33EMYBW is a Shanghai-based producer and visual artist who has been an influential figure in the Chinese music scene for over a decade. Her sound merges modern dance rhythms, folk influences, and a wide range of visual inspirations into a deeply personal and experimental sonic experience.
Her 2018 album ‘Golem’ (SVBKVLT) was critically acclaimed and named one of the best electronic albums of the year by Bandcamp, receiving support from Kode9, Desto, Akito, 8ulentina, and more.
After performing at Nyege Nyege Festival (Uganda) and the Aphex Twin-curated opening of the Warehouse Project 2019 (Manchester), she released her third album, ‘Arthropods’, which explores post-human themes and rhythmic structures over longer time scales. The album debuted at Unsound Festival (Krakow), followed by shows in London, Milan, and Zurich. She has also performed at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (Berlin), SXSW (Austin), CTM (Berlin), Soft Centre (Sydney), and Recombinant (San Francisco).
3Anova is a music project by Egor Demidenko, focused on constant exploration, musical reflection, and sound material reworking.
3Anova is not just a DJ and enthusiastic selector, but also a member of the Subject Jam Orchestra and a resident of Jilt. He is known as a friend of everything dark and underground in Almaty, reflecting his musical tastes and desire for sound experimentation.
ADORA is a promising and talented DJ whose career started in 2018. Since then, she has actively performed at venues such as GAZGOLDER, Mason st.one, Community, Pur pur, and has toured across Russia, becoming a sought-after guest in Crimea, Saratov, and Kazan.
With an aesthetic musical taste, ADORA became the art director of the legendary «Luch» bar, where she crafted a unique musical format that attracted the most intellectual crowd in the capital.
Her music reflects the complexity of her inner world, filled with light, kindness, and pure energy. The charisma and magic ADORA radiates during her performances take the crowd into a sensual trance, transporting them to a world of harmony.
Aïsha Devi is a unique artist whose mesmerizing voice is the main instrument of her creativity. Her music combines powerful rhythms, rave motives and mystical vocals. Originally from Switzerland, with Nepalese roots, she formed her identity at the intersection of cultures, which is reflected in her work. In 2013, Aïsha Devi founded the label Danse Noire, supporting revolutionary electronic music, and released breakthrough works on it — the albums Of Matter And Spirit (2015) and DNA Feelings (2018), which received recognition for deep philosophical themes and an innovative approach to sound. In 2023, she released her most personal album, Death Is Home, revealing the theme of identity through the prism of personal experience. Her performances have conquered major festivals such as CTM, Primavera, Unsound, Roskilde, MoMA PS1 and many others, thanks to her hypnotic visualization and strong stage energy.
Alen Ismailov — oriental drone ambient, minimal dub.
A live musician experimenting with genre minimalism, the string instrument tar, and live electronic music. Alen is the organizer of the audiovisual parties «Tinch» and a member of the creative collective «Tinch Musiqa».
He has performed at prominent venues such as Stihia, Boiler Room (Museum of Folk Applied Arts), Wecosmos, Bahor/Spring, Tinch (organizer), Ka mate Ka ora (Ilkhom Theatre), and Regeneration Art Tashkent.
Anymodal is the alter ego of Siberian producer and composer Evgeniy Pisarchenko, raised amid the ascetic and rugged northern suburban life. Seamlessly blending ambient tranquility with hectic breaks, braindance, and deep bass, he crafts sonic journeys that are both adventurous and meditative.
With a cosmopolitan outlook, his performances range from the vast Moroccan Sahara (LPM Festival, 2024) to the urban pulse of Bangkok, drawing inspiration from Istanbul’s vibrant underground scene, where he has long been an active contributor. His authentic, laptop-free live sets—defined by expressive gear operation—have earned him residencies on platforms like Istanbul’s renowned Noh Radio and the UK-based Subtle Radio, alongside appearances at notable venues including Drugstore (Belgrade), Şahika, Arkaoda (Istanbul), and Bult (Almaty), with Mihn Club in Hong Kong set to join his itinerary.
