Kalistani Major History

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GanJam 4434 reflects a more sober sound
Music is more complex and introspective compared to previous years
Kluptoon, Odufaray
September 5, 4434

This year's Ganjam, held at at Kluptoon Pavillion in Odufaray, was a modest success, reported concert organizer Phillip Shankar.  "The lineup reflected an alternative mood which seems to hold sway in Kalistan's music scene this year.  As we scouted for bands, the sort of raucous acts which have graced our stages over the past few decades were either on hiatus or had split up.  It seems that the Valruzian invasion and Szarybeat bands are all things of the past as well.  So we returned this year to fundamentals.  The result was a festival with more complex and introspective music provided by bands designed for mature audiences.  I suppose the kids got the message and stayed home, which depressed sales.  So we finished in the black, but barely."  More than 95,000 fans attended the show during the 4 day festival , which is a lower attendance than usual.

Day 1 Highlights

The 4434 Ganjam was the first Jam in a while to not have an International Music day as Day 1 for the Show.  Instead, international acts were featured throughout the program.  Day 1 of this Jam also brought the artistic installations into focus.  As music played throughout the day from local and international bands, festival goers were also treated to dance exhibitions, modern art installations, and demonstrations of creative art performance.  An entire pavilion adjacent to the festival grounds allowed people to view the artistic works of Kalistani artists without getting too far from the music.  Featured in the pavilion was the recently formed Kaliburg Ballet, who performed the classic piece "The Walnut Suite" from notable Trigunian composer Vladovich.  The Troupe repeated the performance on Day 2.


Revolution Road, the top band on Kalistan's Alternative charts right now, headlined Night 1 of the Jam

At the Music Festival Day 1 featured music of an alternative flair.  The lineup included Kalistani alternative newcomers Revolution Road, who closed the night with their mix of hard rock and complex harmonies.  The foursome from Vrassa City had recently scored a number 1 on the Triple A charts in Kalistan, and because they were already booked, they were moved back in the Night's lineup to close the night out.  Leader singer Delores Butterfield said, "Wow, it is a real honor to play the Jam this year.  We tried to really kick out our rocking tunes, but had to also kinda keep it mellow.  It was a pretty neat balance to keep these Heads entertained.  But it was a great experience, and it really illuminated some ways we can grow as artists in the coming years."  Butterfield added, "I've never been asked out on so many dates.  Haha.  Sorry guys, and ladies:  I'm married to the band."

Day 2 Highlights


Individual Messiah brings alt-electronica back to the stage at this year's GanJam

Night 2 returned to normal form as the Legacy acts took the stage.  Acts which had not been heard of in 15 or 20 years made their way back to the stage.  Many of the bands were underground hits while the Szarybeat phenomenon was sweeping Kalistan and the rest of Seleya.  The night's concert was headlined by Alorian electronic rockers "Individual Messiah", who last toured Kalistan in 4416 and were just wrapping up a comeback tour of Seleya and Keris.  Lead singer Zeke Featherworth said, "It's always enjoyable to play Kalistan.  Most countries are not so liberal with their-- ahem--drug laws.  We try to come back here as often as we can, even if it's just as tourists.  But yeah, man, we'd love to play Kalistan more too, you know, if you know any booking agents.  When we come back, we'll do the rest of the cocaine...  hahaha..."

An older, and wiser Syndicate plays one final set for the Fans on Night 2 of the Jam

Night 2 was closed by Kalistani pop legends "The Syndicate" who reformed specifically for the Jam.  The Syndicate was the first Kalistani response to Szarybeat and broke the Valruzian monopoly over the Kalistani charts in 4419.  They haven't been active since 4423, when music tastes had left their sound behind, but lead singer Timmy Grafton said:  "When the Organizers of the Jam asked us to Headline this year, we jumped at the chance.  Most of us stayed in music, though we broke up in 23.  Bobby, Chip, and Walt have all become producers with 14 gold albums between them. I moved on to movie scores, and Donny and Futterman both put out a couple of solo records in the late  20s."  The only original member who was not able to join the band on stage was founding member William Torqelson.  "Willy, well, I mean, I guess its public news so I can repeat it, but, he...  When we broke up, he sort of lost his mind.  He went into prostitution, and in 4430, he murdered 14 cops while he was dusted to the eyeballs.  He's at King's Rock now.  I visited him a couple years ago and he's working the grounds.  He has no intention of leaving.  So, its just us six now."  The Syndicate drew audience appreciation and critical acclaim for their performance at the Jam. "Will we be getting back together?  I doubt it.  This was fun, but playing this show reminded us all why we split up.  I'm glad we could get back together for the fans." Grafton said following the set.

Day 3 Highlights

L-Night continued a recent trajectory of less elaborate stage performances, and quieter softer music.  This year's L-Night featured atmospheric music throughout the day, with alternative acid bands like Club Hits, Bison Rider and Friendship.  Many bands playing Day 3 adopted political protest messages throughout the day, with Steven Olaf of Bison Rider stopping one of the songs and saying "Hold up, hold up.  Man, goddamn, I gotta say, man.  What the hell were we thinking, putting these rightists into power?  I can't, nah, hold it brother, I just can't...  you know...  I can't believe that..."  As Olaf stepped away from the mic, the band picked the song up where it was left off and Olaf finished the set.  A visibly distraught Olaf was interviewed after the set:  "Yeah, the acid got a hold of me there." he said of the interruption.  "What a f--kin bummer, man.  This whole year has just been a real bummer..."  He continued walking on without another word.


L-Night Headliner Donald Horowitz continues playing with a broken guitar during one of the many Highlights of the evening

L-Night was headlined by Acid Rocker Donald Horowitz who took the stage at 10:03 pm, and played for two hours.  Most of his music was new, and consisted of complex instrumentation that in many ways reached out to RF styles.  Horowitz actually broke his guitar half way through the set, but when it began making a feedback sound, he messed with dials and pedals until he was able to modulate the guitar and improvised a solo that lasted 3 and a half minutes.  Most of the fans were completely unaware that anything unintended had happened during the song, and gave Horowitz a standing ovation.  Horowitz now holds the record for most songs played in a single set at the Ganjam:  Over the course of his set this year, Horowitz played 62 distinct songs, ranging from alternative to acid rock, to blues, with some acid soul thrown in for good measure. With this performance, Horowitz has solidified his position in the top 20 for the foreseeable future.

Day 4 Highlights


Sweater Set (formerly known as "Assflayer") closes the Jam on Night 4 and receives a standing ovation

The Show was closed on Day 4 with a broad mix of Kalistani and foreign acts.  Bands from Valruzia, Lourenne, Sekowo, and Egelion all appeared on stage with Kalistani bands interspersed throughtout the day. The Night closed with the biggest Alternative Rock band in Kalistan right now, rock candy veterans Sweater Set.  he Headliners performed a mix of their older music and newer stuff, all to the delight of the crowd.  Said lead singer Bette Svingson:  "We try to keep it sweet, but the lyrics themselves are actually more bittersweet.  There is a lot of songs about lost love.  Some of our poppiest songs are about domestic violence, if you listen to the lyrics.  Most people don't get past the saccharine of my voice though.  They think it is all about flowers and butterflies and sh-t like that."  Svingson said with a laugh.  "Most people don't know that Paco's [the lead guitarist and primary songwriter of the group] influence is speed metal and death metal.  When we were teenagers, Paco and I were in a death metal band called Assflayer.  That clearly didn't go anywhere."  The band had a great time closing the Jam this year, and the crowd loved the live set. 

Overall the Jam was enjoyed by all and marks anther success in the Festival's long history.