The Greek band Koyaman transforms traditional sounds into an explosive mix of music full of groove, energy and imagination: it sounds hypnotic, danceable and surprisingly playful. With a passion for Eastern Mediterranean sounds and a love for psychedelic and electronic rhythms, they bring tradition and urban vibes together in GROUNDS.

Koyaman was founded by three musicians with a deep grounding in traditional music and a drive to experiment: Kostas Tsarouchis (oud, loops, electronics), Manolis Christodoulou (kanun, loops, electronics) and Yiannis Rizopoulos (drums, percussion, electronic pads). With oud and kanun at the forefront, they blend traditional melodies with breakbeats, dub and urban vibes – a fresh and danceable sound.

This year, they released their debut album Koyaman, a record that pushes the boundaries of the Eastern Mediterranean tradition with pulsating grooves and innovative electronic layering. Live, the trio is known for their energetic, humorous and compelling shows, in which improvisation plays an important role and the audience is inevitably drawn onto the dance floor. Since their formation, Koyaman has played at prominent venues and festivals in Greece, Istanbul, Cyprus and other countries in Europe, with highlights including performances at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), sold-out shows at Kyttaro Live Club and collaborations with artists such as Makis Tsikos and Jerome Kaluta. Now they are all set to bring their hypnotic grooves to GROUNDS!

Support act: NEFLELI

NEFLELI is a music producer, composer, songwriter, and vocalist, who draws inspiration from both personal moments and fictional stories. Her music blends experimental pop with electronic elements, weaving in sounds from various eras of Greek music, reflecting the influences from the Balkans and the Mediterranean. Even her unique voice is a playground: whispering one moment, rapping the next, often breaking away from the body that sings it. Some of the artists she admires include James Blake, Rosalía, Billie Eilish, Stromae and Radiohead.

With her electronic trio, she will present songs from her unreleased album. Expect lots of live electronics, manipulated vocals, poetic language and melancholic danceworthy beats. And join her to dig deep into what happens at night when she can’t fall asleep.