Tell us about the music scene in… Lucerne
Welcome to the sixth edition of “Tell us about the music scene in…”
I’ve been on a few day trips to Lucerne over the last few years but I wouldn’t say that I know the city too well. It’s often part of a day out to show friends of family by doing the round trip from Zurich to Arth-Goldau, to the top of the Rigi, down to Vitznau and then by ferry to Lucerne. I have however sampled a small part of the music scene by going to Binary Sunset’s record release concert at Schüür in September last year (check out a short interview with the band here too).
For this edition, I am very excited to have Mario Scialdone from the High on the Sound. Through his magazine, Mario not only has an extensive knowledge about the music scene in the city but across the whole of Switzerland. High on the Sound will be celebrating its ninth publication on 7th March at Südpol in Lucerne with performances from oze and StrukturStruktur (find more about the event here).
Here are the links to the previous editions:
(left: High on the Sound/right: Sneila (photo copyright: Caspar Danuser))
First of all, tell us about yourself.
My name is Mario Scialdone. I’m a Swiss-Italian multimedia artist, musician, and magazine publisher based in Lucerne. During my studies, around 2021, I launched High on the Sound, with graphic designer Lena Eberhard, a magazine focused on Switzerland’s young indie music scene. Aside from the magazine, I am part of Sneila, a space punk/queer noise duo with artist Eva Maspoli. Previously, I played in the short-lived Lucerne-based improv noise band Beeeeeeppeeeeep, a funk rock band in Basel, and, as a teenager, in a punk band.
How long have you been active in the Lucerne music scene?
I’ve been active in the Lucerne music scene for the past four years.
In your own words, how would you describe the music scene in Lucerne?
Lucerne’s music scene is vibrant yet fragmented.
On one side, there’s a fascinating experimental niche fueled by the music program at Lucerne University and small underground venues. On the other, there are alternative music venues, a handful of rock and metal spaces, and large venues catering to mainstream pop and rap acts. However, these different scenes often exist in isolated bubbles rather than interacting, which is something I’d love to see change. I’d like to see more collaboration between venues instead of competition, as well as more sonic diversity and gender representation on stage.
For example, I admire Lausanne’s LUFF Festival and wish we had something similar in Lucerne. Additionally, like in most Swiss cities, Lucerne’s music scene remains quite insular. Many musicians from the Romandie region have told me they see Zurich or Bern as the places to be, as those cities currently have a more dynamic and attractive alternative music scene than Lucerne.
Klepka (live at Neubad, 16.11.2023, photo copyright: Mario Scialdone for High on the Sound magazine)
Which venues would you recommend to experience Lucerne’s local music scene?
For indie/alternative music: Südpol, Neubad, Treibhaus, Schüür.
For punk/metal: Sedel (a former prison converted into a venue).
For experimental music: Gelbes Haus, Gewerbehalle, Mullbau, Quings Akademie.
For electronic music: Kaffee Kind and Kegelbahn
Are there any annual festivals or special events you would recommend?
B-Sides Festival: A three-day open-air festival focused on alternative music, set in the idyllic surroundings of Sonnenberg.
Kick Ass Festival: Organized by Radio 3FACH, this festival does a fantastic job of supporting Switzerland’s young indie music scene.
Echolot Festival: A highlight for me, as it spans multiple venues all across Lucerne.
Which bands are Lucerne’s best-kept secrets?
Klepka, Film 2, Oog, Pixxie Dust, Kickboard and Friends, Aanim, Club Arielle, Pet Owner, Luce, StrukturStruktur, Mono Mochi and Solong.
Which bands do you think are poised for bigger things or deserve more recognition?
Many bands in Lucerne’s scene are still young, so it’s hard to predict their trajectory. However, I believe several have the potential to make a significant impact.
Do you think tourism in Lucerne affects the local music scene?
That’s a difficult question to answer. Musically, tourism hasn’t had a major influence on the local scene. However, from a booking perspective, large venues tend to favour international acts to attract tourists rather than taking risks on emerging local bands or musicians.
Oog (live at Südpol, 31.08.2023, photo copyright: Mario Scialdone for High on the Sound magazine)
Have you explored other music scenes in Switzerland? How do they compare to Lucerne?
At the moment, I believe the most vibrant and innovative alternative music scene in Switzerland is in Romandie.
In particular, Fribourg has become a hub for Swiss alternative music, with the iconic venue Fri-Son playing a central role. Since the 1980s, influential bands like the industrial rock group The Young Gods—who also achieved international success—have helped shape a progressive and dynamic music culture there.
If you find yourself in Fribourg, I highly recommend visiting Ablette Records, a fantastic record store with a carefully curated selection of emerging Swiss indie artists.
Lausanne also boasts an exciting music scene, with great acts such as Sunna Margrét, Elie Zoé, and young bands like Chaufau making waves in the indie scene.
Meanwhile, Vevey has a particularly vibrant energy, home to bands such as Moictani, Fomies, and Peacebone, as well as key venues like Rocking Chair.
Geneva is another hotspot, featuring artists like Bandit Voyage and Barrio Colette, along with influential labels such as Cheptel Records, all of which contribute significantly to the region’s musical landscape.
One of the main differences between the Romandie music scene and that of Lucerne is the sheer number of independent labels and the overall mentality of the people involved. I also recently attended the release concert for Doom! Noo Yelbek, a Monthey-based band, at Pont Rouge. The warmth and enthusiasm I experienced from the local scene, as well as their genuine appreciation for my presence representing the magazine, were truly remarkable. Lastly, I would like to add that I think that Hummus Records, based in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, is also a very important label for alternative music.
I wish Lucerne had a stronger sense of appreciation for live music and a more independent, youth-driven alternative music scene—one that is created by young people, for young people, and built on mutual support and artistic growth.
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me, hope to see you around.
Links:
Left: Aanim (live at Schüür, 07.10.2023), right: Solong (live at B-Sides Festival 14.06.2024)
Photo copyright: Mario Scialdone for High on the Sound magazine