Louder? Louder!

"Lauter" is a record label, festival and collective all rolled into one. Founded as a small neighbourhood festival, it has become a central part of the Zurich music scene over the years - with growing appeal beyond the city and cantonal borders. On 23 and 24 May, the Lauter Festival will take place for the first time at the Dynamo-Areal in Zurich.

In conversation with Mia, Head of Communications at Lauter, it quickly becomes clear that the various tasks and interests of the collective can hardly be separated from one another. What always resonates, however, is the joy of music. Organised as an association that lives primarily from voluntary work, Lauter is particularly committed to young musicians - with a special focus on FLINTA people.

The label was founded ten years ago and has been supporting artists with the release and promotion of their music ever since. All of the label's solo acts and bands are also part of the collective. "We always try to strengthen the collective idea and integrate the acts into the Lauter network - for example by having them perform at the festival or at other concerts that we organise," explains Mia.

One example of this is the Ron Voyage concert series, a collaboration between Lauter and Ron Orp. Once a month, a concert is organised at an unusual location - the exact location is only revealed on the day of the event. "The intimate atmosphere and the surprise effect are at the heart of Ron Voyage", says Mia.

In the beginning, the label was primarily known for indie pop and singer-songwriters - acts such as Steiner & Madlaina or Mischegwebe were formative. Today, the genre boundaries are deliberately more open. The label currently has 19 bands under contract, some of whom will be performing at this year's festival. "It's a great opportunity to showcase the label - but there's no fixed quota for how many of our acts should play." The focus is on diversity: up-and-coming artists from Switzerland and neighbouring countries will be presented.

Two new features await the public this year: firstly, to mark the label's tenth anniversary, the sampler bis "morn, für immer" will be released - a compilation with ten songs by label acts and friends. The sampler will be launched on the festival weekend with a small live session. The festival is also moving from its usual location at Gessnerallee to Dynamo for the first time. The plan is to stage two stages inside and a small open-air stage by the water.

Mia hopes that the new location will create an inviting atmosphere: a place that invites people to linger - and not just music lovers and creators. "A lot of young people come who perhaps don't know anyone on the line-up. Bringing new music to these people and generally making free culture possible is very important to us", she says.

The free Lauter Festival takes place on 23 & 24 May at Dynamo. View the full programme

These acts Mia particularly recommends at this year's Lauter Festival:

"Herbaceous, experimental, jazzy interpretation of indie rock. They are one of the most exciting acts in Switzerland."

"She does a very nice nostalgic 2000s pop-punk version with hyperpop elements. I'm really looking forward to her!"

"The Viennese artist makes a new German wave sound with dark wave influences and dark lyrics."

The festival is looking for volunteers. You can register via this link.