The Highlights from Day 1 of Color Fest 14 They are the real beating heart of prime time: the’11 August 2026, on the Falcone and Borsellino promenade by Lamezia Terme, even before they take to the stage Apparat e James Holden & Waclaw Zimpel, is the the new Italian scene set to take centre stage. Four names to watch — Gaia Banfi, Labadessa, Cloudface e First Room to the Right — which tell us where the independent singer-songwriting spanning electronic music, literary writing and new sounds. A guide to ensure you’re well prepared for the Day 1 and find out who is most likely to be gracing the stages in the coming years.

The Colour Fest It has always been the case, ever since 2012, a prime vantage point overlooking the independent music: a festival that puts the headliner international artists alongside up-and-coming talents, giving them the same stage and the same audience. The 14th edition, scheduled for the’11, 12 and 13 August 2026 on Riviera of Sunsets at Calabria, is no exception. And the Day 1 It begins with precisely this philosophy: backing the names that are already making their mark today, but which are set to take off tomorrow.

Gaia Banfi: singer-songwriting that becomes a soundscape

Gaia Banfi, singer-songwriter, musician and producer Milanese, is one of the most interesting new voices to have emerged recently on the Italian music scene. His songwriting is pop immediate yet profound in substance: a language that blends songwriting, electronics, ambient and ideas jazz, built around a vocal style that is both intense and airy.

His second album, “La Maccaia” (released on 4 April 2025 for Lost and Found), was one of the most acclaimed debuts of the year: an album redolent of mist, memories and Liguria, preceded by the singles “Central Square” e “Seia”. As early as 2020 had published “Lotus”, whilst at the start of the 2026 She’s back with some new tracks “In his memory” e “In the spotlight”. His stated influences — from Bon Iver a Radiohead, from Floating Points a Stan Getz — say a great deal about the depth of the project. At the Colour Fest 14 It could well be one of the most evocative live performances of the whole day.

Labadessa: the singer-songwriter who never ceases to amaze

Labadessa It is one of those projects that has built up a loyal following away from the mainstream spotlight, focusing on the quality of the writing rather than on hype. It is a indie singer-songwriting with delicate textures, carefully crafted arrangements and lyrics that linger in the mind long after you’ve finished listening.

The song that, more than any other, made him famous is “We should get a dog” (2019), which over the years has become a little cult gem of the the Italian independent film scene, much talked about and sought after by a loyal following. Live, Labadessa transforms these songs into intimate, atmospheric moments, perfect for the sunset atmosphere on the first evening of the Colour Fest. A set that’s perfect for those who love singer-songwriter done with care and attention.

Faccianuvola: Gen Z’s electronic emotionality

Behind Cloudface there is Alessandro Feruda, class of 2002, originally from Valtellina: singer-songwriter, songwriter and producer who transformed the’autotune from pop effect to expressive instrument. His music is a fusion of the Italian singer-songwriter tradition and electronics dreamy, made of synth captivating and evocative lyrics — to the extent that some have detected, in his way of re-enchanting pop, an echo of Franco Battiato.

Starting with the first tracks published on SoundCloud in 2022, made his debut with the album “the stars* the sun; the rainbow))” at 2024, and then went on to prove itself with “The sweet memory of our desperate youth” (2025, Columbia Records / Sony Music Italy), an album characterised by a more mature and multi-layered style of songwriting. It’s one of those projects that works really well at a festival like the Colour Fest: a modest collection, but music that really comes into its own and can captivate a wide audience when needed.

First Room on the Right: dream pop from Naples

First Room to the Right He is perhaps the most talked-about name in this quartet. Producer and songwriter Neapolitan, at a very young age, he created a highly recognisable soundscape: falsetto delicate, dreamlike atmospheres, a production that blends dream pop, shoegaze e trip hop. Each of his songs seems to begin life first as a landscape and then as a song, with a very strong visual element.

The second EP, “The girl who played the piano” (2026), made this point abundantly clear: the tracks feature some major collaborations, such as the one with Dardust and with BRAIL. His live career, meanwhile, is already impressive — from summer festivals to supporting acts for the likes of James Blake in Turin and Fred again.. in Naples. At the Colour Fest 14 It brings together all this imagery, suspended between dream and electronic music, in one of the most original offerings of the Day 1.

