Bang On was first established back in 2016 as a gig series which put women front and centre. Each of the acts in the carefully curated lineups featured women and it created a much-needed space in the DIY scene. Since then, Bang On has gone from strength to strength. The booking remit has widened to become even more inclusive, and it now has a FLTQI and BIPOC focus.
So far, Bang On has hosted over 100 Berlin-based acts, encompassing both more established artists and the city’s most exciting up-and-comers. The culmination of all things Bang On is definitely the Bang On Festival. The core value of the festival is in highlighting the diversity of Berlin’s music scene in an inclusive way.
The focus on diversity goes for the range of genres represented too, and according to the organisers you can expect “a line-up of scorching post-punk, mutated hip-hop, thick bass, and tight beats.” We’re sold. The full line-up is below, so dig through and take notes – you’re bound to discover a new love.
Beyond the lineup, the event itself is centred around being accessible, affordable, and welcoming for everyone. That means a physically accessible venue, an explicit zero-tolerance discrimination policy, and tickets at an affordable price.
This year, they’re capturing some of that pre-covid magic and moving the event back indoors. Hosted in the barrier-free adjoining venues of Marie-Antoinette and Fitzroy, the event provides a safe musical space to support some of your favourite Berlin acts and discover fresh new artists. And there is another new development this year: for the first time, Bang On has decided to make the festival a weekend-long affair, and it will finish off with a brand new afterparty in collaboration with Sonntagsinstitut Kollektiv.
As a nice bonus, there are food options and space to chill outside, so you’ve got all your bases covered. LOLA members can grab tickets for this two-nighter for €15, otherwise they’re €17 for those eligible for discounts, and €25 regular admission. Any remaining single-day tickets will be available on the door.
So get yourself down to the most inclusive event in town: everyone’s invited.
Words by Elise Shepley.
