Schedule

@DORĆOL PLATZ:
18.00 PERSEPHONE’S GARDEN – Katarine Žutić Exhibition Opening
*On display until the 8th of April

@JUGOSLOVENSKA KINOTEKA:
1 Uzun Mirkova Street: Sala Makavejev
12.00-12.30 Opening Ceremony & Cocktail
Speakers: Tomislav Grujić (RS), Clare Sears (British Council, UK), Ivan Ilić (Udruženje jazz i rock muzičara, RS), Momčilo Moma Rajin (muzički kritičar i istoričar umetnosti, RS), Jelena Janković Beguš (CEBEF, RS)

• An introduction to the conference with a networking opportunity while enjoying a cocktail. A reception for all participants, featuring a brief speech by the organizers that sets the tone for the upcoming panels and events.

12.45–13.30 The State of Regional Collaboration and International Promotion (English)
Moderator: Katarina Epštajn (Radio Beograd, RS)
Speakers: Aneta Brejchova (SoundCzech, CZ), Ante Zvonimir Stamać (We Move Music Croatia, HR), Milan Lučić (British Council, RS), Ognen Stojanoski (Password Production, MK)

• A panel discussion that will delve deep into the analysis of the current ecosystem in the regional music industry, addressing the diagnostics of the existing state and relationships and exploring how to strengthen connections and create new opportunities for artists. It will discuss the key obstacles to cross-border cooperation and how to overcome them, aiming to strengthen the regional music scene and create sustainable strategies for promotion on the global stage.

13.45–15.15 Music as a Superspice: Theatre, Advertising, Campaigns
Moderator: Zdenka Milanović (Lampshade Media, RS)
Speakers: Aleksandra Kovač (kompozitorka i kantautorka, RS), Ana Krstajić (kompozitorka, RS), Boško Mijušković (straight mickey and the boyz, Turbo Trans Turisti, RS), Srećko Barbarić (SOKOJ, RS)

• The panel delves into how music can enrich and transform various creative and commercial projects. From performances that use music to enhance emotional experience, through marketing campaigns relying on musical elements to attract attention and improve branding, to social and advertising campaigns using the power of music to send strong messages, this panel reveals how music is an indispensable element in creating a deeper impression on the audience. By considering examples of successful and less successful integrations of music, panel participants will share their insights and experiences, offering valuable lessons on using music as an effective tool in various contexts.

15.45–16.45 Three Paths from the Start (Long-Run Panel)
I Promoters-Entrepreneurs: Freedom, Madness, the Real Deal or All of the Above

Moderator: Ivan Šarar (Kontakt, HR)
Speakers: Dejan Grastić (Fusion Event, RS), Dragan Novičić (promoter i booker, RS), Haris Tančica (Riječka Zvečka, HR), Sanjin Đukić (LAA, Pola, HR), Zoran Vulović Vule (Long Play, Arsenal Fest, RS)

• This conference segment is focusing on three key aspects of the music industry through parallel discussions. The first topic, “Promoters-Entrepreneurs: Freedom, Madness, the Real Deal or All of the Above,” explores the delicate balance between creative freedom and business challenges in the music business. The panel addresses how to strike a balance between artistic vision and economic realities, and how sometimes stubbornness and irrational perseverance can be crucial for success. Participants will share personal stories of challenges and victories on their journey to realizing their musical dreams, offering insights into the importance of perseverance, resilience, and passion in the world of music.

@ SPRAT:
14.00–15.15 New Faces – closed mentorship
Speakers: New Faces (10), Marko Radojković (Kišobran, Hali Gali, RS) – mentor, Milica Fajgelj (Bassivity Digital, Boomerang Artist Production, RS) – mentor, Nela Peshovska (Password Production, MK) – mentor, Sanjin Đukić (LAA, Pola, HR) – mentor

• This program is specifically designed as a platform for interaction between new talents and experienced music professionals. Its goal is to enable young artists to develop through direct communication, advice, and expert guidance that can significantly impact their career in the music industry. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their works, ask questions, and receive constructive feedback that can aid in their further artistic and professional development.

@ ELEKTROPIONIR:
15.45–16.45 Burnout as a Wake-up Call
Moderator: Ružica Vrhovac (Radio Beograd 202, RS)
Speakers: Dejan Nikolić Gestalt Psichotherapist (educant), RS, Lana Nikolić (slobodna novinarka i aktivistkinja, RS), Marko Louis (RS), Marko Šelić Marčelo (RS)

• The panel deepens the understanding of burnout syndrome among music professionals, emphasizing the importance of prevention and effective coping strategies. This session opens a discussion on mental health in creative industries, exploring how recognizing and responding to signs of burnout can initiate important changes, both in the professional and personal lives of participants. Approaches to maintaining balance and well-being in the demanding environment of the music industry are considered.

