Official Opening of Unsound

Opening of Unsound

Tickets: Free

Opening Concert

Blending classical and digital music, Jacaszek is the perfect intro to a festival concerned with mutating genres and evolving forms. This special show will include music commissioned for Marc Silver'a installation as part of the "Systems" project. As Jacaszek's group will also play at Unsound Festival New York, this is also a celebration of the Krakow - New York collaboration.

Tickets: 20 zl

Screening: Beats of Freedom

To mark twenty years since the end of communism, the Unsound opening day includes a screening of a new Polish documentary about rock music as a force of opposition during Polish communism, with filmmakers Leszek Gnoinski and Wojtek Slota present to introduce it. Co-produced by Adam Mickiewicz institute, and part of the "Systems" project.

Tickets: By invitation, for holders of week-long pass and free for holders of Jacaszek concert ticket

Unsound Music Journalism Workshops

Journalism Workshops – Music journalism workshop with American music critics Philip Sherburne (The Wire, Pitchfork, New York Times) and Andy Battaglia (The Onion, Pitchfork, Spin). Co-presented with the Polish Cultural Institute in New York.

Tickets: free - registration FULL and CLOSED

Opening of "Systems" Exhibit

As part of the "Systems" program section, the opening of an exhibition of installations exploring the idea of borders and political, sociological and cultural systems, including the legacy of communism. With works by Marc Silver/Ben Frost (UK/IS), Jacob Kirkegaard (DK), Kassian Troyer (IT/DE), and commissioned soundtracks by Jacaszek (PL), Tomasz Bednarczyk (PL) and Denis Kolokol (UA/PL).

Tickets: Free

Microbands

Two Polish duets perform in the intimate venue where Unsound was born in Krakow seven years ago, Klub RE, revealing the festival's underground roots. These "microbands" draw on jazz, electronics and improvisation. Mikrokolektyw combines percussion, electronics and trumpet. Sza/Za make use of a variety of instruments, such as clarinet, violin, electronics.

Tickets: 20 zl

Polish Metal Fanzine Exhibit and Ben Frost "By The Throat" Album Launch

Polish sound artist and electronic music producer Lukasz Szalankiewicz (Zenial) has assembled an exhibit of Polish fanzines devoted to the metal genre, and created throughout the 90s and early 2000's. At the same time, Ben Frost will launch his new album "By The Throat", released on Bedroom Community a day earlier.

Tickets: Free

"Systems" - exhibition

As part of the "Systems" program section, an exhibition of installations exploring the idea of borders and political, sociological and cultural systems, including the legacy of communism. With works by Marc Silver/Ben Frost (UK/IS), Jacob Kirkegaard (DK), Kassian Troyer (IT/DE), and commissioned soundtracks by Jacaszek (PL), Tomasz Bednarczyk (PL) and Denis Kolokol (UA/PL). Open 15:00 - 19:00.

Tickets: Free

Screening: Before The Music Dies

An American documentary, "Before the Music Dies" takes a critical look at the homogenization of popular music, and the way that economic systems and big business have led to the creation of "artificial" music stars. Directed by Andrew Shapter. Part of the "Systems" project.

Tickets: Free

Panel: Self Organizing Systems of Culture Production in Poland After 1989

Former Unsound co-curator Kuba Szreder leads a discussion on the development of independent cultural production in Poland since 1989, when communism ended. This panel discussion is in Polish. Part of the "Systems" project.

Tickets: Free

SoundScapes 1: EXPERIMENTAL TENDENCIES - co-presented with Electronic Music Foundation, NY

Grouper is one of America’s most feted independent artists of recent times, mixing song writing and experimentation. Solid State Transmitters pairs German Sebastian Meissner (Klimek) with Polish avant-garde group Kwartludium. They will create experimental / post classical reinterpretations of songs by hardcore American bands that released on SST Records, such as Black Flag and Dinosaur Jr.

