Kicking Fest

Kicking Fest: The Punk Spirit in the Heart of the Vosges

Kicking Fest is the musical emanation of the independent label Kicking Records, founded in 2006 by Stéphane Cupillard. Originally created to help the band The Black Zombie Procession release an album, the label quickly grew to become a true cultural ecosystem encompassing music, publishing, textiles, and skateboarding. The festival, a live showcase of this adventure, brings together the Kicking family and its friends on stage each year to celebrate punk rock in all its forms.

A Festival Rooted in Skate Punk Culture

More than just a music festival, Kicking Fest embodies skate punk culture in all its diversity. The concerts blend melodic punk rock, hardcore, independent rock, and acoustic pop, reflecting the eclecticism of the Kicking Records catalog, which features about fifteen bands from France, Hungary, Australia, and the United States. The world of skateboarding is omnipresent, with signed boards in the colors of the label's bands and a community united by a passion for riding and music.

La Souris Verte: A Venue for Vosges Punk

The festival takes place at La Souris Verte, the Scène de Musiques Actuelles (SMAC) in Épinal, located at 17 rue des États-Unis. This accredited venue, the beating heart of musical life in the Vosges, offers an ideal setting for standing concerts with free placement, creating intense proximity between artists and the audience. The venue has PMR access and regularly hosts the biggest names on the French independent scene.

Memorable Editions

Over the years, Kicking Fest has hosted legends of French punk such as Les Sheriff, pioneers of French punk rock, Burning Heads, a reference for melodic skate punk from Orléans, as well as Forest Pooky, Supermunk, The Eternal Youth, Muscu, and Panic Monster. The festival also offers opportunities for discussion with the public about the history of the label and the independent punk scene, reinforcing its role as a cultural conduit beyond just the concert.

An Uncompromising Do It Yourself Spirit

True to the punk Do It Yourself ethic, Kicking Fest prioritizes authenticity and conviviality. Prices remain affordable, the atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, and each edition is driven by the sincere passion of its organizers for independent music. The festival actively contributes to the cultural influence of Épinal and the Vosges region by attracting enthusiasts from all over France.