SHAPE was established in 2014, and morphed into SHAPE+ in 2022, expanding into a union of 18 forward-thinking European festivals by its current working period.

A roster of artists had been collectively created each year by the curators of member festivals. Counting the duration of SHAPE and SHAPE+ together, the initiative has continued for more than 10 years and, by the end of this year, will have facilitated the careers of 676 artists.

As part of the SHAPE+ platform, SONICA has featured for its final part the electronic duo SWAI, formed by the veterans of the local electronic scene Miha Šajina - Shekuza and Igor Vuk - BeatMyth. SWAI is a fresh eclectic techno project created by two veterans of the Slovenian electronic music scene and respected members of Clockwork Voltage. They bring decades of experience in music production, songwriting, and live performance — both as DJs, solo live acts, and members of bands. Shekuza is a respected figure in the techno scene, known for his work with modular synthesizers and his role in the alternative band Moveknowledgement. BeatMyth has had a long-standing career as a DJ and producer, releasing acclaimed breakbeat albums with MC N’toko, performing live modular synth sets and has worked extensively in studio environments — recording, mixing, and mastering records for a wide range of other bands and artists.

After years of collaborative garage sessions and hours of recording, they have finalised a cohesive album. But this is no typical techno album with a mesh of DJ tools. It is a comprehensive art piece featuring sophisticated technoid compositions that are beautifully crafted yet hauntingly eerie. Complex textures and tight drum patterns intertwine with the poetic contributions from renowed poet Ana Pepelnik, elevating the three tracks into a new genre: techno poetry.

The following 18 acts are the last to join this multitude:

Admina (RO)

Canva6 (IT)

Farzané (NL/IR)

funcionário (PT)

Gary Gwadera (PL)

GbClifford (CZ)

Jazz Lambaux (FR)

Laikka (AT/DE)

Marie Delprat (FR/CH)

Matej Rusmir (RS) 

Pizza Noise Mafia (FR/BE)

polje (UA)

PΞB (DE)

R3YWYA (LV)

SWAI (SI)

TeTe Noise (GE)

The Stanley Maneuver (HU)

Tilliander & Goran Kajfeš (SE)

This new roster of artists will participate in a number of activities that are more intensely publicity-centered than in previous SHAPE+ iterations – this includes weekly interviews on the platform’s website, broadcasts on the SHAPE+ Radio Network, digital compilations, Instagram takeovers and coverage by media partners.

The final season of SHAPE+ concludes on December 31. Keep an eye on the project’s website HERE and social media for weekly interviews, frequent radio mixes, and digital compilations.