It’s one of the biggest cultural events in Hungary and this year’s lineup is impressive. These are the seven performances you shouldn’t miss.
The Sziget Festival begins this Friday and takes place on Budapest’s Óbuda Island, also known as the Island of Freedom, which becomes the setting for the festivities, which last six days.
Yes, six days go a long way, with hundreds of concerts and performances in more than a dozen stages. To help you choose, an intrepid selection from the music-loving Euronews Culture team have selected seven performances you shouldn’t miss from the awesome poster this year.
And to make things easier for you, we’ve arranged our selection according to the calendar.
Don’t say you’re not invited.
Bonobo
They play Thursday, August 10 at the FreeDome
If you’re heading to “Liberty Island” in search of pulsing basslines seamlessly intertwined with orchestral interludes and organic grooves, your search ends with none other than British master DJ and producer Simon Green, better known by his stage name, Bonobo. After the triumph of his seventh studio album, ” snippets “, which garnered worldwide acclaim, Green is indisputably one of the most respected artists in the dance music realm, and with good reason. Sziget ravers can expect a masterclass in cathartic music and music from Green and his group. challenging. Theo Farrant
loyle carner
Friday, August 11 at the FreeDome
One of the must-see acts at this year’s Sziget Festival is London rapper extraordinaire Loyle Carner. Known for his poetic and socially conscious lyrics, combined with smooth, effortless playing over soulful, jazzy rhythms, he is undeniably one of the UK’s brightest talents. I’ve been lucky enough to see him twice in the past year, and both times he’s put the audience in the palm of his hand. It is not difficult to quickly fall in love with him. From his charming personal anecdotes to his serendipitous interactions with the audience, his charisma and energy are like nothing he’s ever seen in an artist before. I highly recommend you go see this legend in the making. TF
David Guetta
Play Saturday August 12 at the Main Stage
David Guetta may be 55 years old, but his live performances remain as fresh and energetic as ever. The French DJ is one of Sziget’s must-haves thanks to his mastery of house music. He is a true master of the genre, letting throbbing rhythms and euphoric melodies emanate from his fingertips. Known for his impressive synergy with audiences and his ability to transcend genre boundaries, it’s no wonder Guetta remains at the pinnacle of his career nearly 40 years after his first album. His fans always say that he is capable of creating a truly euphoric experience and he is famous for his multiple encores, which give the audience exactly what he wants. If it’s rhythm you’re after in Budapest, Guetta still has it. Saskia O’Donoghue
arlo parks
Play on Sunday August 13 at the Main Stage
Whatever you do this year, don’t miss British singer-songwriter Arlo Parks. This pop prodigy has released her second album, “Soft Machine,” this year, which is very different from her Mercury Prize-winning debut Collapsed in Sunbeams. This year, she digs emotionally and hits hard. The last time I saw her live, she opened with heartbreaking lyrics: “Almost everyone I love has been abused / And I’m included.” Admittedly, it doesn’t sound like the easiest song to listen to in the context of a vibrant music festival, but Arlo Parks has a unique talent for taking the pulse of a generation’s anxieties and strengths. Her soothing voice makes every word sound like poetry and the passion she exudes on stage is contagious. The show I attended invoked a sense of wonder that was fascinating and ultimately uplifting. I envy those who can see it this year on the “Isla de la Libertad”. And I pity those who decide to skip it. David Mouriquand
ADVERTISINGcaroline polachek
Play Monday August 14 at the Main Stage
At Euronews Culture we can’t get enough of Caroline Polachek. My esteemed colleague went to see her at Spring Madrid this year and, truth be told, I’m still seething with jealousy. I’ve been a fan since 2019’s ‘Pang’ album, with the poptastic ‘So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings’, and every time I watch clips of her concerts online, I am entranced by her vocal prowess (how does she swing like that?). and her sensual dance moves. If you are a regular at these parishes, you will know that his new album ‘Desire, I Want To Turn Into You’ has been our second favorite album of the year to date; she has surprised us with trip-hop rhythms, electro glitches, varied instrumentation, all wrapped up in an addictive set that will undoubtedly be the best pop album of 2023. Be sure to see her live, it will be a pop, sexy and unforgettable moment of this year’s festival. I wish it was. DM
Hannah Grae
Play Tuesday August 15 at the FreeDome
I have never seen Hannah Grae live. But I’m dying to. Her name may not be well known yet, but you’ve probably heard of her from her name. melancholic piano version (and feminist) of 2021 from Aqua’s hit “Barbie Girl.” It went viral on TikTok, and while a stamp of approval from that particular platform is usually enough for me to go my merry way and shout to some clouds like the grumpy old man I’m slowly becoming, I’m glad I did. left. Putting the phone aside, the 20-year-old Welshman slipped into the studio and unveiled a promising debut album of her own, “Hell is a Teenage Girl.” She boasts of her affinity for ’90s pop-punk, and fans of Bikini Kill and Paramore need look no further. I can’t speak from personal experience, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a lively, light-hearted show. DM
billie eilish
Play Tuesday August 15 at the Main Stage
ADVERTISINGIf you’re still crying over the Billie Eilish song on the barbie movieWe don’t blame you. What Was I Made For” by the 21-year-old singer has become an instant classic, and it’s reason enough to see her perform in Sziget. Eilish is known for her genre-crossing songs – who hasn’t danced to “Bad Guy” before? “? But there are many more reasons than her stellar catalog to check out the American singer-songwriter, especially her ethereal voice and energetic songs, which take audiences on an immersive journey. Add her to your busy festival schedule, if that’s what is no longer in it. SO’D
He Sziget Festival 2023 it begins on Thursday, August 10 and will last until Tuesday, August 15.