Arushi Jain is vocalist, producer, radio host, and sound engineer who bridges traditional Indian musical motifs with contemporary electronic genres.
In 2024, Jain released Delight, her second album on Leaving Records following the acclaimed Under the Lilac Sky (2021). Delight explores a rich spectrum of sounds and emotions inspired by Raga Bageshri, which conveys the yearning for reunion with a beloved. Jain describes this as an exploration of human love, blending ardor and the poignant realization of its challenges.
Her stunning live shows feature captivating visuals and take a rhythmic and emotional step forward.
ayacantstop is a performance DJ and musician from Turkmenistan, currently based in Berlin. Her journey into DJing began with co-organizing underground parties and creating a platform for the Central Asian migrant community. Her first set was a personal tribute to the region’s producers and a reconnection with her musical and artistic identity.
Inspired by courtyard wedding dances and childhood melodies, Aya weaves a unique sonic tapestry, fusing traditional tunes with electronic rhythms. Her sets are like a Turkmen carpet— a vibrant mix of techno, breakbeat, electro-punk, drum & bass, and Eastern melodies. Heavy basslines and percussion drive the energy, while the eclectic soundscape reflects her nostalgia and quest for identity.
Bek to the Future is the alter ego of Bek, who works in an office during the day and dives into the world of underground electronic music by night. His style is based on tech house — rhythmic and melodic music with influences from artists like Mark Knight and the atmospheric sound of Anjunabeats.
Hailing from Bukhara, the aspiring artist started his journey behind the DJ booth at Wild Chill Rave parties — small gatherings for a close-knit circle of true electronic music lovers. From private rooftop parties to corporate events and underground sets, he is respected for his ability to feel the atmosphere and guide the crowd on a musical journey through deep and dynamic sets.
Ben Frost is an Australian composer and producer based in Iceland. His music blends minimalism, experimental forms, and influences from punk rock and black metal.
His notable albums include Steel Wound (2003), Theory of Machines (2007), By the Throat (2009), Aurora (2014), and The Centre Cannot Hold (2017). His latest release, Scope Neglect (2024), recorded with Greg Kubacki (Car Bomb) and Liam Andrews (My Disco), was released on Mute.
Frost has made a significant impact in film, television, and opera, composing for Sleeping Beauty (Palme d’Or nomination) and TV series like Dark, 1899, Raised By Wolves (with Ridley Scott) and Fortitude. His opera works, including The Wasp Factory and The Murder of Halit Yozgat (in collaboration with Forensic Architecture), have been performed at London’s Royal Opera House and Hannover’s Staatsoper.
Cassens is a British-German DJ and promoter from London, playing a range of bass-heavy genres often interlaced with cinematic melodies.
His own party, Spice Lounge, has recently thrown events in London and Berlin, with Cassens supporting artists like Ben UFO, Nikki Nair, Two Shell, and Surusinghe. After his second visit to Uzbekistan to perform at Stihia, he has also appeared on Rytmabad Radio and continues to build a close connection with the Plovistan crew from Tashkent.
Djin is a Rome-born artist now based in the Levant, where she combines photography and sound to explore the outer edges of underground culture. As both a photographer and DJ, Djin is guided by a deep love for storytelling — whether through images or hypnotic soundscapes.
Her sets are a fusion of acid techno, psychedelic grooves, and crystalline ambient textures, always pushing toward the unexpected. Djin aims to create a space where people can lose themselves and find connection through rhythm, chaos, and the pure release of dance.
Her motto, “fighting against the spirit of gravity and embracing chaos,” reflects her belief in the power of music to transform disorder into something real and resonant. A sonic explorer, driven by the magic that happens when sound and soul collide.
An experimental electronic synthesis of “broken” rhythmic structures. A trio of DJs and composers — Josef Tumari, Varlamov, and Lisunovsky — founders of a research laboratory for sound and electronic music.
