Dec 21, 2023
Pepi Møreti, a DJ and tireless promoter, has been actively involved in the Czech club scene for nearly 20 years. The list of interesting international guests we've had the chance to hear in the Czech Republic thanks to Pepi would be very long, so let's just mention a few key events he's been behind. In Brno, there's hardly anyone who doesn't remember the Muah festival, which can now be rightly called legendary. Those who remember will fondly recall the series of timeless Magion parties that preceded Muah. Younger generations will remember the bustling parties at Prague's MeetFactory under the name RITUAL. All these events share a love for genuine.
Despite his significant contributions, he remains humble. His name is never the largest on the posters; he usually stands more in the background.
Currently, he's fulfilling his long-held dream of owning his own music bar. On this occasion, we decided to ask him a few questions.
You've opened a new venue called Tendance. Could you tell us more about it? How long did the journey take to get there? How long had the idea of creating such a place been maturing in you? How clear of a vision did you have for it, and to what extent are you able to fulfill it? Where do you draw the energy that drives you forward in moments when things don't go as planned?
Tendance is now entering its fifth month of operation as of early December 2023. We are a bar that's integrated with Lukáš Bauer's kitchen (Baues Bistro). Music, which also plays a big role in my life, is an essential part of our place. We have a "lounge" dedicated to music with a large DJ booth where you can sit, enjoy a drink, laugh, and have conversations while being immersed in the music. I've always been drawn to cafes, bars, and clubs where you can feel someone's original ideas. I really hate getting bored and constantly need new stimuli for my ears and eyes. I love designing, planning, and improving spaces. Hopefully, this was evident in all my previous places, and hopefully, I still have something to offer in this regard. Each place is obviously built in a certain way, so I always start with what has already been conceived. Usually, there's also a practical justification for it. Tendance, however, is far from its final form; I have many more ideas in store.
As for the last part of the question - I think it's mainly about staying optimistic, believing in what I do, putting my all into it, and closing the door on a bad day because tomorrow is a new one.
We'd like to know more about the kitchen and the style of the menu. What makes it distinctive? How did Lukáš start, and how did your collaboration come about?
Lukáš began his culinary journey with a focus on oils and seasonings. Dumplings, noodles, and other delicacies were later added, which, in my opinion, was when he started to find just working with oils at markets a bit dull. :) He then opened his first bistro in Libeň, and shortly after that, I offered him the kitchen at Tendance. I really admire Lukáš for his drive and seemingly inexhaustible energy. I'd love for him to find another home in Tendance because his cooking is, without exaggeration, divine!
As a music lover, you surely understand how important high-quality sound equipment is for venues. Can you reveal what kind of audio experience visitors to Tendance can look forward to?
By a stroke of luck, just before the opening, we came across an offer for sound equipment from the Czech company Xavian. The feedback has been positive, and I'm also very satisfied with it.
Over the years of your involvement in the Czech music scene, you've become inextricably linked with it, and this influence is immediately apparent (or audible) in Tendance. What role does electronic music play in your bar? Currently, in addition to regular music evenings with local DJs, you're also collaborating with Radio Punctum. How did this partnership come about? Do you have any long-term plans regarding the direction you'd like to take in this area?
We've known the people from Radio Punctum since their very beginnings, so whenever there was an opportunity to collaborate, there was no hesitation. It's a natural symbiosis of like-minded individuals. This really works well in Tendance - play challenging music and you attract a discerning audience. I'm thrilled with how many inspiring people I've met in the four months we've been open. We've become friends and I look forward to every meeting. Besides feeding my ears and eyes, perhaps meaningful conversations are maybe also essential for my contented life. :)
There are so many plans! I want to turn Tendance into a place for music lovers to meet, a hub for an endless exchange of ideas and information. We already have several resident DJs who can truly work magic with the mood behind the decks, real storytellers. Of course, I also want to fulfill some of my secret musical wishes, so expect to see my heroes from abroad very soon!
Having the opportunity to compare promotional activities in our two largest cities, it's clear that Prague undoubtedly attracts more interest from international audiences and club tourists. However, from your perspective, what are the other key differences? How would you compare parties in Prague and Brno? Is it even fair to make such a comparison?
I wouldn't feel confident making a comparison. I get invited to Brno maybe once or twice a year, so it wouldn't be fair to draw any conclusions from that. Judging the club life in Prague is hard with my infrequent attendance. Not to make excuses, but often there's nowhere that interests me to go. There aren't many compelling venues in Prague, and the musical programming in them is more or less in a realm that I don't quite understand. I somewhat expected that mixed music would be with us forever in the form that I've enjoyed for about 25 years of my life. It seems to me that the difference between a discotheque and parties that should have some deeper subtext, at least in terms of the venues where they are held, is becoming blurred. But you can't dictate the course of development
Years ago, you organized larger parties like Ritual at MeetFactory in Prague, featuring artists like Roman Flügel. Besides that, you brought many international names to the Czech Republic before they started selling out clubs worldwide (Phuong-Dan, JASSS, Lena Willikens). How do you look back on these experiences? Do you have ambitions to organize similar events in the future, or are you now focusing solely on your listening bar? Do you have any unfulfilled wishes regarding international artists you'd like to bring to the Czech Republic?
Reflecting on those experiences is quite rewarding. It's appropriate to thank everyone who ever gave me a chance to organize parties in Brno or Prague. I would really like to organize more, but securing a date at a venue is practically an insurmountable problem
From an observer's standpoint, do you think it's possible to define the Czech electronic and dance music scene? What, in your opinion, makes it unique compared to neighboring countries? What aspects of it do you enjoy, and what do you not like about it?
This is likely the same everywhere. You have a base of people who are so passionate about music that they're not content with just passive listening; they feel a need to create something valuable. Then there's the larger portion who don't have this urge and are satisfied with being consumers. The first group competes for the attention of the latter, earlier through their art, but in recent years more through photos or by showcasing how many followers they have and how 'out of their minds' they are during performances. :)
Is there anyone from the emerging generation, whether an individual or a community, who is building value in the Czech Republic and deserves attention, in a positive sense?
Personally, I'm very pleased with phil in a maze. He's a fantastic DJ and producer!
Bell-bottom pants are making a comeback in fashion, suggesting another cycle of trend recycling. How do you perceive this in music? Does it reflect in your taste? Does it excite you, or perhaps repel you?
In recent years, I've devoted about 30% of my exploratory time to new music, with the rest focused on history, so it's fair to say that I enjoy it.
As a known vinyl enthusiast, what is your relationship with digital music and digital technologies in general? What do you think about the fact that a lot of new music is released purely digitally? Do you also play music from CD players, or do you focus your attention and selection solely on vinyl?
I don't play from CD players, but I do know where the off switch is.
When you mention that most of your music collection consists of older recordings, is there a place in Prague where you can find such gems, or do you exclusively shop online? Could you share where, if so?
Most of my purchases are definitely made through the marketplace on Discogs.
What are your thoughts on the emergence of rotary mixers? Do you have any personal experience with them? Additionally, what would be your ideal DJ setup?
Rotary mixers have their charm, and I'm open to them. My setup is simple and always the same: two turntables and a mixer.
Do you have time to enjoy culture as a visitor? When was the last time you attended a concert or party, an experience that left a lasting impression on you?
Since Tendance is, and will be for some time, my sole focus, every outing feels like a little celebration. Unfortunately, I've only managed to do this once this year, at the Zmar festival. But it was worth it. I regret not being able to attend this year's SHTGN festival.
