Don’t explode and go wild, but listen and stand still: new Whisper festival focuses on vulnerability | showbiz

Don’t pop and go, but listen and stand still. It is a completely new festival fact that we are not yet familiar with in Belgium. Unlike Pukkelpop, Rock Werchter or Tomorrowland, Whisper creates a framework where highly sensitive and introverted people can settle in. “Since the corona crisis, mental issues have been expressed more than ever,” says Jan Smeets, one of the programmers. “Whether it’s burnout, stress, social isolation or loneliness, many artists and festival-goers have to deal with it. People are no longer afraid to say how they feel, just think of Philippe who left ‘De Mol’ early because it became too much mentally.”

In the green Rivierenhof in Antwerp, Whisper brings together bands for two days that are fragile under the genre fragile indie, introverted electronica and tranquil neo classical. “Everyone has known since the pandemic how hard it is to be in isolation. That is why we choose a place where festival-goers are close to open nature.” Circuit des Yeux, Charlie Cunningham, Grace Cummings and Joep Beving, among others, color the poster. “These bands are usually not requested at the existing festivals, because they don’t really belong there. We now want to give musicians who perform intimate and calm music a stage.”

In addition to the musical experience, the festival also presents a substantive section with conversations about vulnerability. A lot of singers see black snow and process their issues in their music. Some of those artists will talk to a psychologist or philosopher at the festival to provide feedback on that process. “In one of the panel discussions, Tamara Lindeman from ‘The Weather Station’ talks about the impact of climate change on her mental well-being with a climate psychologist. And Selah Sue and Wel Jong VZW will also speak.”

Since the festival focuses on fragility, visitors should leave their dancing shoes at home. “Everyone is welcome, but those who want to dance will return from a bare journey. This is an introverted festival, the songs don’t really invite you to party. You can rather see it as music you listen to to read a book or eat a meal. Let me be clear, you will certainly be able to enjoy it and especially beauty. But those who really want to look for energy and want to explode, better go to Tomorrowland or Pukkelpop.”

Whisper takes place on 27 & 28 August in the Rivierenhof in Antwerp. Tickets are available from 33 euros per day. More info on whisperfestival.be†

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