Debaser Medis “See Them Live Instead”

Background

Debaser Medis was one of Stockholm’s most iconic live music and cultural venues. When the City of Stockholm decided not to renew its lease in order to convert the space into a public library, it marked the end of an era for the city’s independent music scene.

The Idea

To comment on the decision, we created a poster titled “See Them Live Instead.” The message played on the contrast between reading about culture and experiencing it firsthand. Rather than positioning live music and literature as opposites, the poster subtly questioned the trade-off: should culture be preserved in silence, or lived out loud?

Execution

The poster features a carefully stacked pile of library books, each spine labeled with the names of artists who were scheduled to perform at Debaser. At first glance, it resembles an ordinary library display. On closer inspection, the titles reveal concert dates — turning the books into symbolic placeholders for live shows. The visual makes a simple but pointed statement: reading about an artist is not the same as experiencing them live. By mimicking the quiet authority of a library aesthetic, the poster underscores the loss of a venue dedicated to loud, shared, real-time culture, ending with the call to action: “See them live instead.”

Impact

The poster served as both a tribute and a protest — capturing the frustration felt by artists and audiences alike. It sparked conversation around cultural priorities in Stockholm and highlighted the importance of protecting independent venues as vital spaces for live expression.

---