Celebrating its fifteenth edition this summer, Calvi On The Rocks returns once more to the French island of Corsica for another stylish summer spectacle.

In the decade and a half since its first edition, the festival has developed an unerring reputation for quality, an instantly recognisable aesthetic, and a devoted fanbase that is seemingly ever-increasing.

As they gear up for another outing on the beautiful Corsican coast – featuring performances from the likes of Black Coffee, Kerri Chandler and Jacques – we asked the team behind the festival what goes into sustaining the huge success of the annual summer party.



What inspired the original decision to launch Calvi On The Rocks?

We wanted to celebrate the art of living, Calvi style, with live music and sunbathing. Jean-Marie Tassy Simeoni, founder of Uzik agency, wanted to bring the party vibes to his home town. In 2003, he joined forces with Parisian nights masters Lionel Bensemoun and André Saraiva, as well as multi-tasker Edouard Rostand and his incredible network. Calvi On The Rocks was born.



Why was Corsica chosen as the festival’s home?

For Jean-Marie, Corsica is all about returning to his roots, his home. He was born there and knows the place very well. It’s an idyllic location with amazing landscapes, a real break from the busy Parisian life. There’s just no word for it, the pictures say it all.





The festival now attracts people from all over the world. How do you think you've achieved such an international appeal?

Calvi On The Rocks is now a major festival on the international scene, mostly thanks to its values and lineups. The festival boasts an intimate and friendly atmosphere with a touch of luxury and glamour.

Festival goers come from all over the world to experience this unique environment, with concerts in the moonlight right by the Citadelle, relaxing afternoons on the beach, Corsican chorus of voices at the church, and local food tasting.

People come to experience Calvi, its surprises, its artistic life and its unique setting.









You're one of few international festivals on the island. Why do you think that is?

Actually, there aren’t that many international festivals in any area of France. Events like Porto Latino or Les Nuits de la Guitare bring international superstars like Iggy Pop to Corsica every year.

Calvi On The Rocks may be the biggest international festival on the island, but Corsica does have a significant number of international events.



What is the focus when curating your lineups?

Our favourites are the residents, artists who’ve come back every year since the beginning, much like Pedro Winter or Pachanga Boys for instance. They come first.

Then there’s enthusiasm, we want artists to embrace the true nature of the festival, and to understand this isn’t just about coming to Calvi, performing there and then leaving.

Finally, it’s about music. The lineup is announced at the very last minute, our fans trust us and we try to live up to their expectations.



Who would be the dream booking for Calvi On The Rocks?

We’d very much like to see Karen Ann, LCD Soundsystem, Gesaffelstein, or Phoenix come back to the festival.

We’ve tried to get DJ Harvey, Seu Jorge or Gonzale to join us, and have been unable to make the dates work since the first edition.

And obviously legends like Devo, Arcade Fire, ESG and Brian Ferry, who are very difficult to get as a small festival… the list goes on.







You’re celebrating your 15th edition this summer. What have been your favourite moments since the first festival?

The third edition with our first live performance from LCD Soundsystem, right between Cut Killer and Simian Mobile Disco, DJ Mehdi’s generosity, and Pedro Winter’s back to back set with Laurent Garnier on the beach.

Every edition has its own surprises and ups and downs, like missed flights, amazing or disappointing sets, break-ups and love stories, jelly fish stings and midnight swims… Calvi is an experience where everyone wants to come back.



How has Calvi – both the town and the festival – changed and evolved over the past decade and a half?

Both the city and the festival have changed together. Calvi On The Rocks happens on the first weekend of July, which kind of kicks the start of the holiday season for the city.

Locals have always welcomed the festival - it brings a crowd of international travellers, and puts Calvi in the spotlight, making it a number one summer destination.







Finally, what do you hope for in the future of Calvi On The Rocks?

Calvi On The Rocks is now 15, and is kind of like a teenager. Organisers expect to keep the same vibes going, with interesting partners like Chanel, Villa Schweppes or ba&sh.

We’re thinking about more activities and places to focus on the atmosphere of the festival, rather than relying on the lineup. Calvi On The Rocks is on its way to become the French Coachella – a unique outdoor party with glamour and unforgettable nights. These are the true fundamentals of the festival we would like to keep.

There’s a big change coming up this year, as Calvi On The Rocks brings its vibes to three different places in Paris: we’ll be at La Mano, where we now lead the artistic direction, Garage (previously Grand Rivage) and Communion (previously Nuba), all at the Cité de la Mode et du Design. This is where our story continues...

Calvi On The Rocks 2017 takes place from 30 June to 5 July.



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