C2C Festival 2023

C2C Festival 2023

In the first days of November, Torino comes alive with the avant-pop pulse of the C2C Festival, transforming the historic OGR and Lingotto spaces. Over two decades have passed since the city shed its industrial gloom, making way for a youth-driven metamorphosis in interests, customs, and trends. The architectural relics, like the revamped Officine Grandi Riparazioni, now echo with the underground soul of avant-pop, a genre uniquely championed by C2C in Italy.

C2C has mastered the art of curating the moment's artists, sparking debates among critics and enthusiasts. Beyond a coherent lineup, the festival excels at the fundamental rules of survival—respecting attendees, providing a seamless experience, and offering freedom in the crowd. Despite logistical challenges, Club To Club accomplishes this delicate balance.

The highlight of the event was Caroline Polachek, the face and voice of contemporary, unapologetic femininity. Her closing performance on November 2nd showcased refined pop with retro nuances, captivating the younger audience seeking sophistication. Polachek's ease on the Main Stage, exuding feline sensuality against surreal visual landscapes, was a testament to her pop sensibility.

The 21st edition, from November 2 to 5, marked a shift towards a more intimate festival experience. From its early days in 2002, C2C has evolved from a single ticket roaming through alternative electronic clubs to an international festival drawing diverse audiences. Despite its growth, the festival retains an exclusive spirit and a distinctive sound—now encapsulated in the term "avant-pop," blending pulsating beats with genuine live performances.

Caroline Polachek, King Krule, and Yves Tumor brought guitars to a festival once dominated by electronic beats, expanding C2C's sonic palette. The challenge remains to preserve exclusivity while embracing a broader international audience—a delicate balance achieved by the avant-pop aficionados at C2C Festival.

However, Club To Club refuses to be a mere revival. It dedicates significant space to artists new to the festival. Hence, we anticipate performances from King Krule, where the exceptionally young talent, Archy Ivan Marshall, will deliver an exclusive Italian showcase. Additionally, the avant-pop sensation from New York, Caroline Polachek, renowned for her album "Desire, I Want to Turn Into You," will grace the festival stage once again.

C2C serves as a global journey encompassing diverse sounds, concerts, and visions. A glimpse at the lineup reveals the exciting experiences awaiting attendees, spanning across regions. Overmono from Wales, the experimental Colombian musician Lucrecia Dalt, Maral from the California coast, and the Iranian-American producer Maral, who skillfully merges two distinct worlds in "Ground Grove." Unfortunately, the showcase dedicated to Palestinian label BLTNM and Arab futurism had to be canceled due to the escalating violence in Gaza. However, C2C expresses the hope of compensating for this missed opportunity in the future.


words DONALD GJOKA

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