A good reason to travel to Kristiansand in early September

Punkt is thrilled to announce its 20th edition, taking place from September 5th to 7th. This year, the Punkt Festival not only commemorates two decades of groundbreaking performances and the unique Live Remix concept, but also ushers in a new era of musical exploration and creativity. (see blogroll)

Founded in 2005 by musicians and producers Jan Bang and Erik Honoré, Punkt has consistently pushed the boundaries of music, art, and technology. The festival’s signature Live Remix concept invites artists to immediately reinterpret live performances, offering audiences an unprecedented layer of creativity and spontaneity. This innovative approach has not only defined Punkt’s identity, but has also fostered a culture of experimentation and collaboration among an organically growing network of artists. Over the past two decades, this relatively small festival has hosted a remarkable array of musical talent, including luminaries like Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson, and David Sylvian.  

Highlighting this special edition, Nils Petter Molvær, a pioneer in the fusion of jazz and electronic music, is honored as the Artist in Residence. Molvær’s participation promises an unforgettable performance of his seminal album „Khmer“, alongside an anticipated duo concert with the visionary Alva Noto, marking their first collaboration in this format, and a Live Remix with Iranian born, Amsterdam based violinist and kamancheh player Soheil Shayesteh.  

The festival’s commitment to the nurturing of new talent is evidenced by the premiere of works by Michaela Antalová and the duo Propan (Natali Abrahamsen Garner / Ina Sagstuen). Additionally, album releases by Bjørn Charles Dreyer and Erik Honoré will be featured, alongside the celebration of Arve Henriksen’s groundbreaking album „Chiaroscuro“ where the acclaimed trumpeter is joined by Jan Bang and Audun Kleive, and performances by the Eyolf Dale Trio and Julien Desprez’s Abacaxi, each adding their unique voice to the festival’s diverse and rich tapestry.

The Live Remixes will once again transform the Main Stage concerts immediately after they are over. This year the live remixers include Arve Henriksen, Erik Honoré, Molvær/Shayesteh, and more to be announced later.

Integral to the festival’s ethos, the Punkt Seminar, curated and hosted by David Toop, promises to foster an engaging discourse on the intersections of music, technology, and art. The Seminar is a part of Punkt’s collaboration with CreaTeME, the University of Agder’s Centre for 

Excellence in Creative Use of Technologies in Music Education. Besides the Thursday and Friday daytime seminars, Thursday evening is also a result of this collaboration, featuring concerts by the remote-performance project Love Your Latency, composer/modular synthesist Egil Kalman, and the aforementioned duo premiere by Nils Petter Molvær / Alva Noto. 

As we step into the 20th edition of the Punkt Festival, we celebrate a history rich with artistic innovation and look forward to a future where music continues to challenge, inspire, and connect us in unforeseen ways. Join us in Kristiansand for a festival that transcends the traditional boundaries of music and art!