Darkness descends upon Munich this June for another fantastically curated edition of the city’s annual Grey Scale Festival. Set against the industrial charm of Muffathalle, this festival transcends the ordinary, welcoming those drawn to the darker, more melodic side of music. On June 22nd, Grey Scale will present an eclectic lineup that bridges the gap between the raw, pulsating energy of post-punk and the ethereal realms of dark wave, while synthpop and industrial beats provide a dance-driven counterpoint, weaving a tapestry of sound as diverse as its audience. This year, Grey Scale isn’t just offering a festival; it’s creating a cultural confluence, a day where music transcends mere listening to become a profound experience for those who seek out a blend of blissful nostalgia and forward-thinking innovation.
With a creatively curated lineup that spans the spectrum from the iconic to the cutting edge, the festival will host headliners The Human League alongside the contemporary synth-pop of Swedish artist Molly Nilsson and legendary techno maven Ellen Allien. The roster is further enriched by the likes of Kite and Korine, with Skemer, Ceremony, and a host of other luminaries set to ignite the stage.
Here’s a who’s-who of the festival’s performers:
The Human League is an English synth-pop band formed in Sheffield in 1977. Known for their experimental electronic sound, they gained commercial success with their third album, “Dare,” in 1981, following a lineup change. The band is a key figure in the synth-pop movement.
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Ellen Allien is a German electronic musician, music producer, and the founder of the BPitch Control music label. With her work dedicated to Berlin’s vibrant culture, she has become a significant figure in the electronic music scene, blending German and English lyrics.
Molly Nilsson
Molly Nilsson is a Swedish singer-songwriter known for her DIY approach, self-producing and releasing music through her label Dark Skies Association since 2009. Based in Berlin, her synth-pop style combines introspective lyrics with a distinctive independent ethos.
Ceremony is an American punk band formed in Rohnert Park, California, in 2005. Known for their intense energy and evolving sound, they’ve transitioned from hardcore to post-punk and indie rock, maintaining a strong punk ethos throughout their diverse discography.
Kite is a Swedish synthpop duo formed by Nicklas Stenemo and Christian Berg, originating from Malmö and now based in Stockholm. Since their 2008 debut, they have released six EPs, blending emotive lyrics with lush synthesizers, and have become known for their captivating live performances.
Schwefelgelb *live
Schwefelgelb (“sulfur yellow) from Berlin is comprised of Jonas Förster and Philipp Graf. Known for their energetic live performances, enhanced with synchronized strobe lights and projections, their music blends techno with EBM.
Philadelphia-based electronic pop duo Korine was formed by Morgy Ramone and Trey Frye. The band combines new wave nostalgia with modern pop sensibilities, featuring upbeat rhythms alongside sullen, emotionally evocative lyrics, creating a distinctive sound.
General Dynamics is the new collaborative project of recording artists SARIN + QUAL.
Skemer is a Belgian dark electro duo formed by model Kim Peers and Amenra guitarist Mathieu Vandekerckhove. Known for their dark, minimalist wave music, Skemer combines brutality and sensuality, offering an entrancing musical experience that reflects the duality of their artistic collaboration.
Sarin is a post-metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed in 2012. They have released two studio albums and one EP, known for their emotive brand of vitriol through their heavy and dreamlike metallic soundscapes.
Kim Peers is a prominent Belgian model and musician, renowned for her contributions to the fashion and music industries. She gained prominence as one of the most sought-after models of the 90s and 2000s, gracing the covers of Italian Vogue and featuring in campaigns for YSL, Prada, and other luxury brands. Besides her modeling career, Peers is also known for her musical talent as part of the Belgian dark electro duo Skemer.
In collaboration with Rote Sonne, there will be an aftershow party starting at midnight after the concerts at Ampere, with the following lineup:
- Ellen Allien
- Schwefelgelb *live
- Sarin
- Kim Peers
- + more artists tba soon
There will be an extra ticket category for the aftershow party only.
Fans of this festival, note that Grey Scale will be doing things a little differently this year: Muffatwerk Munich (All Area) will now feature two stages: Muffathalle and Ampere. Muffatcafé will be a nice chill-out space to reflect and catch up with friends.
Grey Scale Festival 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable time, boasting a stellar roster you’ll definitely not want to miss. Circle the date, secure your tickets, and gear up for the best of dark-wave, post-punk, and synth-pop!
