Soy&Synth event series returns to Berlin, featuring extended line-up of talents
‘South by South Sonic Serenade’ includes artists from Benin, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cameroon, Indonesia and beyond
Berlin-based Indonesian art collective, Soydivision, presents the revival of Soy&Synth — a program of musical showcases they’ve crafted since 2018.
Named ‘South by South Sonic Serenade’, the event celebrates the avant-garde realms of experimental and improvised music. Building upon the success of last year's series, this year will feature 12 emerging Berlin-based artists from multiple south (Southeast Asia, South America and Africa) diasporic backgrounds.
The line-up encompasses musicians and sound artists from diverse backgrounds and locations such as Benin, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cameroon, Indonesia and more.
Joining as collaborating organisers are sound collective L_KW and Midnight Shift; a label and music promotion entity deeply rooted in the thriving pulse of both Berlin and Singapore.
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Representing Asian artists within the Berlin scene does not come without challenges, including the “Pressure to conform to certain "Asian stereotypes" that cater to the expectations of venue organisers, funding institutions, or the media,” mentions Midnight Shift co-founder Kavan Spruyt to Mixmag Asia.
“Our mission remains to challenge these narratives and shine a light on the multitude of voices and perspectives that Asia has to offer, breaking free from the confines of stereotypes and geographical biases to create a more inclusive and representative platform for Asian artists in Berlin's vibrant art scene,” he adds.
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Running from the Autumn months of August to October, this year's event series will combine three enchanting concerts, an engaging discourse session plus an audio zine into its programming.
This year’s team also includes guest curators Nicholas Kelly from Mixtape Menage, Kim Vu from Decolonoize and Emma Lo from Späti Funk and Mutating Kinship Lab.
More info on ‘South by South Sonic Serenade’ here.
Adrianna Cheung is Mixmag Asia’s Culture Curator, follow her on Instagram.
