Meet Pedja Kovačević | Musicologist, Curator, Music Producer and Founder of Soundologia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pedja Kovačević and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Where are you from and how did your background and upbringing impact who you are today?
I grew up in a bucolic town in Central Serbia. It is a beautiful spa, blessed with natural resources such as mineral water, clean air, and rich marble deposits, the perfect place to live and raise children. I spent the whole day outside without my parents watching over me and playing with other kids. Looking back, I remember my childhood as mesmerizing and unforgettable. The town is still safe today, but there aren’t as many kids hanging out as there used to be.

After completing my elementary music education and learning to play piano, I joined a rock band with my friends. In the early 21st century, I bought my first turntables and started playing techno and house music. At the same time, I ran my first organization, which organized electronic music events and brought renowned Serbian artists and DJs to the town. It was a memorable experience for me, especially considering I was only 19 years old and electronic music was still in its early stages. I was a big fish in a small pond. This granted me many opportunities but also made me realize that I needed to move to a bigger city.

I moved to Belgrade in 2002 to study geography and demography at the University of Belgrade and after finishing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees began to work for the Serbian government. However, I was becoming aware of my real passion for pursuing music academically. I ended up enrolling in the musicology program at the University of Arts in Belgrade and successfully obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and began the PhD program. Throughout this journey, I explored classical music, delving into different periods in music history. Eventually, I ventured into contemporary music, where various genres intersect and provide a vast space for composition and sound design experiments.

As the opportunities in music production, technology, and music business were limited in Serbia at that time, I applied to music production and business programs in the US and was accepted at multiple schools. Ultimately, I chose Florida International University because their program appealed to me. I was awarded a scholarship from the Florida-Eastern Europe Linkage Institute. I joined the fellowship at FIU Ratcliffe Incubator, which is an incredible space where mentors support young leaders and entrepreneurs in bringing their project ideas to life. It was during this time that the Soundologia platform emerged.

Soundologia is a platform that promotes new and experimental music, art, and technology. It offers a podcast series, reviews, and soon, music recording and publishing. Combining my knowledge from musicology, music production, technology, and entrepreneurship, I bring new content to the public. When I started the platform in Miami, I decided to collaborate with contemporary music artists who are either based in Miami or have a connection to the local music scene. This allows me to invite them onto the show to discuss and showcase their art.

In addition to running Soundologia, I began my professional journey as a coordinator for art and music programs, as well as a music educator, at various schools in Miami. I also worked as a sound technician and mix engineer at FIU’s Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center. Last year, I had the opportunity to teach a course on electro-acoustic music at FIU’s School of Music. My professional growth has been greatly enhanced by these invaluable roles and experiences.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
I am grateful for the support of my beloved family both in the US and Serbia. My wife, Nevena, is a professional musician, musicologist, and creative individual whose ideas have greatly influenced Soundologia. I want to acknowledge my professors and mentors from Serbia, The Florida International University, and the Ratcliffe Incubator. Our community at Soundologia is exceptional because of the unique work and music contributed by every artist. They are all an essential part of the Soundologia family. Lastly, I must mention my five-year-old daughter, Dana, whose talent and creativity have had a significant impact on my work. I hope to have her join the Soundologia team in the future. 😊

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I believe that art is not just about experiencing it through our senses but also about how we talk about it and present it to others. Interpreting music has always been popular, with writing music reviews and critiques being a part of the music scene. People have always sought to learn more about the music they listen to and experience, as it is a part of education.

Soundologia’s mission is to create art by discussing contemporary and experimental music. Experimental art is non-conventional and its reception relies on criticism and promotion. The search for new methods and language to describe sound has been a trend, especially in recent decades, as various media combine sound as an essential component. Musicology plays a role in this by encompassing subdisciplines like music theory, ethnomusicology, and aesthetics, providing interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary methods to explain music.

In modern musicology, it’s important to have knowledge and skills beyond academic writings, philosophy, aesthetics, music theory, analysis, and interpretation. The music industry includes different sub-disciplines like production, post-production, promotion, funding, negotiation, and more.

The Soundologia platform aims to make music and sound more accessible to the public. We take pride in being one of the few platforms that support experimental music and arts. Our focus is on promoting experimental arts and music, with a special emphasis on Miami-based artists. Our platform primarily features podcasts where we invite sound and multidisciplinary artists to discuss their works and projects. You can find us on all leading streaming platforms such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Podbean.

We aim to exhibit artistic creations that push the boundaries of sound and music language. Our guests discuss a variety of sonic possibilities, their sound experiments utilizing diverse media, both conventional and unconventional instruments, various forms, and genres. We challenge traditional aesthetic and conceptual notions to empower the listening experience.

Each show explores current and future trends in music, experimenting with sound and different media. 30% of the show is dedicated to music and sound, with listeners hearing the story behind each piece and the composer’s chosen process and technology. Our guests are renowned artists in the experimental music scene, all having received prestigious awards or grants from renowned organizations.

Every Soundologia show includes recommended books and articles on music, composition, and technology for listeners to explore. Guests also give away items that represent their work, such as CDs, digital music editions, concert tickets, or merchandise. Soundologia not only promotes artists but also engages and stimulates the community through virtual learning and entertainment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?
Miami is more than just the beach. Having lived in South Miami for five years, I’ve come to appreciate the many beautiful areas surrounding the city. Coconut Grove, with its picturesque streets and architecture, and Coral Gables, with its charming and fancy atmosphere, are particularly noteworthy. If you’re into biking, Old Cutler Road is a remarkable route that takes you to Matheson Hammock Park and Beach or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The garden is a true oasis, home to exotic plants and vibrant flowers.

Miami also has impressive museums, such as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science. The campuses of FIU and UM hold personal significance for my wife and me as we studied there, and they have greatly impacted our personal and professional lives. They have beautiful concert spaces like Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center and Maurice Gusman Concert Hall.

Miami has a vibrant music scene with numerous events and concerts happening daily. Contemporary music has become a significant part of the music scene, with several organizations nurturing contemporary and experimental music for many years. Soundologia has collaborated with the most renowned Miami-based organizations, such as The Last-Hundred Ensemble, FETA Foundation, New Miami Music Festival, and SUBTROPICS (South Florida Composers Alliance). These organizations host events at various venues across the city, such as The Wolfsonian-FIU, Deering Estate, The Bridge, FIU Miami Beach Urban Studios and more.

Miami is home to several well-known attractions, including iconic landmarks like the New World Symphony, designed by Frank Gehry. Additionally, the city is known for the renowned choir ensemble, Seraphic Fire, where I interned. Their astonishing concerts are held in different churches throughout the city and their repertoire includes music from various centuries, ranging from the Middle Ages to modern times.

For electronic music enthusiasts, Club Space is a notorious venue that hosts renowned DJs and producers. People from all over the US travel by plane to experience one unforgettable night at this club.

There are numerous galleries in town, particularly in Wynwood, that showcase exhibitions by local and world-famous artists. If you’re looking for an authentic Neapolitan pizza, Pummarola in Coral Gables is a great choice amidst the city’s wide array of cuisines.

Contact information:

Website: https://soundologia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundologia/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soundologia

Image Credits

Cover Image: Private collection

Image 1: Marko Deda Janković

Image 2: Marko Atanacković

Image 3: Joyceline Soto