The first section of the programme, focusing on the music industry, communities and ways of developing the project.
GES-2 Soundsystem 3. Mind
- Date:
- 27–
29 Aug 2025
- Age restrictions
- 12+
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T
At the heart of the
Illustration: Maxim Maslov
In the previous season, the focus was on independent, horizontal initiatives: online radio stations (such as KURS Radio) and dance music communities formed around the subcultural phenomenon of Northern Soul. This year, the research turns to the music industry as a whole.
In the educational Mind section, we will discuss expanding access to music communities and new directions for content development. Contemporary artists can choose to take part in horizontal music initiatives or work with aggregators and labels for distribution. Opportunities are growing, but this also creates the problem of choice. The events in this section will explore methods of self-realization in the music industry.
Curators
Maxim Starichkov, Ladomir Zelinsky
Producers
Yulia Buchinskaya, Anastasia Kuklina, Mikhail Yatskov
Technical team
Pavel Luzhin, Artem Marenkov, Konstantin Petruk
Media specialist
Anastasia Melnikova-Belinskaya
Graphic design
Maxim Maslov, Olesya Voronina
Programme
How to develop, not just release? Modern music distribution. Discussion with representatives of Believe music company
When: 27 Aug, 19:00—21:00
Where: Classes
Music distribution today extends far beyond simply uploading tracks to streaming platforms—it has become a crucial tool for artist development. In this discussion, we will explore how the distribution landscape has evolved in recent years, examining who uses these services and why. We’ll consider the various functions distribution now serves and how its tools can be applied not only for releasing music but also for the sustainable growth and development of musical projects.
Moderators
Believe team
Viktoria Pe — Head of Distribution.
Vladislav Golovkov — A&R Manager.
Arina Kovyazina — Artist Relations Manager.
How to design for Aphex Twin and still be yourself? Modernity and identity in artist promotion. A conversation with designer Paul Nicholson
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When: 28 Aug, 19:00—21:00
Where: Central Platform
Continuing our exploration of how contemporary music artists establish their presence, the curatorial team of
The discussion will delve beyond this signature work to examine Nicholson’s broader career trajectory. We will explore how visual language has evolved in the context of artist promotion and address other compelling questions that emerge at the intersection of audio and visual expression.
The meeting will be held in English with simultaneous translation into Russian.
How to plant a tree or release music? Discussion with representatives of the STVOL creative association
When: 29 Aug, 19:00—21:00
When: Central Platform
The Mind section will conclude with an engaging session featuring members of the creative association STVOL, which has gained significant recognition for developing a thriving community centered around local artists and their promotion. Founded by the band CREAM SODA and their close associates, STVOL has achieved international success over recent years.
This meeting will explore the process behind establishing the association’s distinctive identity and how it communicates its vision through diverse initiatives—from launching its own record label to opening a dedicated concert venue.
Hosts
Easy Fresh — manager and director of music projects: CREAM SODA, ILYA GADAEV, Reptiloid, safetypleace, it alone, Luchshiy Drug, YABLOCHKO ZELENOE, WOKEUPANDY, LIMU, STRANIZA; director of the management agency Easy Fresh Management; co-founder of the creative space IF; label manager of STVOL RECORDS; and former art director of the St. Petersburg club Griboedov.
Sasha Khizhnyakov — DJ, selector, producer, and co-founder of the STVOL project. CEO of PRIVATE PERSONS, DEX, STVOL.TV, SURPRISE.FM; music manager engaged in artist development, music distribution, A&R, booking, as well as managing the DEX club.
Ilya Gadaev — musician, producer, and co-founder of the Russian electronic group CREAM SODA. One of the directors of the STVOL label.