Stadt-ohne-Meer: The Passion for Music and the Fight for Continuity in Gießen

✏️ Blog Article – Stadt-ohne-Meer: The Passion for Music and the Fight for Continuity in Gießen

🖥️ Category: Music, Local Events, Cultural Journalism

✍️ Author: Tiago Stocco Sanches Valentin

📅 Date: April 11, 2025

1. Introduction 

The Stadt-ohne-Meer festival, celebrated for seven years in Gießen, Germany, is more than just an event – it’s a reflection of the city’s soul and the enthusiasm of its residents. The celebration of music, community, and freedom, now facing financial challenges, demonstrates the strength of passion and the importance of keeping this tradition alive.

2. Context and Source of Information

📍 Origin: Lycka Peter – City of Gießen, page 16

📰 Type of Content: News Article

📅 Original Publication: April 11, 2025 (estimated)

📝 Method of Capture: Scanned newspaper

📷 Photographic Credits (if applicable): Lycka Peter

🔗 Reference Link (if applicable): (Not applicable – original text)

3. Summary and Highlights 

This article, extracted from the local Gießen newspaper, reports on the seventh edition of Stadt-ohne-Meer, an indie-pop and rock festival that attracted thousands of visitors. The edition was marked by the presence of established artists such as Clueso and the discovery of new local talents. The atmosphere of the festival, described as intense and liberating, was driven by the passion of the artists and the public. However, the future of the event is uncertain due to financial challenges, including high ticket prices and the need to ensure the sustainability of the festival.

4. Interpretation and Critical Commentary 

Stadt-ohne-Meer is a microcosm of the local music scene in Gießen. The presence of Clueso, one of the biggest names in German music, and the participation of local bands such as OK Kid, Woanders, and Say Yes Dog, demonstrates that the festival is a space for connection and discovery. The article highlights the importance of the community in organizing the event, with donations collected on-site to ensure its continuation. The financial struggle of the festival is a warning to sustainable models of independent cultural initiatives, especially those dependent on community support. The reference to “the city without sea” as a stylized ideal demonstrates the search for identity and authenticity within local culture.

5. Current Relevance and Projections 

The case of Stadt-ohne-Meer resonates in various cities that are seeking alternative cultural events with a focus on community and the promotion of local artists. Finding a sustainable funding model – whether through sponsorships, ticket sales, or other fundraising methods – is a common concern for many independent festivals and events. The persistence of the organizing team and the passion of the public suggest that with community support, the Stadt-ohne-Meer could continue to be a reference in the music scene of Gießen. The possible continuation of the festival in the next year will depend on its ability to overcome financial obstacles and maintain the flame of passion for music. The potential continuity of the festival in the next year depends on its ability to overcome the financial obstacles and maintain the flame of passion for music.

6. Conclusion 

The Stadt-ohne-Meer is more than just a festival – it’s a testament to the importance of community in building and preserving local culture. The struggle to ensure its continuity is a reminder of the need for support for independent culture, especially those dependent on community support. We hope that the passion of the organizers and the enthusiasm of the participants result in more editions of this iconic festival in Gießen.

📊 Impact on Local Scene: 🔵 Moderate - The festival exerts a positive impact on the local scene, offering opportunities for emerging artists and fostering community engagement.

🎯 Final Verdict: "Passion for music and the support of the community are the keys to the survival of the Stadt-ohne-Meer, a symbol of Gießen's cultural identity." 

📎 Original Text Analyzed:

By Lycka Peter – City of Gießen, page 16 

Seven years ago, the festival Stadt-ohne-Meer is celebrated in Gießen. This time, thousands of visitors were also present. The organizers do everything to ensure a continuation in 2026. 

"Not washed, not shaved, no shine and no style, but I don't want to improve you, because no one fits better with me than you, Gießen." 

With these words, the Gießen band OK Kid not only sang about their hometown but also became an inspiration for the name of a festival that, seven years ago, attracted thousands of fans of indie-pop and rock. Now it was again time. The line "We celebrate today until dawn" from the headliner Clueso was not entirely true, but the performances were celebrated until night. Jonas Schubert, from OK Kid, was particularly happy with the confirmation of Clueso as a festival attraction, as he revealed. Clueso's journey from rap to singing inspired him greatly, so he was very grateful to have him as headliner on Saturday night. The musician, who has recorded songs with names like Fantastischen Vier or Udo Lindenberg, also visibly had fun at the Stadt ohne Meer. When he had problems with his headphones, he quickly started doing a rap freestyle, as in old times. The audience was enchanted. 

Big names and local new talents 

Other artists also shared stories with the festival Stadt-ohne-Meer (SoM). The Gießen indie band Woanders, who opened musically on Saturday afternoon, mentioned in their songs that they started playing live because of SoM. This gave young bands their own place in the program. At that time, this still didn't work, as there weren't many musicians performing for the audience, despite the heat and lack of shade. Fortunately, the guests knew how to handle themselves. 

"I'm not completely well, but I'm happy anyway," said the singer Gwen, a bit confused. 

However, it was only colored plastic cups passed around by the crowd—but also some water bottles were distributed to provide a refreshing necessity for themselves and others. 

INFO – Artists this year 

This year, the following artists performed at the festival Stadt-ohne-Meer: Clueso, Blond, Ennio, Alli Neumann, Paula Carolina, Florentina, Jules, Say Yes Dog, Kaffkiez, Blond, OK Kid, Berq, Keke, Lophophora, Jonas, Rosa, Nora Lob, Neighbor Flavour, von Hoolzen, Seve & Mo, Vincent & A, Anna Sophia, Funky Times, Team Abriss, All You Can Dance, All You Can Masters. A dream come true for many music fans in Gießen. 

Future with obstacles 

The artists brought known successes, but also newly written songs. The audience danced, sang along, and showed, with text rights, the joy of some musicians and how much they appreciate music. On the stage Elefantenklo – love for Gießen is not only perceptible by the name of SoM – the visitors danced until night and enjoyed the lighting of the stage and the effect of fairy lights in the sky. It is no surprise that Jonas Schubert was so enthusiastic: 

"When I see you like this, I want to be back on the stage with OK Kid," he said to the numerous visitors. "Thank you for being here, you are the SoM." 

The future of this festival seems uncertain. The band's desire to hold the festival in the coming years is great. However, financial obstacles are visible: tickets now cost between 30 and 110 euros – too much for some interested, but necessary to cover costs. About 5,000 visitors per day seem like good numbers, but they do not guarantee relaxation. On the festival grounds itself, there were several places where you could donate your deposit or other amounts of money to support the SoM. The passion of the organizers and the enthusiasm of the visitors made a continuation in the next year desirable, but difficult. After all, no one wants the festival to one day cease to exist. 

Gießen without sea would no longer be the bright and stylish "city with sea." 

Image legend 

Enthusiasm in Clueso's performance. 

The artist also had fun visibly, as when he had problems with his headphones, he quickly started doing a rap freestyle. On Saturday night, there was even a mini dance lesson for the visitors. 

PHOTOS: LYCKA PETER