#KONTAKT24 Panel Report: Generational Musical and Stylistic collectives: Experiences and Lessons

The panel on “Generational Music-Style Collectives: Experiences and Lessons” illuminated the importance of collective action by music collectives like Hali Gali from Belgrade and JeboTon from Zagreb. The exchange of experiences among collective members demonstrated how collaboration can foster creativity, innovation, and the preservation of specific musical styles and generational identities.

Nikola Čučković from the band Proto Tip representing the Hali Gali collective shared insights on how the scene has evolved: “We all played concerts together in various configurations and arrangements in small clubs in Belgrade, so this unification just came naturally as a result of hanging out.” He identified the key moment and turning point when they realized they had become part of Belgrade’s recognizable music scene as the opening act for Repetitor, as well as Boris Vlastelica’s status about new young bands in Belgrade. It was these bands that later formed the Hali Gali compilation.

Luka Zadro and Filip Berlengi from the JeboTon collective in Croatia shared their experience on the collective’s impact on the local music scene and the challenges they face in organizing concerts. Luka Zadro shared how JeboTon and similar collectives developed through collaborative efforts, and how they organized events and concerts that helped them gain recognition and influence the local music scene. Zadro emphasized the importance of a collective spirit and collaboration among artists as key factors for success and survival on the scene, making JeboTon a prime example of how music collectives can impact creativity, innovation, and support among artists. The guests from Croatia also discussed the importance of decentralizing music events and providing opportunities for musicians outside major cities.

Special attention was paid to the significance of media in promoting music collectives and their work. Participants agreed that media support is crucial for extending the influence of local scenes and collectives to the wider public.

The panel “Generational Music-Style Collectives: Experiences and Lessons” provided valuable insights on how collectives can contribute to the music scene through unity, collaboration, and mutual support, while promoting musical styles and generational identities. The exchange of experiences among collective members and collaboration with the media were highlighted as key elements for the development and preservation of a rich and diverse musical culture.