PAROV STELAR – ONE TO REMEMBER 

BY LILY MEDWIN

20th March 2024.

EventimApollo. 

Parov Stelar. 

A concert very much worth the wait. 

After being postponed for just over three years, I finally went to see the incredible band. Parov Stelar is a mix of genres from swing and jazz to electro, house music with a whole lot more, especially once you have experienced them live. Parov Stelar is the stage name for Austrian musician, composer and DJ – Marcus Füreder who is the real brains and mechanics behind the stunning operation of music that the band composes. He is also one of Austria’s most successful artists and in large demand throughout the world. Consisting of two singers and three additional musicians – for this performance - (a saxophonist, two trumpeters) the band created an unimaginable atmosphere, one where the whole energy of the room was bursting with joy and dance. 

Parov Stelar started his career in the 1990’s and started professionally producing in the 2000’s. He has appeared throughout the time of his career under multiple stage names, consisting of; Plasma, Cash Candy and Nola Grey which seems to create more of a depth of mystique to his character when on stage. Possibly an intentional façade to add to the musical depth of the band or maybe just for a fun twist to his music. 

Their newest album ‘Moonlight Love Affair’ which came out in 2020, was one I hadn’t listened a lot prior to the concert. However, that did not affect my experience in any way, as many of the band’s songs have a good rhythm within them so not knowing all of their music was actually more intriguing and more helpful as they introduce you to different, slightly unusual but always catchy compositions. 

Although there was the hassle of postponing the concert multiple times and even changing venues, it was all worth it and holding it at the EventimApollo made for a great venue where all parties could enjoy from whichever preference of place they wanted. Whether you were in the seats above or on the open dance floor at the centre of the stage – Parov Stelar made the concert extremely enjoyable and entirely entertaining for everyone.

The light effects which can quite often, offer mediocre depth and dynamic to a performance did quite the opposite on this night. 

The careful placements of the musicians when opening the performance immediately told us that we were in for a great evening of brilliant music and energy. 

Having got a new member, an incredible trumpeter (??) he, for me, really lit up the stage just that bit more. His detailed solo’s and enthusiastic, entertaining additions to the overall vibrant concert, put the icing on the cake. 

As for song favourites, my top recommendations would have to be ‘All Night’, the entirety of the album ‘Demon Diaries’, ‘The Sun’, ‘Chambermaid Swing’, ‘Keep This Fire Burning’ and ‘I need L.O.V.E’. Parov Stelar are a perfect mix of upbeat tunes and interesting jazz to brighten your day or excite your evening. 

Overall, my experience of Parov Stelar was a great one. Filled with enthusiasm and terrific notions of the overall cool, inspiring energy they have. They are a band who I would most definitely see again and one I will keep on recommending. 

A concert very much worth the wait.