an image of an international folk festival - and of course there has to be folk music!" explains lead singer Daphne Sander and continues: "We are really looking forward to sharing our traditions with both Danish and international guests and showing how relevant and relatable the old songs still are today. And The Tall Ships Races is the obvious place to breathe new life into the songs, surrounded by the big, beautiful wooden ships."

How does playing a concert on August 1st fit into your holiday plans?

"It actually fits perfectly - the whole week leading up to the concert we will meet to write music, practice and have fun together, so we expect to be in top form for the concert. Maybe even with a "new" song or two... Now we'll see!", concludes Daphne from Valøya.

KORMA (Competence Center for Rhythmic Music Aalborg) has curated six of the local names. Some of the names have also participated in the music competition Band Battle organized by the venue Skråen. With a focus on local music, The Tall Ships Races in Aalborg continues a years-long practice of supporting local efforts for the rhythmic growth environment.