Is this Turin 4‑dayer the coolest festival in Europe?
Probably, yes. Here’s your guide to the C2C festival line-up.
Europe isn’t short of decent festivals, but you could confidently argue that C2C is one of the best. Most of the action at the Italian festival takes place in Turin, in a massive former Fiat factory. The line-up, meanwhile, is always focused on the most cutting-edge, futuristic music around.
This year’s 22nd edition is particularly impressive. We’ve picked out six of our favourites acts below, but there’s loads more notable names, so have a comb through the full programme here. The festival runs from 31st October – 3rd November.
We’re also pleased to announce a FACE x C2C event, taking place at the Combo venue on Friday 1st November. We’ll be hosting deep reggaeton pioneer DJ Python and Milan-based genre-masher Lamusa II from 3 – 6pm. It’s free to attend and no RSVP is required. If you’re around, please do come and say hi.
Dean Blunt (DJ set)
Seeing Dean Blunt perform in any context is a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. It’s fun to speculate about what the enigmatic artist might drop in this DJ set, too. There’s all the material from his World Music label roster, which includes anonymous (and pretty decent) bands such as The Crying Nudes and Blue Iverson. Then there’s his conceptual rap project Babyfather and all those scrappy A$AP Rocky collabs which quietly emerge online once in a while. A few years ago, Blunt’s NTS set included an AI-orated short story about a messy night out, followed by tracks from Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey and Morrissey. He’s also DJing on Halloween. One thing you can guarantee is that it won’t be boring.
Snow Strippers
Snow Strippers are one of the most hyped bands in the American underground. The duo’s vibe is a garish concoction of trance, EDM, Skrillex-era dubstep, Crystal Castles, Lil Uzi Vert, American flags and American Apparel. Our advice is to just have fun and don’t overthink it.
A.G. Cook
A.G. Cook has been on fire for the last 12 months or so, and it’s not just because he co-produced nearly every track on Brat. The PC Music boss also teamed up with Easyfun to drop the lore-heavy album Soft Rock as Thy Slaughter, and his solo album Britpop is a shimmering showcase of his artistic ambition. If Britpop’s 24-song tracklist intimidates you, we’d recommend you start off with the middle section, where Cook perfects a digital grunge formula and sneaks in a tender interpolation of his late friend SOPHIE’s era-defining track Bipp.
Arca
Arca is the rockstar of experimental music and she seems to be something of a friend to C2C, having stolen the show a number of times since 2016. Brace yourself for hip-shaking reggaeton rhythms, soaring operatic vocals and the odd burst of excruciating noise. On stage, Arca gives off a simultaneous sense of unhinged chaos and impeccable chicness. Unmissable.
John Glacier
There’s no one out there who sounds like John Glacier. The former FACE cover star has developed a distinctive style which sits somewhere between spoken word and rap, and she’s paired her thoughtful bars with production by the likes of Kwes Darko, Vegyn and Jamie xx.
Evilgiane
Evilgiane’s Surfgang label and producer collective is right at the cutting-edge. As well as carving out new sounds in the relentless world of underground rap, Evilgiane has also collaborated with the songwriter LUCY, John Glacier, Babyfather and Nourished by Time, while Snow Strippers have released a bunch of records on the label. You’re just as likely to hear him drop a euphoric trance anthem as you are a mutated Chief Keef edit. Into it.
