IN CONVERSATION WITH GLIA, ANI & DEJAN MILICEVIC

interview by MARIANA MALHEIRO

At Sonus Festival, the spotlight isn’t only on global headliners. We dive deeper into the vibrant underground scene of the Balkans by interviewing local DJs who are making waves in the region’s electronic music culture. We sat down with GLIA, Ani. and Dejan Milicevic to discuss their inspiration, we explored their stories and what it means to perform at a festival as iconic as Sonus. 

GLIA

How did you first get involved with Sonus and when did you start playing here?

Well, it's a really complicated story actually, I mean it's not complicated but I once played at a party that I wanted to cancel because the organizer wasn't treating me the right way. However, I was playing with a really big DJ, and I was like, 'Fuck it, I’m gonna go, I’m gonna play there anyway.' At that party, there was one PR agent who also worked for Sonus, and then he recommended that I play with 999999999 at Sonus. Because they were looking for someone who had already played with them, and I was opening up for them in Lisbon. So then they called me to open up for them again, and I was like, 'Yeah, of course,' so then I came to Sonus. That was three years ago already.

Which Sonus edition has been your favorite so far, or is it impossible to pick?

A: It's impossible to pick because I feel like, in three years, I’ve grown as an artist a lot, and I feel like they offer me more every year. For example, last year, I also played on a boat party as well as in the club, and this year, they moved me to a bigger venue in Kalypso. So, I feel like I'm growing with Sonus, actually.

Tonight, the lineup for this stage is all-female. How does it feel to perform on a stage showcasing only women, here in a Balkan country like Croatia? What does that mean to you?

It's funny because I was speaking to someone working at Sonus today, and they said they actually didn't do it on purpose. They were building the lineup and then realized, 'Oh, this is all girls! Why not?' I think it's cool because for so many years, this industry was dominated by men, and I feel like the last eight years, with artists like Nina Kravitz, Amelie Lens, and others, they started opening up for women. It’s nice to have the same opportunity. It’s not just about filling a quota; these girls are the best in this genre, so it’s awesome that they represent this perfectly.

What does it mean to you to be a local artist playing at Sonus, especially since there are many big international names?

I think it's really nice that they support local DJs, and every year they include more and more locals. Sonus is an international festival, but they still support regional artists and bring new regional artists every year. Coming from Slovenia and now living in Berlin, it’s always harder to succeed in a different country, but Sonus makes me feel like I’m part of the community here. I think it's really important for local artists to be included in such a big event.

Why do you think Sonus is important for the region, especially for the Balkans?

Sonus is really important because it brings top-notch artists to the Balkans, and it’s an opportunity for people in the region to hear all these big names in one place over five days. It’s also crucial for networking and education within the music industry. Sonus is like a convention of DJs, where we exchange experiences, music, and ideas. It’s not just about the performances, but also about bringing the community together.

What is your favorite thing about Sonus?

The location is really special. Pag Island is in the middle of the Adriatic, and the clubs are all in one strand, which is amazing. The climate, the vegetation, the sea—there’s a special energy and vibe on this island that you can really feel. I think that’s what makes Sonus stand out.

Can you tell us a bit more about your future projects?

I’m really looking forward to the end of September because I’m playing at Hör. I’m also releasing my first vinyl in November. Plus, last year, I started a collective with my best friend, and we’re bringing big international names to Slovenia, so we have a lot of exciting projects lined up.

What is the significance for you of playing at this festival?

For me, playing at Sonus is an honor. It’s not just about representing my region or Slovenia, but also about being part of something bigger. The festival brings people from all over the world, and being a local artist here means translating my emotions and energy through music to a diverse audience. It’s a special feeling.

Lastly, if you could choose one track to listen to that you would never get tired of, which one would it be?

Maybe "Talk with Myself (R.M.K Remix)" by Jamie Anderson & Robert Owens. It’s one of my favorite tracks, and it’s always in my sets. It’s a good choice for both big festivals and more intimate club settings. It’s an old-school track, but it never gets old for me.

ANI.

How did you get involved with Sonus, and since when have you been playing here? How was your first experience, and how has it been overall?

So, I'm involved with Sonus for about three years now. This is my third time here, and it's a lovely experience. I think it's the best experience one could get. The professionalism, the theme, everything is really, really nice. I got involved because I was playing as a local DJ in Croatia. They heard about me and then called me to play, and it was lit. So now it’s my third time, and I’m really excited and super happy to be a part of it again.

Since you’re from Croatia, do you feel represented your country herein a sense?

Yes, yes, in a way. I’m from a region in Croatia called Rijeka. It’s not the capital, but we have a small scene here that’s evolving and getting bigger. So, to be playing at Zrće and Pag, the biggest festival in Croatia, is an honor for me. It’s really great.

What does it mean to be a local artist playing at this festival? How does it feel to represent your region?

