Phono is a small live music venue and bar in Aarhus, Denmark. Located in the courtyard at Mejlgade 53, it opened in October 2025 and has a capacity of around 170 people.
The venue focuses on independent, experimental and emerging music. Its programme crosses alternative rock, punk, electronic music, jazz, experimental music and other niche genres, with metal and heavier underground music appearing as part of the wider booking profile.
Phono occupies one of Aarhus’ most storied music addresses. Live music has been presented at Mejlgade 53 since 1978, when Musikcaféen began operating there. Musikcaféen developed from an amateur stage into a professional venue before leaving the address in December 2011 and continuing as Radar at Godsbanen.
After Musikcaféen, the rooms in the Mejlgade courtyard continued as Backstage from 2012 to 2015, then as Tape from 2016, and later as Super from 2021 until its closure in spring 2025. Each version left a different mark on the building: Backstage was strongly connected to underground rock and metal, Tape became known for experimental and underrepresented music, and Super added a broader community and nightlife element.
Phono was created by people connected to several parts of Aarhus’ independent cultural scene, including Alter Festival, FEUM, Rail Foundation, Disco’s Revenge, Tape and Super. The new venue continues the live music history of the address while giving it a fresh identity built around concerts, club nights, community activity and experimental programming.
The concert room is small, making Phono suitable for intimate shows by local and touring artists. The bar and courtyard add a social side to the venue, keeping the place active beyond the concerts themselves.
Heavy music is not the whole focus of Phono, but it has become part of the programme. The 2026 calendar includes bookings with Iffernet and Mourir, as well as NVLVS, Unavailing Void, Lifesick and Sewer Haul, covering black metal, death metal, hardcore and goregrind. The Sortekunst event also brings together Danish black metal acts including Arkæon, Gennem Tågen, Sadokrista, Slyngel, Sult and Ædel Fetich.
ADDRESS:
Mejlgade 53 Baggården, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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