Gentle guitar sounds stream from the speakers in the crane hall in the Feierwerk. Laura Glauber closes her eyes – she listens intently to the first song of the evening. As the band’s vocal coach and singer Lauraine She will give her feedback as one of the four experts present. It is the fourth edition of the pop demo listening session from Feierwerk. In advance, young musicians were allowed to send in unpolished recordings of their songs – “everyone who is active in the broad field of pop culture is welcome. Regardless of genre,” it says on the website of the Pop Department. This refers to the musicians themselves as well as the visitors to the session who sit on the wooden chairs.
“Vibey,” praises Daniel Fahrländer (Driving land) the song by Caitlin Dalton. “But the chorus could open up a little more, maybe with a synthesizer or an organ,” he interjects, imitating instruments with his mouth. Each of the eight songs is carefully examined. The goal: to give young musicians constructive criticism and support them on their path. “It’s really brave that you present your demos. I still remember the first time I did it with sweaty hands,” says Mario Radetzky (Blackout problems).
The lights from the spotlights make the room shine in a warm orange, the band Plume is sitting in a seating area at the edge of the room, the five band members are holding hands, waiting for their song to be played.
The third track of the evening features the gentle but powerful voice of Lisette Lowe. “I had a hoo moment,” says Laura Glauber, meaning that the ambient indie track, which built up in waves, gave her goosebumps.
Regardless of genre – this is proven by the demo listening session with a song selection that manages to reflect the diversity of the Munich music scene. From pop to emo rap to alternative rock, the audience and jury get an insight into the world of the young newcomers for almost two hours. “It’s so nice to hear all the different things in one evening and experience what this city has to offer,” says Mario Radetzky. And maybe there was also a band that can be heard at the “Sound of Munich Now” next year. Or two.