Sit-down Interview with Dj CONTA

 Ana: Starting Off: Can you share a bit about your journey into the world of DJing? What first drew you to this electric avenue of music?

CONTA: Well, my journey started two and a half years ago. That’s when I bought my first DJ controller. I already listened to a lot of music and genres, but I fell in love with house music! What drew me was the freedom you feel when you are on the dance floor, and I wanted to share my story and my freedom with others.

Ana: As a rising DJ, what have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far? Any unexpected triumphs along the way?

CONTA: My biggest challenges were preparing myself for gigs. As a DJ who never went to DJ school, I had to learn things on my own and train my ears. I went from a small bedroom setup to better monitors in the bar, but experience teaches you everything!

Ana: You’ve certainly come a long way. Where do you find inspiration for your beats? Is there a particular place, mood, or artist that fuels your creativity?

CONTA: I started listening to music from a young age; my mother influenced that. Every artist I listened to gave me something, but it depends on the location I'm playing and the vibe of that place.

Ana: Right. Who are the DJs or producers that you look up to in the industry? How have they influenced your style and approach to music?

CONTA: There are a lot of talented DJs and producers, but for me, the one who stands out is Andrew Meller, a DJ from Serbia. His style and music have caught my attention for three years now, and he never disappoints!

Interviewed by Ana Sunjka

Ana: Montenegro is rapidly gaining popularity as a music hotspot. Do you think it could be the next Ibiza, but more budget-friendly? How does the vibe here influence the music you produce?

CONTA: Oh yes, Montenegro is a beautiful country with lots of vegetation and stunning nature. It's gaining a lot of popularity for electronic music. The scene is growing every year, with more and more DJs from other countries coming here. The summers are hot too, so I can see it becoming a more budget-friendly version of other popular electronic music destinations!

Ana: Definitely, I truly hope it does. What genres does your work focus on? What is it about them that resonates with you, and how do you keep your sound fresh within these styles?

CONTA: Well, my primary genres are progressive house, afro house, and tech house. These are the styles that I am passionate about and that resonate with me the most. What resonates with me about these genres is their energy and the way they can create a sense of unity on the dance floor. However, as a DJ, it's important to remember that you don't always play what you want. You need to be prepared for any kind of venue and adapt to the vibe of the place. Having a diverse collection of tracks allows me to adapt to different atmospheres and keep the crowd engaged.

Ana: Absolutely, and that flexibility is crucial for any successful DJ. Speaking of perceptions and the music scene, there are often misconceptions about the link between drug culture and electronic music. What’s your perspective on this, and how do you address these stereotypes within your own life and work?

CONTA: The association between electronic music and drug culture has been around for a long time. Some people feel they need drugs to loosen up, feel the rhythm better, and enjoy the music, while others don't need any substances at all. I believe it ultimately depends on the person and their individual choices. I strive to create an atmosphere where you can fully enjoy the music and experience sober, but again, it’s up to the individual.

Ana: Speaking about the atmosphere, how do you connect with your audience during a live performance? Is there a particular moment you strive to create at each event?

CONTA: As a rising DJ, I can tell you what I know from my experiences. It depends on the DJ, of course, but the crowd plays a part too. There will always be some people in the crowd who hype up others and the DJ.

Ana: Let’s talk genres. In your opinion, how do techno and EDM differ in terms of the experience they offer to the audience? Do you prefer one over the other?

CONTA: Techno and EDM differ significantly in the experiences they offer to the audience. Techno typically has a more repetitive, hypnotic rhythm and a darker, underground vibe, which can create a deep, immersive experience. EDM, on the other hand, tends to have more mainstream appeal with its high-energy drops and catchy melodies, creating a more euphoric and accessible experience. In today's world and with what new generations bring, new EDM is becoming more like techno. They love that sound, but it really depends on the person. Personally, I prefer house music that has an underground sound. From the very first moment, I fell in love with this type of music.

Ana: I’d have to agree. As a local from Montenegro, how do you incorporate the traditional or local music elements into your sets, if at all?

CONTA: I try to play as much music that no one knows, but it depends on the crowd and what they like and recognize. At some point, you have to play something that everybody knows to keep the energy high and the crowd engaged. I might also blend in local and traditional Montenegrin music elements when possible, adding a unique twist to my sets and showcasing our rich cultural heritage.

Ana: Speaking of showcasing and blending different elements, What are your aspirations for the future? Any specific goals or dream venues where you’d love to perform?

CONTA: I have a lot of goals, so I am climbing one stair at a time. Right now, I’m living my first goal, working on Ada Bojana (Montenegro) as a DJ and lifeguard. My next step would be to go to other countries and share my music there, but who knows what the future brings…

Ana: From starting out as a local Dj to opening for Matt Sassari, what advice would you give to aspiring DJs like yourself?

CONTA: Have faith and patience because this is a long journey. As a starting DJ, you will not play on big stages right away. There will be times when you will play for little money or for free, but that's fine. Experience is everything in life, so be brave and enjoy every second of your playing time!

Ana: That's truly inspiring advice for anyone starting out in the industry. As a childhood friend, watching you strive towards your goals and your rising success has made me so proud. I'm so excited to see what you will achieve in the future. From the whole N/A team, I'd like to thank you for sitting down with us and sharing your story. Good luck with everything, and may you continue to captivate audiences with your incredible talent and passion!

CONTA: Thank you so much, Ana. It’s been an incredible journey. Thanks to the N/A team for this opportunity to share my story. I’m looking forward to the future and hope to make everyone proud.

CHECK OUT HIS LATEST MIX!!!!

Next article

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own, and may not reflect the opinions of N/A Magazine. Posted September 20th 2024.

Edited by Ana Sunjka