Exit to Montenegro could be the kind of festival people plan their summers around

The American DJ and producer has long been regarded as one of the most wanted names in electronic music, with performances at some of the world's most renowned clubs and festivals. Known for seamlessly blending techno, house and electro, Maceo Plex has built a career spanning nearly three decades, defined by creativity, passion and a constant drive to push the boundaries of electronic music. With a three-hour sunrise set on Velika plaža, he brought the festival's three unforgettable days to a spectacular close, leaving behind memories that will be talked about for years to come.

In an exclusive interview with Dan, Maceo Plex shares his impressions of EXIT to Montenegro, the Montenegrin audience, the festival's potential to become a must-visit summer destination, and his overall impressions of Montenegro as a tourist destination.

Di-džej set Macea Pleksa, Egzit to Montenegro

EXIT TO MONTENEGRO, USTUPLJENA FOTOGRAFIJA-ARBEN BENNY GASHI

Although this is not your first time performing at Exit festival, this was your first time performing at Exit to Montenegro in Ulcinj. What was your first impression of the Montenegrin audience?

- Genuinely positive — surprised me a little, if I'm honest. You can usually feel within the first twenty minutes whether a crowd is going to stay with a set or wait for the hits, and the crowd here was locked in, so it gave me the freedom to play some classics, remixes and hopefully bring a timeless element to the selections.

Maceo Plex u Ulcinju na festivalu Exit to Montenegro

-USTUPLJENA FOTOGRAFIJA, EXIT TO MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is increasingly positioning itself as an attractive festival and music destination. Do you think it has the potential to turn this kind of event into a lasting tradition?

- It's got what you need already — obviously the setting does most of the work. If Exit keeps building it properly year after year, I don't see why it doesn't become one of those stops people plan their summer around.

If you had to describe your performance in Ulcinj in three words, what would they be?

-  Heavy, honest, alive.

Ulcinj is a combination of wild beauty, the sea and festival energy. How much does a location like this inspire you to give the audience a different kind of set, especially since you are known for never fully planning your sets in advance, but rather letting the energy guide you?

festival Exit to Montenegro

USTUPLJENA FOTOGRAFIJA-ARBEN BENNY GASHI

- I kind of plan my sets — I have an idea of what I want to play, but I never know exactly how it's going to come together. A stage like that gives you more to read — the sunrise, the open sky, the crowd close to the booth. I came in harder and let it open up from there, moving into more melodic territory as the set went on. Once the sun started coming up, I brought in a few remixes — that's usually the moment a crowd wants something warmer, and Ulcinj was no different. The location was working for me.

Did you have the chance to try our food, experience Velika plaža properly or meet anyone from Montenegro? Overall, what are your impressions of the country?

-  Yeah — had good food, walked Velika plaža before the show, that beach is something else. The Exit team are world-class and they always make sure everything is covered. Looking forward to coming back.