Santander Letnie Brzmienia 2023 at Ogrody Gayera in Łódź

The Santander Letnie Brzmienia 2023, held on August 4th and 5th in the Ogrody Gayera in Łódź, was a two-day festival that showcased the crème de la crème of Polish artists from various musical realms—pop, rock, electronic, and alternative. As someone who hails from the city of Łódź in Poland, it was an extraordinary experience to return to my roots and immerse myself in Polish music and artists I deeply miss while studying in London.

The Santander Letnie Brzmienia 2023 in Łódź started on a beautiful day with clear blue skies, creating a picturesque backdrop for the artists to showcase their talents. The Ogrody Geyera quickly filled up with people all ages eager to enjoy the festivities. The atmosphere was lively and bustling with excitement as visitors explored the various stalls, listened to live music performances, and indulged in delicious food and drinks. The festival was a grand celebration of art, culture, and community spirit.

Faustyna Maciejczuk’s dynamic presence on stage and her unique blend of indie-pop and folk music made an invigorating start to The Santander Letnie Brzmienia 2023 festival in Łódź. Faustyna is a multi-talented artist widely recognised as one of Poland’s most intriguing young musicians. She is a singer, songwriter, producer, violinist, and visionary. Her debut mini-album, Awakening, was followed by the non-conceptual album baby blue, which focused on the themes of self-expression and acceptance. She is working on a new project emphasising image, performance, sound, and lyrics.

Following Faustyna, the next performance was ARS LATRANS Orchestra, a collective of musicians known for their eclectic style. While their performance was energetic, their true essence felt better captured in a more intimate setting, like a club. The group creates original music for the interdisciplinary art festival in Kraków, Poland, inviting collaborators annually. Members include Koko die, Szefner, Szałaśny, Tony Yoru, Piotr Wykurz, Martyna Baranowska, Radek Baranowski, and Marcin Włodarczyk.

Rubens took the stage next, offering a rock-infused set that was a nod to classic guitar-driven music. He is a musician with over a decade of experience who recently released an EP called Wynoszę się in April 2022 and a 12-track album called Piosenki, których nikt nie chciał in November of the same year. During the pandemic, he retreated to his home studio to create original and alternative music inspired by Arctic Monkeys, Tame Impala, and Radiohead. His performance was a reminder that the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in Poland.

As the sun descended, Vito Bambino took the stage and delivered a set that defied genres, ranging from hip-hop to soul. He emerged onto the Polish music scene in the late 2010s and quickly gained popularity due to his lyrical depth and emotive vocal delivery. His music often touches on themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of modern life. With a growing fan base and multiple chart-topping hits, Vito Bambino has become a prominent figure in the Polish music industry, receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards for his artistic contributions.

Daria Zawiałow gave us a sneak peek of her upcoming album during her performance. Known for her poetic lyrics and emotive delivery, she delivered a balanced mix of new and popular songs, leaving the audience in a state of musical euphoria. On stage, she exuded a volcano of energy and a great sense of charisma. Daria is a highly talented artist and one of the most vital voices in the Polish music scene, having gained a massive following after releasing only two studio albums. Her songs are played by the most prominent radio stations and top the charts, while her music videos garner millions of views. Off stage, she is a modest, ordinary girl, but as an artist, she is conscious and uncompromising.

Krzysztof Zalewski, a renowned multi-instrumentalist, stole the show on that unforgettable night. His performance perfectly blended heavy metal riffs and danceable grooves, showcasing his exceptional musicianship. Zalewski’s love for the audience was palpable, and it’s no secret that he can’t live without the stage. Zalewski has released several albums that have received critical acclaim and commercial success in Poland. His profound lyrics and musical craftsmanship have made him a prominent figure in the contemporary Polish music scene. He is also known for his energetic live performances, where he often showcases his skills as a multi-instrumentalist.

On the second day of the event, heavy rain fell for several hours, causing the schedule to be shortened and resulting in a significant drop in attendance. Many attendees were discouraged by the weather and decided not to brave the elements to attend the event. The artists, however, remained undeterred and continued to perform to the best of their abilities despite the unfavourable conditions. They persevered through the rain and put on a remarkable show, showcasing their skills and dedication to their craft.

The night began with Tynsky, a 19-year-old indie-rock artist from Poland. He draws inspiration from life, relationships, and experiences and has collaborated with musicians from all over Europe. Tynsky’s debut single, ‘Stop the Party’, was released in October 2021, and he’s already made several notable achievements, including mentions in Rolling Stone and opening for Simply Red.

Following him was WaluśKraksaKryzys, who embodies the spirit of punk rock with a modern twist. He fearlessly shares his genuine experiences through raw sounds and bold lyrics. He learned to play drums at the Community Centre but switched to guitar after breaking his shoulder. WaluśKraksaKryzys’s music is not confined to a specific genre and is often inspired by his drug experience.

Zalia took the stage next, offering a set filled with warmth and carefree vibes, a much-needed respite from the rain. Zalia is a twenty-year-old Polish singer and composer, currently studying Popular Music Performance and Songwriting at BIMM London. She draws inspiration from soul and R&B music, with artists like Mahalia, Ella Mai, and Jorja Smith being her favourites. Her music is heavily influenced by her experiences in the world and life in a big city, and you can hear hints of indie, lo-fi, and jazz in her work. Apart from music, she is also passionate about fashion, which she beautifully incorporates in her colourful and sunny music videos.

Kacperczyk delivered a high-energy performance despite the gloomy weather. They are the first alternative artists to join SBM Label, a record label previously exclusively associated with rap. The band comprises two brothers, Maciek and Paweł, who have been passionate about music since childhood. Maciek, the older brother, is the primary songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. Paweł, on the other hand, is responsible for music production and plays the drums. The band debuted in April 2019 with a well-received single titled Iggy, which even caught the attention of Iggy Pop himself.

Nosowska, a veteran in the Polish music scene, showcased her latest album, DEGRENGOLADA, the reflection of the past, expressing disappointment with the present and emphasising the importance of nature. The singer also spoke about the importance of nature and the need to return to it, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with her lyrical prowess and unique vocal style. Nosowska is primarily known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Hey but has also enjoyed a successful solo career spanning multiple genres. With her poetic lyrics, unique vocal style, and innovative approach to music, Nosowska has earned numerous awards and a dedicated following, continuing to influence new generations of artists and fans alike.

The Santander Letnie Brzmienia 2023 was a rollercoaster of emotions and musical genres. Despite the weather-related hiccups, the festival served as a unique platform for showcasing the diversity and richness of contemporary Polish music. It was a poignant reminder of the musical treasures that my homeland has to offer, and I can only hope that events like these continue to celebrate and elevate Polish artists on a global stage.