Babylon Soundgarden returns to Parkorman on Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August. For two days, the festival brings together international names and local acts. This year’s lineup features Jack White, Tomora (Aurora x Tom Rowlands), Wet Leg, The Kills, Radio Free, Alice, Rikas, Lin Pesto, Miskinler, Istanbul West Side Collective and more. The program moves between indie, electronic, and alternative sounds. Tickets are available via Passo.
Jack White
Jack White is one of the most influential rock musicians of the past two decades, known for blending blues, garage rock, punk, and classic rock into a sharp, instantly recognizable sound. Rising to global prominence as the frontman of The White Stripes, he helped define the early 2000s garage rock revival with stripped-back production and explosive riffs.
Beyond The White Stripes, White has led projects including The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, while building a prolific solo career marked by adventurous songwriting and analog-focused production. His solo albums such as Blunderbuss, Lazaretto, and Fear of the Dawn showcase his ability to move between raw blues rock, experimental textures, and tightly constructed guitar-driven anthems. Onstage, he is known for high-voltage performances built around virtuosic guitar work and an unpredictable, dynamic setlist.
Tomora (Aurora x Tom Rowlands)
Tomora brings together Norwegian artist Aurora and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers for a collaborative project that blends atmospheric vocals with driving electronic production. The partnership merges Aurora’s ethereal, emotionally charged style with Rowlands’ decades of experience shaping modern electronic music.
The result is a sound that moves between cinematic synth textures and rhythmic, dancefloor-ready beats. With both artists known for immersive live performances, Tomora introduces a fresh collaboration that bridges alternative pop sensibilities with expansive electronic soundscapes.
Wet Leg
British indie duo Wet Leg rose rapidly to international attention with their sharp songwriting, deadpan humor, and irresistibly catchy hooks. Formed by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, the band broke through with their self-titled debut album, which combined post-punk energy with playful, tongue-in-cheek lyricism.
Their music pairs jangly guitars and minimalist rhythms with conversational vocals that feel both detached and infectious. Songs like “Chaise Longue” and “Wet Dream” became viral hits, earning critical acclaim and major awards recognition. Live, Wet Leg balance wit and attitude with tight musicianship, turning seemingly understated tracks into energetic, crowd-moving performances.
The Kills
Anglo-American duo The Kills, consisting of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, have spent over two decades refining a lean, gritty take on garage rock and blues-infused minimalism. Emerging in the early 2000s indie scene, they built a reputation on sparse arrangements, distorted guitar lines, and a dark, moody aesthetic.
Albums such as No Wow, Midnight Boom, and Blood Pressures highlight their ability to fuse stripped-down rhythms with sharp hooks and an unmistakable sense of cool restraint. Their live shows are raw and intense, driven by Mosshart’s commanding stage presence and Hince’s razor-edged guitar work, creating a performance style that feels both intimate and confrontational.
Radio Free Alice
Radio Free Alice are an emerging indie band gaining attention for their sharp guitar work and energetic post-punk-influenced sound. Drawing inspiration from the angular rhythms and melodic urgency of classic indie rock, the group pairs driving instrumentals with tightly delivered vocals.
Their music balances raw energy with catchy hooks, giving their songs an immediate live appeal. With a growing reputation on the alternative circuit, Radio Free Alice bring a youthful intensity that fits naturally within the festival’s mix of indie and alternative acts.
Rikas
Rikas bring a mix of psychedelic and garage rock with Turkish flair. Their lively arrangements and melodic hooks make them a standout local act.
Lin Pesto
Lin Pesto produces smooth, genre-blending electronic music with rhythmic depth and layered sounds, adding a contemporary electronic edge to the lineup.
Miskinler
Miskinler fuse electronic beats with live instrumentation. Their sets often highlight groove-oriented rhythms and fluid performance energy.
Istanbul West Side Collective
Istanbul West Side Collective is a jazz-focused ensemble bringing together musicians from the city’s contemporary jazz and improvisational scene. Rooted in groove, spontaneity, and collaborative performance, the group explores a wide range of jazz traditions while maintaining a fresh, modern approach.
Babylon Soundgarden creates an open-air setting where the outdoors and music converge, bringing together different styles within an energetic, communal festival vibe. The day is designed to be full of dance-friendly rhythms, melodic highlights, and memorable live moments from both established and emerging performers.
To stay up to date, keep up with Babylon. Tickets are available via Passo.
Maslak, Büyükdere Cd. No: 263, 34475 Sarıyer/İstanbul
