The Ultimate Guide to the Hungarian Music Scene – 48 Bands and Musicians You Need to Hear
Hungary is famous for goulash, pálinka and paprika, but not necessarily for their music (besides the world famous Csárdás). That’s a real pity, because there is an abundance of great Hungarian bands and songs worth listening to!
In order to fill this gaping hole, we sat down to compile a “history book” of the Hungarian music scene for you which will give you a great overview of the diversity and variety of the Hungarian band scene. The selection of songs and bands is undoubtedly subjective, but we tried to cover all different kinds of genres, eras and styles. We have to admit that we tried to avoid the common top radio hits, though.
The sequence of the compiled bands is in anti-chronological order (based on the release date of the featured song), so consider this list as a brief backwards journey of the Hungarian music history. What makes this kind of backwards time travel even more interesting is, that you’ll notice how the music often refers to the events of the current era.
We also compiled an exhaustive Youtube-playlist for you which includes even more great Hungarian songs and bands that didn’t make it to the selection below.
And now lay back and enjoy listening and reading about the wide range of the Hungarian sounds of music!
- The Latest Bests of the Hungarian Music Scene – The 10s
- Hungarian Music around the Turn of the Millenium – The 00s
- Hungarian Music after the Transition – The 90s
- Hungarian Music during Late Socialism – The 80s
- Hungarian Music During the Communist Regime and Hippie Times: The 70s and 60s
- Classical Hungarian Music: Before 1945
The Latest Bests of the Hungarian Music Scene – The 10s
Platon Karataev
Our pick: Elevator (released 2017)
Because: We saw them recently in Kuplung (great concert!) and this song in particular caught our attention.
Genre: indie-folk
Years active: 2016 – present
Summary: Up and coming Budapest-based indie folk band influenced by Mumford and Sons and The National with a melancholic touch but a bright future.
See more: youtube, facebook, bandcamp
Middlemist Red
Our pick: Illuminair (released 2017)
Because: Really cool video with a bunch of mystic and psychedelic elements. Just as the song. See and hear for yourself!
Genre: psychedelic-rock
Years active: 2012 – present
Summary: Psych-rock band from Budapest inspired by the new wave of psychedelic rock like The Horrors, The Black Angels or Tame Impala, as well as bands from the late 60s, such as The Doors.
See more: youtube, facebook, bandcamp
Mary PopKids
Our pick: Goodbye (released 2015)
Because: A real good-mood song with a genius video filmed from a truly unique perspective.
Genre: pop, soul, funk, electronic
Years active: 2010 – present
Summary: Mary PopKids are mixing soul, funk and electronic music to an extraordinary feel good pop experience and often wrap their songs in funny and innovative music videos.
Brains
Our pick: Balance (released 2015)
Because: You need to watch this video of male Mary Poppins doing amazing stuff on Budapest’s main landmarks.
Genre: electronic
Years active: 1994 – present
Summary: Brains will slash your eardrums, but in a good way! If you can, see them live at least once; their concerts are a dynamic spectacle full of energy.
Kelemen Kabátban
Our pick: Maradjatok Gyerekek feat. Eckü (released 2014)
Because: It’s an amazing song about unconcern and staying forever young. Preferably at Lake Balaton.
Genre: comedy-trash-hip-hop-country-r&b-electro-pop
Years active: 2013 – present
Summary: By mixing different music genres from hip-hop to country to R&B and electro and combining it with characteristic, ironic, and sometimes trashy lyrics Kelemen Kabátban represents a truly unique style. With the chosen song “Maradjatok Gyerekek” they wrote one of the best Lake Balaton anthems ever. Never gets boring!
See more: youtube, facebook, homepage
99 CITY SECRETS AND URBAN TALES – A DIFFERENT GUIDE TO BUDAPEST
Explore the Authentic Side of Budapest!
Our guidebook will help you peel back the multiple layers of Budapest one by one. It’ll help you see Budapest the way it’s meant to be seen.
It’s written for conscious travellers and locals. For those who are looking for more than just a glimpse at the main tourist attractions.
