This is a repost of my interview for the BSV SESSION 051 project, with the link provided below. I would like to express my gratitude to Marko for the invitation and for our ongoing collaboration. I hope you enjoy the interview, which offers a closer look at my early beginnings. For this occasion, I have also recorded a special vinyl DJ mix, available at the link below
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1.
BSV: Hello, Srđan! We first crossed paths almost ten years ago during a remix competition for one of your releases. Looking back now, how do you reflect on that moment and the journey since then?
It has certainly been a long journey. In the meantime, I became a father, and many aspects of my life changed. Musically, however, I remained very active—I worked on numerous projects, performed at gigs, released music, and collaborated with different artists. At that time, I had already been involved in music for more than 15 years, with a primary focus on DJing. Parallel to this, I co-founded a record label, Instead Recordings, together with my friend Carsten. Through the label, we had the opportunity to collaborate with many artists, including yourself. I was also having my resident night, Thian & Friends at various locations, and was actively involved with the Berlin collective Synthesis, where we organized projects and events and produced remixes for some of the most respected names in the scene, such as Samuel L. Session and Funk D’Void. In addition, I worked on an official remix for D.A.V.E. The Drummer for another German label, which will soon be out. Looking back, I never would have imagined things would progress as far as they have.
2.
BSV: We’ve heard that, once upon a time, you were a passionate skateboarder. How has that experience shaped or influenced your path in electronic music?
I essentially grew up as a skateboarder. Instead of spending time at home, we gathered at Mimara, a well-known spot in Zagreb. Skateboarding was never just a sport—it was a lifestyle, a community, and a way of seeing the world. We traveled to neighboring countries for contests and explored different skateparks as teenagers. Skateboarding taught me a DIY approach to life, and that mindset continues to help me today, especially when I was organizing my first parties, where improvisation was often necessary. Many skateboarders eventually move into creative fields such as music and visual arts. My first release was with Ishek, a drummer and a friend from my skateboarding days. When you dedicate yourself so deeply to something while growing up, it becomes an inseparable part of who you are.
3.
BSV: Is it true that back in the days, you had to disassemble a gramophone, piece by piece, at the border in order to carry it across?
That’s absolutely true. When I was growing up in Croatia, the EU was much smaller, and my country wasn’t yet a member. To get better prices on vinyl records and music equipment, we often traveled to Germany or Austria and smuggled things back home. I usually hid items under the front seats and did my best to look confident when crossing the border, especially if officers asked if I had anything to declare. Luckily, I never got caught—thanks to my “acting skills,” I guess.
4.
BSV: A lot of experience behind you. Tell us a little bit more about your early beginnings in DJ-ing.
My DJ career began when my skateboarding journey came to an end. Around 1994, after competing in a contest in Budapest, I returned to Croatia feeling disappointed by how far behind our skateboarding scene was compared to theirs. That loss of motivation coincided with my growing passion for music. Even while skateboarding, a few of us had tried forming a band and held some jam sessions, though nothing serious came of it. Around that same time, a major rave called Future Shock took place in Zagreb. A few of us skateboarders ended up there, and without going into too many details, that night opened an entirely new world for me.
I started attending more parties, fascinated by what the DJs were doing. Soon after, I began collecting equipment and practicing mixing at home. This was around 1995, and it took me several years to properly develop the skill, build a record collection, and find my own path. Toward the late 1990s, my friend Vedran and I organized our first events at Club Valentino in Zagreb—and the rest, as they say, is history.
5.
BSV: You have been a Berliner for more than a decade now. How would you describe the current scene in the capital of electronic music?
I have been living in Berlin for 15 years now, and I’ve witnessed many changes in the scene. Unfortunately, some iconic clubs have closed or will soon close, such as Watergate and Wilde Renate. But this is not entirely new for Berlin; the city has always evolved, and as it grows, the demand for housing puts pressure on club spaces. At the same time, Berlin is becoming more expensive, and many clubs are located in highly attractive areas—so it’s easy to imagine what happens next.
More broadly, I feel the electronic music scene is in decline—not necessarily in terms of the number of people following it, but in the way music is consumed. Parties have always been about more than just the music; if it were only about consumption, I doubt I would have been drawn to it in the first place. Nowadays, much of the interaction around music happens online, through social media, which reduces the human connection that used to define the scene.
That said, Berlin remains a unique city and will continue to be a special place for music and nightlife. There’s a reason people from all over the world come here to experience its culture, and I believe the city will keep its spirit alive longer than most.
6.
BSV: As a fitness trainer, do you see a connection between music and human health, and what would be your motivational quote on that topic?
Sports have been a major part of my life from a young age, just like music. For me, there is a clear connection between music and health—unless the party runs too long, of course, haha. Music, like meditation, places the mind in a unique state. Its positive effects on the brain and body are well documented: it enhances cognitive function, emotional balance, and even physical well-being. For anyone looking for motivation, I can always recommend checking out my personal trainer’s Instagram profile >>here<<.
7.
BSV: It’s a real privilege to have you here with a 100% vinyl set. What inspired you to share this freshly recorded mix of timeless techno records from your unique collection?
This is a selection from my record collection from the late 1990s and early 2000s. My approach to playing techno was always different—I preferred slower tempos than most DJs at the time. On this recording, it started around 127–128 BPM and built up to 130 BPM; basically, every vinyl is played much slower than it was originally produced. I was never interested in simply doing what everyone else was doing; I always wanted to experiment with the music I had. I found that slowing things down gave techno a more hypnotic quality, offering listeners a unique experience.
Of course, you can always increase the tempo in a club if the crowd needs it, but sets like this one also work well for home listening.
I truly enjoyed recording it, and I appreciate the invitation. I also want to thank my friends, partygoers, and especially Igor from Synthesis Berlin for always letting me use the studio.
Many greetings from Berlin!
Thian
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