Grauzone reveals new exciting acts just before the holidays

As the tension rises with Grauzone almost sold out, the organizers unveil a number of sensational new names. The lineup of the Hague-based festival is nearly complete with the addition of acts such as Dream Wife, Ultra Sunn, and Nuovo Testamento. Earlier this month, over 20 names were announced, including Legowelt, Ghostwoman, Grandmas House, and Slow Crush. Additionally, Grauzone has been nominated three times (!) for the coveted price 'Ijzeren Podiumdier,' including in the categories of 'Best Festival' and 'Best Sustainability Performance.'

Dream Wife: A feminist art-punk trio and one of the most exciting live acts at the moment, known for their unparalleled energy and performances at festivals like Lollapalooza, Primavera, and Laneway and are back with their third killer album ‘Social Lubrication’. An act not to be missed for fans of Hole and Le Tigre!

ULTRA SUNN returns to Grauzone! Following an overwhelming performance last edition in the packed small hall, the band will elevate to the main stage of Paard this year. Fans are eagerly anticipating the long-awaited debut album set to be released next year. The band has just returned from an extensive Latin American tour and is ready to capture hearts with their powerful 'cold wave with EBM' sound.

The Italian/American Italo/synthpop trio Nuovo Testamento is on the verge of becoming a major name. Their debut album, ‘New Earth’ was widely recognized in 2021 as one of the best underground albums, and their newly released second album, 'Love Lines,' is produced by none other than Maurizio Baggio (known for his work with Boy Harsher and The Soft Moon). Malvina, A multitalent from France, a singer, composer, pianist, and conductor, making her debut show in the Netherlands at Grauzone Festival with a live electro/techno set infused with influences of trap and metal. She won the Best Original Soundtrack for the movie ‘Horses Of God’ at the National Filmfestival.

Hailing from Iran, Khorshid Dabdeh learned to play the Tar, considered as one of the most important instruments in Persian classical music. In the Netherlands, she is a well-received guest with performances at Le Guess Who and on national television. 

Another Dutch premiere comes from the Gent-based band Lézard. They create a danceable sound of 'geometric-proto-disco punk' with influences from, among others, Talking Heads and XTC. Another not-to-be-missed sensation is the five-piece band Bowl from Utrecht. They stood out at Popronde with their intense, razor-sharp, and fresh post-punk that drips with energy and determination. Lastly, we have another premiere with the very young Dutch duo Desinteresse, who is already making waves worldwide and will steal the hearts of Grauzone visitors for the first time with their pitch-black coldwave. More dark sound from Dutch soil is The Hague's Lifeless Past, for fans of Sisters of Mercy.

The night program (GrauNacht) is now complete; featuring the Berlin-based DJ and producer Ireen Amnes, who will present her new industrial live project 's.a.t.i.n.' during Grauzone and has collaborated with artists such as Drew McDowell (Coil). For her DJ sets, she focuses on electro, wave, industrial, and techno, and is regularly found in iconic Berlin clubs like Berghain and Tresor. The Rotterdam based DJ Samira, is a resident of Operator Radio and will mix the best dark electro and wave tracks.

New names in a nutshell:
Dream Wife - Ultra Sunn - Nuovo Testamento - Malvina - Khorshid Dadbeh - Lezard - Bowl - Lifeless Past - Desinteresse - DJs: Samira, Ireen Amnes. The full lineup can be found here.