Reeperbahn Festival recap – an evening of empowerment filled with highlights

What a beautiful fever dream that was! The Reeperbahn Festival 2025 was a great success for us. Even the one rainy day didn’t dampen our mood. Yes, we were a little hoarse at the end from all the talking and loud singing – but also very happy. But let’s start at the beginning.

Stage & atmosphere: our FLINTA* Showcase

Hamburg, Schmidtchen Theatre, Spielbudenplatz – 17/18 September 2025. It was one of those evenings when everything came together: it had bags of energy, strong music, real moments – and a few slip-ups that made the evening unique.

It was one of those evenings when everything came together: it had bags of energy, strong music, real moments – and a few slip-ups that made the evening unique. It was clear as soon as we got in: these people are up for it. But then: a mosh pit formed and there was a lock-in at the Schmidtchen Theatre. The room was so full that the doors were closed for a while. Interest was so great that the place was bursting. Our boss Jorin stood at the entrance by himself. Grinning from ear to ear.

Our FLINTA* acts delivered like legends: 6euroneunzig, Die P, Anna Ullrich, EMI X and Ella Stern. They all did their thing – from eloquent rap to emotionally charged pop to technoid ecstasy. Whether quiet or loud, soul-baring or party anthem: the mood was great throughout all songs – loud, familiar, connected. You could sense it: the crowd were not just listening to the music, but feeling it.

In all honesty, our showcase was more like a small festival. Even during the breaks between acts, when people normally go outside to smoke, our “interim programme” kept everyone in the room. A short reading by the great Rike van Kleef, who read from her book “The Cheap Seats: Gender, Power and Discrimination in the Music Industry” [translated title], swept everyone away. Rike’s rhetoric, courage and truthfulness made it clear that our mission to promote more FLINTA* visibility is essential. After all, it is not about division – it is about change.

Afterwards, our partners from Music Women* Germany – including Ingrid Adjoa Yeboah, held an open talk on stage. Transparency, cooperation, empowerment – a moment that has become deeply ingrained.

VIA Awards 2025 – celebrating independence

Another highlight: on Thursday, 18.09., the VIA – VUT Indie Awards were presented. The VUT once again proved how important a forum for independent artists and projects is. “Stay Independent!” This slogan – both a wish and a mantra – imbued the award ceremony. This was the 13^th VIA Indie Awards ceremony at the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg. The awards are given to artists, music companies and projects that create culture without the support of large corporations. An evening to celebrate music, art, your own independence and a bit of yourself.

Some of the winners & eulogists were:

• Masha Qrella won Best Act.
• Ebow’s album FC Chaya won Best Album.
• Vandalisbin was named Best Newcomer.
• Best Experiment went to Holly Herndon & Mat Dryhurst – “The Call”.
• Best Label was Grand Hotel Van Cleef.

Jorin, our Captain at recordJet, was also elected to the VUT board – a sign that the voice of independent distributors and artists is important and heard.

Panels, meet-ups & the festival feeling

In addition to music and awards, there were countless inspiring panels – with topics such as independence, diversity, funding opportunities and justice in the music industry. Conversations that inspired. Meet-ups that networked. Moments of realisation that reminded us: “Yes, what we are working for is relevant”.

And otherwise? All of our artists delivered – including Future Husband and Lukas Oscar. Of course, the traditional cheese fondue on Spielbudenplatz was also a must. There we met dear friends from Merlin – the worldwide licensing partner for digital music from independent labels and distributors.

Conclusion & outlook

The evening showed that the FLINTA Showcase is growing beyond itself, in size of audience, strength and message.
The VIA Awards once again demonstrated how strong and vibrant the independent scene is – proud, rebellious, unique.

With people like Jorin on the VUT board, with acts like 6euroneunzig, Die P, Anna Ullrich, EMI X and Ella Stern, with panels, talks and meet-ups – something is being built that will last.

If there is one take away: we are doing this together. We celebrate diversity. We want more of it. And we are enjoying every moment on this journey.