“An antithesis to the traditional village brass band: mobile big band, caravan of dilettantes with a touch of insanity”: that is how the Masala Brass Kollektiv regards itself! The open collective (anyone can join!) of up to 25 musicians can be seen on streets, in squares and on stage both in Austria and abroad since 2007. With a repertoire of upbeat music in a wide range of styles, we can be seen in concert, at parties, festivals, weddings, and have even appeared in film and television productions. For 2018 we are planning our third Skappa’nabanda! – Austria’s first street band festival – in our hometown of Graz.

Our repertoire consists largely of original compositions and self-arranged cover versions ranging from alternative rock, Balkan beat, klezmer, funk, jazz and reggae to all conceivable – and occasionally unlikely – crossovers of these genres. Being mobile and unplugged, we are an all-terrain band that loves to mingle with and engage the dancing crowd.

The cornerstones of our philosphy: Openness, collective self-organisation, musical diversity, communal spirit, the pleasure of making music and a cultural and social committment. Our principle of diversity is also evident in our repertoire.

Rarely do we play only on stage: Being mobile and unplugged, we are an all-terrain band that loves to perform on an equal footing with our audience.

Radio Helsinki - Barbara Belic
A 40-minute portrait of the Masala Brass Kollektiv on Barbara Belic’s radio programme: Download (71 MB - German language)