THE GREAT ESCAPE (TGE) is returning this year, taking place in 30+ venues across Brighton from May 15th to the 18th. As always, the renowned festival will feature a cutting-edge assortment of brand-new and established artists from all over the world – including Austrian acts like oh alien, Oskar Haag, Bon Jour, and Sharktank – and, as in past years, an Austrian Heartbeats reception and showcase on May 16th.

OH ALIEN

oh alien released their debut album, What We Grow, in March, and it’s a keeper. They pack dramatic arcs into 3-minute pop songs, and now they’re bringing their dreamy, melancholic pop to The Great Escape.

Shows:
- Thursday, May 16th, 12:30pm @ The Hope & Ruin (Austrian Heartbeats)

OSKAR HAAG

At fifteen, the local press dubbed him the “greatest pop talent in Austria”. Then he founded his own indie label, had a string of number-one singles, and released his first full-length album (Teenage Lullabies) AND won the FM4 Amadeus Award. My God, where will it end?

Shows:
- Thursday, May 16th, 1:30pm @ The Hope & Ruin (Austrian Heartbeats)
- Friday, May 17th, 9:15pm @ Unitarian Church

BON JOUR

Labelled one of the “most exciting music projects in Austria” (FM4), Bon Jour’s avant-garde approach and innovative use of artificial intelligence sent them to number 1 in the Radio FM4 charts.
The 7 musicians, known from bands like the Makemakes, Mynth and Olympique, are currently promoting Growth, their highly personal debut album.

Shows:
- Thursday, May 16th, 2:30pm @ The Hope & Ruin (Austrian Heartbeats)
- Friday, May 17th, 12:15pm @ Jubilee Square

SHARKTANK

This quirky and intelligent pop trio has been riding the wave of their second album, Acting Funny, since March – high time that they bring their signature mix of melodic vocals, synths, rap and rock to The Great Escape.

Shows:
- Thursday, May 16th, 3:30pm @ The Hope & Ruin (Austrian Heartbeats)
- Friday, May 17th, 6:15pm @ TGE Soundwaves Beach Stage

ERNST

ERNST is serious. They get The Importance of Being Earnest, but they’re more into Virginia Woolf than Oscar Wilde. Their queer and feminist messages are embedded in indie-rock riffs; their lyrics confront your innermost hopes and fears. ERNST’s sound is a fusion of grunge, punk, indie pop and new wave – a raw edge beneath a dreamy exterior.

Show:
- Friday, May 17th, 9:30pm @ Sidewinder (The Alternative Escape)