Croatia's reputation for electronic music is well established and in the last few years, more and more festivals take place in the country. Dario Debeljuh aka Paperclip Project, from Pula,  is a Dj-producer and promoter who belongs to activists in the techno scene. Since 2015, he runs Konekt Croatia; he has invited and signed notable producers such as Cristian Varela, Alex Bau – interview here, Oliver Deutschmann, Mode_1, Israel Toledo, Philippe Petit, among others. The label donates all earnings to charity projects in its home region Istria, supporting homeless and deprived persons. Short interview from his studio.

Where do you come from? 

Born and raised in a small town called Pula based in the most beautiful region Istria on the west coast in Croatia. My parents don't have anything in common with art and the environment I grew up in was happy, peaceful and beautiful.

Your first influences?

Chemical Brothers, Laurent Garnier and many more.

How did you discover electronic music?

It was by the end of elementary school where I got in touch with some non genre electronic bands, duos, djs.

Do you remember the first vinyl you bought?

Think it was 7th  or 9th on Question from Marco Carola or CLR04 from Chris McCormack and DJ Rush, I don't know exactly.... It was a long time ago

Your best memory as a Dj? 

Playing at the Exit Festival in 2014.

What was decisive to launch Konekt Croatia?

Desire to relieve the techno scene in my hometown.

What is the philosophy behind it?

We are a 100% charity label, one and only of a kind in the world. All proceeds go to the local community "Nas San Njihov Osmijeh" (translation into English: “Our Dream Their Smile”) from our hometown who helps homeless and helpless people.

What are the main difficulties to head a label? 

Always digging for quality artists who have quality music.

What comes to your mind when I say AI?

Don’t like it.

Do you still produce? What kind of gears do you prefer to use for production? 

After some pause, I’m back with production and I`m always up for Ableton.

Your definition of techno? 

Groove, raw, massive baselines and also some vocals are always welcome.

For you, what is a good track in 3 words?

Banging, vocal, underground

Your top crew we should know in Croatia?

Balance.fm, a crew from my hometown. They are pioneers in Croatia

Who are the emerging talents from your native scene we should pay attention to?

DJ Joes who plays quality house music

Your top 5 new releases? 

- Cristian Varela “Agan2so”

- Alex Bau “Alias”

- Horacio Cruz & Drumsauw “Natural Confusion”

- Oliver Deutschmann “Sonica”

- Krenzlin “No Return”

Your top 5 oldies? 

 - Inner City “Goodlife”

 - DJ Rolando “Knights of the Jaguar”

 - DJ Rush “Freaks on hubbard”

 - Marco Carola “9th”

 - Henrik B “Teorema”

If you could have a short conversation with an artist, which one would you choose?

Laurent Garnier

What makes you proud of yourself today? 

Proud of my label who helps homeless and helpless people in my hometown with food donation.

Croatia in 3 words?

Beautiful, hospitable, safe

Finally, who is the current Paperclip Project in 3 words?

Honest, techno warrior, man of word.

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / Picture by Bojan Širola