Day 1’s rising stars at a glance

Four very different projects, but with a single common thread: research. That’s why it’s worth arriving early at the Colour Fest 14 the’11 August 2026.

• Gaia Banfi — singer-songwriter, electronic and jazz; album “La Maccaia” (2025). For those who love Bon Iver e Radiohead.
• Labadessa — an indie singer-songwriter track with delicate textures; a signature track “We should get a dog”. For those looking for an intimate atmosphere and good lyrics.
• Cloudface — electronic emotion and expressive Auto-Tune; latest album “The sweet memory of our desperate youth” (2025). For those who want the pop music of the future.
• First Room to the Right — dream pop, shoegaze and trip hop from Naples; EP “The girl who played the piano” (2026). For those who daydream.

Why Color Fest focuses on up-and-coming artists

The Colour Fest It has been, for over ten years, a workshop for the the Italian independent scene: many of the names that now fill clubs and festivals used to play here before they made it big. Pay attention to the emerging of Day 1 It’s not just a matter of curiosity: it’s the best way to find out in advance who’ll be performing amongst the headliner in the coming years. The day of the’11 August, moreover, brings these four talents together with the major international names on the programme, in an ongoing dialogue between the present and the future of the independent music.

Want the full picture of prime-time TV? You’ll find all the Line-up for Color Fest 2026, with the sections dedicated to the main characters of the Day 1 such as Apparat, James Holden & Waclaw Zimpel e Gaia Banfi.

When and where does Day 1 take place?

Day 1 — Colour Fest 14: Tuesday 11 August 2026, Lamezia Terme (CZ), Falcone and Borsellino promenade, Riviera of Sunsets. The festival takes place over four stages — Tramonti Stage (CUPRA Stage), Pinewood Stage, Future Stage, Marley Stage (acoustic) — plus the Colour Market. The emerging they often find a home on more intimate stages such as the Marley Stage, where the acoustic dimension enhances the composition.

Frequently asked questions about the Day 1 qualifiers

Who are the up-and-coming artists on Day 1 of Color Fest 14?

The emerging The results from the first day are Gaia Banfi, Labadessa, Cloudface e First Room to the Right: four projects by the the new Italian independent scene who play the’11 August 2026 a Lamezia Terme, on the same day as Apparat e James Holden & Waclaw Zimpel.

When is Day 1 of Color Fest 2026 taking place?

The Day 1 è Tuesday 11 August 2026. The whole Colour Fest 14 the’11, 12 and 13 August 2026 on Falcone and Borsellino promenade by Lamezia Terme, in Calabria.

What musical genre do these artists perform?

They range from songwriting featuring electronic and jazz music by Gaia Banfi to the indie singer-songwriter track by Labadessa, from the’electronic emotion by Cloudface at dream pop / shoegaze by First Room to the Right. Different genres united by innovation and originality.

How much do tickets for Day 1 cost?

Tickets start at 39 euros. To experience the full’11 August You need a ticket 1 Day of the’11 August, but anyone wanting the full experience can choose the’Full Subscription over the three days — in exhaustion. Full details at Tickets and Info.

Where can I stay during the festival?

Dedicated accommodation options are available: the Camping Ulisse (from 70 euro) and the Lido La Baia (from 60 euro). Attention: the Camping Ulisse è sold out for the 12 and 13 August, whilst the Lido La Baia. To help you plan your stay, do have a look at our guides on camping and festivals in Calabria and on How to enjoy summer in Calabria.

Experience Day 1: get your ticket

Discover the Day 1 standouts Seeing it live is one of the best ways to appreciate the Colour Fest 14: new music, sunsets over the sea and four stages on the Riviera of Sunsets. The three-day subscriptions are sold out and as for accommodation, the following is still available: Lido La Baia (the Camping Ulisse is already sold out (for 12 and 13 August): if you’d like to be there on the’11 August 2026, it’s time to get moving. Secure your place and choose from the following season tickets Full and single-day tickets at Ticketmaster.

Color Fest XIV - 11 / 12 / 13 August 2026 - Lamezia Terme - Riviera dei Tramonti - Calabria. Summer on a Solitary Beach.