We are representing not just our region but also the Croatian scene at a foreign festival that is the biggest in the country. It’s brought here by local people, alongside German partners and others, and it's getting bigger every year. I feel really grateful for the opportunity. Being in your own country, you feel the moment more intensely, and you can translate your emotions through music to people from all around the world. It’s a super nice feeling.

What do you think is the most special thing about Pag Island and its location?

The location is amazing. You have all the clubs in one strand, which is something you don’t find anywhere else in the world. Pag Island is located in the middle of the Adriatic, not too far south or east, so it’s in the middle of everything. The climate here is special, the vegetation, the sea, and the food—everything is amazing. You can really feel the Croatian spirit on this island. It has a special energy and vibe that all of us locals know, but everyone who comes here can feel it too.

How would you describe your sound for our Dutch audience, who might not have heard of you before?

I started from the micro-minimal scene, but I like the old-school sound. I mix everything; it’s a mixture of many genres. I like to provoke with my music, to put an element of surprise in it and see the reaction of the people. That’s what drives me during a set. I like to evolve my sets, starting in one way and then moving forward, further. It’s all about the moment.

I love what you said about evolving and provoking the audience. Is there something specific you look for in the crowd while you’re performing?

I love the vibe when I see people vibing and feel their energy, when they get into the moment—the magic of it. I like capturing that energy from the floor, from the audience, and translating it back to them. It’s about having that flow and exchange of energy. That’s just the essence of being a DJ or a performer, to catch that moment and captivate it, to evoke what you want and what they want.

How do you usually curate your sets? What’s your creative process like when selecting tracks?

I dig for music all the time. There’s no specific time; it’s just whenever something catches my ear, I start digging. That’s one part of the preparation. Before each set, I have my own moment of getting into myself, relaxing, because you have to be in a kind of trance, you know? You have to be in yourself to be able to project that outside. It’s about finding new music, new sounds every day, and rediscovering yourself every day.

What is your favorite track at the moment, or one track that you can’t stop listening to?

I don’t think there’s one particular track, but one that I’m really into is called "Kosmonautentraume” from Kombinat 100. It’s a bit old-school and might be better suited for a smaller, more intimate club rather than a big festival, but it’s my go-to. I like to dig up tracks that have been forgotten and bring them to a new audience. For younger generations, like Generation Z, it’s something really wild, and it’s great to recreate that moment with them. 

DEJAN MILICEVIC

How did you get involved with Sonus, and how long have you been playing here?

Well, you see, I’ve been playing at festivals for the last 20 years, and when Sonus started to happen, it was really on my map. I really wanted to play there because it’s this perfect place - the beach, the clubs are amazing. I got connected with the We Love Sound crew who are the co-organizer of Sonus and met the founder Dalibor Zjacic. I think I started playing at Sonus in the second year, so I think in 2014. was my first gig there and I enjoyed it every single time.

Since you’ve been playing at Sonus for a few years, do you have a favorite edition or a particular moment that stands out?

It’s difficult to pick just one, but I remember once—I don’t recall if it was the first, second, or third gig—I was opening the Aquarius stage at three o’clock in the afternoon. I was thinking, "What’s gonna happen at three in the afternoon?" It was boiling outside, like really hot, so I wasn’t expecting many people. But then I came to the club, and there were like 300 people waiting in the queue. Some Italian guys, crazy fans—they opened the door, I started to play, and the party was on instantly, like flipping a switch. Within half an hour, they were literally hanging from the terrace. That was definitely a highlight for me.

Why do you think Sonus is so important for the region, especially since you’re from the Balkans?

Sonus is really important because it brings top-notch artists to the Balkans. Every year, the lineup is amazing, and it’s an opportunity for people from the region to hear all these big names in one place over five days. Normally, you might get some of these artists here and there, but not in this quantity. It’s crucial for the education and networking within the music community. Sonus is like a convention for DJs as well—we all come together, exchange experiences, music, and talk about gear. It’s not just about the visitors; it’s also a gathering for us as DJs to connect.

Before talking with GLIA, and she mentioned that even if she comes for one day to play, she stays for the full experience. Do you find yourself doing the same?

Absolutely. Every time I come here, I stay for a couple of days. It’s interesting because you might get tired from the partying, but then you jump into the sea in the morning, freshen up, and you’re ready for the next day. The atmosphere really helps—it’s not as exhausting because you’re in this beautiful place.

For our Dutch audience, how would you describe your sound for those who might not be familiar with it?

Well, I’ve played in the Netherlands a couple of times in my career, at Dance Valley and Awakenings. My style is a mix between techno and house. I’ve been a DJ for a long time, so it’s impossible to label myself strictly as a techno or house DJ. I always say if the track is good, it’s good, regardless of the genre. If it’s good, I put it in my set, so I’d describe my style as eclectic.

One last quick question before we wrap up—if you could choose one track to listen to that you’d never get tired of, what would it be?

Maybe "Vels" by Jack Vels. It’s a solid track that I never get tired of.