Istok

Raising the SUN

Where the sun rises ... we are dancing

Istok began as a passion project created by Simplyblondy (Ashley). Even the name has a charming origin: while learning to read Cyrillic, she asked a friend how to pronounce “Istok.” Unable to explain the literal meaning, her friend simply said, “It’s where the sun rises.” That moment of clarity “east”, a new beginning became the foundation of the brand. The motto of Istok was “Where the sun rises…”

March 2025 - October 2025

Party I – Women’s Day at 201 Vibe Room (Podgorica)

The very first Istok event was held on International Women’s Day, naturally aligning with the identity and values of its founder. From 2 PM to 8 PM, the event brought together local female creators, showcasing and selling handmade products alongside performances by two local DJs and a female DJ duo. Istok’s debut was even featured in an interview with the local magazine Mondo, marking an exciting start.

Mondo portal about the party

Party II – Na Moru Beach Bar (Podgorica)

The second event took place at Na Moracu, the only beach in Podgorica and a stunning spot beneath the bridge. With three local DJs and a summer atmosphere, Istok became the first to host an electronic music event at this location. The success of the party helped spark interest in the venue, inspiring many others to follow. The event ran from 3 PM to 11 PM and remains one of Istok’s milestone moments.

Party III – Aloha Beach, Velika Plaza (Ulcinj)

The third party marked another step forward: Istok’s first international guest, Josh Butler (known for being on tour with Carl Cox and legendary tracks such as “Call You Back” and “I Want You (Forever)”, supported by two local acts. Set on Aloha Beach from 3 PM until midnight, it expanded the brand’s reach and energy, showcasing what Istok could grow into.

On 9 August at Aloha Kite Beach, Josh Butler performed at the decks and premiered his remix of “I Never Knew Love” by Chez Damier and Josh Butler, which has since been officially released. The track was played for the first time during Istok Party, an unforgettable atmosphere by the sea. Special thanks to Josh Butler and everyone who joined us for a night where the music carried through until sunrise.

A New Era

Istok was a beautiful chapter, an era that taught us, shaped us, and gave us a foundation to build on. But growth brings change, and with that change comes a new vision. We’ve evolved past a solo project into something bigger: Tea and Afters, a collaborative effort dedicated to building a true community around electronic music.

While Istok remains an important part of our story, we’re excited to bring something fresh, collective, and forward-thinking to the scene.

A new sunrise is coming just like the name promised from the very beginning. 🌅

Everything hits better with a cup of tea...at the afters

At Tea & Afters, we curate experiences that go beyond traditional parties. Inspired by the calm comfort of tea and the high energy spirit of afters, we host day events, night events, afters, pop-ups, and gatherings across both small and large venues in the Balkans. Our events feature a mix of local talent and international DJs, bringing diverse sounds to every cup-filled moment.

Our mission is to build a vibrant platform where house music can flourish. We connect people through rhythm, creating a welcoming community that celebrates music, culture, and shared experiences. By showcasing both established and emerging artists, we offer a rich, flavorful blend of sounds for everyone to enjoy.

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ISTOK