The duo Sha Gen (Dushanbe) and Denis Sorokin (Saint Petersburg) was formed in early 2023, blending traditional sounds with experimental improvisation. At the core of their music lies falak, a unique Tajik musical tradition where performers direct their joys and sorrows not to the audience, but to the sky.
In their sets, they intertwine folk melodies with free improvisation, seeking to uncover deep connections between ancient musical forms and contemporary sonic exploration. Their music creates a new sacred context, immersing the listener in a timeless auditory journey.
In 2023, the duo performed at Stihia (Bukhara) and Topot/Vesna (Tashkent). In 2024, they took the stage at MOC Fest (Tashkent) and the Voices Festival (Berlin), where they were the sole representatives of Tajikistan. That same year, they released their album “Tira-Tira” on the Topot label.
e.v.e (equal vs. equal) is a cosmopolitan duo that began their musical journey in 2014, blending Neo Soul, Electronica, Dance-Indie, R&B, Progressive, Rock, and Ethno.
Their sound is built on delicate, deep female vocals, psychedelic synthesizers, and funky guitars.
e.v.e creates music aimed at finding balance and harmony, helping listeners achieve inner wholeness. Each track is a journey, transforming perceptions and allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and the world.
The project has released multiple albums and singles, along with a side project “Moon Pool” in the Retro Synth Wave style.
electrofocus is a software developer from Tashkent, a DJ in the evenings at electronic venues, parties, and online podcasts. Over the past year, he has become an active participant in the electronic music community in Tashkent, having been featured in several events (Plovistan, “Kvadrat”, prepartynalivayka), on radio (Tīrkultūra, Rytmabad Radio, DSL System Podcast), and participated in festivals: Stihia 2024 and Sublimation Fest.
In his sets, he prefers modern melodic electronic house, elements of trance, techno, and acid inclusions, as well as atmospheric ambient, electro, and IDM. His musical selection creates an experience of transition from a positive aerial mood to a sometimes mysterious one, with a smooth flow of sounds.
Resident of the promo group “Frumos” and co-founder of the “Temp” party, this artist skillfully blends dark techno with old-school acid trance in her sets. His performances offer a unique mix of energy and atmosphere, where every sound immerses the audience into deep musical realms.
ianiiiron is a DJ and producer from Tashkent, part of the Sublimation team. In addition to her performances, over the last few years, she has also worked behind the scenes on the technical side of local Uzbek projects. One of her main goals is fostering networking between artists from different creative fields and bringing collaborative projects to life.
Having played at various events — from the Sublimation and STIHIA festivals to HÖR Berlin — she has mastered blending different genres in her mixes. The emotional range of her sets spans from light melodies with a steady kick to deep and intense broken rhythms.
Jan Jelinek is an experimental musician and sound artist whose work explores the transformation of sound. He crafts abstract and minimalist textures by deconstructing fragments of popular music and field recordings into unique sound collages. Instead of traditional instruments, Jelinek employs various recording and playback devices, from tape recorders to digital samplers.
Jelinek began his career in 1998 under the pseudonyms Farben and Gramm. His works were featured at EXPO2000 in Hannover and venues like the Centre Pompidou in Paris. In 2008, he founded the Faitiche label, a platform for his experiments and collaborations with artists such as Masayoshi Fujita, Asuna, and German writer Thomas Meinecke.
Since 2012, Jelinek has been producing experimental radio plays for SWR, many of which have received prestigious awards. His live performances feature improvised manipulation of collected sound materials, creating what he calls “Ecstatic Sound Collages.”
Josef Tumari, an electronic musician and producer from Tashkent that creates a unique sound that he describes as a “symbiosis of introverted nostalgia with elements of ambient, electro, and techno, possessing a unique atmosphere.”
His music is often characterized by broken rhythms, dark melodies, and rhythmic lines, creating a rich and powerful audiovisual landscape. Vintage synthesizers combined with lo-fi sound give the pieces warmth and authenticity, evoking a sense of nostalgia and creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. His musical approach is a fresh take on the electronic scene, combining classic techniques with experimental sound design. This allows Josef to create compositions that are both familiar and surprisingly new, where each track is a journey into the past and future simultaneously.
