OVERVIEW: Prague's live music scene – must-visit small venues for fall

It’s Thursday night at Přístav 18600 or maybe Fuchs2. The crowd’s buzzing, and the stage is on fire: could it be Berlin Manson or Dukla tearing it up? If the room’s packed, you’re in the right place. The scene? A magnetic pulse of raw, homegrown energy.

Prague’s small venue circuit has always thrived on its underground edge, but after Covid-19 it’s exploded into something more fierce. Tereza Odehnalová, a local promoter and key player in the scene, credits this shift to a surge in love for local talent and a fresh, more immersive way of experiencing live music.

“The scene is very lively and diverse,” says Odehnalová. “After Covid, when small clubs were dependent on strictly local lineups, people found beauty in Czech-only music programs. Some smaller venues still thrive on that. Sometimes, people would rather see their friends’ new band play than a small international act.”

This local focus doesn’t mean the scene is limited. There’s no shortage of noteworthy upcoming international acts slated for the Czech capital’s clubs and smaller performance spaces this fall. From a Hungarian YouTuber-turned-rapper selling out stadiums in his home country to Eurovision’s first non-binary winner, all seem to challenge the status quo and resonate with audiences seeking authenticity and change.

In recent years, social media has also played a significant role in shaping Prague’s music scene. The TikTok app, in particular, has been instrumental in propelling local artists into the spotlight, says Live Nation promoter Ondřej Pojzl. “It’s evident that TikTok has played a significant role in the rise of numerous musicians, with particular songs gaining immense popularity through creator videos,” Pojzl says.

While social media can create overnight sensations, it’s still up to the artists to prove their staying power. Many of these rising stars are now performing in smaller venues, where they must demonstrate their ability to maintain or even enhance their popularity.

Hungarian YouTube star and rapper Azahriah, for instance, has captivated sell-out stadium audiences in his home country but is set to make his mark on Prague’s small venue scene at Lucerna Music Bar on Nov. 1. Known for songs like Rampapapam, which even drew the attention of Hungary’s conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Azahriah’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.

During this year’s Eurovision Song Competition, social media exploded with the hashtag #BabyLasagnaForTheWin, and fan videos featuring everything from elaborate lasagna-themed costumes to dance routines inspired by the singer’s Rim Tim Tagi Dim flooded the internet. The viral sensation (Croatian singer Marko Purišić in real life) will thrill Prague audiences with his multilayered act on April 1 at MeetFactory.

When it comes to genre, if you’re looking for what’s hot right now, Odehnalová points to rap and club music as the most in-demand. “Rap events are still the ones that are the most hyped, followed by parties with club music,” she says.

In addition to Azahriah, Swedish rapper Eliphant's clever fusion of hip-hop, indie pop, and grime will hit the stage at Fuchs2 on Oct. 26. Swiss Eurovision sensation Nemo, who blends rap, drum' n‘ bass, and opera, is set to bring their groundbreaking energy to Prague’s Roxy in spring 2025. Known for their powerful track The Code, the performer has become a pivotal figure in raising awareness about non-binary identities, both onstage and off.

But Prague’s small venues remain versatile. In September, Portuguese singer Maro, who can count singer Billie Eilish among her fans, plays at MeetFactory. In October, Hungary’s Carson Coma, indie rockers known for their bold stance on social and political issues, come to Fuchs2. In November, California pop/punk band SWMRS and the blistering rock of The Virginmarys (from England) will come to Café V lese.

Odehnalová says that, in the end, it’s difficult to make generalizations. She notes that while alternative indie rock or rap thrive in the small club scene, it’s clear from the influx of different acts coming to Prague, many of which cross genres, that: “People are attracted to music with a powerful message or something they can just enjoy at a party.”

In the meantime, Berlin Manson appears at Fuchs2 as part of F2 Live Open Air on Aug. 16, while Dukla brings their new-wave-influence sounds to Přístav on Aug. 29.