Interview with MoDem Festival (Croatia) -

Festivals play an important role in the lives of music lovers. They are spaces where we can discover new artists, make friends, and enjoy great times outdoors. Festivals happen all over the world, each offering its own unique magic. Today, we are speaking with Tomislav, one of the key people behind the renowned MoDem Festival.

The MoDem Festival (short for “Momento Demento”) is an internationally renowned electronic music festival held annually in Croatia. It’s particularly celebrated for its focus on psytrance, dark prog, zenonesque and related electronic music genres. The festival is highly regarded for its immersive experience, which combines incredible music, psychedelic art, and stunning natural surroundings.

Interview by Psybient.org team on 29/11/24.

GENERAL FESTIVAL OVERVIEW

Hi Tomislav, thanks for taking time to talk to us! What inspired the creation of MoDem Festival, and how has it evolved over the years?

When I started MoDem, I felt there was a serious lack of festivals showcasing deeper and more underground psychedelic music. That, combined with focusing more on cutting edge art & visuals, was the main driving motor to start the project.

What sets Modem apart from other psytrance festivals around the world?

I think MoDem, even after more than 12 years, sets the standards, but also breaks the rules when it comes to deco, stage design, and giving great importance to artists focusing on visuals and motion design. Shows and motion designs that are tailored specifically for stage designs on MoDem, definitely set us apart.

Can you share the meaning behind “Momento Demento” and how it relates to the festival’s ethos?

That one I would leave to ppl to use their imagination :D.

How do you choose the location for the festival, and what makes the Croatian countryside ideal for MoDem?

Actually, my mother found the location while doing kayaking :D. Outstanding natural beauty, crystal clear river, total remoteness.

What’s the core mission or philosophy of MoDem Festival?

Look for new music and visual talents, push the boundaries of stage designs, incorporate new technologies and software into the show.

MUSIC AND ARTISTS

How do you curate the lineup each year? Do you prioritize new talent or established names?

We definitely prioritize new talents. I believe too many festivals are focusing on headliners, and not really showcasing enough artists that are on the uprise, or just pure talents that have great talent, but not doing much on self promotion.

What genres or styles of music can attendees expect beyond psytrance?

Techno (all types), world music (all types), chillout, dnb, dubstep, reggae… A very wide spectrum.

Can you highlight any standout performances or artists from previous editions that left a lasting impact?

I think this is very subjective question :)

How do you see the global psytrance scene evolving, and where does MoDem fit into that evolution?

We are always actively following new music, and searching for new artistic talents. I guess each festival has its own strategy/concept. We have been keeping the same one since the start.

How many stages will you have in 2025. Do you have 24/7 schedule? Can you present the concept of stages ?

3 stages: Hive (psytrance/forest/dark/hitek), Swamp (dark prog/zenon/techno/minimal), Seed (minimal/chill/glitch/downtempo/world music/wide spectrum of music in general).

ART AND VISUALS

The stage designs and art installations are iconic—can you share the process behind creating these immersive visuals?

I think I could write a book about it :D. We are a big team, with a workshop on location. Design processes are a constant ongoing process, as well as the production. All our designs and ideas are well planned between design, production, light technicians and the vjs. I believe close cooperation is what makes it so iconic.

Are there any new visual or artistic experiences planned for this year’s edition?

That will have to remain secret :).

ATTENDEE EXPERIENCE

What steps do you take to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for attendees?

We are constantly upgrading our venue, installing new facilities, showers, toilets, and basic infrastructure. Managing a location with very uneven terrain, and a river going in between is very challenging. However, we do our very best every year and always make sure our visitors are happy, with visible progress.

How do you balance the high-energy psytrance experience with spaces for relaxation and introspection?

We provide lots of shaded areas, cinema, children’s area, workshops, lectures, and slower bpm music. There is plenty of restaurants, and about 10 000 m2 covered space to protect ppl in case of possible rain. I think infrastructure and comfort wise, people are very comfortable on MoDem.