Radios, Collectives and Countercultures Facing the commercialization of Electronic Music

Name: fishbowl
Start: 2026-05-07T16:00:00+02:00
Location: ESPACE K

Fishbowl format Workshop

Only for Pro pass

Thu 07 May 2026 16:00

ESPACE K, Cabinet des curiosités

1h30

Production : Diffusion Prod, Strasbourg Music Week

Long considered the rebellious child of music, electronic music developed on the margins of dominant circuits. Underground scenes, self-managed collectives and independent radios have played — and still play — a key role in the emergence of internationally recognized artists.
In the face of increasing commercialization, a central question arises: unite or disappear. Without the marginalized communities and political struggles at its foundation, genres such as techno, house or disco would lose their meaning.
Today, radios and collectives reclaim the narrative, defend this historicity and work toward greater visibility for these actors.
This fishbowl-format workshop invites collective discussion around:
- Why has collectivism become essential in response to systemic and hegemonic dynamics?
- How can individual practices connect with collective forces in electronic music?
- What tools can be activated to build sustainable countercultures?

An open and evolving format designed to co-construct reflection and share concrete action paths.

CUR - Wendy-JASMINE HENCHICH (BEL)

Mélowoman professionnelle - MC - DJ

With a background in translation, political science, and nonprofit management, Wen-Jas is now active on multiple levels within the music sector. She first began by supporting emerging artists before joining several selection juries for festivals and residency programs, among other roles.

She was also mentored as part of the first edition of Lianes, a program supporting FINTA professionals in the music sector, led by Scivias. She later became a host and MC for several music events, including Les Volumineuses, Culture Moves Europe, and the Village des Possibles stage at Esperanzah!. Finally, she is also a DJ, and through her practice, she seeks to take audiences on militant cosmic journeys.

Gin Bali ( De)

Dj, musician & community creator

Gîn Bali is a Kurdish-German guitarist, music educator, event organizer, DJ, community builder, and producer. With a background in classical guitar and influences from RnB, Hip-Hop, and Rock, they seamlessly blend various genres. Their sound ranges from Global Bass/Dubstep, Leftfield club, Jungle to South American techno and industrial.

She also organizes events like YAYAcc at JAKI in Cologne, serves as a board member of YAYA e.V., and works as a booker and writer. As a panel moderator and workshop leader in guitar, songwriting, and DJing, she actively promotes diversity in the music scene.

Additionally, Gîn develops awareness concepts for cultural institutions and provides workshops, training, and consulting to create inclusive and safer spaces in the cultural landscape.

Vincent KULESZA (FR)

Co-founder and coodinartor for Commune de nuit (Marseille)

Vincent Kulesza is co-founder and coordinator of the Marseille-based association Commune de nuit, which promotes a committed vision of club culture and electronic music. He is particularly interested in cooperation models, commons-based approaches, and horizontal governance systems.

Commune de nuit initiated the WAVMAP project, an interactive platform for the independent electronic music scene designed to support discovery, networking, and collaboration between artists and industry professionals.

WAVMAP is a digital platform for the independent electronic music scene, designed to connect DJs, producers, promoters, labels, and curators across Europe. It encourages exchange, co-creation, and collaboration, contributing to a more connected and resilient underground scene where artists and music transcend borders.

At the same time, WAVMAP promotes an inclusive vision of club culture, where everyone can freely express themselves and access spaces, resources, and recognition, while actively challenging systemic discrimination. It aims to foster safer environments, particularly for marginalized communities, and to cultivate solidarity, respect, and collective responsibility.

The platform empowers artists, activists, and professionals by expanding their networks, offering insights into less-explored cities, and supporting cross-border collaboration beyond major hubs. By bridging geographical and social gaps, WAVMAP contributes to more inclusive, sustainable, and cooperative practices across the European music ecosystem.