UPDATE: Release Athens has announced that Day 3 of the event has been cancelled after Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay was forced to undergo a medical procedure on his spine. 

In 2016, following a decade of organizing music events around Greece, Fuzz Night Music Club took on an ambitious undertaking: to put on a major festival that would breathe new life into the Athenian music scene in ‘defiance of the difficult times we live in’.

In short, they wanted to offer Athenians a ‘release’ from their troubles in a celebration of creativity, music and optimism. Thus the Release Athens Festival was born, a three-day event featuring top international acts that in 2016 included the likes of Beirut and PJ Harvey.

This year the festival returns with organizers looking to build the success of 2016. Over three days (June 2 & June 16 – 17), Athens will be treated to performances by some of the top acts in the world including Rokysopp, Thievery Corporation and Jamiroquai.

All performances are to take place at the outdoor venue of Plateia Nerou by the sea in Faliro.

Below is a look at the full lineup:

DAY 1 (JUNE 2):

Moderat:

A German trio that is the product of a collaboration between the duo Modeselektor and solo artist Apparat, Moderat are returning to Athens after having performed in the city in November 2016. The well-received performance left few of the 3,000 in attendance wondering why they have been described in the press as one of the the best electronic acts in the world. Their recently released third album Moderat III has been well-received and particularly the single Reminder.

Larry Gus:

Originally from the north of Greece and now a resident of Milan with a contract with New York based DFA Records, singer-songwriter Larry Gus specializes in ‘rhythmic pop’ with multi-layered tracks that combine extensive sampling with relentless groove beats. A critically acclaimed artist and high-energy performer, Larry Gus is quite unlike any other act out there.

The Rattler Proxy:

Rattler Proxy draw much of their inspiration from the music and cinema of the 70s which they combine with contemporary electronic sound. They have their own dark profile, evident in their numerous releases.

Etten:

Etten (aka Eleni Tzavara) is a singer, songwriter and designer with 2 solo albums, Lappuggla (2012) and I Know You‘re Behind Me But I’m Not Scared (2009).

DAY 2 (JUNE 16): 

Thievery Corporation:

Quite simply one of the best live acts on the planet and one of the most influential presences in the international music scene for over the past 2 decades.

The product of a collaboration between Rob Garza and Eric Hilton who form the group’s creative heart, Thievery Corporation began 1995, in Washington DC, and immediately succeeded in creating their own eclectic sound, mixing dub reggae, bossanova, Brazilian, acid and nu-jazz, downtempo, electronica and breakbeat sounds.

At Release Festival the legendary group will perform new tracks as well as classic hits.

Archive:

Archive’s remarkable course has unfolded over two decades since their impressive debut album, Londinium in 1994. Initially in the genre of trip hop and electronica, the group, which resembles more of a collective that a traditional band, subsequently made forays into progressive / post rock.

Kadebostany:

Kadebostany may seem like they are coming from an imaginary world, but their success is very real, with numerous hits such as: Walking With a Ghost, Castle in the Snow and a cover of Beyonce’s Crazy in Love (part of the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack). The band’s live shows are unique and impressive.

Omega Ray:

Omega Ray (Ω-Ray), is a new band, with George Karanikolas (The Last Drive, Blackmail, BLML, Drobs), as its leader. Τheir sound is psychedelic, folk and kraut-rock.

Chinese Basement:

Anyone who is up for something new and exciting in contemporary music, should discover Chinese Basement, a Greek band from Thessaloniki. Powerful drums and experimental beats form the backbone of highly original tracks with poetic Greek lyrics that are difficult to pin in any genre (although they are self-described as electro – theatrical punk).

DAY 3 (JUNE 17):

UPDATE: Release Athens has announced that Day 3 of the event has been cancelled after Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay was forced to undergo a medical procedure on his spine. 

Jamiroquai:

Funk legends Jamiroquai are, of course, one of the most successful bands on the planet. Jay Kay (singer, songwriter and founder) is the soul of the band to the point where many some consider him a solo artist. With a list of hits, collaborations and awards that is far too long to be listed here, they are simply not to be missed.

Michael Kiwanuka:

29-year-old Kiwanuka from North London released his impressive debut album Home Again in 2012. His second album, Love and Hate, climbed to number 1 in the UK charts and features captivating tracks with timeless soul and folk-rock elements from an artist who is already being compared to legends such as Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers.

Wax Tailor:

A famous French producer of downtempo / electronic hip-hop with 5 studio and 2 live albums (not to mention numerous hit tracks) to his name, Wax Tailor remains a pioneer in his field. His live shows are a unique blend of cinematic hip hop, soul and funk and are among the most rousing anywhere. Get ready to dance.

Σtella:

Σtella, is a Greek singer, songwriter, painter and one of the most talked-about artists in the domestic music scene. Her music is sensual with pop elements and includes radio hits Picking Words, Made To Attack and Detox.

Blue Square:

Blue Square’s music draws on old and forgotten soundtracks, from the European and Greek cinema and includes elements of trip hop, psychedelia and old school hip hop. Radio hits include Nightkisser, Believe and Tic Toc.