Blue Sun Showcase: Shakar Trio, Hanussen & Kozmo D, Gnork, Vava b2b Azami

Blue Sun is an independent label that grew out of the Budapest underground scene, focusing on slower and more introspective musical directions; the label aims to present this on the outdoor stage of the House of Music as well. All of the evening’s performers have either already released music on the label or have a planned release. The lineup nicely reflects the label’s cross‑style, cross‑format approach along a consistent arc: the up‑and‑coming DJ‑producers Azami and Vava with experimental/ambient sets, veteran DJ/producer Gnork with a downtempo/triphop live act, and fellow rising act Shakar Trio preparing a jazz concert. Finally, the label’s originators and curators, Hanussen and Kozmo D, will close the evening with an eclectic DJ set under the name Blue Sun System.

Azami
Azami is a Budapest‑based sound artist and DJ who creates on the borderlands of memory and emotional release. In her work she explores the dynamics of repetition, rupture, and contrast: with hypnotic loops, atmospheric sound fabrics and unexpected shifts she creates captivating, immersive sonic spaces. She moves freely between DJ sets, live musical compositions and acoustic elements. She often complements her electronic sound world with flute playing, which adds a human, intimate dimension to her music through breath and physical presence. At the core of AZAMI’s artistic focus lie perception and emotional clarity. Her music guides listeners into states of tension, catharsis, and transformation, opening space for deeper emotional experience. Coming from the underground scene, she does not see music merely as entertainment, but as a ritual space that enables the experiencing of feelings, self‑reflection, and letting go.

Vava
His style is quite eclectic both as a DJ and as a producer, and he does not try to confine it within labels or boundaries. Whether it’s techno, house, bass music or ambient, he can find his own sound anywhere. Hallmarks of his sound: dub‑like chords, acid basslines, ocean‑deep subs, playful textures and cheeky grooves.

Gnork
Gnork has been an active figure in the electronic music scene since 2013. He gained recognition with his track “Blorp93,” released on the British label Blind Jacks Journey, which fused breakbeat and rave elements with classic spacey sounds. The positive reception of the release opened up numerous opportunities: over the past decade his records have appeared on esteemed labels such as Unknown to the Unknown, Magicwire, Hizou, CHURCH and !K7. Through his performances he has travelled the world from Berlin to Paris, from London and Dublin to Melbourne, both as a DJ and with live acts. Alongside his production work he runs his own label network, Blorp Music. Through its sublabels (Next Chapter, Outskirts, Earth Plates, Euro Plates) he releases music across a diverse stylistic spectrum. The Blorp series and the Earth Plates records have provided a platform for both Hungarian and international artists such as CT Kidobó, No Moon, DJ Life, Douala and Serious A. While in the early stages of his career dance‑floor‑oriented tracks dominated, from the late 2010s his interest shifted towards slower, more experimental textures. He spent the relatively quiet performance year of 2020 immersed in studio work, further expanding his stylistic boundaries. The result is the 2022 album Inner Ride, released on Next Chapter, which moved in the direction of downtempo, triphop and ambient. His latest release is a collaborative LP with the band Jazzbois, out on Blunt Shelter. He is currently working on new studio material; his next album is expected at the end of the year.

Shakar Trio
Shakar Trio was formed in April 2022 by three young musicians from Budapest: Székely Marci – drums; Papp Milán – guitar; Lendvai Bálint – keys. They are strongly influenced by the contemporary Hungarian jazz scene, but they also draw heavily from foreign influences: the fluidity of Scandinavian jazz and the dance‑centered nature of Balkan music can both be heard in what they create. Their goal is for their music to evoke a universal catharsis, to unquestionably move something inside the listener.

Hanussen and Kozmo D
Blue Sun is a concept created by Hanussen (Terra Kontra) and Kozmo D (Moonbase Patel Disco), focusing on special musical experiences. The initial inspiration came from Japanese listening bar culture: venues equipped with top‑of‑the‑line sound systems, playing carefully selected vinyl records. The founders are committed to this ethos, but also aim to expand it with their own musical visions. The focus is mainly on slow‑tempo music, pieces that need to be listened to with great attention in order to experience their full impact. While the concept is genre‑independent, it is built primarily around electronics, ambient and jazz.