SLOW TRAVEL BERLIN
Popfest Berlin, Grüner Salon, until 5 October

More Pop Less Shit! is the slogan of Popfest Berlin, an annual event that showcases indie pop bands from around the world. Traditionally one night of music, this year, Popfest Berlin will feature nine bands from the UK, Germany, and Sweden over the course of Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Popfest tradition is widespread, with the cities of Limoges, Madrid, San Francisco, Vienna, New York, and London – among others – hosting a yearly event. And while a variety of bands both young and old play, their music spanning beneath the wide umbrella of indie pop music, the roots of these festivals arguably date back to C86, a cassette compilation put out in 1986 by NME.

Of the 22 artists featured on the C86 tape, a handful have already played Popfests, with last year’s headline of Close Lobsters being followed up this year with The Wolfhounds. Rounding out the lineup are Fire Island Pines, Flowers, and The Soulboy Collective on Friday, with The Groovy Cellar, Reserve, Alpaca Sports, The Felt Tips, and The Brilliant Corners on Saturday. And once the bands end, the DJs begin, playing tunes until the last dancer drops. Natalye Childress

Grüner Salon, Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz 2, 10178 Berlin; 030 24 00 93 27; U Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz; admission: €15 on Friday, €20 on Saturday, €35 for both days.