@DORĆOL PLATZ:
18.00-21.00 PERSEPHONE’S GARDEN: DJ Nemanja Aćimović
21.00 Daddy G (Massive Attack) / DJ Set

@DOM OMLADINE:
21.00 Neno Belan & Fiumens / Concert

@JUGOSLOVENSKA KINOTEKA:
1 Uzun Mirkova Street: Sala Makavejev
11.00–12.00 Female Entrepreneurship in Music Industries with “Rok kamp za devojčice” Case Study
Moderator: Simona Kanjevac (Urban Muse – Live Scenes!, RS)
Speakers: Iva Lorens (kantautorka, RS), Jelena Božić (Kulturanova, Takt Fest, RS), Katarina Mitić Minić (Femix, RS), Svetlana Ceca Đolović (radioAparat, RS)

• This session focuses on the importance of female leadership and entrepreneurship in the music industry, highlighting how projects like “Rok kamp za devojčice” (Rock Camp for Girls) not only promote inclusion and diversity but also play a crucial role in developing future generations of women in music. It will discuss how these projects help overcome stereotypes and create new opportunities for women across all segments of the music industry.

12.15–13.30 Western Balkans in the Eyes of Agents (English)
Moderator: Gordon Masson (IQ Magazine, UK)
Speakers: Beckie Sugden (Creative Artists Agency, UK), Carlos Abreu (UTA, UK), Jake Beaumont-Nesbitt (International Music Managers Forum, UK/US), Tor Breon (WME Agency, UK)

• The panel is aimed at exploring the perception and positioning of musicians from the Western Balkans on the international scene. It focuses on the challenges faced by both international music agents and local musicians in their efforts to expand their reach. The discussion aims to exchange experiences and strategies that can help overcome
  barriers, as well as to identify potential opportunities for more successful international collaboration.

@ SPRAT:
13.00–14.00 Generational Musical and Stylistic collectives: Experiences and Lessons
Moderator: Ivan Lončarević (Pop depresija, RS)
Speakers: Jelisaveta Todorov (Vizelj, Hali Gali, RS), Nikola Čučković (proto tip, Hali Gali, RS), Luka Zadro (jeboTon, HR), Filip Berlengi (jeboTon, HR)

• The panel explores how collectives like Hali Gali and Krava22 from Belgrade, and Jeboton from Zagreb, contribute to the music scene. The discussion focuses on the impact of these collectives on the development and preservation of the local music scene, specific music styles, and generational identities, as well as on the lessons that can be learned from their experiences. These collectives serve as examples of how unity and collaboration can foster creativity and innovation in music, providing insights into strategies for strengthening the local scene and expanding its influence.

14.30–16.30 Three Paths from the Start (Long-Run Panel)
II Independent Music within Institutions: Stability or Life in the Jaws of Politics
Moderator: Ivan Šarar (Kontakt, HR)
Speakers: Branko Kostelnik (Muzej suvremene umjetnosti Zagreb, HR), Matjaž Manček (GO!2025, SI), Morana Periša (Tvrđava kulture Šibenik, HR), Sara Sopić (Muzej Jugoslavije, HR)
III The double-edged sword of NGOs
Speakers: Janez Leban (producent u kulturi, SI), Janko Popović (Rockstrikcija, MN), Tin Šemovčan (Regenerator, HR), Vanja Kauzlarić (Palach, HR)

• This conference segment is focusing on three key aspects of the music industry through parallel discussions. Following the first topic, “Promoters-Entrepreneurs: Freedom, Madness, the Real Deal, or All of the Above,” the second discussion, “Independent Music within Institutions: Stability or Life in the Jaws of Politics,” explores the challenges and opportunities for independent musicians within an institutionalized setting, questioning the extent to which political structures impact creative freedom and stability. Immediately after, the panel transitions to its third and final topic, “A double-edged sword of NGOs.” This discussion will tackle the role of non-governmental organizations in the music scene, highlighting how NGOs can be both a source of support and a complicating factor for artists.

@ ELEKTROPIONIR:
14.30-16.00 What does the promotion of young alternative artists in Serbia look like today?
Panel by Oblakoder Magazine
Moderator: Marija Todorović (Oblakoder magazin, RS)
Speakers: Branislav Cvetković (Balkanrock, RS), Iva Pažin ZHIVA (kantautorka, RS), Marko Radojković (Kišobran, Hali Gali, RS), Matija Ilić (Ubili su batlera, Hali Gali, RS)

• The panel organized by Oblakoder Magazine, “What the Promotion of Young Alternative Artists Looks Like in Serbia Today,” will focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by young alternative artists in Serbia. It will discuss the impact of digital media, social networks, and streaming platforms on the promotion of their works, as well as the role of media like Oblakoder in supporting and increasing the visibility of young talents. The panel will also explore how the culture of promotion is changing in the digital age and what strategies might be most effective for young performers looking for their place in the music scene.

