Eupen, Belgium — Nestled in the quiet heart of Belgium’s German-speaking Community, the town of Eupen may not often find itself at the center of national debates, but it recently captured the spotlight in a unique way.
On the last weekend of August, this quaint town of 20,000 became the epicenter of avant-garde music and cultural exchange as it hosted the Meakusma Festival.
Far from the commercialism and spectacle that define many major festivals, Meakusma offered a deeply immersive experience, celebrating innovation in music and art within an intimate and unassuming setting.
A Quiet Arrival and a Unique Setting
The journey to Eupen was a stark contrast to the bustling cities of Brussels, Leuven, and Liège. The train ride ended at a nearly deserted terminus, marking our arrival at a town known for its tranquil atmosphere.
Despite its modest size, Eupen, as the capital of Belgium’s German-speaking Community, provided a charming backdrop for a festival that defies conventional expectations.
As we stepped off the train on that last Friday of August, we were met with a stark change in pace. The serene streets of Eupen were bathed in sunlight, and the town’s unique character was immediately evident.
The festival, Meakusma, had taken over the Alter Schlachthof, a converted slaughterhouse on the town’s edge.
This cultural center, with its spacious halls and eclectic design, was a far cry from the muddy fields and impersonal stages commonly associated with music festivals.
Redefining the Festival Experience
Meakusma’s ethos is a departure from the mainstream festival experience. Co-founder Michael Kreitz explains, “We shy away from big statements. People can read between the lines. When they look at our lineup, they get the idea.”
The festival’s focus is on innovation and esoteric music, creating a space where the usual festival trappings—sponsor banners, theatrical lighting, and stage crews—are replaced by an emphasis on raw musical exploration.
The Alter Schlachthof’s transformation from a former slaughterhouse into a cultural hub provided an unconventional yet fitting venue.
The building’s irregular layout housed multiple performance spaces, each contributing to the festival’s immersive atmosphere.
Unlike traditional festivals where weather conditions can dictate the experience, Meakusma’s indoor setting ensured that the focus remained solely on the music.
Exploring New Sounds
One of Meakusma’s defining features is its commitment to musical diversity. The festival’s lineup was a showcase of genres and styles, from psychedelic jazz to industrial electronica, krautrock to Afro-Chinese dub.
This wide array of sounds was presented without the typical hierarchy of main stages and headline acts. Instead, attendees moved freely between six distinct concert spaces, each offering a unique auditory experience.
The festival’s layout encouraged attendees to explore unfamiliar genres and artists. The absence of a traditional schedule or main stage meant that visitors encountered a range of performances in an organic manner.
This approach fostered an atmosphere of discovery and openness, allowing artists to push the boundaries of their craft in front of an audience eager for new experiences.
A Different Kind of Community
The atmosphere at Meakusma was notably different from other festivals. The absence of large crowds and commercial distractions created a sense of intimacy between performers and audience members. This closeness was evident in the raw energy of the performances and the interactions among attendees.
A highlight of the festival was the performance of Lukas De Clerck, who played the Aulos, an ancient double-reeded instrument from Greco-Roman times.
The solitary spotlight and the unique sound of the Aulos created a mesmerizing experience that left many in the audience deeply moved. This performance, among others, demonstrated Meakusma’s commitment to presenting music that challenges and captivates.
Cultural and Artistic Integration
Meakusma’s integration with the town of Eupen extended beyond the festival grounds. Several installations and performances took place throughout the town, including a captivating organ installation by Maxime Denuc and Kris Verdonck in a disused shopping mall.
The installation featured MIDI-controlled arrangements played through pyramid towers of pipes, creating a celestial soundscape that resonated with listeners in profound ways.
The festival also featured an audiowalk that guided visitors through Eupen, highlighting landmarks and venues associated with specific recordings.
This exploration of the town added another layer to the Meakusma experience, blending the festival’s artistic offerings with the local environment.
A Celebration of Passion and Community
Meakusma’s dedication to sustainability and artistic integrity was evident throughout the festival. Unlike many commercial festivals focused on profit, Meakusma prioritizes supporting artists and fostering a genuine cultural exchange.
The festival’s backing by diverse organizations, including the East Belgian Community and various cultural institutions, reflects its commitment to creating a meaningful and inclusive event.
The festival’s convivial atmosphere was further enhanced by the vibrant “hinterhof” stage, where attendees enjoyed dub music and relaxed in a garden party-like setting.
This area, with its food tents and bars, provided a charming and homey ambiance that contrasted with the more commercialized aspects of larger festivals.
Memorable Performances and Highlights
The festival’s lineup featured a range of memorable performances, each contributing to the event’s unique character:
- Devon Rexi: The Amsterdam-based group delivered pulsing rhythms and distorted bass, creating an energetic dance floor atmosphere.
- Mankiyan: Known for their immersive beats, Mankiyan’s performance felt like a journey into another dimension, with dark beats building to a suppressed roar.
- F.S.K.: This iconic German band blended post-punk with New Wave and folk, offering a nostalgic yet innovative performance.
- Rave At Your Fictional Borders: An energetic jazz jam that captivated the audience with its dynamic drumming and engaging melodies.
- Elijah Minelli: A blend of dub and folk, Minelli’s performance evolved from pensive to powerful, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
- Angel Rocket: A high-energy performance that brought the festival to a close with vibrant Balearic beats and a communal sense of excitement.
Conclusion
Meakusma Festival in Eupen stands as a testament to the power of music and culture to transcend conventional boundaries. By focusing on artistic exploration and community engagement, Meakusma has carved out a unique niche in the festival landscape.
Its commitment to presenting innovative music in an intimate and inclusive setting has made it a standout event, highlighting Eupen as a cultural destination with much to offer.
As the festival concluded, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for the diverse possibilities of music and the joy of discovering new sounds.
Meakusma’s blend of creativity, community, and cultural integration has firmly established it as a hidden gem in Belgium’s festival scene, and its impact will undoubtedly resonate with those who experienced its extraordinary offerings.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
