Goethe-Institut’s ‘Slow Touring’ project brings up-and-coming Berlin musician to Ireland

Rising indie, soul and R’n’B star LIE NING to play two shows in Dublin as part of sustainability-focused European concert tour

The Goethe-Institut Irland has today (03.09.24) announced that Berlin-based queer musician, model, dancer LIE NING will be coming to Dublin next month for two concerts as part of its sustainability-focused ‘Slow Touring’ project.

LIE NING, whose music blends indie, soul and R’n’B, released their debut album utopia in April 2023 to critical acclaim. The album was produced by Irish Grammy winner Stephen Fitzmaurice, known for his work with artists including U2, Sam Smith, Alicia Keys, and Mary J Blige. Several tracks from the album have secured domestic and international playlist placements on Spotify, including on Spotify’s global flagship playlist GLOW, which spotlights LGBTQ+ artists.

Called “artist of the hour” by respected German music magazine Musikexpress and celebrated by Vogue Germany as their “new favourite artist from Berlin”, LIE NING has played sold-out venues in Berlin and Hamburg and performed in front of large crowds at various German music festivals.

During their stay in Dublin, LIE NING will perform on Culture Night (20th September) at the Goethe-Institut on Merrion Square, as well as at IMMA’s Earth Rising Festival on 21st September.

Slow Touring project aims to promote sustainable travel in music industry

LIE NING's concerts in Dublin and five other European cities are part of the Slow Touring project, initiated by the Goethe-Institut Irland. The project's goal is to counteract fast-paced and short-lived concert tours, creating both a more positive climate impact and a more meaningful experience for musicians. Additionally, the project emphasises the involvement of local communities, supports local economies, and aims to foster a sense of European solidarity and shared cultural identity through sustainable practices in the arts.

As part of the tour, LIE NING will travel by train and ferry via Amsterdam to Paris, Dublin, Manchester and Brussels, stopping at the Goethe-Institutes along the way. At each stop, there will be opportunities for collaboration with local musicians and a joint performance.

Commenting on the project, Director of the Goethe-Institut Irland, Ulrike Gasser said: “Sustainability, as well as climate and resource protection, are central to the Goethe-Institut's work. With this in mind, we have developed the Slow Touring project as a joint initiative with our colleagues in other institutes in Western Europe. Our aims are to promote sustainable and climate-friendly travel in the music industry, facilitate meaningful international cultural and musical exchange, and create opportunities for collaboration with local musicians and communities. LIE NING is a hugely talented musician with a strong interest in sustainability, equality and social justice, and we look forward to welcoming them to Dublin next month.”

LIE NING will perform at the Goethe-Institut in Dublin on 20th September (Culture Night) at 7:30pm and at IMMA on 21st September at 6pm. Admission to both concerts is free.

For further information, visit goethe.de/slowtouring and imma.ie.

ENDS

Contact: Sebastian Enke, Enkom PR, Tel: 087-3239496 / Email: media@enkom.ie