Tickets: 25 zl

"Systems" - exhibition

As part of the "Systems" program section, an exhibition of installations exploring the idea of borders and political, sociological and cultural systems, including the legacy of communism. With works by Marc Silver/Ben Frost (UK/IS), Jacob Kirkegaard (DK), Kassian Troyer (IT/DE), and commissioned soundtracks by Jacaszek (PL), Tomasz Bednarczyk (PL) and Denis Kolokol (UA/PL). Open 15:00 - 19:00.

Tickets: Free

Screening: RiP A Remix Manifesto

Web activist and filmmaker Brett Gaylor explores issues of copyright in the information age. The film's central protagonist is Girl Talk, a mash-up musician topping the charts with his sample-based songs. But is Girl Talk a paragon of people power or the Pied Piper of piracy? Part of "Systems" project.

Tickets: Free

Panel: The Meaning and Relevance of ICAS (International Cities of Advanced Sound)

Unsound is a founding member of ICAS, a network of like-minded festivals that reveals a positive face of globalization and open borders. This panel introduces festival representatives from North America and Europe, who discuss their own situations as well as ICAS . Part of the "Systems" project. In English.

Tickets: Free

SoundScapes 2: LABYRYNTHS OF SOUND - co-presented with the Wordless Music series, NY

Johann Johannson creates spellbinding post-classical pieces, incorporating digital music; he will perform with Sinfonietta Cracovia. Opening will be James Blackshaw, solo on stage with his 12-string guitar, performing works influenced by minimalist composers like Steve Reich, as well as John Fahay.

Tickets: 35 zl

SoundProof 1: NO VISA REQUIRED

A celebration of open borders and ideas. Norway's Next Life mixes metal and electronics; Moishe Moishe Moishele is an ”Acid House Hassidic Band” from France. The National Fanfare of Kadebostany connects the Swiss club scene with classically trained musicians from Belarus. DJ duo Mountain People rounds off the night, performing superb deep house. Krakow’s Eltron John opens. Expect the unexpected.

Tickets: 25 zl

"Systems" - exhibition

As part of the "Systems" program section, an exhibition of installations exploring the idea of borders and political, sociological and cultural systems, including the legacy of communism. With works by Marc Silver/Ben Frost (UK/IS), Jacob Kirkegaard (DK), Kassian Troyer (IT/DE), and commissioned soundtracks by Jacaszek (PL), Tomasz Bednarczyk (PL) and Denis Kolokol (UA/PL). Open 15:00 - 19:00.

Tickets: Free

Screening: Speaking In Code

A vérité glimpse into the world of techno, a music movement that partly evolved in Berlin after the fall of The Wall. Includes interviews with Monolake, Modeselektor, Wighnomy Brothers and Philip Sherburne, among others. Directed by Amy Grill. Part of the "Systems" project.

Tickets: Free

Last Fm DJ Set Nr 1

Already an Unsound /Pauza tradition! Last.FM is a UK-based Internet radio and music community website. Using a music recommendation system called “Audioscrobbler” Last.FM builds a profile of each user’s musical taste. A Last.FM DJ team will play a live set using tracks selected from the music profiles of Last.FM users attending Unsound.

Tickets: Free

Panel: Manifestos on Electronic Dance Music

In 2008, Philip Sherburne wrote a story for Pitchfork about the crisis in electronic dance music, calling for manifestos on the subject to be drawn up. Using this article as a starting point, Philip Sherburne (The Wire, Pitchfork) speaks with international journalists, promoters and music producers.

Tickets: Free

SoundScapes 3: THE FILM BENEATH YOUR EYELID - Co-Presented with the Wordless Music series, NY

Two legendary names of ambient music play for the first time in Poland, in the stunning setting of a 15th century Gothic church, St Katherine’s. Stars of the Lid will perform drone guitar with eight string players from Sinfinietta Cracovia, in a special one-off show. Norwegian Biosphere's appearance is sure to be a pivotal festival point, an event anticipated by Polish fans for a decade.

Tickets: 35 zl

SoundProof 1: DETROIT MUTATIONS - co-presented with The Bunker, Brooklyn

A night of evolving forms of club music from some of the most exciting names around. Omar-S covers the new generation of Detroit House, while Martyn presents the hybrid of dubstep, techno and house that's made his name. Monolake performs his Live Surround project, and Berlin’s Marcel Dettman & Shed play raw, brutal techno as DEUCE. DJ Spinoza opens, the man behind Brooklyn’s legendary “Bunker”.

