When Peti Kupe announced its third anniversary celebration, my first thought was—only three years? It feels like this place has been with us for much longer—not just as a nightclub but as a home for restless souls, night wanderers, artists and music lovers. A space for those seeking something more than what Zagreb’s often predictable nightlife has to offer.
Since opening in 2022, Peti Kupe has firmly established itself—not just on the clubbing map of Zagreb and Croatia, but across Europe. And on Saturday, March 22, as the centerpiece of the anniversary weekend, the decks will belong to two familiar faces: Gerd Janson and Pepi Jogarde.
Janson, the mastermind behind Running Back, has a way of turning every set into a story you didn’t know you needed to hear. Pepi, a local legend in his own right, has spent years shaping the city’s sound—through clubs, radio waves, and DJ sets that transform nights into unforgettable experiences.
For this special night, Peti Kupe is switching things up with the Sound Circuit concept, placing the DJ booth at the heart of the dance floor. No barriers, no distance—just pure energy flowing between the music and the people who make it matter.
With that in mind, we sat down with Pepi Jogarde to talk about the journey so far, the celebration ahead, and everything in between.
First of all, how have you been? What’s new in your life and career?
How am I? As always, I’m balancing between Yoga and chaos. The new year has brought me… well, another year. In my career? Ah, career, that abstract noun. I expect to survive next week, which is already a solid success.
As we mark the third anniversary of Peti Kupe, it feels as though it has been a staple of the city for much longer. From your perspective, how would you sum up these three years?
It seems like three lifetimes to me. It’s as if we’ve been here since prehistoric times. Summary? We managed not to go bankrupt, which in this economy is the equivalent of winning Olympic gold. Challenges? Finding parking in the city center. General opinion? It could have been worse, but it could have been better. In conclusion, we are now marked on the map of Europe’s clubbing culture, as the famous Resident Advisor put it.
What can we expect on on Saturday? The party, as you’ve already announced on Instagram, will be enriched by Sound Circuit concept with the DJ booth in the center of the club at dancer level.
I’m preparing… well, music. And maybe a surprise, if I remember. Sound Circuit will make sure your ears don’t stay dry. Expect the unexpected, or expect the expected, depending on your level of optimism.
You’ve had a long-standing collaboration with Gerd Janson, as well as a friendship. He’s also been a guest on your Freilauf program. Do you remember the first meeting? What do you like about Janson, both musically and personally?
First meeting? I vaguely remember. Old Aquarius, Freilauf – the day after the Red Bull Music Academy with Theo Parrish, there was probably a lot of music and little sleep. Gerd? Musically – an encyclopedia. Personally – he tolerates me, which in itself is impressive.
It’s also interesting that on April 10th, we can expect a performance by Jazzanova at Peti Kupe. What would you highlight as their uniqueness?
They know how to blend jazz and the dancefloor without sounding like elevator music. That’s a rare skill.
Grapes and music, as you said, are two natural energies that drive us. How’s it going with the wine? Is it true that when you’re at Kupe, you prepare snacks for the crew?
Wine? It’s going. I drink it. Snacks at Kupe? Of course, when I’m in a good mood. And that happens, as you know, less and less because I’m busy with myself.
Peti Kupe is a place where a lot of young people enjoy electronic music. At one point, you said that “today’s youth is coated with all sorts of genre grease.” Do you think clubbing is dying, as is often heard? What’s your take on the current situation in Zagreb? Is the scene growing, stagnating?
‘Coated with all sorts of genre grease’? Did I say that? Well, I’m not far from the truth. Is clubbing dying? Like everything else, it goes through phases. The Zagreb scene? It grows, it stagnates, it depends on the day. But mostly, it survives, just like we do.
Recently, Yammat celebrated its tenth anniversary. As a host and editor of popular Adriatic Coasting, can you share any interesting anecdotes or listener reactions over the years? What’s the most special reason you love radio as a format?
There are too many anecdotes, too many for one interview. I love radio because it gives me the opportunity to speak without anyone interrupting me.
What do you listen to the most lately? It’s interesting that you’re a DJ but not a producer. How come?
Everything and anything, depending on my mood. Today, for example, Paki Visnadi and repetitive imaginary sound choreographies from Italy made for contemporary dance. Production? Doesn’t appeal to me. Too much work, too little sleep.
As we look forward to the performance and birthday party – share a link to one of your sets for preparation.
Here it is: https://on.soundcloud.com/UPbBvPeMNLM5s1DA6
A warm-up set by Pepi Jogarde before Aurora Halal takes over, including some multiculti, psyched-out tripping dervish of a heater with a deep melancholic techno backbone that has the drama and tension required to move a peak-time floor.
