A collaboration between Loose Wire Records, Teatr Barakah and Kraków Music, Live Wire is above all a showcase of artists and bands (both local and international) in the form of a concert series. Each instalment features a double bill of independent, alternative rock bands. A local cultural institution, Teatr Barakah hosts the shows in Kazimierz.
2022 saw the kick-off of the concert series and organised a total of five concerts. Check out the bands that featured in these first five volumes and stay tuned for upcoming shows in 2023.
Live Wire Vol. 1
Smingus
The Polish-American-British band Smingus comes from far flung corners of the planet and for over a decade they have been developing their own style ever-avoiding the trappings of one genre over another. Their last album “Black Diamonds” is a rich and eclectic tapestry of sounds that shows the musical maturity of the band as well as revealing the bands roots in Blues and both British and American folk traditions.
The Black Tie Trio
While proudly showcasing the genre’s southern working class roots, this is blues with a twist, borrowing, as they do, elements from surf-rock, jazz, punk and grunge; it’s utterly ballsy, sexual, honest and irreverent.
Live Wire Vol. 2
Tegnapután
Tegnaputan (After-yesterday) is a constantly evolving art-rock project based in Budapest. Over the past decade and a half they have forged their sound by fusing traditional Hungarian folk music with the Budapest signature psychedelic delay and a dash of modern rock. Their music is steeped in the psychedelic sound of the 70’s, the new wave of the 80’s and the guitar alternative of the 90’s.
Arbuz Dust
Is a Polish-Scottish band from Krakow, playing original songs from the genres of folk-rock and acoustic alternative since 2017. Arbuz Dust consists of three voices and several instruments – guitar, Irish bouzouki, piano, harmonica and melodica, ukulele, Chinese violin called erhu, and percussion instruments – cajon and djembe. The repertoire includes romantic, soulful ballads as well as punky, energetic melodies.
Bass Storm
Bass Storm is the solo project of Budapest-based bass player and songwriter Hegedűs László also known as “Laci.” Bass Storm weaves fast runs and soft melodies of looped bass patterns over thick drum and bass and electronic rhythm layers. Funk, jazz and trip hop on four strings.
Live Wire Vol. 3
The Awarians
The Awarians are five musicians led by American Christopher B. Gray, whose inimitable style and magnetic charisma make their live concerts an unforgettable experience. The Awarians mix of dance funk-rock grooves and melodic ballads are the two poles between which the band’s sound oscillates. The lyrics are an equally important element of their music – they do not shy away from kitsch, absurdity and difficult topics and they have a penchant for weaving stories and themes about Krakow itself, where they live and create.
Axl Tales
Sicilian born, Swiss-Canadian singer-songwriter and producer, Ales Loverde has started a new chapter in his musical journey: Axl Tales. Showcasing more of his acoustic songwriting skills, he is influenced by such artists as Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell and Thom York. His music path is paved with a love for rock, folk, soul and classical music. A brand new adventure that started in and inspired by Krakow.
Live Wire Vol. 4
Karl Culley
Karl Culley is a fingerstyle guitarist, songwriter, singer, and poet from Yorkshire, England, now residing in Kraków, Poland. His live performances and sequence of 5 albums since 2007 have been highly praised.
Live Wire Vol. 5
Cinemon
An explosive trio formed in 2006 in Krakow, Cinemon has blasted their way through several hundred gigs in eleven countries and released eight albums (studio and live) over the past decade. Their music is loud, raw and true while still being song-based. They describe their music as a blend of the 70’s (Cream, Hendrix, Led Zep), the 90’s (Neil Young, Pearl Jam) and the current alternative rock sounds and scenes.
The Reptilian Government
Children of the Sun is the debut release from Krakow band The Reptilian Government. The group, operating since 2018, has several singles to its credit, which have already been aired on national radio stations. This short album summarizes the group’s musical search so far, oscillating around psychedelic rock, synthesizer trance and even dance beats.
