Why have a music festival in an 18th century Serbian fortress? Here’s why.
Held in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second city, EXIT festival is in its 19th year and offers one of Europe’s most eclectic line-ups.
Though it began as a small student protest in 2000, it now plays host to more than 1000 performers and artists in Petrovaradin Fortress, perched high above the River Danube.
But it hasn’t lost its student spirit – this year’s theme is ‘#SHARELOVE’, promoting unity against right-wing rhetoric in the Balkans.
The festival even has Yoko Ono opening a landmark as part of this year’s theme.
From grime to goth-rock to techno, we take a look at five of this year’s most compelling acts.
Skepta
One of grime’s greatest goes from strength to strength.
A GQ cover with Naomi Campbell, his own streetwear brand, MAINS, a brand new album and becoming a father is all in a hard year’s work for Skepta.
His latest, Ignorance Is Bliss, has been widely well received, and marks a more mature sound for the Tottenham-born rapper.
He’s shutdown London, Paris, New York and now, inevitably, Serbia.
The Cure
There are few British bands with the longevity, consistency and weirdness of Robert Smith’s The Cure.
Smith’s antics in the press have drawn particular attention in recent months.
The goth rockers are set to release their first album in 10 years, 40 years after they released their first.
While we don’t know exactly what they have up their sleeve, they weren’t inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year for nothing.
Simply unmissable.
Tom Walker
Having both got married and crowned this year’s British breakthrough act at the Brit Awards, the 27-year-old Tom Walker must be on cloud nine.
With his rich, gravelly voice (you might recognise his voice from this year’s Love Island), Walker will provide some much needed calm from what promises to be a very hectic weekend.
IAMDDB
The 23-year-old Manchester rapper and singer-songwriter has been building a steady, adoring fanbase for her inimitable vocals and jazz-infused beats.
Real name Diana DeBrito, she followed up her latest mixtape Swervvvvv.5 with a Diplo collab.
Her star has only grown brighter this year, with packed-out shows and a relentless output. You’ll struggle to find anything quite like IAMDDB in a Serbian fortress.
Jeff Mills
In the world of techno, there aren’t many more esteemed than Jeff Mills.
Known as The Wizard for his impossibly fast turntable manoeuvres, the Detroit techno legend will provide endless energy, should you need it.
Mills hasn’t just stuck to his decks.
After collaborations with the Montreal Philharmonic and jazz drummer Tony Allen, you can expect a less than conventional set from the techno grandmaster.
In any normal setting, Mills would be a draw for all fans of any kind of electronic music. But above the River Danube? Unmissable.
These five artists are just the tip of the iceberg, with Greta Van Fleet, Carl Cox, DJ Snake, Desiigner, Solomun and Peggy Gou just a selection on the wide-ranging music on offer
EXIT festival runs from July 4th-7th in Novi Sad, Serbia, with 4-day tickets starting from £108.90.
