* Seinabo Sey, Ala.Ni and Sóley at Blue Balls Festival 2016 *

We had another beautiful summer this year in Switzerland so reviewing the festival like Blue Balls that is partially set inside, partially outside and happening in the beautiful surrounding next to Lake Luzern, feels more like a blessing then an effort. This festival with slightly inappropriate name that is happening during two weeks of July, brings me back last few years, mostly because of it's awesome line-up, perfect combination of known and unknown artists different genres, playing on inside and outside stages in Luzern: KKL, Pavillon, Schweizerhof hotel.

This year was no different and in my 6th year at the festival, I've chosen three days with female artists that I wanted to include in my review. Those were: Frances and Ibeyi on 22th of July, Seinabo Sey and Sóley on 24th of July and Ala.Ni on 26th of July.

I've also seen several awesome male artists, but since as Gimme a Beat, I explore 'female factor' of the festival that I review, review of their gigs is only included in the short reviews on Gimme a Beat Facebook page, but not in tonight's show.

The first artist/band that I will focus on in tonight's show is Seinabo Sey. Songs *Hard Times*/*Younger* and the album Pretend, that came out later, are on the repeat and my go-to music for any occasion. Back in 2015, her gig at Rock en Seine only confirmed Seinabo Sey's talent and encouraged me to try for an interview and to see her at the Blue Balls Festival, again. But this time I managed to get a chance and finally interview her. She was relaxed, friendly, genuine and very personal, perfect combination for my type of interviews. We talked about everything: from her beginning, her inspirations, over to her current album, tour and working on the new album. She was excited and interesting and the conversation was just flowing. Later on during Seinabo's gig it was awesome witnessing festival audience embracing Seinabo's talent and sharing my excitement about her, while she responded to the great vibe with genuine smiles, personal stores, amazing songs sang with her soulful, powerful voice.

Second artist that I will focus on in my review is ALA.NI. Seeing her performing at KKL Konzertsaal of Blue Balls Festival was a unique experience. With the treat from the media responsible of the festival and the front row seat I was able to enjoy it even more, observing closely Alani and her band (guitar+cello) on the stage. Looking at Alani's gracious, ballerina like body: strong, flexible and fragile at the same time; I realized that it is very similar to her voice..it's strength, the incredible range and the tone. The harmony of movements, voice and sounds bouncing off the corners of acoustically perfect venue, created an extraordinary experience. An hour before, I sat down with Alani for a quick interview, outside, on the shore of the beautiful lake Lucerne. We talked about her many talents, her music, latest album and her famous uncle, Leslie Hutchinson. His life story and courage to be who he is, inspired her to embrace who she is, fully own it and through her music share it with the world.

The last part of my radio show tonight and my review will be focused on Sóley. Frankly speaking, after listening to her last album, I had an impression that Sóley will be dark and mysterious person, interesting, but maybe not easy to interview. But as soon as I set down with her it was clear to me that this Icelandic über talented multi-instrumentalist is also friendly, funny and very open and sweet person. During 30 minute long interview I learnt a lot about her, her music, mood behind her latest album and the shift in vibe and atmosphere that will result in totally different approach and the album that is currently in works. Sóley also told me that when she became a mum, she promised herself that she will never do 'mommy songs'. But luckily for the world she did it anyway and created beautiful song Ua, that she performed later that night and that will be featured on her new album. Next to few other new songs that she performed, I was glad to see that she brought her funny and sparkly personality as well to Blue Balls Festival's Konzertsaal, venue that embraced perfectly this beautiful performance

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Tune in tonight (19.09.2016) to Gimme A Beat to hear my review of Blue Balls Festival and the gigs I've seen, interviews from: Seinabo Sey, Ala.Ni and Sóley and chosen music from their latest albums

Tune in for ..

Seinabo Sey, Ala.Ni and Sóley at Blue Balls Festival 2016

** playlist to be added **

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

featuring:
gimme a beat at blue balls festival

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

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