Judah Warsky stands at the intersection where pop songs meet conceptualism and where chanson meets psychedelic electronics.
A self-taught and uncategorizable artist, Judah was once a founding member of Chicros and Turzi, and has occasionally collaborated with worldwide acts such as Thos Henley (UK), Axel Krygier (Argentina), Adam Green (USA), as well as French artists Acid Arab, Zombie Zombie, Syd Matters, Koudlam, Pilooski, and more.
Kadamique is a DJ and producer from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, known for his deep, atmospheric, and meticulously crafted sound blending downtempo, deep techno, organic house, and minimal. His sets are immersive sonic journeys, built on hypnotic rhythms, refined percussion, and subtle ethnic influences.
A key figure in Tashkent’s electronic scene, he frequently performs at local venues and major regional festivals, including Stihia, where his sets stand out for their precision and dynamic storytelling.
Beyond DJing, Kadamique is dedicated to music production, crafting original tracks and remixes while working to bring Uzbekistan’s electronic sound to a global audience.
KARAKURT is a DJ and artist who has been called upon by JILT from the very beginning to enlighten people through the heavy sounds of the modern world and to release negative emotions on the dancefloor. His goal is to create a space where people can let go of their stress and truly free themselves.
What makes KARAKURT stand out is his ability to engage and attract a large audience by blending musical elements that capture the listener’s attention from the first beat. His performances feature breakbeat, neurobreaks, dark techno, industrial techno, electro, electro punk, acid, and dnd, creating a unique atmosphere for those seeking a deeper and more energetic experience.
Kebato is a passionate vinyl records digger and a DJ. Largely focusing on minimal, eclectic, ambient techno genres.
A musician from the city of Muynak, located at the foot of the dried-up Aral Sea, he blends techno and funk with elements of Karakalpak culture. His tracks often feature samples from old Karakalpak songs, reimagined through the lens of electronic music.
His music is not just sound; it is a way to preserve and transform cultural heritage in a modern form. His goal is to create a unique sound where traditions intertwine with underground rhythms, evoking both movement and a connection to roots in the listener.
Levente is a DJ and musician, known for creating a unique atmosphere by blending techno, broken beats, UK bass, and Balkan folk.
He is a resident at Sameheads, Arkaoda, and Golden Pudel Club in Berlin, as well as hosting the «cricket talk» show on Mutant Radio in Tbilisi. His music continues to resonate with fans of analog rhythms and modern club sounds.
LOUD373 is a musical project by two producers from Kokand, infused with a deep respect for their heritage and a desire to reinterpret cultural codes through music. LOUD373 does not merely mix traditional motifs with electronic beats; they aim to convey the emotional state and mood of the past, evoking deep feelings and reflection. The group actively participates in cultural life, performing at well-known festivals such as Groza, mocfest and Stihia, and enlivens dozens of parties with their energetic sets. Their performances blend techno, breakbeat, drum-n-bass, dubstep with the ambiance of traditional Uzbek music, performances by local comedians, and visual memes from Uzbek TikTok.
Lovozero is an artist and composer working at the intersection of sound, performative, and technological practices. She explores supernatural vocal techniques and sonic affects.
Lovozero curates the experimental sound event series ŞU ŞAŞU (Bult) in Almaty and is a member of the Supergroup within the independent music collective Qazaq Indie.
She is also a participant in international contemporary art exhibitions and electronic music festivals such as KORKUT Sonic Arts Triennale 2022, ZVUK x Draaimolen Festival, Welfoyer (Theater der Welt), and Boiler Room.
MAGMAOM is one of the brightest discoveries of the hard techno scene of Kazakhstan, who in a short time managed to make his mark on all the prominent venues of the CIS, including the cult MONASTERIO.
A native of Astana, living in the Czech Republic, had a fruitful 2024, where he managed to make his mark with a tour of Central Asia, the release of his own EP and a culminating performance at the large hard techno rave MONASTERIO.
