Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a regular short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email james.hanley@futurenet.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with Zlatana Pavlovic, CEO of electronic music festival Lovefest, which returns to Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia, for its 13th edition from August 1-3. DJs will include Richie Hawtin, Jamie Jones and The Martinez Brothers.
What was your first job in music?
"My first job in music industry is my current job. I started as a PR for Lovefest and ended up as CEO. Today, almost eight years later, my job is my life and my life is my job and I believe that is the only way to cohabit with this kind of profession.
How long have you been in your current role?
Almost five years now.
What is your favourite thing about working in the live music industry?
Everything. In this line of job today is completely different than yesterday or tomorrow, and no two days are the same. I had enormous luck to meet and work with great professionals and to create them on the other side through working with younger people. The best thing of all is the moment when you take a sneak peak on the main stage and you see all those happy faces dancing in the crowd.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the business?
The stress. I strongly believe that every soul that works in music industry, especially the music festival industry, lives and breathes their job. It takes up all the energy and erases the line between private life and business, so this is the issue we all should deal with every day.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have one highlight per year. That is the last night of Lovefest, when the whole team is on the verge of tiredness, happiness and complete bliss. That is always the moment that boosts me for the next 365 days of work.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Official wise party - morning gig of Prosumer at Lovefest 2018 Energy Stage. Unofficially, Berlin 45sq m apartment, 30 people and 2 DJs playing the most insane music the whole night.