@ELEKTROPIONIR:
21.00 Bohemija / Concert
*Free entrance

@DORĆOL PLATZ:
17.00-18.30 PERSEPHONE’S GARDEN: Guided tour through the exhibition
Curated by Katarina Žutić (artist) i Vesna Dujmović (curator)
21.00 KoiKoi / Concert

@DOM OMLADINE:
21.00 Letu štuke / Concert

@ ELEKTROPIONIR:
11.45 The Relationship Between Musicians and Concert Production (Precision and Fulfillment of Technical Requirements)
Moderator: Vasilić Bratislav – Braca (Fakultet dramskih umetnosti, RS)
Speakers: Danilo Nikodinovski (Consecration, Nikola Vranjković, RS), Milorad Vučković (MM Concerts, Dom omladine, RS), Predrag Ivanović (Odličan hrčak, RS), Vladislav Pejak (promoter, RS), Žika Jelić (YU Grupa, RS).

• The panel will focus on communication among performers, organizers, and technical producers. Musicians, promoters, organizers, and technical producers will participate in the discussion and present the issues they encounter in concert production from their perspectives, collectively finding ways to improve mutual collaboration. Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of the precision of the rider list (technical requirements list).
  

13.00–14.00 Ex-Yu Time Machine through Stories and Records (book promotion)
Speakers: Petar Janjatović (autor, RS), Darko Kujundžić (grafički dizajner, HR)

• “Ex-Yu Time Machine Through Stories and Records” is a panel celebrating the fifth expanded edition of the ExYu Rock Encyclopedia by Petar Janjatović. This event offers a retrospective of the rich rock scene of the former Yugoslavia through anecdotes, analyses, and discussions about the key albums and moments that have shaped the musical landscape of the region. Participants will have the opportunity to dive deep into the history and significance of Ex-Yu rock music, as well as discuss its lasting impact on the contemporary music scene.
  

14.15–15.00 Music and technology (with AI possibilities)
Moderator: Ivan Kljajić (Akademija umetnosti Novi Sad, RS)
Speakers: Dimitrije Dragojević (audiovizuelni umetnik, RS), Filip Vlatković (muzički producent, RS), Uroš Milkić (Down There Studio, RS), Vladimir Moritz (music producer, RS)

• The panel further deepens the understanding of AI’s impact on music, exploring how artificial intelligence not only changes the processes of creating music but also how it can affect the listener’s experience through personalized recommendations and new forms of interaction. The discussion will also cover the role of AI in analytics and marketing in the music industry, providing insights into the opportunities and dilemmas that artificial intelligence brings.

15.00–15.20 Džem i ć performance sample by ANXIOLYTIK
Speaker: Dimitrije Dragojević (audiovizuelni umetnik, RS)

• Lo-fi, sample-based hip-hop/trip-hop/jungle/chill
  An immersive audio performance that blurs the line between audience and performers, where ANXIOLYTIK immediately mixes a track from a variety of sounds recorded on-site – everyone contributes, participates, and dances together.

15.30–17.00 British Festival Industry – Beginning, Development and Future (English)
Moderator: Jake Beaumont-Nesbitt (International Music Managers Forum, UK/US)
Spekers: Chris Tofu MBE (Continental Drifts, UK), Malcolm Haynes (Star and Garter pub, UK)

• The Cradle of the British Festival Industry – Origins, Development, and Future
  The panel delves deeply into the history and evolution of the festival scene in the United Kingdom. It explores how the beginnings of these music events have influenced global festival culture, the industry’s development through the decades, and what innovations and trends are shaping its future. Key moments and figures that defined this movement are considered, along with predictions on how the industry will adapt to new challenges and technological advancements.
  

@DORĆOL PLATZ / DVORIŠTE (free entrance):
17.00 Škofja Loka

@ELEKTROPIONIR:
21.00 Turbo Trans Turisti / Concert
*Free entrance

@DORĆOL PLATZ:
21.00 Jarboli / Concert

@DOM OMLADINE:
21.00 Bojana Vunturišević / Concert

@DRUGSTORE:
22.00 Hali Gali / Showcase

@ELEKTROPIONIR:
12.00–17.00 Coffee before the Road with the Paws*
*While enjoying one more coffee before the end of Kontakt, you’ll be able to purchase special merch supporting the animal protection association Lunje and Maze, and get a discount at AntiShop with your purchase!

@DORĆOL PLATZ:
17.00–19.00 PERSEPHONE’S GARDEN: Performance “The symbolism of Pomegranate in Persephone’s Garden”
Katarina Žutić (artist) i Vesna Dujmović (curator)
21.00 Jarboli / Concert