The SPOT Festival has become one of Europe’s prominent new music showcase events, taking place across various venues in the picturesque Danish city of Aarhus. The festival connects Nordic talent with global audiences, embracing a pleasantly laid-back and incredibly diverse ethos that blends different genres and styles.
Danish pop artist DAYYANI is swiftly establishing herself as a notable talent, an exceptional vocalist whose empathetic style is fostering meaningful connections with her audience. Preparing to perform at SPOT Festival this weekend, she shares her insights on the sights and sounds of Aarhus.
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Aarhus is my absolute favorite city! It's a hidden gem, often overshadowed by the more prominent Copenhagen. Despite its relatively small size, the city boasts enough cultural importance to be considered the world's smallest metropolis. As such, I'm thrilled and proud to present a brief guide to my cherished hometown. My entire family hails from Aarhus, and after spending most of my childhood in Copenhagen, we returned to Aarhus when I was 13. It was the ideal age to explore a new city, and I instantly fell in love — and that love has endured.
Being a musician in Aarhus (particularly within the mainstream industry) can be challenging, as much of the music business is understandably centered in our capital, Copenhagen. Anyone from a smaller town or city can likely relate to the saying, “You need to move to a bigger city (Copenhagen) to build a REAL career in the industry.” While there may be truth to that, it’s easy to overlook the abundant untapped potential in Aarhus’s vibrant art communities, filled with individuals eager to collaborate and support each other's growth in their respective fields. One could argue that the spirit of mutual support is more prevalent here than in any other part of Denmark (sorry, Copenhagen). With this in mind, I've made it my mission to be an example of a rising pop star who was born, raised, and continues to live in the world's smallest metropolis. So, here’s to small-town communities! And I promise not to make any more comparisons to Copenhagen from now on.
When I refer to Aarhus as a small city, it becomes apparent when you go out clubbing — it feels like everyone knows one another. However, Aarhus is so much more than that once you delve deeper. The community here is truly special, particularly among the younger generations, who foster a strong sense of togetherness, transforming abandoned spaces into impromptu studios and old basements into thriving creative hubs.
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One such place is Godsbanen. A fascinating and enchanting venue, Godsbanen is an old train garage (with the name translating to "freight yard") that remained deserted for many years. Today, the site has become one of the most vibrant and inspiring locations in the city. It is home to Instituttet for X, a creative collective comprising various cultural organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs. The area buzzes with workshops, studios, and hangout spots accessible to all. It’s my favorite spot for a stroll, experiencing this creative part of town.
This brings me to my first venue/event suggestion. Aarhus Volume is part of Institut for X and sits just beneath a massive bridge that connects the northern and southern sections of the city. If I had to choose just one place, this might be the one that stands out as a key source of some of my most cherished teenage memories.
It began as a gathering of young "outcasts" assembling to host unforgettable underground concerts and street parties, and over the years it has evolved into a cultural powerhouse in the city, showcasing what can happen when young creators come together. It's also noteworthy for their support of emerging music artists; for some, this is their first opportunity to showcase their talents. Aarhus Volume hosts SPOT Festival annually, where some of my most unforgettable concert experiences have taken place!
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Another cultural hub is Sydhavnen, which contains numerous music studios, rehearsal spaces, art studios, and a range of quirky artists. I once chatted with an artist who displayed his studio — an old warehouse — where he crafted grand art installations by connecting contact speakers to large metal plates suspended from the ceiling. It felt like wandering through a metallic forest. He referred to it as "singing steel plates." That’s the kind of vibe here. Nearby, you'll discover Sydhans, a bike repair shop/community known for crafting distinctive bicycles from surplus spare parts. There’s also Frontløberne, an organization dedicated to assisting and mentoring emerging projects and communities by providing a place to develop and grow. I frequented this space a lot, finding inspiration from the people working on their diverse and exciting projects! Every August, they hold Sydhavnens Festival, celebrating various local artists.
One of the coolest spots in Aarhus is Turkis. It began as a tent during the annual local city festival, with a vision to showcase a more multi-ethnic music lineup. Offering Turkish tea, meze, and shish
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SPOT Festival has become one of Europe's significant new music showcase events, taking place across multiple venues in the picturesque Danish city of Aarhus. It serves to connect