The release of the latest EP Reborn was released by the Moscow label Asylum, which was released with the support of artists from Tunisia, Ireland and Japan.
Makrele is a Tbilisi-based DJ who blends dark techno, body music, industrial, and electro, crafting soundscapes that are both relentless and hypnotic.
Her sets combine deep, driving rhythms with atmospheric and raw sounds, creating an intense but dynamic vibe. Makrele is focused on pushing dark and energetic music, with a strong selection that keeps the dancefloor moving.
malichavangard is the stage name of an artist who, within a year, has built her originsl sound and made an active presence in the underground scene. In her sets, she blends dub and hard-groove techno, creating soundscapes filled with broken electro rhythms.
The dub techno in malichavangard’s sets takes on a futuristic depth, evoking a robotic and cosmic atmosphere. Meanwhile, hard-groove techno reflects a deeper, more internal part of her sound, where pulsating rhythms dominate.
Malika is a DJ from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She is a resident of the Ailan Collective and co-founder of the Bishkek rave collective “Antoh Football”. In just one year of her career, Malika has established herself as a hard and hardcore DJ and has participated in all the major parties in Bishkek.
As part of Antoh Football and Ailan Collective, she has organized rave parties at venues like bULt, Bunker Rave, Tulpan Berlin, and more. She is also part of the team organizing IK Fest in Kyrgyzstan.
Preferred genres: experimental hardcore, hard techno, gabber, psy-trance, neurofunk.
The biography of Mari Breslavets is a story of passion for music, dedication to electronic culture, and relentless pursuit of developing and supporting the music community in Uzbekistan. Mari Breslavets is a musician, DJ, producer, co-founder of FRUMOS parties, and the art space HUDUD in Tashkent. Her musical palette is imbued with nostalgia for the ’90s, featuring upbeat compositions in techno, trance, and acid styles. Mari is known for her ability to create unique music sets, combining classic vibes with contemporary trends, and blending genres for a more expressive delivery.
Marko Ostan is a DJ and electronic music enthusiast from Samarkand. He was one of the first to start developing techno culture in his hometown, organising one of the first raves. Through the Mentalitet project, he continues to share his passion for music and support the local community. In his sets Marko strives to create an atmosphere where everyone can feel the rhythm and go deep into the sound.
Maxm Brit (Maxim Britov) is an electronic producer from Moscow who has been independently mastering all stages of music production for over 12 years, from the early “tweaking knobs” on synthesizers in DAWs to experiments with modular synthesis.
Starting with Drum’n’Bass, in 2021, Max shifted to Techno, with his track “Inside” released on the international compilation by the Italian label Gain Records. In 2023, he released his first album “Mirror” in the Dark Ambient style, where he first incorporated live and generative playing on a modular synthesizer. This expanded his sonic horizons and allowed him to create unique textures. He handles all processing, mixing, and mastering himself.
In his live sets, Maxm Brit delivers industrial-hypnotic EBM Techno with a clear and well-thought-out structure.
Mert Bindebir’s work explores the relationship between sound, memory, space, and silence.
His compositions often blend electronic textures, field recordings, and live instrumentation, creating immersive sonic environments within improvisation and narrative.
Each performance is shaped by the tension between structure and spontaneity. Whether in a concert hall, gallery, or unconventional venue, Mert approaches each space as a collaborator, inviting the audience to listen closely and inhabit new soundscapes.
At its core, his work is an invitation to listen—to step into unfamiliar soundscapes and discover new ways of experiencing music.
miasm is a versatile producer and selector from Tashkent, known for his diversity in musical approaches and unpredictable sets. His work spans various genres, allowing him to easily adapt to any musical event. For the upcoming event, miasm is preparing an original ambient live set, blending atmospheric sound textures that create a deep, meditative atmosphere.
Nikina is an indie-pop artist from Tashkent, a bright light in the underground scene of the capital, shining with raw melancholy and deep love.
Her live performances feature tracks with ethnic motifs, traditional Uzbek elements, and dreamy pop that has captivated many. Nikina regularly performs at major festivals in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, such as mocfest, Stihia, and Foure.
