The first edition of SHARPE Select came from the idea of a collaboration between Palác Akropolis and the renowned Bratislava-based showcase festival and conference SHARPE. Akropolis brings a compact sample from this three-day Bratislava event to Prague, featuring nine musicians. You will hear rap, psytrance, doom-sludge, as well as jazz, world music fusions, dark electro, avant-garde and experimental music, and dreamy indie.

Joonsjoel /FI

In a world where genres blur and boundaries dissolve, Jonsjooel crafts music that feels both deeply personal and expansively cinematic. A Finnish multi-instrumentalist based in Berlin, he first gained recognition as the frontman of Lake Jons before branching out into solo work. His latest EP, “Voices of a First Day”, released via Kieku Records, draws inspiration from unseen worlds and our connection to nature, influenced by Robert Lawlor’s writings on Indigenous Australian culture.

Known for his unconventional approach—like using water bottles and tables for percussion—Jonsjooel creates soundscapes that are as textured as they are introspective. His 2023 debut solo album, “Lullabies for Younger Self”, was a heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother, exploring themes of self-care and compassion. With his unique blend of folk, jazz, and electronic elements, Jonsjooel continues to shape music that invites listeners into a space of reflection and discovery.

Kresy /PL

There’s something restless about kresy’s music, like a film scene stuck in a loop, shifting between tension and release. Based in Łódź, this post-punk and art-rock band has been making waves in the Polish alternative scene since 2022. Their EPs, “Lumer” and “Kolejny Miękki Sen”, released through Peleton Records, showcase a mix of sharp-edged energy, looping riffs, and cinematic moods.

Finalists in Gazeta Wyborcza’s Sanki 2023 poll, kresy quickly built a reputation for their unpredictable, high-intensity sound. Within a year, they hit festival stages, including OFF Festival and Great September. Their lyrics, often described as poetic and dreamlike, draw inspiration from personal experiences and classic Polish cinema. Balancing chaos and control, kresy crafts music that feels both urgent and introspective—a raw, hypnotic soundtrack to late-night wanderings and unshakable memories.

Kristie Kardio /SK

Meet Kristie Kardio in her new wave of progressive music production. She has been an active and leading DJ on the Slovak rave scene, particularly in Bratislava, since 2017. Known for her pulsating energy behind the decks, her mixes are characterized by an energetic, fast-paced fusion of techno subgenres, melancholic melodies, and vocals, all wrapped in a catchy playfulness.

Kristie has performed at numerous festivals and events, including the Grape Festival, and appeared as a pianist in the extended setup of the Slovak band Shallov at MENT Ljubljana in 2024.

Beloved by audiences as both a singer and instrumentalist, Kristie launched her solo project after seven years as a DJ, showcasing her original music and live vocals. Her tracks evolve into a multi-genre performance, invoking a vivid range of emotions.

Lelee /SI

Formed in 2020, Lelee is a trans-Balkan trio consisting of Jelena Rusjan (vocals, bass), Damjan Manevski (vocals, guitar), and Leon Stoilković (drums). Known for their vibrant sound, Lelee blends Yugoslav new wave aesthetics, 90s indie rock, and a dash of Adriatic temperament. Their music is characterized by catchy refrains and melodies that linger long after the songs end.

After their critically acclaimed debut “Čuka bije pumpa” (2021), Lelee returns with their sophomore album “Mora malo u crveno” (translated as ‘It needs to go a little into red’). This album marks the band’s evolution into a more mature phase, focusing on emotionally resonant songwriting. Recorded live in one take, the album captures the trio’s dynamic stage presence and offers an organic, vibrant sound. Infused with hope and sincerity, the album serves as an antidote to today’s gloom, full of energy, joy, and collective enthusiasm. Lelee’s inventive guitar arrangements strike a perfect balance between experimental compositions and rock-driven energy.

The trio continues to make waves with their unique blend of modern indie vitality and nostalgic influences. Their music is an exploration of emotion, creativity, and the spirit of the Balkans.

