Shakenstir » Montreux Jazz Festival 2023

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the Montreux Jazz Lab has a longstanding history of hosting the brightest talents before they explode into global icons, with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Rag‘n’Bone Man all taking to this stage at the beginning of their careers. This year again, a line-up full of promise awaits the Lab audience.

The Lab will be the capital of pop in all its forms, from the polymorphous explorations of Christine and the Queens to the dance pop anthems of American superstar Ava Max, and the alt-pop sophistication of Caroline Polachek whose album Desire, I Want To Turn Into You is one of this year’s standout releases. Other shimmering pop talent on display includes Maisie Peters, GAYLE, The Rose, Calum Scott, Stacey Ryan, Cavetown, and Dean Lewis.

IDLES have established themselves as the indisputable modern post-punk benchmark, while Wet Leg are one of the most critically acclaimed groups of the past year, who actually formed after going to an IDLES concert. They’ll both be joined by Lovejoy in what will be an unmissable night at the Lab on 10th July.

The vibrant Nigerian scene is also represented in 2023, with Rema, now a global star with his hit “Calm Down”, and Ayra Starr, who has made her mark in Lagos from her native Benin, both performing. Every summer, the Lab shines the spotlight on the future stars of French rap and this year is no different as it welcomes Khali, So La Lune, Kerchak, SDM and Zola.

Two evenings can be classified under a key word dear to Montreux: groove. The Teskey Brothers’ retro soul and Jacob Banks’ hard-hitting R&B on 11th July, Loyle Carner’s jazz-infused hip hop and Gabriels’ steamy soul on 13th July. The Lab’s will also welcome the biggest and brightest names in the electronic scene. Australian trio RÜFÜS DU SOL will open the Lab with their kaleidoscopic beats and later sees a special double bill of Overmono and The Blaze.

For the closing night, DJ, composer and producer Mark Ronson has been invited by Audemars Piguet and the Montreux Jazz Festival to curate and create a unique collaborative concert. For this unique show, the renowned musician will bring together on stage artists from his artistic family, including special guests Yebba and Lucky Daye.

FREE STAGES

The 57th edition will feature 9 free stages of cutting-edge music, plus the festival is also bringing back the Lake House after last year’s great success. Taking over the three floors of the Petit Palais, the Lake House offers a multitude of musical, cultural and festive experiences.

The free programme will be announced on 1 June 2023.

For more information on Montreux Jazz Festival, head to www.montreuxjazzfestival.com/en/