«Creating music that resonates personally with each listener» — this is how the artist describes her music philosophy. Her lyrics, woven from light, tender vocals, and simple yet recognizable guitar rhythms, are the tools that transport the listener into her world of dreams.
In January 2024, her debut album «Mosaic of Youth» was released, a journey reflecting Nikina’s personal experiences: friendship, growing up, love, loss, and hopes. Dreamy and reflective music with elements of indie-dream-rock-pop in various combinations.
In May 2024, she released the EP “Home/Blue Sea”, musical tales about the complex experiences of the protagonists, conveyed through allegorical lyrics. Both songs are inspired by the Aral Sea, now a desert.
Currently, Nikina is working on her second studio album and music in her native language. Her first Uzbek single, “senga”, has already found its listeners, and the artist has no plans of stopping in conquering her native stage.
OTEC is an underground DJ and producer known for his passion for breakbeat, punk-electro, and techno. Constantly exploring new and innovative sounds, OTEC delivers unforgettable performances whether playing for an intimate crowd or a packed club.
A resident of Ghettscape, OTEC has solidified his reputation in the electronic music world. His releases have been featured on respected labels such as Damasq, DISKO TEQUA, and Formantika, showcasing his unique and boundary-pushing production style.
In 2024, OTEC performed at the Stihia Festival, further cementing his status as a key figure in the underground music community.
pozavtrkalvobed a.k.a pvo is a DJ from Tashkent, who has performed in promo groups like HostedByHudud, cult22, and plovistan. Starting with Hip-Hop DJ sets, and inspired by Hospital Records Radio, he shifted his direction towards faster broken rhythms.
In his sets, pvo experiments with Breakbeat, Drum and Bass, and Hardstyle genres, while also incorporating Russian underground rap. His performances are always diverse and filled with energy, attracting fans of various musical styles.
QARAQOOM is a musical project that blends Central Asian ethnic sounds with modern electronic music. The project spans genres like Organic House, Downtempo, Afrohouse, Progressive House, and Melodic Techno.
QARAQOOM combines traditional folk influences with contemporary electronic music to create unique soundscapes. Inspired by the culture and history of Central Asia, the project explores new musical horizons.
Their releases are featured on labels like «Cafe de Anatolia», «Serum Records», «Enormous Chills», «Afromatic Lab», and «QARAQOOM Records».
qorakitobchi is the experimental project of Anvar Kalandarov, one of the pioneers of Uzbekistan’s new experimental music scene. For 20 years, based in the heart of Tashkent, he has been crafting sonic landscapes, reinterpreting traditional Uzbek music through a contemporary lens.
His sound is more than just music—it’s a journey through time, diving into Uzbekistan’s occult and spiritual heritage, enriched by modern experimentation. Anvar is also known as a vinyl collector, musical archaeologist, and selector, curating rare regional recordings. Since 2024, he has been actively promoting Central Asian musical heritage through his independent label, Maqom Soul Records.
REM Sleep is a multi-genre DJ from Bishkek. He is a resident-promoter of Ailan Collective and co-founder of the creative rave collective Antoh Football (Bishkek). Over his career, he has performed at significant underground venues in Bishkek, Bangkok, and Almaty.
REM Sleep also organizes rave parties at bULt (KZ), Bunker Rave (KG), Tulpan Berlin (KZ), and more, and is part of the organizing team for IK Fest (Issyk Kul).
His style showcases skilled use of a wide musical palette, from Soul to Uptempo 1000bpm. His collection includes selector material from various countries around the world. Working genres: Hardgroove, New Rave, Progressive House, World Folk & Disco, Italo Disco, UKG, Drum n Bass.
Runa is a DJ who enjoys blending different sounds and experimenting with the emotions and states of the listeners. In her sets, she switches between active beats and slowing down, reflecting the moods of the people.
Her music creates a unique atmosphere where each track smoothly transitions into the next, creating emotional shifts and deep impressions for the audience.
