This year, we're introducing ten outstanding individuals under 30 from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. These journalists, bookers, managers, production assistants, festival organizers, and young enthusiasts are already making a significant impact in their respective environments. Recognizing their talent and immense potential for growth, the New Faces initiative celebrates their dedication and innovative contributions to the music scene.

The festival partners of the New Faces 2025 said together: "Building on the success of previous years, many past New Faces are regulars on showcase festivals, have secured speaking slots at industry conferences, and have forged successful collaborations both within the region and internationally. Selected professionals from previous years have experienced new opportunities, such as participating in exchanges with events like Most Wanted: Music in Berlin and SPOT Festival in Denmark. These achievements demonstrate the program's effectiveness in connecting young professionals and developing their career growth.'"

This year’s open call, which concluded in December 2024, attracted over 90 applications. After a rigorous selection process, the partner festivals chose ten remarkable individuals based on their local impact and professional growth potential. Notably, seven of the selected individuals are women, highlighting the diverse talent within the regional music industry.

NEW FACES 2025:

Kristiyana Zhulienova Georgieva (ANMIP, BG)

Kristiyana is an ambitious organisational force. She is currently a project manager at ANMIP-BG, Bulgaria’s leading organisation supporting independent music publishers and producers. Previously a volunteering enthusiast, she transitioned from working on local educational and environmental campaigns to organising international film and jazz festivals that created a new cultural zone in the city. While finishing her BA in music management at NBU, she now plays a key role in advocating for fair representation, fostering industry growth and developing initiatives that empower local artists.

Monica Miroslavova Petrova (SoAlive Music Conference, BG)

Monica is currently pursuing a master’s degree in music and creative industries at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg where she explores Germany’s music market, gaining valuable insights from leading industry professionals. With over a year of experience in marketing and social media at the SoAlive Music Conference, Monica has developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the Balkan music industry. Her background includes hands-on experience in PR, brand development and partnerships, supported by a bachelor’s degree in communication management from Sofia University. Particularly interested in artist management and the live music sector, she is committed to applying international expertise to support the unique needs of the Balkan region and showcase its culture on a global scale.

Tena Kovačić (INmusic, HR)

Tena is a production assistant and hospitality manager based in Zagreb, Croatia, with a deep passion for festival organisation. Her journey in event management began in 2018 when she volunteered at the local Špancirfest, assisting artists. Since then, her dedication and organisational skills have led her to work with prominent festivals such as Velvet, ZagrebDox, Animafest and INmusic, where she became a permanent team member after excelling in production roles. In 2022, Tena established her own business, further cementing her place in the festival scene. Known for her attention to detail and creative approach, she actively contributes to the thriving cultural life of Zagreb.

Marin Zelić (Pandemonium Festival, HR)

Marin has been actively contributing to the regional music and cultural scene for over a decade, using his time and skills to encourage creative expression and community engagement. As president of the youth organisation KUM Fobija, he is best known for curating and leading Pandemonium Festival, a DIY punk event with free entry that brings together subcultures and cultivates community connections since 2016. In addition to Pandemonium, Marin coordinates the Umni Boravak, a new project that integrates mental health awareness with creative and educational initiatives. He organises the Uključi Mozak project, focusing on skill development, creativity and active citizenship through educational workshops. For the past four years, he has been working for the Escape the City Festival as a workshop coordinator.

Ivana Jovanović (Zeleni Kačket, RS)

A 20-year-old music enthusiast, Ivana is a member of the Zeleni Kačket collective, which includes a radio show and a sublabel of the Pop Depresija label. From playing music in local cafés during high school to producing sessions on Radio Aparat, she has completely immersed herself in music. Ivana actively promotes diverse musical styles, balancing her passion with a commitment to exploring and sharing innovative sounds.

Branislav Cvetković (Balkanrock, RS)

Branislav is a project coordinator at the Belgrade Open School, editor at Balkanrock and vocalist/guitarist for the indie band Pliš. Although he has a master’s degree in political science for international security, he began working in music journalism in 2018 and now co-hosts the Balkanrock Sessions, featuring regional and European bands. As both a musician and journalist, he continues to shape the regional music scene.

Špela Cvetko (Jazzchange, SI)

Špela is a freelance event and music PR professional (MENT, Sajeta, Punk Rock Holiday), the Slovenian coordinator of the international exchange Jazzchange, a booker and tour manager of various local bands and affiliate of the Gala Hala club. She is known for her analytical mind, which she sharpened as a music journalist and the first woman music editor at Radio Študent, one of Europe’s oldest and strongest non-commercial radio stations. She believes in the power of dancefloors and strives to challenge societal problems such as sexism in her work.

Ružica Petrova (MENT Ljubljana, Radio Študent, SI)

Ružica is a production assistant at MENT Ljubljana, music journalist, member of Radio Študent’s music department and co-organiser of TRESK Festival. She co-hosts 100 Decibelov, a show exploring alternative music scenes, and DJ Seansa, which promotes global electronic music artists. Ružica also deejays solo as Sahara Transport Services and b2b as part of the BPM Police duo, showcasing her passion for dance music and community-building.

Nadica Banishka (Gola Planina, Mrtov Konj, MK)

Nadica is a manager and booker from Skopje. After many years as a fan of the alternative music scene, in 2023 she decided to get involved actively, becoming the manager of the local band Vagina Corporation. She booked the band’s two regional tours and produced their concert film Dali e ova zhivo?. Nadica is also a member of the Naked Mountain collective as a human resources manager, booker at the independent record label Mrtov Konj and manager of the Skopje band Kokiche.

Jane Veljanoski (Dope Kukjata, MK)

Jane, a 27-year-old from Skopje, is a passionate DJ and key figure of the local music scene. With nearly three years of djing experience, he is recognised for his energetic performances. He is a member of the Dope Kukjata rap collective, serving as a DJ, manager and graphic designer. He has organized shows for the collective at events like D Fest, Zdravo Mladi and SHIP Festival, along with album launches, video promotions and merchandise campaigns. He also contributes to various other local music events, solidifying his role in Skopje’s music landscape.