The 9th edition of the annual MENT festival (March 29-31) will take place at more than 15 concert and conference venues around Ljubljana. Focusing on new, stylistically diverse acts, MENT Ljubljana showcases up-and-coming and established artists from all over Europe. The MENT conference is also an indispensable part of the festival, attracting hundreds of professionals from all over the world who visit Ljubljana to enjoy the wide-ranging music programme, make new acquaintances, meet professionals from the Balkan region, strengthen their networks and get the latest updates on trends in the music industry. Like every year, Austrian acts hit the stages at this epic showcase festival. The full line-up includes Aze, Kenji Araki, Toupaz and UCHE YARA.
Austrian Artists at MENT 2023
Kenji Araki
Kenji Araki is a digital artist based in Austria with roots in Japan. His work is based on the deconstruction of contemporary art and music. The exploration of genre- and medium boundaries are at the core of his artistic ethos and lead to an aesthetic that is equally harsh, alien, somber and beautiful.
Live: Friday, 31.3. @ Channel Zero, 22:15 – 22:55
AZe
Alone they are Beyza and Ezgi, together they form Aze. Since 2020, the Austrian duo provides a musical look deep into their inner selves: a mix between sad and sexy, topped off with charming, playful lyrics. Be sure to call Hotline Aze, their 2022 debut album combining facets of R’n’B, indie and dreampop with Middle Eastern nuances.
Live: Thursday, 30.3. @ ZORICA, 22:00 – 22:40
Toupaz
Toupaz is the solo project of Austrian Timo Bürgler, also known as producer Awo Ojiji and from his activities in the Graz DJ duo doze and the disko404 collective. Think polyrhythmic patterns, broken beats and atmospheric textures, inspired by the UK bass genres. Toupaz’s style is characterized by his signauture mix of booming bass, dub chords, and cuts from juke, jungle and technoid funk.
Live: Friday, 31.3. @ Club K4, 01:30 – 03:30
UCHE YARA
UCHE YARA is a 20-year-old artist with Nigerian roots who grew up in Austria and now lives in Berlin. Her profound songwriting and multi-instrumental skills, plus an energetic live presence with her full band started her rapidly growing hype. She was discovered by artists like Marc Rebillet, Bilderbuch and Parcels and started touring the day after she graduated from school. Together with Bilderbuch, she recently opened up for The Rolling Stones. All that happened even before her first single release, expected in 2023.
Live: Thursday, 30.3. @ KINO ŠIŠKA – KOMUNA, 19:45 – 20:25
austrian heartbeats at ment 2023
We will be hosting yet another Austrian Heartbeats Reception at the Ment Festival this year. Presented by Austrian Music Export, Waves Vienna & the Austrian Cultural Forum Ljubljana, the reception will take place March 30th, 12:30pm at Kino Šiška.
“MENT Festival has gained a reputation of one of Europe’s most significant showcases – unconcerned by hype and far more likely to get it right by showcasing the weirdest, most thrilling acts.” – Fergal Kinney, LOUD AND QUIET MAGAZINE (UK)
Stay tuned for more details and festival info!