The Goethe-Institut's new Slow Touring project combines sustainability with fresh soul and pop music from Berlin. This autumn, musician, model and dancer LIE NING will be travelling across Europe by train and ferry, as part of a resource-efficient concert tour developed by the Goethe-Institut Irland.
In addition to environmentally conscious modes of transport and a positive carbon footprint, this innovative tour concept also focuses on counteracting fast-paced and fleeting concert tours. At each tour stop, LIE NING will have time to engage with local communities and collaborate with international musicians with the aim of promoting a sense of European solidarity and shared cultural identity through sustainable practices in the arts.
An extra effort will be made to use locally produced resources such as stage elements and equipment. This not only supports the local economies, but also further reduces the tour's carbon footprint. If you are curious about behind-the-scenes footage and impressions from the concerts, you can follow the tour online on Instagram @goetheinstitut_irland. The recorded experiences are also meant to serve as a best-practice manual for future sustainable touring activities.
About the Artist
LIE NING moves between the genres of indie, soul and R'n'B. Their debut album "utopia", produced by Grammy winner Steve Fitzmaurice, known for his work with with Sam Smith, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige, was released in April 2023 via the German record label Humming Records. Their tour in May 2023 saw sold-out venues in Berlin and Hamburg and huge crowds at various festival appearances. The music magazine Musikexpress described them as the "artist of the hour", while Vogue celebrated them as "their new favourite artist from Berlin". In November 2023, LIE NING released their EP "sweatshop".
Tour Stops
The Slow Touring concert tour will take place in September/October 2024. LIE NING will travel by train and ferry via Amsterdam, to Paris, Dublin, Manchester and Brussels, stopping at the Goethe-Institutes along the way. At each tour stop, there will be opportunities for collaboration with local musicians, culminating in a joint concert.
