Interview — The Garden Festival: Barbarella’s and the Croatian festival boom

01When we say The Garden Festival, you say…

Sun, sea and nice people having fun in a wonderful setting.

02Contrary to your name Zero, you – Jan Kincl – have been on the scene for years already. What have you detected as some of the trends when it comes to festivals and music in the recent years?

One thing I noticed and which I’m very happy about is the fact that a lot of these festivals give respect to a number of classical artists, the originators, while at the same time presenting a lot of interesting new ones. I think it’s healthy and it sheds some light on the work of people who were laying the blueprints of our music at a time when I guess majority of today’s party/festival audience was very young or not even born. So, basically, a little insight into the future and a lesson about the past.

03Croatia was recently voted as one of the top festival countries by Festicket. Coming from Croatia, what do you think it means for your country?

To be honest, I’m still quite surprised about how the situation developed in just few years. Croatia has turned into a mecca, and the amount of amazing artists playing various festivals during summer time is just unbelievable. For a long period of time, majority of local media wasn’t giving enough love to electronic music, and when it had, it often portrayed it the wrong way. It may be a common thing with alternative music genres. But I guess events like these are impossible to ignore and as a result the media perception and presentation of electronic music has changed for the better. Plus, activity inspires more activity, and I think that’s the biggest benefit for all of us trying to do something in this little country of ours.

04What is the best summer performance you heard?

Tony Allen at last year’s Dimensions Festival. I feel very privileged being able to listen to that man play.

05What are your top 3 tunes for the summer?

Takuya Kuroda – Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Janko Novoselić & Ratko Filipović – CYCLE live edit (an edit I made from two segments of their debut live performance in Masters)
Mr. G – Song For My Cantor

06You will be playing in Barbarella’s Discotheque for its opening on 28th June with the legendary Derrick Carter, but also on 9th July with Francois K and Dean ‘Sunshine’ Smith, ending The Garden Festival and introducing Electric Elephant. You are no stranger to this location, what is the best thing about Barbarella’s in your opinion?

Combination of Function One sound system and the vibe of that place makes it a really unique situation. I’ve played there a couple of times and every night was quite a memorable experience.

07Even though having a strong techno background, you are recognized as a proper music connoisseur. How do you dig for music, what makes you move?

I’m a very curious guy so basically I dig in every way known to man in order to find the stuff that moves me. It’s a cliché but I just feel when a certain piece of music fits my vibe. Through the years I’ve tried implementing various thought processes in this activity but it has failed to give me good results. Besides the classical digging, I get a lot of music sent through various promo pools and other channels, which is a huge help. But to be honest, I learn the most from my colleagues and friends.

08You run Cycle, a monthly club night in Zagreb. From all the guests you hosted, who should we keep an eye on, or give our ears to, in the next few months?

From the DJ side of things, without a doubt – Borut Cvajner from Pula. As for live, Ratko Filipović and Janko Novoselić combo is on fire. Also, Marko Pelaić Homeboy is making some waves with his live show, that guy delivers every single time. But these are some of the things we’ve tried to present through our club night, there’s a lot of talent around and I try to showcase their work through the radio show.

09What’s your message to all the lovely Garden visitors?

Don’t forget to bring your flip-flops.