Aivar Tõnso

Aivar Tõnso has been an outstanding figure on the Estonian electronic music scene since the early 1990s. As a musician, he has spearheaded several innovative groups and projects, the most influential being Hüpnosaurus (1991-1995, with Raul Saaremets, another legend of Estonian alternative culture and a John Peel Sessions staple) and Kismabande (since 1999). As a DJ, he has likewise been in the Estonian cultural vanguard, consistently introducing music which defies stylistic categorisation. Aivar Tõnso has also organised a number of cult events, starting from the underground club sessions such as Müsteerium, Vision, Electric Cafe, Reaalsessioonid to name but a few, and peaking in the international festival HUH/HEA UUS HELI (Brave New Sound). The events have featured performances by major artists such as Jimi Tenor, Pan Sonic, DMX Crew, Cylob, Scion, Funkstörung, Damo Suzuki, Auxmen, back to back with fresh talents from Estonia and abroad. He is currently running an independent record label Ulmeplaadid which promotes cultural dialogue and innovative approaches to modern music. Tõnso describes the attitude of the label as open-minded but perfectionist. Having released two remarkable compilations of the Estonian avant garde, Ulmeplaadid is now heading for the international scene with imminent releases by Joel Tammik, Kismabande and Taavi Tulev. Also, another compilation is due to give further samples of the label's most intriguing roster (including Uku Nurk, Muschraum, Ulmer, Tencu and Juss Roosipuu in addition to the above).