It was an instant crush when programmer Clara Dhilly first encountered Dour Festival in 2014. Since then, she’s been a regular on-site. Her personal connection grew into a professional role in 2018, and it organically evolved into programming. Today, she helps shape one of Belgium’s most genre-blending and community-driven music festivals.
For those who haven’t experienced it yet, what do you want people to know about Dour festival?
Before I’d ever been to Dour, I was intimidated by the festival's size. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find my way around. I went on my own for the first time in 2014 through my previous job to coordinate a radio show. I was freeking out from day one with Dour's vibe, which you can feel the moment you step off the train at Saint Ghislain, the closest train station to the festival. At Dour, there’s a really strong sense of family and community. Dour is made up of many different little communities that coexist and come together, both among the audience and the artists on the lineup. The real headliner of Dour is its community. The ‘Dour c'est l'Amour!’ and the ‘Doureuuuh!’ vibe is REAL.
At Dour, there’s a really strong sense of family and community
When you look at Dour Festival today, what do you feel it brings to the Belgian music landscape that no other festival does?
Dour has always supported and discovered Belgian artists across all genres early in their careers. Damso or Zwangere Guy performed there very early on, right at the start of his career, as did Amelie in the techno scene. Today, they’ve become leading figures in their respective genres, and it’s a joy to see them back this year as headliners. The same goes for rock, with doom metal artists like Amenra, who will be performing this year on one of our biggest stages, and Camille Yembé, who opened the festival’s smallest stage last year and is returning this year with a new album and growing buzz. It’s truly exciting to follow these artists and, in our own small way, be part of their success.
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Are there names on this year’s lineup that you’re personally excited about?
This year, I’m really looking forward to seeing OKLOU’s show. On Thursday, 16 July, we tried to build a cool, edgy indie parcours for OKLOU's fans. Anyone coming to see OKLOU can check out Smerz first, and Camille Yembé, who plays the same day. I think those sorts of projects are absolutely amazing.
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That same day Peaches will bring a punk vibe and then you can continue the night with Urumi's frapcore and enjoy De Balzaal stage with amazing Sama' Abdulhadi techno. I have too many artist crushes to be honest. Also can't wait to see Ino Casablanca's show which is crazy hyped in France. His music is so interesting, just like Danyl or Pili Pili Girls, the only singeli feminine band from Tanzania.
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What are some emerging and underground acts not to miss?
I guess I already answered this in the previous question, haha! I could also add Maïcee, Boko Yout, Lauravioli her first set at De Balzaal, or Magi Merlin, the new ‘Canadian Nia Archives’.
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As a female booker at this scale, what would you like to see change in the Belgian live industry?
As a female programmer, I hope to inspire other FINTA people to pursue this career so that we can achieve a more gender-balanced lineup and greater gender parity and inclusion in our artist lineup.
Dour c'est l'amour’, and will always be
When you look at the crowd at Dour, what kind of community do you hope to be shaping with the choices you make?
We hope to build an audience that is curious, open-minded, and kind. ‘Dour c'est l'amour’, and will always be.
<div class="editorial-banner"> <div class=“editorial-credits”>@dourfestival<br><br>Members receive a €50 discount on any ticket (day ticket or combo) when using their voucher. The discount voucher is valid until July 10 at 11:59 PM. So make sure to purchase your ticket before then. After this deadline, the voucher will no longer be usable, and no exceptions or support can be provided.<br><br> Cover photo : Oklou by @leontienallemeersch at Different Class festival 2018</div>
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