Join us as we spotlight local music and art collectives from Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Hungary, who guide us through cultural hubs that shape their cities. From hidden record shops to underground bars and nightclubs, these collectives share insider knowledge and explore the unique spirit that makes their scenes resilient.
Miller and Beatport have launched Miller Mix, a global initiative supporting the future of electronic music across Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Australia, and South Africa. This initiative addresses the lack of support for aspiring artists, with Youth Music noting that 77% of emerging creatives struggle with industry connections.
With cultural tastemakers deeply rooted in their communities, here’s a glimpse into the soul of three exciting cities, revealing the essence of local culture through their eyes. When it comes to discovering each scene’s heart, there’s no better guide than those who live and breathe it daily.
Dirty, music and creative director of Noh Radio – Istanbul, Turkey
“Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, NOH Radio is more than just a venue; it’s a cultural beacon for the city’s vibrant arts scene. Established as a hub for electronic music and experimental sound, NOH Radio has carved out a distinctive space where creativity and innovation flourish. This eclectic space not only broadcasts a diverse range of music but also hosts live performances, workshops, and art events that draw a crowd of artists, musicians, and cultural enthusiasts.
The venue’s atmosphere is a blend of modernity and artistic expression, featuring minimalist décor that enhances its dynamic soundscape. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, NOH Radio offers an immersive experience into the cutting-edge of Istanbul’s music scene. The programming is curated to showcase both emerging talents and established artists, making each visit a unique exploration of sound and art.
In addition to its musical offerings, NOH Radio serves as a creative haven, encouraging collaboration and experimentation. It’s a space where ideas come to life, and its influence extends beyond the airwaves into the broader cultural fabric of Istanbul. For those looking to experience the city’s contemporary artistic pulse, NOH Radio is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable encounter with Istanbul’s innovative spirit.
Discover the essence of Istanbul’s creative scene at NOH Radio, where every beat and note tells a story of artistic evolution and cultural vibrancy.
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The Millermix docuseries was able to shine a global spotlight on both the collective and the individual artists who contribute to Istanbul’s vibrant underground scene, amplifying their voices and providing them with a platform to reach a wider, international audience.
MiniMuzikhol, dance floor, sake bar, and the oldest club in Istanbul. MM played a formative role in putting Istanbul’s electronic scene on the world map. Arkaoda, opened in December 1999 in Kad?köy, arkaoda champions independent music and art, collaborating with like-minded collectives through concerts, DJ sets, festivals, parties, themed markets, and screenings.
Best record shops in Istanbul
Deform3 Müzik, Analog Kültür, are perfect for crate-diggers looking to find unique vinyl gems.
Best cultural venues in Istanbul
Babylon and Salon IKSV host some of the best live performances and experimental events, making them cultural cornerstones of Istanbul’s creative landscape.
Balizs Kata – the founder of Kommenzi Collective – Budapest, Hungary
The Budapest electronic underground music scene is mainly concentrated around clubs, bars, festivals and organisers in the city and happily we can say that everybody in the scene support each other’s work and we regularly meet at bars and clubs such as Easy Art Space, Telep Gallery, Pontoon, Turbina, Toldi or simply just at each other’s place for a bit of a vinyl jamming. During the summer season Kolorádó Festival and Alkotótábor are both a must for all music enthusiasts, both of this festival have a strong focus on local artists, both for big names and newcomers. A collaboration with big international brands like Miller can help turn the spotlight on not only the Eastern European electronic underground scene but also on us as a newcomer collective in Budapest. Taking Beatports crew to Toldi Klub and then one of our residents Krudy C playing at the event organised by them was a great opportunity to share ourselves, our spaces, values, and views on a globally recognised platform.
Best venues and festivals in Budapest
Toldi is one of the oldest clubs in Budapest, just about to celebrate its 12th birthday operating in an 80+ old art cinema building, mostly focusing on lighter, housey, groovy vibes. It is the birth place of most of the city’s collectives in this music genre.
One of the newest clubs in the city, Turbina was opened after years of preparation only 3 years ago. It is more than a club, it’s a whole building with many spaces for art, exhibitions, theatre and workshops with two club rooms with the best sound system in the city.
