Mullbau & Kulturbrauerei Lucerne – Engines of the Independent Music Scene in Switzerland

Carovana091
Sep 19
2 min read

At the heart of Lucerne’s independent music scene, Mullbau and Kulturbrauerei stand out as two essential institutions whose influence extends far beyond the region. Both collectives serve not only as local hubs for experimental sound art and improvised music but also as key drivers of creative energy across the Swiss music landscape.

Mullbau impresses with its carefully curated programme, blending artistic vision with aesthetic boldness. It is a space where innovative projects emerge, exploring new sonic languages and pushing the boundaries of convention. As a creative meeting point, Mullbau not only nurtures local artistic development but also plays a significant role in disseminating contemporary music practices throughout Switzerland. With its open atmosphere and professional infrastructure, it offers ideal conditions for experimental work and artistic exchange.

Kulturbrauerei, too, is defined by its cross-genre and interdisciplinary programming, connecting established and emerging artists alike. Through concerts, festivals, and hybrid performances, it functions as a vibrant node in Switzerland’s independent music and arts network. As an incubator for innovative sonic practices, it actively contributes to the international visibility of Swiss improvised music.

The joint commitment of both collectives – for instance in the project Sound The Alarm – highlights the strength of solidarity and the dynamic interconnectedness within the independent scene. Mullbau and Kulturbrauerei are far more than venues; they are cultural catalysts that foster diversity, initiate artistic processes, and actively shape the experimental music scene.

Special thanks go to Silke Strahl, who played a key role in organising the We See You initiative as part of Sound The Alarm. Carovana091 is deeply grateful for this warm and fruitful collaboration and the meaningful exchange it enabled.

Such partnerships are vital for the growth and resilience of the free improvised and independent music scene. They create spaces for solidarity, artistic dialogue, and collaborative projects whose impact reaches far beyond individual performances. Connections between artists, initiatives, and collectives not only enrich creative processes but also strengthen the cohesion and visibility of the scene – locally, nationally, and internationally.

Mullbau and Kulturbrauerei make free improvised music shine in Switzerland – as a vibrant expression of artistic freedom and collective creation. Their resonance reaches far beyond regional borders, helping shape an open, inquisitive sonic landscape that continues to evolve. In doing so, they make a vital contribution to embedding this art form as a living and relevant part of Switzerland’s cultural fabric.