The 70,000 people a day that attend Budapest’s Sziget festival will tell you that the Hungarian capital is one of the best cities in Europe for music. As one of the best European music festivals only 25% of its audience are actually from Hungary. A fact, which demonstrates that most tourists experience the metropolis’ music scene during its most celebrated event.
While Sziget may not paint an entirely accurate picture of the city’s music scene its favourable showing of Budapest is hardly off the mark by much. But the area’s music culture isn’t famed for huge music events like the aforementioned festival but for its underground music scene.
Local musicians and fans congregate within Budapest’s many well-respected venues including the Ukrainian ship establishment in A38 (you can read about it below), which is regarded by many as one of Europe’s best clubs.
However it’s some of the city’s less permanent venues that has allowed Budapest to make an underground name for itself. Local entrepreneurs are known for taking over abandoned spaces in buildings or courtyards to stage parties just before they’re demolished.
The city’s underground scene has even inspired its own Alternative Walking Tour, a concept that first started in Berlin.
The electronic music scene is bolstered by the capitals many clubs. With most not closing until 5am the Budapest nightlife is often cited by tourists as a highlight.
However the city was first and foremost known for its classical background. World-renowned composers such as Franz Liszt and Zoltán Kodály, just to name a few, have provided the city with a rich musical history.
Its affluent traditional folk community and Klezmer music scene also supports the local music history. Klezmer music is grounded in Jewish folk traditions.
Budapest’s past has given it authenticity and allowed it to develop a vibrant music community. In the present this music scene’s reputation has grown to the point where not just Hungarians but hoards of tourists are enjoying all of what it has to offer.
Budapest Festivals/Conferences
Sziget
Not only Budapest’s biggest music festival but also one of the best large scale music events in the entire continent Sziget is held on the island of Danube within the city. Crowned the best Major European Festival in 2011 the likes of David Bowie, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Radiohead and Muse have all played the festival before. Read more about Sziget in our full guide for the festival here.
http://www.sziget.hu/festival_english
Café Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival
Recently renaming itself this festival was known as Budapest Autumn Festival for around twenty years. Its longevity as a music festival undeniably comes from its ability to showcase local contemporary art. Musicians that range from classical right through to pop along with dance, film and fine arts are all hosted throughout Budapest’s cafes, bars and theatres. Café Budapest will be held from the 5th-14th of October in 2013.
http://www.cafebudapestfest.hu/2012/?l=en
Budapest Summer Festival
Held between mid June and the end of August every year this festival embraces the summer season by hosting open-air performances, theatre, musicals and dance shows. Held over two stages, The Margaret Island Open-air Theatre is the only permanent stage of its kind in Hungary it also has an audience capacity of approximately 3000 people.
http://eng.szabadter.hu
Budapest Record Stores
Deep Record Store, Aradi utca 22, https://www.deep.hu
Both a record store and a distributor of Hungarian music this establishment is an important component in the local music scene. Describing itself as “the number one independent music distributor in Hungary” Deep also has the most up to date collection in the city. The store features a wide variety of vinyl, CDs, DVDs, magazines, shirts and bags. However its partnership with independent European distributors and the fact that it is the exclusive seller of particular local acts is what makes Deep significant.
Neon Music, 1077 Budapest, Almassy ter 8, Magyarorszag, http://www.neonmusic.hu
Also a prominent independent distributor this record store’s partnerships with labels like Domino, Ninja Tune, PIAS and Warp amongst others has allowed the store to become the home of a diverse and quality selection of music. CDs, LPs and records are all sold at Neon Music.
Wave, Révay köz 1, http://www.wave.hu
This record store is the oldest of its kind to sell independent and alternative music. Opening in 1989 Wave has offered its customers quality underground, punk, contemporary jazz, world and ethnic releases. With both new and used LPs for sale the establishment is open from 11am-7pm Monday to Friday, while it closes at 3pm on Sundays. Wave has also hosted mini acoustic gigs in store in celebration of Record Store Day since 2010.
Budapest Music Venues
A38, 1114 Budapest, Budai alsó rakpart, http://www.a38.hu/en/
Most definitely the butt of “I’m on a boat” jokes this music venue is held in the reincarnation of a Ukrainian stone-carrier ship. While the ship was originally built in 1938 the venue opened in 2003 and it has since become one of the city’s most popular venues. Its acclaim undoubtedly comes from its diversity. While a high class restaurant serves local cuisine, the bottom level hosts orchestras, DJs and bands. The bar terrace allows for some views just as films are being screened on the upper deck and art installations are sometimes featured throughout.
Gödör Klub, 1061 Budapest, Király St 8-10, http://www.godorklub.hu
While the English translation of this music venue’s name might be “hole” the establishment is certainly not one. Taking its title from its sunken location Gödör offers live music, DJs and art exhibitions. Everything from rock, pop, electro and blues acts are featured here, while the outdoor terrace provides punters with a space to take a break from the music. Given its central location Gödör is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike looking for a quick fix of live music
Corvintető, Blaha Lujza tér 1-2, http://corvinteto.hu
This music venue lives up to its own tagline of an “underground place above the city”. Corvintető allow its punters some spectacular open-air views of Budapest, while its often hard to find location only adds to its underground reputation. But mainly Corvintető’s support of alternative musicians and DJs has allowed the venue to become a prominent name in the city’s music scene.
Budapest Acts You Should Check Out
Ivan & The Parazol – Soundcloud
This rock five piece formed in 2010 and have since released an EP and their debut album, Mama Don’t You Recognize Ivan & The Parazol. Taking their cues from 60s and 70s garage rock it’s hard to dispel the image of Jack White from your mind. Both the vocals and sonic textures are reminiscent of the White Stripes frontman. Listen to ‘Approved’ below to see for yourself.
Elefánt – Soundcloud
Playing music from a bygone era this five piece interweave classical and jazz elements into a sound that can only be described as easy listening. However unlike their music Elefánt are a fairly new prospect with the band forming in 2012. Listen to their track ‘November’ below.
