With diverse musical lineups, immersive experiences, and a shared ethos, these ethical festivals create a vibrant atmosphere where attendees can dance, connect, and contribute to a greater cause. Join these celebrations of music and ethical values, where partying becomes a catalyst for positive change.

MEDICINE FESTIVAL, UK

In contrast to the sky-high ticket prices, corporate branding, and focus on big-name acts that have become synonymous with music festivals, a shift is taking place. As a recent UK study highlights the impact of the cost of living crisis on people’s attendance at live music events, it’s clear that commercial festivals may have lost some of their appeal.

However, amidst this backdrop, there is good news. Europe is home to a range of eclectic and affordable festivals that prioritize a different approach. These festivals consciously place profit in the backseat, embracing a more diverse and inclusive experience for attendees.

By fostering a vibrant atmosphere and curating unique lineups, these festivals provide an alternative space for music lovers to gather and celebrate without breaking the bank. It’s a refreshing departure from the commercial norm, offering a glimpse into a more accessible and authentic music festival experience.

Pete the Monkey, Normandy, France

Nestled in the beautiful Seine-Maritime region of northern France, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer hosts a captivating three-day festival known as Pete the Monkey, situated just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

Referred to as a “secret little paradise” by Le Monde newspaper, this festival is a lively fusion of French and English culture, with sustainability taking center stage. Embracing an eco-conscious approach, Pete the Monkey ensures that food trucks exclusively offer locally sourced produce, effectively supporting the region’s agriculture. With a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, the festival proudly eliminates the use of plastic on-site, offering a more sustainable experience. Notably, even the DJ stage operates on solar panels, showcasing the integration of renewable energy sources.

Pete the Monkey festival stands as a shining example of harmonizing music, culture, and environmental responsibility, providing attendees with a vibrant and socially conscious experience amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer.

Pete the Monkey festival has a history of impressive lineups, featuring artists like Loyle Carner and Folamour. In 2023, the stage will showcase the talents of Orchestra Baobab, Flavien Berger, Acid Arab, and more. What sets this festival apart is its mission to support the Jacj Cuisi monkey sanctuary in Bolivia. The funds raised contribute to saving animals affected by deforestation and illegal trafficking. Inspired by a viral video capturing monkeys being used as pets and forced to wash dishes, festival founder Louis Dumas and his brother Rob decided to establish a fundraising event for the sanctuary. From its humble beginnings in 2012 as a 350-person party, Pete the Monkey has grown into one of France’s most esteemed green festivals.

Mark your calendars for July 13-15, and secure your three-day ticket priced at €177.50. Join the celebration of music, conservation, and community at petethemonkeyfestival.

Sun, Hungary

The Sun (Solar United Natives) festival takes place in Csobankapuszta, a “Garden of Eden” in northern Hungary.

At Sun, the core essence revolves around fostering profound human connections. Attendees gather to rebuild, release their burdens, seek forgiveness, and embrace letting go. The festival’s grounds feature cows and sheep, offering a natural and harmonious ambiance. Engaging in tree-planting sessions and participating in healing groups further enhance the transformative atmosphere.

Born a decade ago from the vibrant Hungarian Goa scene, known for its psychedelic trance parties, Sun festival continues to embody that vibrant spirit. This year’s lineup includes Sabretooth, Gagarin Project, Triceradrops, and more, ensuring a mesmerizing auditory journey.

To attend Sun, a unique approach awaits as traditional ticketing is eschewed. Instead, becoming a “member” of the community is required. The entire event is organized by the NGO Deep Smile Foundation, without any corporate backing or investors. The festival’s profits are reinvested into developing a sustainable community within the region, underscoring its commitment to long-term positive impact.

Save the dates for July 10-17, and secure your spot with an annual membership priced at €115 or a lifetime membership at €200. Join the Sun festival, where connection, transformation, and sustainability intertwine in a truly extraordinary experience.

Pol’and’Rock, Poland Festival

Known as the Woodstock of Poland, Pol’and’Rock is among the top free music festivals in the world “driven by ideals rather than money”.

Set in Czaplinek, northwest Poland, the Poland Rock Festival draws an immense crowd, with 750,000 attendees in 2019. While rooted in heavy metal, the festival’s lineup features a diverse range of genres, including indie, hip-hop, rock, and reggae. This year, headliners such as Apollo 440 and Bullet for My Valentine (BFMV) will take the stage, accompanied by a plethora of creative workshops and enlightening lectures.

Organized by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, the festival serves as a gesture of gratitude to its volunteers. Each year, the funds raised are dedicated to a different branch of medicine in Poland. Previously, the festival supported pediatric and elderly care, as well as raised funds for specific conditions like sepsis. Inclusive by design, the festival welcomes patients alongside other attendees, ensuring safe spaces are created to accommodate their needs.

Fot. Piotr Zagiell/East News. 29.07.2021, Ploty – Lotnisko Makowice. Pol’and’Rock Festival.

