The first acts of CTM 2026 (here is our report from last year) have been announced, and the lineup looks overwhelmingly distorted. The theme of this year’s edition gives a hint but remains typically ambiguous. As always, the lack of clarity surrounding expectations is an unimaginable yet integral aspect of this multi-media gathering.
This year’s theme, “dissonate <> resonate,” says everything and nothing at the same time. Two opposing forces create a space for us to hover in. Contrast and assimilation come as close as possible to the description of this event. While the experience from it feels strange and undoubtedly uncommon, the idea behind it somehow feels just familiar. The theme perfectly captures the breadth of the genre spectrum, ranging from comforting to almost physically unbearable. The first announced acts, I can confidently claim, embody this very duality.
Growlers Choir. Foto: Camille GladuDrouin
I’ll start with Earth: this remarkable drone project brings weight to this year’s selection with its iconic reputation and intense, riff-heavy sound. However, they’re performing their 2005 album Hex; Or Printing in the Infernal Method, which doesn’t exactly fill me with joy. While “listenable” is often considered a virtue, in this case, I’d have preferred the destructive pull inward of their early work — something more fitting for an event like CTM. Earth represents the “dissonate” side of the bill, yet perhaps also a grown attempt to resist it. Maybe it’s simply my shortsightedness as someone who hasn’t experienced this album live.
KAVARI – how many times have I missed this set already? The gritty low-end sculptor and DJ performing under this well-known Scottish moniker has been “darkening” my days for quite some time, and my expectations are high. As many times as I’ve missed her sets, I’ve also heard about them from others. A terrible mistake, as now I’ve lost the possible surprise that inflates anticipation.
Up to now, we’ve talked about dissonance; from this point on, resonance. Representing that shift is producer RONI, founder of Nehza Records. An extraordinary artist combining the familiar nature of dance rhythms with brain-itching sound-design. The previously mentioned projects, Earth and KAVAR,I find their perfect counterbalance in the easy-going complexity of RONI’s tracks — trance-inducing and rich in influence.
RONI
Still resonant, though in a different nature, is Cortisa Star, a rapper fusing several neo-genres into a contemporary, internet-like persona. Very online in approach, Cortisa bridges the gap between established icons and ever-rising phenomena on this bill. Close in spirit to hyper culture while maintaining pop language, Cortisa embodies a perfect relationship of both.
To complete my personal list, CATNAPP is yet another resonant force whose selection ideally balances the heavier acts, such as interestingly stunning Growlers Choir (do listen to them). CATNAPP’s brightness confronts the rumbling low-end in a soft yet thrilling marriage. The kick hits hard, but the sparkles dance above it — embodying the midpoint between disturbance and familiarity.
While I haven’t mentioned every artist — my apologies — I must still note Bell Witch, whose energy I loved from the first few bars. This performance will undoubtedly be one for which you’ll want your earplugs (just my assumption).
This piece was a bit of an exercise. While everything said above remains true, my aim was to capture CTM’s tone — that beautifully abstract, unconcrete language familiar from the world of visual art. It reminded me of my academic roots and the joy of expressing artistic curiosity in a curatorial voice. A final thought: go listen to the announced acts yourself. There’s surely something unfamiliar to you — and that’s undeniably good for your musical development.
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Text: Milan Gajtko / Follow CTM festival on Instagram
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