Sh3rxan (real name Sherali) is a DJ from Nukus, who began his career in 2016. Since then, he has made a name for himself in Karakalpak national and ethnic projects and reached the level of a music producer, creating original tracks in genres like tech-house, afro-house, and moombahton.
In 2025, Sh3rxan will make his debut at the Stihia festival, marking an important milestone in his music career.
Shargiyya is an experimental sound and visual artist from Baku. She uses sound as a medium to shape and convey her perception of reality. Since 2014, Shargiyya has explored electronic music through ambient production, intuition, and emotional layering.
A passionate collector of environmental and everyday sounds, Shargiyya has spent the last decade capturing spontaneous audio fragments — from street noise to natural textures — which she later transforms into evocative sound collages. As in her visual practice, collage remains her central method for assembling meaning. In 2016, she performed at GEM Fest in Georgia, marking one of her first appearances as a DJ. Her sets have been featured on platforms like Rinse FM, Radio Kapital, and ORAMICS, representing a singular voice within the Azerbaijani underground.
SHUKUR is an artist who started her journey in 2023, inspired by rave culture. In 2024, she returned to piano and compositions, diving deeper into her musical creativity.
Her music blends dense sound textures with hypnotic rhythms and melodies, creating an atmosphere that makes you reflect on life and the inner world. Her tracks and sets are full of positive energy and an uplifting vibe.
Sköne is a French artist and DJ, known for his heavily melodic-infused techno. His journey began in 2018 with acid core, and he continues to evolve his sound, blending bass music elements with experimental techno. He pushes the boundaries of the genre, creating original sets that explore both groovy and experimental components, aiming to uncover the vast spectrum that the underground music scene has to offer.
Soft Blade is the brainchild of Moscow-born musician and artist Violetta Shabash, a pivotal figure in Russia’s underground music scene. Her project blends ambient, house, techno, and dub to create a unique lo-fi sound featuring ethereal vocals and vivid lyrics. Soft Blade stands out for its DIY ethos, with Violetta personally handling the writing, mixing, and design, turning her music into a deeply personal and nostalgic journey.
Tracks like “Zerkalo” and her latest release, “Koster,” showcase her ability to craft intricate sonic narratives that resonate emotionally with listeners. Beyond music, Soft Blade is an audiovisual project, with Violetta designing album covers, merchandise, and cassettes, embodying her artistic vision in every detail.
Soft Blade is also known for uplifting fellow artists. Her recent compilation album, “Ne Strashno,” features talented Russian musicians, with proceeds going to charity — a testament to her collaborative spirit and commitment to social impact. Though a recent entrant to live performances, Soft Blade has already graced major Russian electronic festivals.
Shane Woolman has worked at The Wire since 2002 and is one of the magazine’s resident DJs. He hosts regular radio shows on London stations Resonance FM and Resonance Extra and has also had shows on NTS, Radio Alhara and Radio Karantina. Having moved from New Zealand to London in his early teens, he developed a passion for experimental music and went on to work for labels Some Bizzare and Matador Records before joining The Wire. His DJ sets are an eclectic mix of electronic, bass, hip-hop, techno, rock, dub, psych and funk, often unearthing leftfield party bangers, rare dub edits, and forgotten classics. He has provided DJ support for artists like Andy Stott, Hieroglyphic Being, Nkisi, Sun Araw and Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids as well as playing standalone sets at festivals in Europe and beyond. Shane is also a contributor to The Wire, interviewing artists such as Selda Bağcan, Gaye Su Akyol and Ana Lua Caiano, as well as featuring exclusive guest mixes by Laurie Anderson, Diamanda Galás, RP Boo, Deena Abdelwahed and many more.
The Wire is an independent print and online music magazine that was founded in 1982 and covers a wide range of global alternative, underground and experimental music. Its office is based in London, but it serves an international readership. thewire.co.uk
Timur Azimov is a DJ, music curator, and promoter, born in the industrial city of Chirchik and working in Tashkent. He is one of the key figures of the underground scene in Central Asia, blending an interest in local heritage with contemporary music practices.
