Ever since its first broadcast back in 2010, via a webcam taped to a wall, streaming phenomenon Boiler Room has gone from underground club culture champion to buzzy global music platform – and soared to household name status in the process. So who better for whisky brand Ballantine’s to continue their partnership with for the next instalment in their True Music tour – all part of their longstanding commitment to driving forward emerging music scenes and communities. We stan, so hard.
Last year their collaboration saw them hit up Moscow, Sao Paulo, Beirut and Valencia, and for 2019 they’re pushing their aim to Take a Stand for True Music communities all over the world even further. At the end of April, on the latest leg of the tour, they touched down in Krakow, one of Poland’s oldest cities, prising open its simmering, thriving underground music scene. An experimental night of music with Boiler Room’s distinctive underground feel, they invited a roster of local artists alongside a number of big-time international DJs to shake the walls at the free-of-charge event.
The turnout? Local DJ and producer Olivia, Warsaw-based Private Press, and a set from enigmatic Swedish duo SHXCXCHCXSH. Not to mention, highlights included Berlin-based techno duo Fjaak and Dutch producer Martyn laying down tracks in former communist-era hotel Forum Przestrzenie.
“In Krakow, the music scene is there, and it’s awesome, but the pioneers on the ground face a common reality that putting on shows and live events is expensive and often the people most interested in attending are those with the least cash to spend on nights out: students and young adults,” explained Ballantine’s Head of Music, Tom Elton. “We’re so happy to be working with this inspiring and passionate True Music community to address this challenge, starting with our killer showcase in April which brought together world-class techno talent.”
The show followed Ballantine’s and Boiler Room’s recent visit to the Polish city, where DJ Olivia joined other pioneers of Krakow’s burgeoning underground music scene to address the realities and opportunities facing the community, which was filmed for the partnership’s latest documentary, Krakow’s DIY Club Community. Watch it below.
Find out more at truemusic.boilerroom.tv