Noční Jazdci /SK

A Bratislava-based electro dub-funk trio takes you on a musical journey that blends genres like dub, funk, psytrance, and dark electro. With Ničiteľ on drums, Sushi on percussion, and Orkán on synthesizers, their sound is enriched by the haunting tones of a Fender Stage piano.

Their live performances are all about freedom—no fixed structures, just free-flowing, organic jams that let the music evolve in the moment. With a mix of electronic gadgets, loopers, and live instruments, they create a dynamic, high-energy experience for their audience.

Nominated for Discovery of the Year at the 2021 Radio_Head Awards and performing at festivals like Uprising, Noční jazdci are gearing up to release their debut album in April 2025. Their unique blend of sounds is definitely something you’ll want to check out.

Punkinson /SK

Punkinson is a genre-bending project led by a Slovak producer and rapper who’s been immersed in music since the age of 12. Having been part of bands like Sushicide and Anjel, Punkinson is his latest evolution—a creative space where he experiments freely with styles. In 2024, he released his debut album HIRAETH, showcasing his knack for blending diverse genres while not forgetting to address current societal issues with sharp lyrics and thoughtful commentary.

The project is a collaboration with Leoprincessa, who not only contributes as a DJ but also manages the visual side of things. Punkinson’s music is a dynamic mix of personal introspection and social critique, highlighted by intricate production. He’s even caught the attention of notable figures like rapper Gleb, who featured him in his Rapinbox project. With a unique sound and fresh perspective, Punkinson is one to watch as he continues to contribute to and shape the landscape of the Slovak music scene.

The Family Men /SE

The Family Men got their music spanning over a variety of genres and the band’s will to experiment make them hard to pin down – one thing is certain: the offer is a raw and unfiltered expression. Samplers, broken electronics, metal percussion, tape loops and distorted-to-death guitars are some of the key elements that make up the band’s sound. Their multi-faceted live show quickly gained popularity in the Gothenburg music scene and has since taken them out of their native city, and country. By utilizing feverish VHS projections, excessive amounts of guitar feedback and a ferocious energy that is matched by few, the group is reaching out there. Lead singer Gustav Danielsbacka often performs in the crowd and shows are known to be very, very loud and in all, really different from all you’ve ever seen.

Franek Warzywa & Młody Budda (PL)

A band that sings about vegetables, crayons, and the weather might sound like a joke—but Franek Warzywa & Młody Budda are anything but (well, maybe just a little). Blending hyperpop, jazz, punk, and a touch of absurd humor, this Polish duo turns everyday observations into sharp, unexpected songs. What started as a TikTok-born collaboration between visual artist Franek Drażba and jazz guitarist Adam Kiepuszewski quickly grew into a full-blown project, known for high-energy performances and surreal visuals.

Since forming in 2021, they’ve played major festivals, gained international attention (even catching the eye of music critic Anthony Fantano), and evolved their sound from lo-fi rap to an eclectic mix of math-rock, alt-pop, and post-hardcore. With two EPs under their belt and a full-length album in the works, they continue to prove that music can be both playful and deeply thought-provoking—like peeling back the layers of an onion. Or a leek.

SHARPE is the original Slovak music festival & conference of Bratislava combining public performances of promising Slovak and international artists of various genres with a conference, where the music professionals from all over Europe meet, learn from each other and discuss the latest topics and trends in the music industry in panels, workshops, presentations, and networking sessions.

“At Sharpe, we could feel the passion in every little aspect. The creative energy that is hosted within the walls of Nová Cvernovka and the energy and passion of people behind the event, literally made the air vibrate.” An intentionally picked mention from the Luxembourg Radio 100.7, during the first year’s edition, since it is appropriately reflecting on our mission.

We seek for the highest quality and diversity when compiling the festival program, showcasing dreamy indie, heavy doom-sludge, jazz, world music infusions, electronic minimalism or avant-garde and experimental music. Besides music, we aim to create a platform for education and networking, stimulate cooperation, export and growth of the Slovak independent scene and increase the international circulation of music repertoire."

This event is supported by Liveurope, the first EU-wide initiative to support concert clubs in their efforts to host concerts by emerging European artists. Liveurope is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.