Ostbeatbend

Press text – short version

Ostbeatbend combines the musical diversity of the Balkans with original compositions and modern arrangements. Serbian, Romanian, Hungarian, Bosnian, Ukrainian, Macedonian and Bulgarian influences meet fiery rhythms, virtuoso interplay and an unmistakable joy of performance. The result is a distinctive sound that crosses borders – vibrant, emotional and compelling.

Press text – full version

The music of the Balkans, with its wealth of rhythms, melodies and traditions, forms the basis of Ostbeatbend’s wide-ranging repertoire. Roma musical traditions from Serbia, Romania and Hungary stand alongside Bosnian and Ukrainian songs, Macedonian, Bulgarian and Serbian melodies, as well as original compositions and arrangements.

Ostbeatbend was founded by percussionist Alexander “Aco” Zechbauer, whose enthusiasm for the musical diversity of the Balkans decisively shaped the project. Aco passed away in 2020, but his idea lives on: Ostbeatbend sees itself as a cross-border musical community project in which different personal and musical experiences come together.

The musicians’ creative interplay produces a distinctive sound between Balkan music, world music, jazz and freely explored influences – full of energy, emotion and joy.

Download both press texts as a Word file (German)