For those who want to not only see, but also feel the city and experience how it lives, plays, works, eats, drinks and functions.
It features countless little gems for you to discover while strolling the city streets – be it a hidden courtyard, a secret bar, a colourful garden, an offbeat flea market, or a stunning piece of street art.
Wellhello
Our pick: Apuveddmeg (released 2014)
Because: It’s a hilarious song and video about rich kids.
Genre: pop, pop-rock
Years active: 2014 – present
Summary: Allstar-duo Wellhello are a pop-phenomenon in Hungary. Somehow, everyone seems to like them and so you will find people of all ages – think kids and teenagers, adults, grandparents and grandchildren, hipsters and even rockers – dance to their many hits and screaming their lyrics on one of their numerous concerts.
See more: youtube, facebook, homepage
Ivan & The Parazol
Our pick: Take My Hand (released 2012)
Because: It’s one of their big hits and a great introduction to this great band.
Genre: garage rock, psychedelic rock, hard rock
Years active: 2010 – present
Summary: Indie-garage rock band successfully on the track of Franz Ferdinand, The Hives and The Vines.
See more: youtube, facebook, homepage
The Carbonfools
Our pick: Birthday feat. Quantum XXL (released 2012)
Because: The refrain will break with all your expectations.
Genre: electronic, rock, pop
Years active: 2001 – present
Summary: The Carbonfools created their unique sound mixing all kinds of genres such as rock, blues, reggae, dub, disco, folk, darkwave and ethno. According to Magyar Rádió, the Carbonfools were the most popular pop band of the 2000s in Hungary.
See more: youtube, facebook, homepage
Punnany Massif
Our pick: Élvezd (released 2011)
Because: It’s a super uplifting ode to living life to the fullest and not worrying too much.
Genre: hip-hop / rap
Years active: 2003- present
Summary: Very popular Hungarian hip-hop / rap band spreading an awesome feel-good atmosphere and witty lyrics. With “Élvezd” they wrote something like the unofficial Balaton anthem and caught the youthful Hungarian lifestyle in a 4-minute song.
See more: youtube, facebook, homepage
Akkezdet Phiai
Our pick: Budapestmód (released 2010)
Because: The lyrics are unbeatable and paint a beautiful but really dark and sad picture of Budapest.
Genre: rap, underground hip hop
Years active: 1997 – present
Summary: Akkezdet Phiai will take you deep into the Hungarian underground music scene and won’t let go of you anymore.
Anima Sound System (sometimes just Anima)
Our pick: Tedd a napfényt be a számba (released 2010)
Because: It’s sweet and dark at the same time.
Genre: electronic
Years active: 1993 – present
Summary: Anima is one of the trailblazers of the Hungarian electronic scene. Their songs are a unique fusion of Eastern-European folk music and modern electro.
See more: youtube, facebook, homepage
Next Page – Hungarian Music around the Turn of the Millenium – The 00s
Overview:
- The Latest Bests of the Hungarian Music Scene – The 10s
- Hungarian Music around the Turn of the Millenium – The 00s
- Hungarian Music after the Transition – The 90s
- Hungarian Music during Late Socialism – The 80s
- Hungarian Music During the Communist Regime and Hippie Times: The 70s and 60s
- Classical Hungarian Music: Before 1945
Could you post the names of the songs in the Muzsikás video? I know the first one is “Nem úgy van most mint volt régen.” And I know the last song, “Betyárnóta.” I would love to know what the 2nd, 3rd and 4th songs are. Thank you!
Hi Joyce,
the songs in the Muzsikás video are:
00:00 Nem úgy van most mint volt régen
04:37 Adjon Isten minden jót
07:51 Tudod-e édesem
11:59 Vonat
15:33 Hulljatok levelek
Enjoy 🙂
Thank you! I realized after I posted that the last one wasn’t Betyárnótá. That was another Muzsikás song that I learned at the same time.
Hello there, I remember the guys from a band called Garazs in 1984. They were very welcoming and friendly but sadly I can’t remember their names. I was visiting as a young music and political radio journalist from Australia.