"Engaging Conversation with the Creator: Dream of Utopia's Wonderful World of Music and Art – An Interview with Onur Kabadayı"

AWL: How did you first get into DJing and organizing events?

OK: I first discovered my love for DJing and house music while living in Chicago. The city's dynamic house music scene was incredibly inspiring and fueled my passion for electronic music and DJing. When I eventually moved to Berlin, I found myself immersed in its vibrant club culture. This environment sparked my desire to curate my own events, leading to the foundation of the ‘Sound of Utopia’ events agency. Through this agency, I produced the 'Land of Utopia' (18-hours, 2-floors) and 'House in Space' (34-hours, 3-floors) event series between 2017 and 2020 in reputable Berlin clubs. These experiences laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Dream of Utopia.

AWL: What inspired you to blend art and music in your events?

OK: We’ve always believed in creating a holistic and immersive experience for our attendees. By blending art and music, we can engage all the senses, making the event more impactful and memorable. The vibrant art scene of Berlin, combined with the natural beauty of the Turkish Riviera, has deeply influenced us. Art and music complement each other perfectly, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the spirit of both cultures.

Art also plays a crucial role in encouraging participation and interaction among attendees. It transforms the festival from just a series of performances into a communal space of shared creativity and connection. Plus, art enhances the wellness aspects of our festival, providing a visually and emotionally enriching environment that beautifully complements activities like yoga, meditation, and various workshops.

AWL: Can you describe the philosophy or vision behind your event organization?

OK: Dream of Utopia is rooted in the philosophy of unity and community. We strive to create a close-knit, inclusive environment where attendees can form deep connections. By keeping the festival intimate, with a limited number of guests, we foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Our vision celebrates life in all its facets—music, art, and wellness. We aim to create a space where people can express themselves freely, experience joy, and immerse in creative exploration. 

Mindfulness and wellness are at the heart of our event. Activities like yoga, meditation, and sound healing are integral, offering attendees a chance to rejuvenate and find inner peace.

Lastly, sustainability and a deep respect for nature are central to our philosophy. Hosting the festival in a beautiful, natural setting serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating our environment. This connection to nature enhances the overall experience, grounding us and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.

AWL: What sets your events apart from others in the industry?

OK: Dream of Utopia stands out because it’s a boutique and intimate festival. We intentionally keep it small to ensure a more personal and meaningful experience for every attendee. This intimacy fosters deeper connections and a sense of community that you might not find at larger festivals.

Our programming strikes a unique balance between high-energy musical performances and calming wellness activities. This creates a well-rounded and fulfilling experience, allowing attendees to both energize and rejuvenate.

We host our events in stunning locations along the Turkish Riviera, adding a unique charm and beauty that’s hard to match. The natural surroundings enhance the overall experience, making it even more unique.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. We emphasize creating a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and included. This strong sense of community sets us apart.

Lastly, our lineup is diverse, featuring a mix of renowned and underground artists from Berlin, as well as local Turkish talent. This blend offers a rich and varied musical experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

AWL: How do you curate the lineup for your events? What do you look for in performers and artists?

OK: We curate our lineup with a focus on artistic integrity. We seek out artists who have a unique sound and a strong artistic vision, prioritizing quality and originality over sheer popularity.

It's important that the performers align with the festival’s philosophy of unity, mindfulness, and celebration. We look for artists who can connect with the audience on a deeper level and contribute to the sense of community we strive to create.

Diverse representation is key. We mix established and emerging talents, both international and local, to offer a broad spectrum of musical styles and experiences. This diversity enriches the festival and keeps it dynamic.

AWL: How do you engage with your audience and create a unique atmosphere at your events?

OK: We prioritize creating a personal connection with our attendees. This is achieved through intimate settings, direct communication, and engaging activities that make everyone feel welcome and valued.

Interactive workshops and activities are a key part of our event. We offer a variety of wellness activities, such as yoga, meditation, and sound healing, that encourage participation and foster a sense of community.

Visual and sensory elements play a significant role in enhancing the overall experience. We use art installations, decorations, and lighting to create an immersive environment that captivates the senses and adds to the festival’s magic.

Our curated lineup is designed to connect with the audience on a deeper level. We carefully select artists and performers who can contribute to the event’s unique atmosphere and resonate with the crowd.

We emphasize community building through communal spaces, shared meals, and group activities. This helps to create a family-like atmosphere where everyone feels like part of a big, welcoming community.

AWL: What challenges have you faced in running your event organization, and how have you overcome them?

OK: Logistical Challenges: Managing logistics for a boutique festival in remote locations can be quite challenging. We've overcome this through meticulous planning, building reliable local partnerships, and maintaining a flexible approach to address unexpected issues.

Balancing Intimacy with Growth: One of our key challenges is maintaining the intimate atmosphere of the festival while accommodating the growing interest. We manage this by capping attendance and focusing on delivering a quality experience rather than expanding too quickly.

Financial Constraints: Operating within budget constraints of a boutique event while ensuring a high-quality experience is always a balancing act. We've tackled this through careful financial planning, seeking sponsorships, and optimizing our resources to maximize value without compromising on the festival's core elements.

AWL: How do you stay current with trends in both the music and art worlds?

OK: - Active Participation: We attend other festivals and industry events regularly to stay immersed in the latest trends and developments. Being part of the scene helps us keep a finger on the pulse of what's new and exciting.

- Networking: We maintain a strong network of artists, musicians, and industry professionals. This allows us to exchange ideas and stay informed about emerging trends and innovative practices.

- Feedback from the Community: Engaging with our community is essential. We listen to their interests and preferences, which helps us adapt the festival to reflect current trends and ensure it resonates with our audience.

- Collaborations: Partnering with innovative artists and younger musicians brings fresh perspectives and cutting-edge ideas to the festival. These collaborations keep our events vibrant and relevant.

AWL: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and event organizers looking to break into the industry?

OK: - Passion and Authenticity: Stay true to your passion and be authentic in your work. Genuine enthusiasm and commitment resonate with audiences and build a loyal following.

- Networking and Relationships: Build strong relationships within the industry. Networking is crucial for discovering opportunities, learning from others, and forming valuable collaborations.

- Start Small: Begin with smaller events to gain hands-on experience and gradually scale up. This approach allows you to learn the intricacies of event organization without feeling overwhelmed.

- Community Focus: Focus on creating a sense of community and connection at your events. This fosters loyalty, enriches the experience, and makes your events memorable and unique.

Start Your Adventure: https://www.dreamofutopia.com/

Follow Dream of Utopia: https://www.instagram.com/sound_of_utopia/

0:00