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As Boundaries Festival returns for its fourth edition, Lee Fisher chats to promoter Graeme Hopper about the remarkable, global bill he’s bringing to Sunderland
Image: Rojin Sharafi by Igor Ripak
Boundaries has somehow survived a global pandemic, a ridiculous storm and all manner of logistical problems to take place for the fourth time this November, and once again Graeme Hopper (for it really is a one-man show) is somehow bringing a world-class bill of essential and exciting names to Sunderland for the cost of a scabby late-night-drunk-decision pizza. And – as is always the case with Hopper – his enthusiasm remains undimmed for this astonishing event he’s built in the heart of an oft-overlooked city.
One of the first things you notice about this year’s remarkable bill is how fully global it is. “Every year, the festival becomes more dynamic and diverse, and this year’s line-up is truly something special.” Hopper enthuses. “This year’s programme is a deep mix of original performers travelling from all over the world to perform exclusively in Sunderland. Artists from Mexico, Iran, Norway, Scotland, Turkey, Taiwan, Ireland, Syria, America and all across England.”
Hopper admits that keeping so many plates spinning – working mostly alone – is challenging, but the combination of an amazing line-up and some pride in his hometown keeps him motivated. “Navigating the complexities of different countries’ regulations and ensuring everyone has the right paperwork has had its very stressful moments. But despite the hurdles and sleepless nights, I like to think Boundaries continues to scale new heights, offering something for everyone while staying true to its ethos of exploring the fringes of adventurous, curious, exciting and good fun music and art. It’s thrilling to have everything from modern cutting-edge experimental methods, pioneers of their style, deeply rooted cultural expressions and new emerging groups all in one place.“
This year’s programme is a deep mix of original performers travelling from all over the world to perform exclusively in Sunderland
The bill for the three previous festivals has been incredible enough – from Sly & The Family Drone to Rhodri Davies and local heroes Bad Amputee and Bulbils – but this year the festival really has outdone itself and Hopper is positively vibrating with anticipation.
There’s Arnold Dreyblatt for starters – nobody’s idea of a household name but nonetheless a highly regarded musician and composer who came through the US minimalist scene in the eighties and has collaborated with everyone from Ex-Easter Island Head to Megafaun. “Having been a massive fan of Arnold Dreyblatt since I was teenager it’s quite surreal and incredibly exciting for me to know he’ll be performing a very rare one off UK show five minutes from my house!”
“I’m also super thrilled to experience Iranian Rojin Sharafi’s wonderful contemporary take on electronica and sound design,” Hopper continues, “then there’s the two female Mexican performers Concepcion Huerta and Gibrana Cervantes, who blend beautiful dissonant classical strings alongside deep dynamic noise and electronic manipulations. Other notable mentions are Syrian musician Mohammad Syfkhan and the European debut performance of avant jazz duo, Black Decelerant too… But as cliched as it is, each performer on the bill offers something genuinely unique and remarkable. I can’t wait for everyone to experience what we’ve put together this year, while feeling welcomed and inspired.”
