News

Balkan Beats and Ancestral Roots: Sutartronica at PIN Conference in Skopje

Sutartronica wrapped up their autumn showcase marathon at the PIN Showcase & Conference in Skopje, North Macedonia—the largest music industry event in the Balkans region, labeled by many as one of Europe's most fun and "rock and roll" showcase festivals.

The event provided a dynamic environment for the group to perform, network, and engage in discussions focused on regional markets and artist mobility. The atmosphere lived up to its reputation, and the performance generated immediate interest, resulting in offers for festivals in Croatia, Sweden, Germany, and other European countries for the 2026 season.

The trip held a particularly personal significance for group founder Victor Diawara: legend has it that his ancestors on his father’s side originated in Macedonia as warriors of Alexander the Great. This trip, therefore, was a return to ancestral roots, adding a layer of depth and discovery to the professional success.

The enthusiastic reception in Skopje underscored appeal of Sutartronica's sound and provided new contacts and opportunities for the project's future development, which now shifts focus to the release of a new album.

North American Breakthrough: Sutartronica Wins Award at Mundial Montreal

November saw Sutartronica crossing the Atlantic for the first time, delivering a four-concert tour across Canada, culminating in a significant breakthrough at Mundial Montreal.

Mundial Montreal is one of North America's most influential world music events, serving as a critical meeting point for creators seeking international markets and new audiences. The event provides a vital entry point into the North American music scene, a rare and sought-after opportunity for Lithuanian artists.

The highlight of the journey was the official showcase performance, which earned Sutartronica the coveted "Sounds Good" Award. The experience was enhanced by the warm welcome from local communities, including a unique collaborative gig with the Lemon Bucket Orkestra at the Lithuanian House in Toronto, uniting the Lithuanian and Ukrainian diasporas. Other memorable performances took place at the London Brewery in London, Ontario, and Drom Taberna in Toronto.

This tour was instrumental in boosting the group's international visibility and establishing new North American partnerships, proving that the unique fusion of traditional Lithuanian vocals and modern electronics resonates strongly across continents.

Sutartronica Debuts at WOMEX in Finland

After years of dedicated effort, "Sutartronica" which merges ancient Lithuanian sutartinės with electronic music—achieved a major milestone: a debut performance at the Worldwide Music Expo (WOMEX) in Tampere, Finland.

WOMEX is widely recognized as the most significant networking platform for the global music industry, gathering professionals from over 100 countries annually. To be selected for an official showcase on the prestigious Northern Connections stage is a statement of an artist's international relevance and quality.

For Sutartronica, this moment was crucial for strengthening Lithuania's cultural visibility on a global scale and presenting the UNESCO-protected tradition of sutartinės to new audiences. The experience went beyond the live show; the team engaged in networking events and discussions including artistic freedom and AI in music management.

"Such performances at pivotal industry events strengthen the country's cultural visibility, introduce the UNESCO-protected tradition of sutartinės, and expand international partnerships," says group founder Victor Diawara.

The participation marks a new chapter for the project, setting the stage for future collaborations and solidifying their place in the world music landscape.