Listen to an Uzbekistan-focused playlist curated by club collective Sublimation
Flying the flag for the Uzbek underground
Founded in 2021 on an ethos of inclusivity, solidarity and free expression — Tashkent and Riga-based collective Sublimation are flying the flag for the Uzbek underground. Straight off the back of hosting Boiler Room's debut showcase in Uzbekistan, after winning the platform's Broadcast Lab grant initiative, Sublimation are on a mission to share their country's rich and varied music with global underground.
The Boiler Room x Sublimation showcase, which took place on March 19, not only highlighted the unique combination of traditional and cutting edge sounds that are typical to Uzbekistan — but also the country's incredible architecture, taking over the Institute of Physics of the Sun in Tashkent, a beautiful, mirrored former soviet research facility which has one of the only parabolic reflectors in the world.
The showcase featured sets from Sublimation members and associates Josef Tumari, Kebato, Mari Breslavets, Xyarim and collective co-founder Sabinē.
Sublimation have curated a playlist of the crème de la crème of Uzbek music — featuring '80s bangers, psychedelic rock and genre-bending melodies. Check it out below, and watch all the sets from Boiler Room x Sublimation here.
Josef Tumari 'Yurt'
"Josef Tumari, talented producer, a part of sublimation lab production, He plays live sets and combines a deep sound that penetrates the soul."
Sabinē 'Bengali'
"Sabine, producer and part of sublimation Lab production. Experimenting with different sounds, combining genres, melodies. It's always a deep dive."
Оригинал 'Сен Қайдан Биласан'
"Now we are going into the 80s, to listen to high-quality tunes for its time."
Flyin Up 'Dunyolar'
"A band that combines rock and psychedelics. Enjoy the crazy visuals."
Ramsy and Melis 'Жвачка'
"Young and free, this guys make music that unites young generation, they put their soul into their tracks and you can feel it through some impressive compositions."
Amalia 'Qizbibi'
"Happy to present this small and strong girl, she is so independent and makes art of her own. That's so cool."
Насиба Абдуллаева 'Қора кўз бўй-бўй'
"She is the Queen of the music industry in Uzbekistan. Her voice is recognizable in every part of the country."
DADO 'Dado-Nado'
"Needs no description."
e.v.e 'Instincts'
"Oooh this is band we can call a cosmic couple, they are like the wind, light and free."
Setora 'Sen Borsan'
"And of course, one of the greatest bands from 2000s Setora, whose song also sounded on Boiler Room in Sabinē’s set, as a reminder of those times when such cool music could be created. It’s a hit of all times."
You can keep up with Sublimation on Instagram.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter