UKF is heading to Montenegro this summer for a very special event. July 15-18 will see us take over the Sea Dance main stage on the beautiful Budva Jaz Beach for four days of total party abandonment.
So far we’ve introduced the jaw-dropping location and shed some light on how to get to Montenegro. We’ve also revealed three of the many premiere league acts we’ve recruited for the event: Sigma, Wilkinson and Rudimental.
But it’s not all about the massive international line-ups… Always hungry for new music, we’re excited to check out the talent Montenegro has to offer. We’ve done some digging and it seems we have heaps to look forward to.
Whether you’re joining us for Sea Dance or not, this list represents many sonic shades and styles: from deep dubstep to hard hitting techno via silky deep house, these are 12 of the many talented acts currently running things in Montenegro right now.
Igor Stanovnik
Igor is largely recognised as the first professional DJ in Montenegro, and as such is a national legend. He cut his mixing teeth during his time in London during the late 80s and early 90s at clubs such as Ministry Of Sound and Browns. When he returned to Montenegro he ensured his inspiration was felt across his homeland setting up many events and parties across the country and inviting world renowned DJs over for their Montenegrin debuts. To put it simply, if there’s a festival or party going on in Montenegro, Igor is likely to be playing. Follow him.
Beat At Joe’s
Be Good – Bring U Up (BAJ 6th – 2013) by Beat At Joe’s on Mixcloud
One of Montenegro’s most well-known DJ collectives, Beat At Joe’s comprises five of Montenegro’s most influential selectors: Vlado Markovic, Aleksandar Cuca, Marko Stojovic, Aleksandar Gilic and Nikola Dobricanin. Representing the very best in house, funk, Italo-disco, electro, techno and drum & bass, they have played at every major Montenegrin festival and are residents at Distrcit club in Podgorica. They’ve got a whole host of killer mixes on their Mixcloud.
Deep Thoughts
You’ve got to love a band whose first release was a tribute to the legend that is Bruce Lee: Deep Thoughts live up to their name with a heavy meditative brand of mystical chill and smoky trip-hop. With the emphasis on organic instrumentation, their live sets are sight to behold and fuse all the best elements of dub, hip-hop and all things cosmic. Check their story.
PS
Burn Residency 2015 – Burn Residency 2015 – PS by Slobodan Popovic Aka P.S. on Mixcloud
A regular headline hogger at all major Montenegrin festivals, Slobodan Popovic (known more commonly as PS) has been a key player in the country’s club culture for 10 years since establishing the Groovy Castel Nuovo events and radio show with friends Nessuno, Bodzie and X Twins. Very much a DJ’s DJ, he’s invested his full focus on selectionism and his sets fuse all manner of rich, imaginative 4/4 flavours. Find out more.
Millok
Millok – AKA Milo Kekic – is all about the golden house grooves… And has been since he started hosting his own events at the age of 15. Renowned throughout Montenegro and beyond, his discography reflects the worldwide profile he’s developing: Hotfingers, Noir Music, Nervous, Blacksoul, 1605 Music Therapy and many more labels have celebrated his skills over the past few years. Say hello.
FFunk
Previously known as Freaky Funk, FFunk is one of Montenegro’s leading lights in deep house and nu-disco. A regular face at Sea Dance Festival, his sun-kissed sounds have appeared on labels such as Artefact, Dutchie Music and LW Recordings. He also runs a fine line in free downloads, including the Basement Jaxx edit above. Get Ffunky.
Nemanja Becanovic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbvrMXGqCgU
Serial collaborator, hyper-prolific songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and film director, Becanovic is a bona fide auteur. Since emerging in the early 90s with his psychedelic rock band Bad Taste he’s gone on to write a staggering 39 albums, all of which are available to check and download on his blog. For a taste of his electronic explorations check his Money Hoarding EP
Aleksandar Grum
Aleksandar Grum has been on a musical mission ever since he was given a hi-fi system at the age of five. Cutting his teeth on drum & bass and hip-hop, he’s since developed a heavy reputation for strong-armed techno that’s minimal in spirit but muscular in nature. Away from the studio Aleksandar has been responsible for many of Montenegro’s illegal underground raves and is a regular voice on national radio. One for the radar.
Maraku
With roots that dig deep into the Montenegrin club scene since the early 2000s, Maraku is one of the country’s most respected hip-hop DJs. Having cut his teeth the classic way (read: selling mixtapes on the streets of Podgorica), he’s now a tried and trusted selector across the country. He’s got a whole series of awesome mixes on his Soundcloud… Each of which show a vast knowledge of beat heritage and future. Check them all.
MTech
25 year old heavyweight techno repper Mladen Banović has been dishing up thundering four-to-the-floor dynamics for several years now. Frequently spotted on labels such as Klinik Room, Dancing Moon, Nivacords, Dark Shark and Sub Tech, his creations are designed for the darkest of hours. An adept broadcaster, he also hosts his own monthly show on Insomnia FM. Get to know.
Rex Regis
Flexing the axis between dubstep, reggae, hip-hop and dancehall, Rex Regis’s sounds are at once familiar and outer-planetary. Regularly spotted on Reggaeneracija, Montenegro’s only roots-based station, Rex’s creations have been delivered by labels such as Mystic Stylez and Crystal Culture. To get a solid idea of where he’s at live, check the Apple remix above… It’s churchy. Keep him locked.
Soft 85 & Danna
Soft 85 and Danna are the ultimate dreamteam. Not just a happy couple but a pairing that brings out the best in each other. Soft 85 has been delivering slick house sounds since 2011 while Danna is a classically trained pianist and, before she committed to a world of house music, a notable solo singer in various high profile choirs. Together they make silky deep house sounds that sound particularly awesome when shuffling in Montenegro’s golden sands. Hear more.
