Exploring the Best DJs of Montenegro’s Scene: From Local Clubs to Big Festivals

Montenegro is not only known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its dynamic music scene. Among the many talented artists, several DJs stand out for their unique contributions and achievements. Here, we delve into the fascinating stories of these exceptional artists from Montenegro.

 

Here’s a list of 9 DJs from Montenegro you’ll learn about in this article:

 

1. Igor Stanovnik (Podgorica, Montenegro)
2. DJ Gilerz (Podgorica, Montenegro)
3. Cule (Budva, Montenegro)
4. Chevalier (Tivat, Montenegro)
5. ILona Maras (Kotor, Montenegro)
6. AudioStorm (Podgorica, Montenegro)
7. Millok (Ulcinj, Montenegro)
8. Aleksandar Grum (Podgorica, Montenegro)
9. Raven TK (Podgorica, Montenegro)

 

Igor Stanovnik

As a young boy aged 12, Igor knew what would be his profession in life. He started his career with tape decks, and later he switched to CDs. In 1991. he went to London where he was introduced to turntable art form & Underground House Music, in the town where a few years latter he touched the sky as a DJ. He has been playing at some of the best clubs at the time, clubs like Ministry of Sound (VIP Room), Browns, Empire, and many other Bars and private parties. He is known as a DJ who likes to play very long sets. He is responsible for starting the House scene in Montenegro`s capital city Podgorica coming back from London in 1995. He did pioneering work of promoting House sound in a country that was battered by war in previous years and is the first professional “vinyl-spinner” in Montenegro.

 

DJ Gilerz

Another seasoned veteran of the Montenegrin DJ industry is Aleksandar Gilić, who was born in Podgorican and goes by the stage name DJ Gilerz. In the ’90s, he played in the punk band Kojoti and presented a radio show on Radio Free Montenegro called Deep Massage. He was a performer at the now-defunct Three Friday Parties EDM event in Podgorica, among other members of the long-running local collective Beat at Joe’s. Additionally, he participated in the vast majority of Montenegro’s major electronic music festivals and events.

 

Cule

Aleksandar Cuca, whose artist alter ego is Cule (pronounced “Tsule”), was born in Budva, Montenegro, but he has resided in the capital, Podgorica, since 2003. He never limits himself to one specific kind of music, but Deep House is his bread and butter. Like Gilerz, he contributed to the Beat At Joe’s party series.

DJ Cule, was born and raised in Budva. He vaguely recalls that in elementary school his musical taste varied from domestic rock to the bands which in a short period of time became the iconography of the 90’s such as The Prodigy and Underworld. That gap can be filled with names in whose production Cule found quality and satisfaction: Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, and Leftfield. Cule is one of KRŠ Produkcija’s founders and technical producer, who delivers EDM parties and events at the highest production and organization level seen in the country.

 

Chevalier

The Montenegrin DJ Dalibor Sevaljevic, better known as Chevalier, specializes on drum and bass. During the early 90s, he got infected by the bugs of breakbeat and drum the bass. He used the alias Chevalier and dropped his debut mixtape in the year 2000. Over the last sixteen years, he has played at some of the best festivals and clubs in Montenegro, such as Sea Dance in Budva, among others. Notable D&B acts he has shared the stage with include Big Bud, Electrosoul System, DJ Flight, DJ Suv, and DJ Patife. The Fluid Drum org., which Chevalier co-founded in 2007, advocates for intellectual, atmospheric, and mostly liquid D&B. While in Berlin, Chevalier performed at Void and other urban clubs like Lausanne, Belgrade, and Maribor.

 

Ilona Maras

A lifelong fan of electronic music, Ilona Maras is now a producer and DJ. Her distinctive style, which combines elements of breakbeat, house, acid, and Eastern melodies, has helped her gain recognition in the music business.

Hive, one of Switzerland’s most iconic techno clubs, presently has her as a resident DJ. Filth on Acid, Selador, Get Physical, and MJA the Vision are just a few of the prestigious labels that have published her songs. Prominent musicians including Hernan Cattaneo, Nicole Moudaber, James Zabiela, Betoko, Pete Tong, and Betoko are among those who have supported her music.

German mega-imprint Get Physical Music signed Ilona’s first single, “Existe,” which she produced herself because of her passion for music. After the song became popular, she became well-known and was named one of DJ Mag’s “Top 6 Artists to Watch Out For.” She always gives her everything onstage and makes her audiences desire more in her electrifying and moving performances. Ilona Maras is still a major player in the EDM industry throughout the world because to her distinctive style, love of music, and commitment to her art.

