Dietmar Leibecke
filling a niche in the German music scene since 2016
static roots festival - Germany's one and only Americana music festival: non-commercial, non-funded, independent - all for the love of music.
The Static Roots Festival - Our Philosophy: More Than Just Music
Static Roots Festival isn't just about the notes played – it's a feeling, a shared passion that genuinely connects everyone involved. Born from a deep love for roots, folk, and Americana, it has blossomed into a cherished gathering, celebrated for the uniquely warm, family-like atmosphere that makes it stand out.
Our core philosophy echoes 'Peace, Love, Rock'n'Roll'. We focus on creating a truly welcoming environment where everyone – artists and audience alike – feels valued and right at home. Hand-in-hand with this goes our commitment to providing a stage for incredible lesser-known and emerging artists, helping them connect with new fans who appreciate authentic talent before an international audience.
We believe in sustainability that cares for both our environment and the well-being of everyone attending. Our motto, 'roots music to feed your soul', speaks to the heart of what we offer: an experience where the deep emotional power of music can genuinely nourish and inspire, creating lasting memories.
Acting on our values is key. That’s why we're proud to actively support the vital work of Doctors Without Borders / Ärzte Ohne Grenzen through our merchandise sales – turning our shared love for music into tangible help and demonstrating our commitment to compassion and solidarity.
Above all, Static Roots is about connection. It's a place where people from across the globe gather, drawn together by their passion for music, ready to share unforgettable moments. In a world that often feels rushed, we cherish authenticity and depth, celebrating the power of music to truly connect us, heart to heart.
Ultimately, Static Roots weaves together well-being, artistic discovery, and community spirit. It’s an invitation to celebrate the music you love in a way that also honours genuine connection, sustainability, and making a positive impact together.
Inauguration
2016 has seen the inauguration of the Static Roots Festival at Zentrum Altenberg in Oberhausen, Germany.
The festival 2016 was a great success. With Leeroy Stagger (CAN), The Wynntown Marshals (SCO), John Blek & The Rats (IRL), Malojian (Northern-Ireland), Meena Cryle & The Chris Fillmore Band (AUT), The Midnight Union Band (IRL), and Anna Mitchell (IRL) it was a great line-up. And if Daniel Romano (CAN) had entered the correct address into his GPS the crowd would have enjoyed him as well.
Static Ruhr Tour
On the festival Friday, we organize the Static Ruhr Tour. Oberhausen is in the middle of one of the most industrialized areas in Europe, the Ruhrvalley (“Ruhrgebiet”). The Ruhrvalley is a melting pot: for more than 200 years people from all over Europe (Poland, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Spain, …) came here to find work. And they also brought their cultures. We’ll take you to iconic industrial (and non-industrial) places, we might have a local Currywurst, and a Pils beer. We want to give you an understanding of the distinctive charme of the area.
Doctors Without Borders
The Static Roots Festival is non-commercial, non-funded, and independent. All proceeds from the sale of Static Roots merch are being donated to Doctors without Borders/MdF. In combination with the 2016 festival, a fundraiser campaign for Doctors Without Borders/MSF was set up and raised about 9.050 EUR. In total from 2016 to 2023 the Static Roots Festival raised more than 23.500 EUR in support of Doctors Without Borders!
| Year | Donation |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 9.050 EUR |
| 2017 | 545 EUR |
| 2018 | 1.200 EUR |
| 2019 | 2.500 EUR |
| 2022 | 4.000 EUR |
| 2023 | 3.500 EUR |
| 2024 | 3.000 EUR |
| Total | 23.795 EUR |
"One Of The Best Americana Music Festivals in the world"
The readers of the LonesomeHighway.com magazine voted the first edition of the Static Roots Festival one of the three best Americana music festivals in 2016 (next to AmericanaFest, Nashville, and Kilkenny Roots Festival, Ireland).
Holy canoli - that's a dream come true!
Static Roots Festival - Testimonials
Thanks to all the press and radio folks who took the time to check out our little Americana music festival and post a review about it. We feel absolutely chuffed!
previous lineups & galleries
check out the previous Static Roots Festival lineups and galleries
Static Roots Festival 2016
the inaugural festival, one day, six acts (well, five plus one lost act)
Static Roots Festival 2017
the first fully public Static Roots Festival, two days, nine acts
Static Roots Festival 2018
Getting into the groove with two days and eleven acts - all of them showing up.
Static Roots Festival 2019
the first sold out Static Roots Festival. Two days featuring thirteen acts. Hallelujah!
Static Roots Festival 2024
Early sell out, receiving even more accolades: "the best little festival in Europe"
Static Roots Festival 2022
A spectacular return after a three year hiatus!
Static Roots Festival 2023
receiving accolades: "one of the best, in any genre, anywhere!"
side projects
stay safe sessions
No more live music? What am I going to do? In the early days of the pandemic we've been absolutely thinking the same. Lockdown? Social distancing? No more going out to live shows? What can we do?
We launched the "stay safe sessions" project as there is so much great music out there. We invited artists to play for our “stay safe sessions” and asked to contribute a video of one of their songs. The response has been incredible, the resulting videos are amazing. And we'll most likely keep the series alive for as long as possible.
static roots presents
Bringing more Americana music to the Ruhr valley. We started promoting shows back in 2006, brought the house concert series at "Raumfahrtzentrum Saarner Kuppe" into life in 2007. German music magazine Folker declared it as "one of Germany's most successful house concert series". After 13 years and round about 90 shows, the pandemic set in and brought house concerts to a halt. That's why we inaugurated the static roots presents series in the summer of 2021 with promoting public shows in different local venues. The first acts booked are Jerry Joseph (USA) with Our Man In The Field (UK) and The Dimpker Brothers (SWE), Jesse Malin (USA) and The Delines (USA).
static roots on Spotify
Music is our life. We listen to plenty of new music, receive recommendations from friends all over the world, from musicians that we see playing live shows. On Spotify we provide playlists with "songs that got us through the year". In our blog we present the songs that we've added to the playlist and we'll let you know why we think these songs are great and ought to be heard.