May 28, 2017 · Lodewijk Portielje
From 2005 to 2011, it was really a bit of a phenomenon in Groningen: CLASHA clash between electronic music and contemporary art. A killer program combined with the core of introducing young people to various forms of culture caught on. In fact, the city and surrounding area became aware of how Groningen was leading the way. But in 2011, CLASH stopped at its peak. The organization could not dedicate enough time to giving the concept the attention it needed. Fortunately, there is hope. The new organization proudly states that it has been working for a long time to bring back the phenomenon that is CLASH. And how. Domestic and international talent was brought to Grunn to showcase their art.
The evening began at a somewhat crazy location: in the Boterdiep parking garage. That Groningen wants its car bunkers to be more than just grey seas is evident when we look at what shines beneath the Ossenmarkt. This time, Bert Scholten, Dragan Glamočić, and Lee McDonald provided the atmosphere. I didn't know any of them, but I certainly won't forget their names. A very diverse audience enjoyed the effects of friction on baguettes, a cardboard version of an Apache helicopter, and the combination of poetry and musical performance.
After this, it was time to move on to De Machinefabriek. The theater is next to my house, but I had never been there before. I had no idea what I would find inside, since we had been promised electronic music. Was Colin Benders going to do theater alongside synthesizers (it certainly could have happened)? No. Hannes Andersson, who comes from Sweden and is doing his master's here, created a beautiful visual spectacle in the reception hall. He told me how he puts everything together partly in advance, but ultimately spends a lot of time projecting the whole thing in such a way that he is satisfied. I hope he was; it was certainly impressive.
But somehow, I was drawn to that large hall anyway. Before he even started, Colin Benders had already set up his crazy rig, arranged a livestream on YouTube, and cranked up a nice welcome beat. I was told that Colin could basically do anything and didn't hesitate to combine all kinds of styles to create a new sound. Nothing could be further from the truth. His performance reminded me of something by Robert DeLong or Todd Terje, but it was actually totally different. Wonderfully danceable, but also crazy. And besides the lights on Benders’ synthesizers, there were also the nice visuals all around us.
Colin Benders @ Clash #1 Groningen
Lasers by Beamshow.nl from VJ team Closed Eye Visions on Vimeo.
After Colin Benders' performance, it became much quieter in the room. Actually unnecessary, because the guys from 030303 picked up the pace beautifully. The boys from Utrecht actually did exactly what was needed: ending a creative day with some great moves.
All in all, a day not to be forgotten. CLASH is back! The next (mini)edition will take place in August. Next year, on April 1st, the grand finale will take place with Clash XXL on the former Suikerunie site. The stories of the past and the experiences of today make one thing absolutely clear to us: be there or be square!
Author: Lodewijk Portielje