Through music, events, and collaboration with artists from various countries, Timur builds cultural bridges between Uzbekistan and the rest of the world. His musical preferences include rolling, mental, and hypnotic techno, which immerses listeners in the deep Central Asian groove.
Timur founded Plovistan, a collective of DJs, producers, graphic artists, and traditional musicians. The collective organizes events in various spaces, fostering a dialogue between the electronic scene and the rich musical heritage of the region. He also founded the underground techno club Nukus-89 (2022–2023), which became an important venue for the local scene’s development.
VAGAN is a multi-genre producer and DJ from Tashkent of Armenian descent, seamlessly blending Eastern sounds, genres, and atmospheres in his tracks. His music balances between experimentation and tradition, creating immersive and unforgettable compositions.
His viral tracks, “Habibi” from the EP and “Hanuman” from the Unreleased album, have been played across platforms like Private Persons, System108, HÖR, STVOL.TV, and more. He has performed at Stihia Festival, System108, Blaash, Gestalt, Shulama, JILT, Sublimation & PTSR Room, sharing the stage with Ivan Dorn, Bjarki, Errortica, ZenGrlx, Salome, Adana Twins, Simple Symmetry, Shadowax, and others.
VAGAN is known for his distinctive production style, where genre fusion turns into a cohesive sonic experience. His work not only showcases his technical mastery but also unites diverse cultural influences into a harmonious musical narrative, making his performances captivating for a broad audience.
Varkal (Alexander Varkalist) is the guiding inspiration, member, and project manager of the creative collective FRUMOS. With a passion for electronic music for over 20 years, Varkal gravitates towards deep sounds and dance rhythms. He enjoys experimenting with genres, ranging from Acid and industrial Techno to Italo Disco.
Vladimir Dubyshkin is a Russian electronic music producer whose sound exists at the crossroads of dancefloor energy and experimental freedom.
Never bound by a single genre, Dubyshkin’s music appeals equally to fans of noise electronics and those who simply want to dance. In 2015, he released his debut album “Tell Me Why It’s Always The Same”, gaining immediate recognition among his peers. That same year, his tracks appeared on two compilations from Nina Kraviz’s трип label, followed by his first solo EP, “Cheerful Pessimist”.
Today, Vladimir Dubyshkin continues to be one of the most dynamic and unpredictable artists in the electronic scene, constantly pushing the boundaries of club music.
WILYAM is a music producer and multi-instrumentalist from Uzbekistan, with over 10 years of experience in the music industry. His sound combines traditional Uzbek instruments with modern electronic techniques, giving his music exceptional depth and originality.
WILYAM actively collaborates with local artists and projects, including Needshes, Loud 373, and is a resident at major music festivals like STIHIA and mocfest. He also works with the moc producer center and collaborates with talented artist Nikina, creating new music concepts, projects, and joint performances.
One of WILYAM’s major achievements was having his tracks featured at the launch event of Uchqun (Spark) by Yandex, and being used in the promotional video of the event even before their official release on streaming platforms.
His debut release, «Smoke» with Rea4e, gathered over 25,000 streams. Currently, WILYAM continues to evolve his sound, working on new projects and preparing to release new tracks.
Marsel Yuldashev (Yõldosh) — 23 years old. Resident of Stihia festival, previously resident of such events as Samarkand Marathon, Bukhara Night Race, Ultra Zaamin and Sky Camp.
Yõldosh began his musical journey in 2018, influenced by the development of the local scene and the first Stihia Festival in the desert landscapes of the Aral Sea. In everyday life, Marsel works as a PHP developer, organizes various musical events, and is a stage manager for one of the main festival stages in the country.
Not one to stick to fixed electronic music genres, Yõldosh embraces experimentation and discovering new things, as he believes this is a key part of creativity. He carefully selects music to match the atmosphere of the place and the mood of the crowd.
While open to various styles, he particularly enjoys indie dance in his sets, as it evokes memories of synthpop music from his childhood, listening to the radio at the country house.
