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Music

UNCOVERS: La Nature and its hidden harmonies

words: Luca Morniroli

17.06

UNCOVERS: La Nature and its hidden harmonies

UNCOVERS: La Nature and its hidden harmonies

Immersed in forest stillness yet pulsing with life, La Nature resists conventional definitions of a festival. For a while, I have followed its evolution from afar, drawn by whispers of ritualistic dancefloors and a sensibility that feels as ecological as it is emotional. This year, I finally had the chance to speak with Julien Baratto, Artistic Director and core member of the NoName collective, to explore how La Nature continues to challenge formats, expectations, and our collective relationship to art, music, and environment.

By revealing the full programme only as the gates open, you invite guests into the unknown. What do you hope they discover in that moment of surprise? For a festival without a traditional, pre‑announced lineup, how should first‑timers prepare, and what can they expect when they arrive?

I hope attendees experience a genuine moment of epiphany—discovering a programme that lives up to their aspirations: niche, bold, and blending immersive experience with emerging art. Our secret line‑up concept never betrays our identity or philosophy; what they can expect is precisely the spirit that has defined us from the start, but served with a twist of the unexpected. For newcomers, I’d encourage an open and curious mindset—free yourself from conventional expectations and drop your usual festival benchmarks. Once they arrive, they’ll be drawn into a collective adventure, a sensory exploration where every act—be it musical, artistic, or immersive—will enrich their experience, all while remaining true to the creative thread we’ve been weaving over the years.

Sustainability lies at the heart of La Nature. Which eco‑innovations or day‑to‑day practices are you most proud of, and how do they shape the festival experience?

What I’m most proud of is the collective awareness that drives every team member and attendee, starting with the smallest actions. At La Nature, every detail matters – be it waste sorting, monitoring litter, or using reusable materials – and it’s not about greenwashing, but a philosophy firmly rooted in our DNA. Our eco‑team works tirelessly behind the scenes, with meticulous attention to educating and supporting eco‑friendly choices. The energy and dedication they bring to this mission, with passion and persistence, is truly remarkable – it’s this collective spirit that makes the festival a vibrant, respectful and inspirational experience for all.

Fleur Sauvage ASBL debuted this spring. How will the label allow the spirit of La Nature to live on long after the weekend ends?

We are incredibly proud to have released Fleur Sauvage’s first record one week before the festival — a revival of a performance that deeply moved us two years ago by Katatonic Silentio. To honor it, we hosted a pre-listening session the evening before the release, deep in the forest, bringing together the festival crew and volunteers—like a ritual awakening nature to herald the forthcoming weekend. The moment was simple, yet profoundly moving. Looking ahead, we already have several upcoming releases in the pipeline, each one inspired by standout moments from the festival. Our goal is to capture those emotionally resonant musical experiences in a timeless way. Fleur Sauvage is intended as a living memory, a vibrant archive that not only prolongs but also shares the spirit of La Nature throughout the year—until it brings us together again.

Translating a woodland gathering into urban club nights and European showcases must present unique hurdles. What have been the biggest challenges and surprises in that process?

The main idea behind our European club tour is to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the NoName collective — founder of La Nature festival, but also behind dozens of club nights and events over the years. Many people only know La Nature for the festival, but over the past 15 years we’ve built deep collaborations with clubs, collectives, labels, and other festivals across Europe. The biggest challenge has been bringing this extended “family” of the collective together across all these dates — we’ve always wanted to celebrate as one, keeping that collective energy alive. Our debut in Porto was a particularly magical moment — a beautiful surprise not only to (re)discover that stunning city, but also to witness our community seamlessly coming together with such warmth and enthusiasm. It reminded us that no matter the venue, the human chemistry is always there.

How do you plan to evolve La Nature’s programming and visitor experience while preserving its intimate, community‑driven soul?

Since last year, we’ve decided to cap attendance at the current capacity — just enough to preserve that essential intimacy without ever feeling overcrowded. We want the warmth and familiarity to grow organically throughout the weekend, building toward a powerful, communal climax on the final day — a genuine moment of connection among crew, artists, and attendees. The programming will stay true to our philosophy: curated, immersive, and focused on exploring new sonic territories. We’ll continue enhancing the little details — subtle scenography, bespoke sound creations, immersive installations — so that every moment feels personal yet communal, strengthening the sense of belonging to a dynamic, living community.

Over the years, how have artist‑led workshops and site‑specific installations become integral to La Nature’s identity? What keeps you innovating in that space?

These elements have naturally become a core pillar of our festival ethos — not just a succession of concerts, but a fully immersive experience where music, scenography, artist-led workshops, and installations merge into a unified environment. A turning point was establishing a dedicated, passionate, and inquisitive programming crew both in charge of the scenography and the interdisciplinary leg. They collaborate closely, also integrating the artists, inviting them to propose performative or participatory projects. Our annual open call has further amplified the diversity of offerings — from commissioning artist residencies to interactive installations and workshops — continuously enriching our scenography and artistic program. And then there is the forest itself — our living, breathing stage — an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Artists engage with the environment, transforming and interrogating it in often unexpected ways. This unpredictable dialogue between nature and creation is what keeps our team innovating edition after edition — striving to surprise audiences, and themselves.

What is it about Baraque de Fraiture that resonates most with you personally, and which features of this landscape do you find indispensable when shaping La Nature’s atmosphere and programming?

Throughout the programming process, Baraque de Fraiture is always on my mind: I envision the story each artist might tell there — whether it’s beneath the cathedral-like fir trees at the La Chapelle stage, in the intimate embrace of the Hypnose Room as dawn breaks, or in the unique energy that fills La Clairière late Sunday morning after 24 hours of collective trance and still many hours ahead. The site is an endless well of inspiration — its natural ambiance moves us deeply, and we feel truly at home there. It’s both a childhood dream — imagining a festival on a Belgian ski slope — and a realisation, as we witness the results of this year’s edition.

This interview offered more than a glimpse into festival organization or artistic choices—it sketched a broader picture of how sound, place, and intention can weave together in meaningful ways. La Nature doesn’t just happen in the forest; it seems to grow alongside it, attuned to its pace and presence. In a time marked by overstimulation, such a mindful approach to space, community, and artistic experience stands out quietly. Perhaps there’s something in that quiet worth paying attention to.

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