Mark your calendars for August 3-5, and immerse yourself in this remarkable event. Best of all, entry is free, inviting music enthusiasts from near and far to partake in the celebration. Join the Poland Rock Festival, where music, gratitude, and philanthropy converge in a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Ypsigrock, Sicily, Italy

Situated on the enchanting north coast of Sicily, between the majestic Madonie Mountains and the sparkling sea, lies the medieval town of Castelbuono. Surprisingly, this charming town plays host to Italy’s premier indie-rock festival, defying expectations with its vibrant music scene.

Ypsigrock, a renowned music festival, has witnessed captivating performances by acclaimed acts like alt-J and Primal Scream. This year’s lineup boasts the melodic allure of “emotional rock” artist Ekkstacy, the unique blend of jazz and electronica from the Comet is Coming, and the captivating sounds of Mercury prize-winning group Young Fathers.

Celebrating its 26th year, the festival was established by the nonprofit organization Associazione Culturale Glenn Gould. Dedicated to promoting cultural initiatives that enhance and enrich the region, the association also collaborates with Fondazione Con il Sud to facilitate social inclusion programs. One of their primary goals is to make events in southern Italy more accessible, ensuring active participation for individuals with disabilities.

From August 10-13, immerse yourself in the Ypsigrock experience with a three-day pass priced at €125.89. Join this remarkable festival, where music and social impact converge, in the picturesque setting of ypsigrock.

JazzPiknik, Hungary

The founding idea was a relationship between good wines, charming atmosphere and good music, as the owners of a popular local winery, the masterminds being Szabolcs Homola and Orsolya Valde. They thought up, and still do, a quality event near Lake Balaton offering an alternative to mass festivals. Besides the best Hungarian and international performers, it is an important aspect to provide quality gastronomy, offer local products, and pay attention to sustainability. No more than a stone’s throw from Balaton on the wine hill of Paloznak, guests can expect to find a real picnic festivity.

The small village of 500, becomes the Balaton capital of jazz, funk and soul for those three days: the big concerts are held at the main stage next to the village with guest resting on blankets during the day and dancing on the grass under the stars at night. The smaller stages are among the authentic century old village houses, and they give place to exciting jazz performances.

Our selection of music entertains wide age group of people, from little ones to elderly music lovers. In one of the most beautiful corners of the Balaton Highlands, we strive to make this festival environmentally friendly to the greatest possible extent. We avoid using plastic as much as we can, and only offer compostable cups and plates made of plant fibers. We introduced awareness raising children programs to draw our future adults attention to the environment.

Amsterdam Dance Event (Ade), Holland

Every October, electronic music enthusiasts gather in Holland for the renowned Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). While the festival comes with a higher price tag of €525, it is a must-attend for hardcore fans who value the immersive experience it offers.

ADE Festival, EDMHouseNetwork

Spanning five days, ADE hosts an astonishing array of approximately 1,000 events across 200 locations throughout the city. From intimate basement-club nights and marathon 12-hour parties to grand stadium shows, enlightening lectures, and engaging workshops, this festival serves as a hub where industry enthusiasts and EDM aficionados come together.

ADE Festival, IQ Magazine

In the previous year, the opening night featured a captivating live performance by Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein, the composers of the acclaimed Stranger Things soundtrack. This year’s lineup includes a mesmerizing solo show by DJ Martin Garrix and exhilarating sets by techno-house experts such as Bárbara Lago and Fatima Hajji, among many others.

ADE is organized by the Amsterdam Dance Event Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing electronic music, its culture, and the industry on a global scale. Their mission is to establish a solid foundation for future generations by supporting emerging talent and fostering the growth of electronic music.

Untold, Romania

The post 8 Most Ethical Music Festivals in Europe appeared first on M-Sol Records.

Before the interview, you said that you had visited Hungary several times, but you are playing live for the first time in Hungary. When do you perform?

I first visited Hungary two years ago, when I met the Balatonica team. I really choose who I work with, and the guys ’enthusiasm, their love for chillout-style music, their future plans, the structure of Balatonica Chillout & Uplifting Radio, and their personality were immediately captured: incredibly positive and energetic. We became friends, and thanks to that, I will perform on the Fröccsterasz in Budapest on August 7, and 4th of September on Balaton Part Festival this Summer.

You toured half of the world with your music. How does someone become a successful DJ?

I always loved to party, I danced in the front row at all parties. The first DJ I met in Skopje, my hometown, was Roger Sanchez. It’s been almost twenty years ago. I was completely enchanted by the way he played music, the way he communicated with the audience. I was still studying journalism at the time, and worked as a graphic desginer. From my saved money, I bought my first dj equipment and it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I started playing music at home and a friend of mine, a DJ recommended me to different places, so that’s how I started. I enjoyed what I was doing. If you are unique, passionate and persistent, after a while, people and managers will also start to notice it. At first I only played in my country, later I got to the neighboring countries, Albania, Greece (Mykonos, Santorini, Khalitea), then came Romania, Spain (Ibiza), Mexico, Dominican Republic and Caribbean islands.. So I also started to work with famous publishers as well, like Sony Music, Universal, EMI, Housesession, George V (Buddha Bar editions), Aluminium Records Ibiza, Kontor Music, Ministry Of Sound and many more.