Tickets: 30 zl

Electronic Music Workshop For Kids

This workshop shows children (5-12) how to make electronic music with simple low cost instruments, such as games consoles and small synthesisers. Followed up with a performance the next day, the workshop is led Lukatoyboy, and was instigated by the Serbian festival Dis-Patch.

Tickets: Free - registration essential at [email protected]

Screening: Until The Light Takes Us

Feature documentary about the controversial Norwegian black metal scene. American directors Audrey Ewell and Aaron Aites will be present after the screening to discuss the film with Andy Battaglia from The Onion.

Tickets: 10 zl (Unsound passes do not give admission)

"Systems" - exhibition

As part of the "Systems" program section, an exhibition of installations exploring the idea of borders and political, sociological and cultural systems, including the legacy of communism. With works by Marc Silver/Ben Frost (UK/IS), Jacob Kirkegaard (DK), Kassian Troyer (IT/DE), and commissioned soundtracks by Jacaszek (PL), Tomasz Bednarczyk (PL) and Denis Kolokol (UA/PL). Open 15:00 - 19:00.

Tickets: Free

Last Fm DJ Set Nr 2

Already an Unsound /Pauza tradition! Last.FM is a UK-based Internet radio and music community website. Using a music recommendation system called “Audioscrobbler” Last.FM builds a profile of each user’s musical taste. A Last.FM DJ team will play a live set using tracks selected from the music profiles of Last.FM users attending Unsound.

Tickets: Free

Panel: Who Programs Who?

How do tools and electronic music making systems shape the way music is made? Do we program the tools, or do the tools program us? Do they free us or limit us? A panel discussion including Robert Henke, not only known as Monolake, but the co-developer of Ableton, the world's most popular program for playing electronic music live. Other participants TBC.

Tickets: Free

SoundScapes 4: SOAP&SKIN and THE WHALE WATCHER’S TOUR with Sam Amidon / Ben Frost / Nico Muhly / Valgeir Sigurdsson

Austrian sensation Soap&Skin is Anja Plaschg, a 19-year-old woman performing solo on piano, electronics and vocals. Following is a 4-piece band showcasing the major talents of artists releasing on the acclaimed Icelandic label Bedroom Community. These include Valgier Sigurdsson, Nico Muhly, Sam Amidon and Ben Frost. Sure to be one of the most talked about nights of Unsound 2009.

Tickets: 35 zl

SoundProof 2 - BASS MUTATIONS - Co-Presented with Resident Advisor

Established stars and up-and-coming names playing bass-heavy music will unite to perform on a forward-thinking line up. Kode9 & The Space Ape are the anchor in the middle, but every single one of these artists has been carefully selected to give an overview of mutating forms that have emerged from the genre formerly known as dubstep. Co-presented by the influential web magazine Resident Advisor.

Tickets: 30 zl

Kid's Electronic Music Performance

Could a future Villalobos or Monolake be in this bunch? Come check the fruits of the electronic music workshops for kids– plus a short presentation from the workshop’s author, Lukatoyboy.

Tickets: Free

Repeat Screening: Until The Light Takes Us

Feature documentary about the controversial Norwegian black metal scene.

Tickets: 10 zl

Repeat Screening: Speaking in Code

A vérité glimpse into the world of techno, a music movement that partly evolved in Berlin after the fall of The Wall. Includes interviews with Monolake, Modeselektor, Wighnomy Brothers and Philip Sherburne, among others. Directed by Amy Grill. Part of the "Systems" project.

Tickets: free

AMERICAN DOOM

The world’s best known doom metal band Sunn O))) will perform in a post-industrial space in a suburb built during Stalinism: Nowa Huta. Opening will be Salt Lake City’s Eagle Twin, a sludge metal duo on guitar and drums.

Tickets: 35 zl

Unsound semi-official AFTER PARTY

Surprise guests to be announced by rumour or otherwise!

Tickets: With holders of week-long, or by invitation.