For the third year in a row, the New Faces initiative is shining a spotlight on the next generation of promising young professionals in the regional music industry. This year, we're proud to introduce 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. The New Faces initiative recognizes their talent and immense potential for growth, celebrating their dedication and innovative contributions to the music scene.

"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 regionally and internationally," said the festival partners of New Faces 2025. "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 fostering their career growth."

This year’s New Faces initiative is a collaboration between leading regional festivals and conferences – MENT Ljubljana (Slovenia), Kontakt (Serbia), SHIP (Croatia), PIN Music Conference (North Macedonia), and Bulgaria’s SoAlive Music Conference & Festival. The program will provide selected candidates with a PRO pass, granting access to festival concerts, conference sessions, and the online delegate database at a minimum of four partner conferences across the Balkans. Additionally, New Faces 2025 supports the candidates with workshops, meetings, and opportunities to visit these conferences and festivals in person.

After an open call that concluded in December 2024, which attracted over 90 applications, the partner festivals selected 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.

Meet the New Faces 2025

Kristiyana Zhulienova Georgieva (ANMIP, BG)

Kristiyana is an ambitious organizational force and project manager at ANMIP-BG, Bulgaria’s leading organization supporting independent music publishers and producers. Previously involved in local educational and environmental campaigns, she transitioned to organizing international film and jazz festivals. Currently completing her BA in music management at NBU, Kristiyana advocates for fair representation, industry growth, and initiatives that empower local artists.

Monica Miroslavova Petrova (SoAlive Music Conference, BG)

Monica, pursuing her master’s in music and creative industries at Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, explores Germany’s music market while contributing to the Balkan music industry. With over a year of experience in marketing and social media at SoAlive Music Conference, she has built expertise in PR, brand development, and artist management, with a strong focus on showcasing Balkan culture globally.

Tena Kovačić (INmusic Festival, HR)

Tena, a production assistant and hospitality manager from Zagreb, began her journey in 2018 and has since worked with renowned festivals like Velvet, Animafest, and INmusic. Known for her creative approach and attention to detail, she established her own business in 2022, actively contributing to Zagreb’s thriving cultural scene.

Marin Zelić (Pandemonium Festival, HR)

As president of KUM Fobija, Marin leads Pandemonium Festival, a DIY punk event fostering subcultures and community connections. He also coordinates mental health awareness projects, such as Umni Boravak and Uključi Mozak, integrating creativity and education.

Ivana Jovanović (Zeleni Kačket, RS)

At just 20, Ivana is part of the Zeleni Kačket collective and Radio Aparat. She promotes diverse musical styles through local sessions and radio programming, balancing her passion for exploring and sharing innovative sounds.

Branislav Cvetković (Balkanrock, RS)

Branislav, a project coordinator at the Belgrade Open School and editor at Balkanrock, began his music journalism career in 2018. He co-hosts Balkanrock Sessions, featuring regional bands, while continuing to shape the local music scene as a musician and journalist.

Špela Cvetko (Jazzchange, SI)

Špela is an experienced PR professional, booker, and tour manager. She coordinates Jazzchange and works with festivals like MENT and Punk Rock Holiday. As a music journalist and Slovenia’s first woman music editor at Radio Študent, she challenges societal issues such as sexism in the music industry.

Ružica Petrova (MENT Ljubljana, Radio Študent, SI)

Ružica is a production assistant at MENT Ljubljana, music journalist, and member of Radio Študent. As a DJ and co-organizer of TRESK Festival, she promotes global electronic music and alternative scenes through her creative and community-driven work.

Nadica Banishka (Gola Planina, Mrtov Konj, MK)

Nadica, a Skopje-based manager and booker, began managing the band Vagina Corporation in 2023, booking regional tours and producing a concert film. She also manages the independent record label Mrtov Konj and works with the Naked Mountain collective.

Jane Veljanoski (Dope Kukjata, MK)

Jane, a DJ and graphic designer from Skopje, is a member of the Dope Kukjata rap collective. He has organized events like D Fest and SHIP Festival, solidifying his role in the local music scene through album launches, merchandise campaigns, and energetic live performances.