Does personality matter?

Very. People are most attached to your person/ality first, then qualities. It’s important to be unique, as there is a difference between professional DJs and regular Disc Jockeys. What a disc jockey does can be done by almost anyone: he sorts the music and plays the selections. If you are unique DJ, Performer, Artist, you also have your own style, special flow in your sets, a special way of putting the music together and presenting to the audience, this is the basis of a success.

You don’t talk to people while playing music. How do you still find common ground with your audience?

The common language is music. Before I start playing music, I get to know the venue, I try to absorb the local air, the atmosphere, the energy, trying to catch the frequency we are tuned in. While playing music, I pay attention to people’s reactions and mood: if they want to jump, I play uplifting music, if they enjoy the current tune, I continue what I’m doing. It’s a way of a musical conversation.

The music industry is still seen mainly as a male field. How are female DJs judged?

Many people think it is easier to be a DJ as a woman, others believe just the opposite. People have in mind that a woman is responsible for housekeeping and motherhood 80% of her life/time. I am a mother myself, and in fact, without the support of the family, I would have a very difficult time doing my job. Everything is in the balance and of course, if you’re not afraid to show yourself, fighting for your dreams, and you’re confident, the audience will accept it too. It was hard at first because people didn’t believe I can do it, or that I am really mixing the music. But with my persistence, I actually leave from Music only today! I must emphasize, many females are working nowadays like DJs by making a living from their looks, naked bodies, with pre-made lists and DJ mixes, but they soon burn out. Because only real ones always stay on the world scene.

Are there any misconceptions about DJs in people?

They used to look down on those who “just” mixed music. Nowadays – in the world of modern equipment and so many so-called Djs – it is important for a professional DJ to have knowledge and background in music production, presenting himself as a musician/artist as well, except as Dj Performer.

Did you learn to play music?

I got a synthesizer at the age of five, that’s when my love for music began. I had private music lessons as a teenager. The classes were paid for by my grandfather – he saw the talent in me early on. My family had little money, the montly income was needed for daily living, so I didn’t go on for extra hours either. As an adult, I finished Music production school because I had to learn how to make music. Back then, there was no Youtube, no online courses available like there are today, only the opportunity to buy books (I have many) from eBay or Amazon for music Production, or to have luck and meet someone that can teach you anything connected with music recording and music production.

What do you like best about the music making process?

I always have a starting idea in my head, it usually depends on my current mood and emotional state. First I play the piano a bit, I play some melodies I listen in my head, themes, then I get completely lost in the music composition continuing with the arrangement. I am usually not aware of myself while I create a song. I am aware I finished something at the very end.  I sometimes create music all night long, that I don’t even need to sleep anymore the following day. I am completely liberated and calmed down as my feelings come to the surface during the process. I love the whole process, but the only thing better than that is being able to enjoy my work with the audience, their response, and acceptance of my work!

Are you improvising or working along with rules while playing Music?

If I followed a single structure, I would lose momentum. I improvise on every performance, I never arrive with a ready-made playlist. I bring a lot of music to the event, I have to feel the mood of the audience to adjust the sound to them. On the beach or places like Cafe del Mar, Buddha Bar, along with the wonderful sunsets and relaxing mood, I usually play more chilled or uplifting deep, organic house music, but in nightclubs or festivals, I prefer fast-paced songs and energizing music, such as Funky House, Deep-Tech House and Melodic Techno, places where the energy is on a higher level and the adrenaline drives the musical story.

It’s a recurring question for musicians, but how do you come up with a sound that no one else has before?

I don’t have role models, but as a child Enigma, Jean-Michel Jarre, Mike Oldfield, Vangelis, Café del Mar and Buddha Bar artists and Jazz Music, in general, inspired me, but at the same time, I stick to my own world of sounds. It’s hard to create something that hasn’t happened before, but I feel like we musicians have some superior force whispering to our melodies. If we put our soul in it, it must be unique. The music is born in me by itself, I just have to play it/create it. I don’t know the trick because I believe there is no recipe for it. As a musician, the more unique our character is, the more special music we make. I believe that’s how people connect with me, they unconsciously feel my direct, real nature and life story behind my music.

Professionally, what has been your biggest success so far?

Founding of my own record label, M-Sol Records. I worked with big publishers in the past, but my dream was to build my own Label from scratch. We work with more than 1000 artsits today: I am very happy with the end result. I am free to decide, design, create my own projects, and I am happy to represent other performers as well. It’s like having your own child and you give your best to grow it with a success. M-Sol Records is only eight years old, but fortunately is developing rapidly. Another dream is to stand behind a movie soundtrack. I’ve worked on commercials and documentaries before, but presenting the emotions musically on movies is my next goal.

(Source: Index)

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