* Al Pride and Dillon at Zürich Openair 2016 *

During the summer of 2016, I decided to (at least Gimme A Beat wise) stay mostly in Switzerland and review local festivals. Blue Balls festival in Luzern is something like a tradition to me and I never miss it, but it was the first time I visited and reviewed Zürich Openair, festival happening on the outskirts of Zurich, 5 minutes from my  office. This was very convenient because with the tropical temperatures that we had this year in August, I thought that I could always pop back to the office for a bit of the air conditioned air or even a shower if needed

That, however, didn't happen. Not only that I was having fun cruising around the festival, checking the gigs, but there were also enough place to explore and chill in shade when sun and unbearable.

Even though it was my first time at the festival, this wasn't the first year of Zürich Openair happening. This festival is fairly young and it first happened in 2010; Nevertheless it seems that every year it attracts more and more people, not just from Switzerland (even though that is the majority of attendees) but also from other parts of the Europe and even world. The lineup is very good with a great balance of rock, indie and electronic music and as many festivals nowadays, with relatively balanced fresh, unknown or currently popular bands and some well known artists, perfect for nostalgic crowds. The location of the festival is great and it is easily reachable via train from the town or from the airport. This year the festival was also blessed with beautiful weather, and untypically for Switzerland with tropical temperatures.

I've attended the festival for all 4 days, curious not only about the lineup, but also about setup and organization. It was a bit hectic and not as well organized as some of the other festivals that I attended, which was very surprising since here in Switzerland, impeccable organization is something of a national trail. As an example, cashless, one of the great techi features that I was excited about, since it was provided by the local company, starticket, failed to work first day and many people were stuck without the cash and possibility to use it. Another, kind of funny thing, was that I didn't find the press area for 3 days. Finally just when I gave up, I discovered it.

But even with all of that, I wasn't too bothered, it was funny and kind of refreshing to see the local festival disrupting the swissness and still managing to bring the crowd in the great mood and overall good vibe.

As usual, I was busy bee so I've seen many great gigs over the 4 days: Chvrches, Miike Snow, The Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, Sigur Rós, Foals, Die Antwoord, Editors, Róisín Murphy, Block Party and few others. I was reviewing day by day and posting it all on gimme a beat.

But since as Gimme A Beat with my review I explore the *female factor* of the festival, in tonight's show I will focus on Al Pride, über talented swiss band with 8 people and with phenomenal Dillon, brazilian born, german based singer songwritter. 

Even though Al Pride gig was an early one on the 3rd day of the festival, and it was so hot on and in front of the main stage, that I felt like I was sweating waterfalls, people did show up and (like me) didn't really mind the overwhelming sun. Which was understandable. The band had great energy, gave excellent performance and looked very comfortable on the main stage, especially with a progress of the gig. Later on, when I sat down for an interview with Astrid and Nico from the band, they confirmed how well they felt and how much they love performing their latest album Hallavara, appropriately named by the place in Sweden where it was created.

Dillon's gig was on the Saturday nite and it was the last gig of the festival for me. Even though I was familiar with her songs this was the first time that I saw her live.
Standing on the stage dressed in partially sheer black dress, with mid length bob and hair styled away, to me, Dillon looked like some kind of doll-like Japanese warrior. Only, she was armed with her powerful, mesmerizing voice and strong, punchy baseline. This combination and very minimalistic setup with appropriate lights created the hypnotizing atmosphere that, I bet, could make anyone in the audience, start obeying Dillon's wishes. She looked comfortable and relaxed and most importantly, delivered an impressive performance, far away from the girl that for many years used to get panic attacks before performing. During an interview that we had earlier today, she told me that it took her long time to master them. We talked about her beginnings, her 2014's *The Unknown* album, how she became an artist that she is today as well as about her new love album .

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For the full review of my *female factor* exploration of the festival, interviews with both: Al Pride and Dillon music from their latest albums tune in..

Tonight (23.01.2017) to Gimme A Beat and

Al Pride and Dillon at Zürich Openair 2016

** playlist to be added **

from 22:00 - 00:00 on:
webradio lora

featuring:
gimme a beat on zurich openair 

Kisses,
Babymonster
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for the info about old shows please go to previous entries

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