Biography

Greetings,

I’m Djuro Ivankovic, and my journey through sound and music has been nothing short of an adventure. Born in Pakrac, Croatia, during a time of war, my family’s life was marked by constant movement and change. We traveled across Serbia and finally settled in the small village of Baric, near the capital, Belgrade, when I was just five years old.

While most kids were picking up musical instruments at a young age, I was more focused on exploring the world around me, venturing into abandoned structures, and discovering forgotten roads. My parents, both hobbyist musicians, encouraged my brothers and me to explore music. However, it took some time for me to truly embrace it.

I started taking piano lessons at the age of 9 but soon I realised that it takes too much in-house time. At the age of 11, my parents gifted me an electric guitar, and for a brief moment, I found myself immersed in the world of Metallica. Again, soon, skateboarding and exploring took precedence, and the guitar collected dust. It wasn’t until I turned 14 and began working on a local radio show called “Electro Pioneer” that my passion for electronic music was ignited.

Despite the limited access to electronic music in my country due to various reasons, my determination led me to collect music and connect with people who shared my passion. I became the go-to source for psy-trance on FM radio, and this marked the beginning of my journey into the world of sound.

As I continued to explore various electronic music genres, I dabbled in music production, initially using FL Studio. However, I struggled with the software’s complexities and lacked the resources to learn properly. But that didn’t deter me; the seed was planted.

My journey led me to work as a show host and media sponsor for countless psytrance events in Serbia. I saw my radio show gain popularity, and people gathered in parking lots just to listen to it. That’s when I realized the power of music.

With limited access to music production knowledge and resources, I overcame hurdles, experimented tirelessly, and learned to use my ear as my primary tool. I played my first live sets in front of small audiences and experienced the exhilaration of performing.

In 2009, I composed music for a TV show, marking my first official foray into music production for a broader audience. It was a pivotal moment, and the income from this project allowed me to invest in my first “studio” setup.

The following years saw me evolve as a musician, with my radio show serving as a launching pad. I embarked on a journey to understand the music industry, attempting to secure releases on established labels. However, the industry often proved challenging to navigate, with labels ignoring my submissions. Frustrated but undeterred, I decided to create my own path.

I founded Noisy Drop Records, where I could release my music without constraints. It was a liberating experience. My second EP, “Dubstep Commander,” gained recognition, and I started experimenting with different distribution methods. Sin Site Records soon emerged, expanding my understanding of the music industry.

Around 2015, I ventured into sound design for television and began working with various artists, including Miss Krystle and Anthony Orko. In 2016, I took my skills to the largest radio station in my country, further deepening my knowledge of sound production.

Life took a significant turn in 2017 when personal changes led me to reevaluate my priorities. I quit smoking, drinking, and coffee, focusing on self-improvement. This transformation fuelled my creativity, resulting in the release of several singles and EPs.

I transitioned into post-production, working on TV commercials for renowned brands. Meanwhile, I continued my exploration of electronic music genres, releasing music under various aliases. My label, Aphthiong Records, became a platform for abstract releases.

In 2020, I moved to Berlin, initially aiming to work as a sound designer in the gaming industry. Despite facing setbacks and the challenges of COVID-19, I persevered, learning new programming languages and honing my music production skills. I contributed to soundtracks for games and began creating my own game, combining my passion for music and gaming.

Returning to Serbia in 2020, I continued to evolve as an artist, releasing EPs, albums, and remixes across different genres. My musical journey culminated in the release of “God’s Cemetery” in 2022, a monumental album with 22 tracks that takes listeners on a profound journey.

2022 also brought personal joy as I became a father to a beautiful daughter. With over 26 hours of music created and countless more ideas in the making, I feel like my journey has only just begun.

I continue to explore the endless possibilities of sound and music, always driven by my passion for creation. Whether it’s producing music, developing games, or pursuing other artistic endeavors, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of my creativity.

Thank you for joining me on this sonic adventure. The best is yet to come.