DPR IAN, JayKey and the Silence After Tears
Colours of Ostrava 2025 – DPR IAN, JayKey and the Silence After Tears
An informal festival report, from a place where reality briefly tuned into something much better.
The biggest disappointment of this year’s Colours of Ostrava?
That I could only attend for two days instead of four.
The festival atmosphere was soaked in positive energy from the very first step.
It was heartwarming to watch people of all ages – from the tiniest kids to smiling seniors – enjoying the same space together, in harmony, with joy, and in the present moment.
And something that really surprised me – in the best way – was the behavior of the crowd.
After all those warning comments on social media, I came mentally prepared for drunk and wasted festival-goers. But none of that came true.
People were polite, considerate, and genuinely friendly.
Nobody shoved or pushed in the crowd – on the contrary, everyone gave each other space, helped one another, and smiled. Whether you were standing at a concert or grabbing a bite at a food stall, the vibe was peaceful and full of mutual respect.
The same could be said for the vendors – so warm, welcoming, and ready to chat.
Every stand felt like a mini adventure. I had lovely conversations, tried loads of delicious food, and there was plenty of humor and human connection.
The range was impressive – from exotic tastes to honest Czech craftsmanship and handmade creations.
And what about prices? Surprisingly reasonable!
Given the scale and popularity of the festival, I was ready for budget-breaking numbers…
But nope – food and drinks were much more affordable than expected, and I was genuinely relieved.
The festival offered an incredible variety of stages and musical performances across cultures and genres.
There truly was something for everyone – and often something completely unexpected to discover.
Beyond the concerts, I have to highlight the rich side program, packed with workshops, discussions, and artistic installations.
The space was used creatively and thoughtfully, making sure that every corner delivered a unique and memorable experience.
Fans of Korean culture were in for a real treat – at the booth hosted by the Korean Embassy, visitors could try on a traditional hanbok, taste authentic Korean treats, and join a hands-on workshop to craft a colorful keepsake to take home.
It wasn’t just about the activities – the whole space radiated warmth and friendliness, inviting people to chat about Korean traditions and everyday life.
Solid infrastructure and unforgettable soundscapes
The overall facilities were on a very solid level.
I especially appreciated the easy access to charging stations – they were clearly marked, fully functional, and actually worked, which is often not the case at events like this.
Toilets were clean, accessible, and well-maintained throughout the day.
The only downside came in the evenings – after some of the bigger shows, access was more limited and lines started forming.
Still, it was manageable and nothing dramatic.
And now to a musical experience I’ll never forget:
Friday night is going to stay with me forever.
The performance of South Korean composer Jung Jae-il with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra was so powerful, emotional, and musically intense that it brought me to tears.
It’s been a long time since I witnessed a performance that touched me so deeply and left such a strong resonance inside.
Saturday – sun, soundchecks, and something unforgettable
Saturday wasn’t just about chillout zones and escaping the sun – it was about a program you simply couldn’t ignore.
For me personally, the absolute highlight of the festival was DPR IAN.
Even his soundcheck completely captivated me.
The sound, the emotion, the presence – it was obvious from the very first moment that this was going to be something extraordinary.
A rebellious surprise: Lee Seung Yoon
One of the biggest surprises of the entire festival for me was Lee Seung Yoon.
At first glance, he came across like a “gum-chewing bad boy with a cheeky stare.”
But the moment he stepped on stage and hit the first chords on his guitar, he transformed into an explosive, bouncing phenomenon.
The energy he sent into the crowd was absolutely infectious.
And when he jumped off the stage into the audience, a wave of euphoria swept through everyone around him.
His interaction with the crowd, his charisma, and that unstoppable drive to pull every ounce of energy out of the audience completely stunned me.
Nobody could stay indifferent – and I’m already putting his name on my „must-see-again-and-hear-louder“ list.
Videoreport: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMar2x0Myxy/?igsh=MXRrcHV0d29xMDhtaA==
Not quite my vibe… and then came him.
Sofi Tukker weren’t exactly my cup of tea.
But I have to admit – the energy in the crowd was so strong and contagious, it naturally pulled me in and made me enjoy the moment.
And then… he appeared.
DPR IAN – for me, the main reason to be at Colours of Ostrava.
After a cheerful soundcheck, he stepped onto the stage as his dark, intense alter ego, MITO – a character he created to express his internal struggles with bipolar disorder.
This Korean-Australian artist, born Christian Yu, first rose to fame as a dancer and director.
But today, he’s known for breaking musical boundaries and delivering deeply personal narratives through his unique audiovisual style.
His concerts aren’t just about music – they’re about pain, hope, inner demons, and the elusive light we sometimes struggle to find.
And that’s exactly what makes every one of his performances so raw, real, and completely breathtaking.
What happened on that stage wasn’t a show. It was a confession.
What DPR IAN delivered at Colours wasn’t just a performance – it was a raw, emotional confession.
Those who were there experienced something that won’t fade easily.
It’s not something you can simply describe – it’s something you feel.
And the truth is: this exact performance will never happen again.
Because what unfolded that night wasn’t scripted or repeatable.
It was a moment – honest, unique, and unrepeatable.
One regret: missing JayKey
There’s just one thing I truly regret – missing JayKey’s Wednesday performance on the Rec.stage.
Their original music is, in my opinion, one of the most exciting and fresh things currently emerging from the Czech scene.
They’re authentic, sonically strong, and have a clear artistic identity.
If you missed them like I did, I highly recommend checking out their performance video on YouTube – it’s a beautifully crafted showcase that truly deserves attention.
VLOG #01 | koncert @JAYKEY | předání výherní kytary | @colours
Final thoughts
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the entire Colours of Ostrava team – for the excellent organization, the welcoming atmosphere, the thoughtfully designed spaces, the feeling of safety, and the overall comfort.
Once again, this festival proved why it’s one of the very best that the Czech music scene has to offer.
Whether you came for the music, for inspiration, or just to share moments with others – Colours embraced you and didn’t let go.
And one thing’s for sure:
Next time, I’m staying for the full four days.
Because two just aren’t enough.
Autor: Kateřina Šimková/Radio Géčko
Proto: Kateřina Šimková, Michaela Petráčková