Matter is a Slovenian trap music group from Kamnik, active since 2015. The trio consists of Dario Nožić Serini (Dacho), Luka Lah (Levanael), and Matej Tunja (Tunja). They have become prominent on the Ljubljana alternative scene, known for their unique approach to rap that blends absurd lyrics with distinctive beats. Their debut album, “Amphibios,” released under the local label rx:tx, sold out its initial run, and their concerts consistently sell out, reflecting their significant impact on the Slovenian music scene.

Since 1996, Mauricio Valdes has been focusing on the use of technology for the advancement of art in the field of interactive genres and modes of sound production. His opus encompasses works in the field of sound art, theatre music and film sores. He regularly lectures at 15 universities, cultural and research centres in 8 different countries. In addition to his personal artistic career, he directs and organizes the independent festival SoundHub.

Mauricio Valdés San Emeterio is a distinguished composer, curator, and technologist, acclaimed for his work at the intersection of arts and sciences. With a specialized focus on the trans-diciplinary applications of Spatial Audio, Mauricio has built a dynamic international career, marked by significant achievements in festival organization and production. Mauricio’s work has gained international acclaim, featured in over 20 countries and prestigious venues including a notable presentation at the Venice Artivism exhibition supported by the Auschwitz Institute in 2019. His career is adorned with a dozen international awards, underscoring his contributions to a broad spectrum of artistic expressions and his ability to bridge different disciplines and sectors.

Tracing its origins back to 1991, the venue is one of Slovenia’s oldest clubs. Max Club hosts concerts by Slovenian and international rock and pop bands, and caters to lovers of jazz music by organising jazz concerts and festivals. Location: Velenje

One of Slovenia’s most prominent and renowned jazz festivals, Max Club Jazz Festival is an event of both national and regional importance. Over the course of its rich history, the festival has focused on programming a superb jazz music selection, featuring Slovenia’s leading jazz artists presenting their own music projects and various collaborations. Since its establishment, Velenje’s Max Club Jazz Festival has provided the venue for original live performances by Slovenia’s top jazz musicians in cooperation with acclaimed international artists and performers.

Maya is a prominent Slovenian R&B singer who has been active since the early 2000s. In 2001, she released her debut album “Taka kot sem,” recognized as the first R&B album in Slovenia. She has been a consistent collaborator with the Sladica collective, a musical group led by DJ Zeds, known for blending genres like soul, R&B, and hip-hop. In 2021, Maya and Sladica released the single “Neki najlepšga.”

The MC Pekarna forms a constituent part of Maribor’s Pekarna Squat. The club opened its doors soon after occupying the former military complex – in 1994. Today one of Maribor’s busiest clubs, the venue is noted for its impressive alternative club and concert programme. The club does not prioritize a specific subculture but seeks to draw attention to the cultures that do not enjoy the support from commercial promoters. Location: Maribor.

Formed in 2001 under the artistic leadership of Pavel Mihelčič, the MD7 Contemporary Music Ensemble primarily performs new music composed especially for them. Comprising a unique combination of instruments, the permanent line-up morphs to play in different instrumental formations. The septet interprets works that consistently take into account the specific make-up of the ensemble and are either commissioned or dedicated to them.

The festival Melodies of the Sea and Sun (Melodije morja in sonca) was launched in 1978 in the coastal town of Piran and was subsequently held in Portorož. The festival is set up as a competition of newly composed pop songs. It thus offers original hit songs, some of which have become evergreens. Most songs are based on themes of summer.