Sounds Nice

Parallel to Art Basel, Gare du Nord presents «Sounds Nice» for the first time. In both the concert hall and the former restaurant space, a vibrant mix of performances, installations, and concerts unfolds – all at the intersection of music, performance, and visual art. DJ sets and parties round out the experience.

On Tuesday, the program features the audiovisual sound installation «Monolith 2.0», the interactive web piece «Neues Wir», the immersive multichannel happening «I’m all ears», and the «Liquid Lounge» with drum and bass.

Monolith 2.0 – Manuel Gagneux, Mark Lando & David Loeffel
The concert hall at Gare du Nord is a space known for its acoustic precision and artistic ambition. During «Monolith 2.0», it becomes a black box where sound is experienced in its physical and emotional dimensions. «Monolith 2.0» creates a tension between intensity and silence, expectation and release. The audience becomes an active participant in a sensitive dialogue between human, sound, and space – with the help of an oversized theremin.
The work by Manuel Gagneux, Mark Lando, and David Loeffel blends experimental music, sound art, and immersive audiovisual experiences. «Monolith 2.0» is an invitation to interact – a play with light and darkness, resonances and frequencies. A single beam of light provides visual orientation, while the sonic body constantly transforms, builds, thickens, and evolves in unexpected directions. Every movement alters the acoustic structure, enhances the sonic image, or triggers an abrupt cut.

Neues Wir – Alina Inserra
A journey through a digital labyrinth filled with surprises, dead ends, and detours. The interactive website «Neues Wir» weaves together misogynistic Bible passages with the capitalist exploitation of «Women’s Day», previously unknown philosophical musings by Walter Benjamin on romantic love, and derelict cemeteries in the obscure region of Molise. Set in an atmospheric soundscape, the audience accompanies the protagonist in her search for identity and self-determination. Curiosity and initiative encouraged.

I’m all ears
«I’m all ears» is a happening, immersive sound installation, performance, and instant rave all in one. A circle of speakers surrounds the Gare du Nord hall. In the center: a cloud of mist and haze, a small beach bar with an ice cream stand and deck chairs. It’s an oasis for chilling, listening, swaying, and dancing. Two performers guide and care for the audience throughout a magical evening.
For «I’m all ears», Gare du Nord launched an open call, inviting regional artists to submit works for this impressive multichannel setup.

Liquid Lounge
The former restaurant at Badischer Bahnhof transforms into the «Liquid Lounge». Quirky, offbeat, perhaps even a bit bizarre. In a relaxed atmosphere, guests can move to the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms of liquid drum and bass or engage in conversation.

With

Manuel Gagneux, Mark Lando, David Loeffel, Alina Inserra, Katherine Newton, Andreas Eduardo Frank, Denim Szram, David Loeffel (lighting/visuals), Andreas Jeger, and more.

Program

14:00-18:00: «Monolith 2.0» & «Neues Wir» (Concerthall)

20:00-01:00: «I’m all ears» (Concert hall)

21:00: Liquid Lounge (Restaurant, doors open at 19:00)

Duration

420 minutes, with break

Prices

Suggested price for «I’m all ears»: CHF 15
Liquid Lounge, «Monolith 2.0» & «Neues Wir»: Free entry, donations welcome.