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'Helene Matthia and HALA

are surprising and audacious'

- Rinus van der Heijden | album review 'HALA' | www.jazznu.com

'Free improvisations

transform into

contagious rock rhythms and

funky dance tunes.'

- Eddy Determeyer | concert review | www.draaiomjeoren.com

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With shocking effect and energy HALA explores a diverse theatrical interplay based on the vocalist Helene Matthia's fairytale-like compositions. Their music sounds nearly absurdist and evil, and scatters from progressive rock, avant-pop and (free) improvisation to avant-garde and cabaret; with Helene Matthia on voice, Arno Bakker on sousaphone, Jorrit Westerhof on guitar and Gerri Jäger on drums.

The band was formed in 2017 in the basement of Atelier "Il sole in cantina", Cantina Records in Groningen, which is known for its experimental journeys. They have released three EP’s:

'Hala' (2018)

'Blueberry Ink' (2019)

'How Do You Do' (2022)

A few highlights of their performances were Jazzfestival Karlsruhe 2018, ZomerJazzFietsTour Groningen 2019, Schnittpunkte der Musik Festival Austria 2021, RAUW x Jazzinternational Rotterdam 2022, Perifest Deventer 2023, Space Is The Place x Cinetol Summer Festival Amsterdam 2023 and an Interplanetary Night at Bimhuis Amsterdam 2024.

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In July 2022 they’ve had a successful release tour of their EP 'How Do You Do' - to Germany, Austria and Slovenia (supported by Fonds Podiumkunsten)

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The next tour will be in September 2024 (see CONCERTS).

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