Aether is a gem that takes place in the middle of the tourist district, focusing mostly on heavier techno vibes with a crazy sound system and a wide range of bookings from the genre.
Központ is in the heart of the city and the best place to work at during the day, with great beverages and food, with concerts and parties every night of the week. Telep is right next to Központ the other heart of the city with dj sets every evening, with one of the best art galleries on the second floor.
We still call Kolorádó a boutique festival, even with 30.000 people attending it every year, and it’s about the vibe. It’s located in Europe’s biggest scout centre and with the wide variety of daily activities and the 8 music stages it has everyone’s heart since the very beginning.
Alkotótábor is the place to be for the lovers of minimal music and for the crowd who really are there for the music.
Nazira, Founder of ZVUK collective – Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty’s music scene is very unique and is a mix of different things which has to do with our relative isolation and distance from other parts of the world. I think Almaty and our region as a whole is in the process of creating its unique central asian scene. Club music is relatively new phenomenon in Central Asia. Almaty is at the forefront of it. Absence of strong previous history, unique cultural background makes it very fun and allows a lot of experimentation. As a promoter you get to create meanings and value in attracting crowds to dance floors since concept of dance music is not widespread, as an artist you can play with tradition and modern music to create unique sound. It leads to a lot of interesting things and keeps our scene very vibrant and constantly evolving. I think Almaty music scene is a heaven for a curious explorer since you can find a lot of unexpected things. Being connected to the world definitely is an important part of growing the scene and projects like Miller Mix help to make it reality.
Some of my favourite food spots serve traditional Kazakh food. Sandyq and Auyl, both capitalise on the uniqueness of local dishes based on forgotten recipes, boasting with their granted hospitality. The interiors showcase the region’s craftsmanship with a modern twist on the decor.
Platform A is a food market with a varied choice of cuisines and local delicacies, situated within an old, historic building. It creates the ultimate place for foodies to explore for an afternoon stroll and to indulge with a sense of adventure.
Best clubs and bars in Almaty
Pink Wine Bar is a chilled, trendy spot in Almaty, known for its great selection of rosé and a cool, creative crowd. It’s the perfect place to unwind with good music and drinks, often hosting low-key music nights that add to the laid-back vibe.
Kazakhfilm is the go-to film studio in Kazakhstan, famous for producing iconic movies. Beyond films, it’s also known for working with killer soundtracks that really bring Kazakh culture to life, blending the country’s love for both film and music. It also functions as an event space which is an impressive place to host the best of parties!
Situated in the heart of the city, Red Beer Bar is a cool low-lit space offers a great choice of craft beer, to be paired perfectly with their boundless burger options, wings and more. It draws a laid-back atmosphere and is the best place to unwind and pot balls on the pool table.
bULt, is a community-driven experimental rave space and artistic sanctuary that prioritises safety for all forms of life. We explore the intersection of music, art, and consciousness through curated events and immersive experiences, fostering connections and collaborative creativity. Join us in this transformative space where expression and community thrive.
Running most days of the week, Kumäno hosts a series of DJs to elevate the buzz at the space, transforming it into a dancefloor for revellers. Dive into Almaty’s electronic music scene with local artists spreading infectious energy through their mixes.
Co-operative Love is an inviting space, blending morning, afternoon and evening under one roof. This co-working space boasts a restaurant, coffee shop, bars, and a clothing store. A place for relaxation and creativity to boom, the different vibes between rooms radiate energy from the bright splash of colours to art displayed throughout. It welcomes live music events across all genres and some delicious food to feast-upon whether coming for business or pleasure.
Meloman is a well-known chain that offers a wide selection of records, including electronic and techno genres. Located on Panfilov Street, it operates 24 hours, making it convenient for late-night shopping.
About the author
Cassam Looch has been working within travel for more than a decade. An expert on film locations and set jetting destinations, Cassam is also a keen advocate of the many unique things to do in his home city of London. With more than 50 countries visited (so far), Cassam also has a great take on the rest of the world.