Front 242, Desert Planet, UX, DJ Proteus, Kosmoplovci, Kokeellisen elektroniikan seura, DJ Mayor, DJ Pasik, DJ Malakai
Front 242
Belgian masters/inventors of EBM that have been in the music business since the early '80s should need no introduction. They have used both Atari and Amiga in their music and video work and they are also known from their still visual art. At Alternative Party they will throw a full concert with a live drummer, VJ and special emphasis on the synchronisation of images and sound. They will play an intelligent, dancable set of inspiring pieces of soundscapes with a strong physical presence. » read more.
Desert Planet
The legendary bitpunk band from the arctic Lapland. They are known for their costumes from outer space, but also their enthusiastic approach to the whole genre of retro electronic music. They have put a lot of effort in creating their unique sound and the accompanying visuals. Expect memorable melodies and dancable beats with a happy twist.
UX
Originally formed in 1996 by Kris Kylven and Pete Martin, UX has explored the boundaries of psychedelic trance and thrown in also some industrial and rock influences. This is their comeback gig - the first live appearance in eleven years! Kris plays live drums on the stage and joining him is Jan Rechberger (also from Amorphis) with electric guitar. Their newest album will be released by Dragonfly Records in a few months time.
DJ Proteus
Continuing the party after Front 242 on the Friday night, DJ Proteus plays soft and hard beats during a journey into industrial and techno music. With titles like "Best Hard Dance DJ in the World" (in 2004 and 2005) and having been listed at DJmag's Top 100 list, Proteus is no stranger to dance music fans, but at Alternative Party he has the chance to experiment with different styles - expect an alternative selection of masterhits.
Kosmoplovci
The Serbian group's first venture to Northern Europe. Painting dark ambient soundscapes and creating disturbing visuals Kosmoplovci might not be your first choice for singing lullaby songs for your little children, but you will probably be unable to forget their work once you have experienced it. The atmosphere is thick and harsh while mind-boggling. In addition to a live music set, they will give a presentation about their aesthetics and work methods.
Kokeellisen elektroniikan seura
Kokeellisen elektroniikan seura ("society for experimental electronics") is a Helsinki-based group of circuit-benders. They are explorers and abusers of the world of electronics, solid state machinery and they have managed to convert a lot of fine technology into musical instruments, or at least sound generators. In addition to a workshop with Tuomo Tammenpää, Koelse will showcase its sound generation tools in a live set.
DJ Mayor
Continuing the party night on the smaller stage, Mayor plays mixed styles without forgetting occasional hit tracks. While governing the dancefloor, he keeps the records straight.
DJ Pasik
Pasik has not forgotten his roots. When the demoscene was young and psychedelic trance was still from Goa, some of the tracks NRG plays were recorded. While not completely retro style, NRG's set combines elements from two millennia. Does that make him a time traveller?
DJ Malakai
Can 8-bit sounds and modern Japanese industrial and techno be combined? Malakai is crazy enough to try. You listen to it and then you liek it. Success!
The Alternative Party 2008 is a festival of digital culture and a demoparty which gathers together creative people of all kinds: visualists, musicians, designers, programmers, researchers, passionate enthusiasts and people like you and me. This year we go back to the very birth of computers: the Victorian era with steam engines, Charles Babbage and the industrial revolution - to the age of steampunk.