 

AudioStorm

From his early childhood in Podgorica, Montenegro, Ognjen was fascinated by music. He enjoyed its energy and beauty and it was that which made him decide to follow a career in electronic music. He quickly realized that he had to absorb as many different genres of music as possible and became obsessed with bands like Pink Floyd, David Bovie, Joy Division, The Doors, The Cure, Phil Collins, Sting, Simply Red, Depeche Mode, Stone Roses, Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk, Vangelis, Jean Mishel Jarre, Mike Oldfield to name but a few.

By the beginning of the 90s, as grunge rock took over as the popular contemporary sound, AudioStorm turned his attention towards the pioneering electronic bands of the burgeoning underground dance scene and in particular the music that was coming from Goa, India. Psy Trance as it became known was for AudioStorm a diverse, forward-thinking, adventurous mix of Eastern and Western cultures and new and older sounds. A melting pot of possibilities. It was listening to this music that inspired him to begin to explore more progressive sounds of DJs Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Circulation, Deep Dish, Silicone Soul, Darren Emerson, John Digweed, Sasha, Pete Tong, Danny Howels, Satoshie Thomy, Sander Kleinenberg, Dave Seaman, Swen Wath, Swayzak, The Timewriter, Terry Lee Brown Jr, Terry Francis, Anthony Pappa, and many other artists.

As his interest in electronic music crew, AudioStorm began to write his own tracks which are supported by many of his childhood heroes and contemporaries. He now has releases on multiple labels from mighty Particles and now legendary System and Baroque through to Balkan Connection, Mystique Music, and Polytechnic, among many others. He also has a diverse range of releases from Progressive House and Techno to Chill-Out and Indie Dance. This clearly indicates a talented producer who does not let genre boundaries cloud his musical vision!

 

Millok

Milo Kekic began to throw parties in his hometown, Ulcinj, Montenegro when he was 15. Shortly thereafter, he made his first steps into house music and he started producing. His hard work paid off, and he eventually got his first release with Nulogic Records, which paved the way for more. His sets often feature a blend of house, techno, and tech-house, captivating audiences with their energy and innovation. Millok’s influence extends beyond his performances, as he actively promotes the culture in Ulcinj.

 

Aleksandar Grum

As a DJ and producer, Grum embodies the next generation of Montenegrin music. The underground party scene in Podgorica was co-founded by him and his colleagues from Techno Klinika. When the power went out, the kids in town would hide out on the outskirts, far from prying eyes. While under the moniker Redial, he experimented with dark techno on radio programs including DJ Hour and the Montenegrin DJ Association. He has a devoted following because of his talent for making people feel something via his songs. His expertise and popularity are demonstrated by this distinction. In addition to his work with other artists, Aleksandar has a number of musical projects under his belt, which has helped the Montenegrin electronic dance music industry expand and diversify.

 

Raven TK

Gavrilo Jovovic aka Raven TK was born in 1986 in Podgorica / Montenegro, and he started working individually as a DJ in 2007, working on private and illegal parties in their country. In 2010 he established the organisation called Techno Klinika. He has performed at many festivals such us: Exit Festival (SRB), Turn On (MNE), Refresh Festival (MNE), Sea Dance Festival (MNE), Lunar Festival (BiH), Spring Break Festival (MNE), YUG Festival (MNE), Adriatic Perception Festival (CRO), Waveul Festival (MNE) and more.

Raven TK collaborated and played with many big-known names such as Nick Warren, Silicone Soul, Ian Pooley, Alexander Kowalski, Jimmy Van M, Max Graham, Toni Rios, Guy J, James Zabiela, Chris Liebing, Cristian Varela, Maceo Plex, Rodriguez Jr. Spektre, Petar Dundov, Boza Podunavac, Umek, Guy Mantzur, Ramiro Lopez, Pig&Dan, Technasia, The Advent, Coyu. and with all DJs from Montenegro, and many radio shows: Proton radio, insomniaFm, Deep In Miami. Raven TK sounds are full of deep, tech, techno, and progressive vibes with a lot of energy, an intoxicating groove, and a melody that’s at once pretty and sharp sounds. He is also, one of the founders of the Moonwalk Events organization which aims to raise the local scene to a higher level.

 

Conclusion

Montenegro’s EDM is amazing and diverse, thanks to the contributions of these talented DJs. Each artist brings a unique style and energy, enriching the country’s musical landscape. Their achievements and dedication serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting Montenegro as a hub for electronic music in the region.