Vintage & Morelli: “Striking a balance between emotion and energy is always my goal and it’s not something I force"

Born into a musical family, Marko’s path seemed destined from the start. Surrounded by melodies from an early age, he went on to refine his natural gift at the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade. It was there that his classical foundation met his growing curiosity for electronic soundscapes, giving rise to the emotive and immersive style he’s now celebrated for.

Inspired by trance legends like Above & Beyond, Paul van Dyk, Agnelli & Nelson, Blank & Jones, and Robert Miles as well as cinematic storytellers like Enigma and Era, Marko began carving out a sound that was deeply personal — melodic, layered, and rich with emotion. That signature blend quickly caught the ears of the industry's elite. His tracks found a home on Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy radio show and drew support from names like Armin van Buuren and Paul Oakenfold.

His albums My Rose Enchanted Destiny, Hymn To The Night, and The Light have all made waves in the scene, topping charts on Beatport and iTunes and racking up millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube. Each track tells a story, often deeply personal.

But it’s not just the studio where he shines. As a live performer, Vintage & Morelli has played across the globe, from Australia to the Netherlands, bringing his uplifting sound to festivals like Luminosity Beach Festival and ADE, where his sets echo the same emotional depth as his productions.

A core contributor to influential labels like Monstercat Silk, Anjunabeats, and Armada, Marko continues to be a driving force in the electronic music scene.

Through every beat and every breakdown, Vintage & Morelli tells a story — one of growth, passion, and the belief that music has the power to move, heal, and connect us all.

Marko, you’ve had such a rich musical journey, from growing up in a musical family and studying at the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade, to becoming one of Serbia’s top trance & progressive artists. How do those inspirations and your classical education show up in Vintage & Morelli music today?

Yeah, definitely. Back in elementary music school, they used to say, “Talent is 1%, hard work is 99%,” and that always stuck with me. Growing up in a musical family, music was constantly present—whether it was classical piano practice, singing, or later, diving deep into theory and harmony at the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade. It always felt like a natural part of life. Studying at the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade gave me a strong foundation in theory and composition, and I think that still shows up in my work - whether it’s the chord progressions, arrangement choices, or just how I think about melody.

At the same time, I was falling in love with electronic music, exploring trance, progressive, and house, while producing on the side just for fun. Vintage & Morelli became this blend of both worlds: classical structure and emotion fused with the energy and freedom of electronic production. That contrast is what makes the music feel truly personal to me.

More than anything, it’s been about consistency and putting in the hours. I never saw myself as the most naturally gifted, but I’ve always been willing to work hard and keep evolving.

You’ve talked before about how much Above & Beyond inspired you and then you’ve released several tracks on their label, Anjunabeats. What does it mean to you to be part of the Anjuna family?

It honestly still feels surreal sometimes. Above & Beyond, amongst many artists at the time, were a huge influence on me when I was just starting out. Their music had this emotional depth that really resonated with me and inspired me to start exploring my own sound. So to go from being a fan—pirating their music, no less—to actually releasing on Anjunabeats… It’s hard to put into words.

Being part of the Anjuna family means a lot more than just releasing music - it’s about a community that really cares about music, about connection, and about emotion. The support from the team and fellow artists has been incredibly uplifting, and the fans are just another level. Their passion and open-mindedness constantly push me to grow and bring my best to every release.

It’s something I never take for granted. I’m deeply grateful to be a small part of something that’s meant so much to me for so long.

You’ve already released three albums that really connected with fans, full of emotion and rich sound design. There’s some buzz about a fourth one possibly coming soon, this time with Black Hole Recordings. Is that true? Can you give us a little sneak peek into what’s coming?

Yes, that’s true, album number four is on the way, and I’m both excited and, honestly, I'm a little nervous about it. This one has been a true labor of love. If all goes to plan, it should be out next year which will mark five years since I first began working on it. It’s the longest I’ve ever spent on a single project, and that time’s been split between the creative process and sorting out the logistics, especially since I’m releasing it fully independently this time.

I’ve poured everything into it, the highs, the lows, the growth and I think it really reflects where I am in life right now. Sonically, it blends melodic house, progressive, and a touch of trance, while also exploring some new territory. My goal was to stay true to the emotional depth people expect from Vintage & Morelli, but still challenge myself to evolve.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the project financially. Your belief in my music means the world. And for those who backed it, physical copies are definitely coming! It’s taken a little longer than expected, but I promise, it’ll be worth the wait.

Speaking of new projects, you’ve got a new track, “Binary Synthesis,” out on Avanti. What’s really exciting is that it marks a bit of a move into the techno realm. Impressive! What inspired you to explore that sound, and what’s the story behind the track?

Yep, “Binary Synthesis” is definitely a bit of a departure for me. It leans more towards peak-time techno but still holds onto that melodic and emotional thread that runs through all my music. I’ve always been drawn to exploring new sounds and finding different ways to express my creativity, and over the past couple of years, I’ve become fascinated with the raw energy and stripped-back power of techno. There’s something incredibly compelling about how minimal it can be, yet still carry so much emotional weight. The idea for the track came during one of many late-night sessions, as I was experimenting with more minimal arrangements. This hypnotic synth line emerged and immediately clicked. From there, I built the textures and drums around it, eventually adding a simple vocal phrase: “A space between my body and my mind.” That line sort of captures the track’s theme - that feeling of detachment, or floating in between two states, which is something I think a lot of us can relate to at different points. It’s been really refreshing to explore a slightly different direction, and releasing it on Avanti felt like the right fit. The track is out now, so people can finally listen to it in all of its glory.

Your music always strikes a beautiful balance between emotion and energy, something your fans really connect with. We can already feel that coming through in “Binary Synthesis” too. What’s your creative process like when you sit down to write something new like this?

Thank you! That really means a lot. Striking a balance between emotion and energy is always my goal, and it’s not something I force. When I sit down to write, I rarely have a concrete plan. It usually begins with a mood, a sound, or even just a single chord or texture that sparks something in me. From there, I just follow the feeling and build around it. For me, it’s never about chasing trends or fitting into a specific genre. It’s more about capturing a moment, an emotion. Sometimes that leads to a euphoric, high-energy track; other times, it turns into something more introspective or melancholic. Either way, I want it to feel genuine. With “Binary Synthesis,” for example, I wasn’t thinking, “I’m going to make a techno track today.” I just started exploring and let the inspiration guide me. I think that openness is a big part of my creative process — letting the music unfold naturally, and trusting my instincts, even if it leads me somewhere unexpected.

You’ve had the chance to perform across the globe, from Australia to Amsterdam. Do you switch things up based on the location, and what kind of connection do you look for with the crowd when you're behind the decks?

Performing in different parts of the world is always a humbling experience. Every crowd has its own unique energy, and I always try to tune into that. I never go in with a rigid set, I prefer to read the room, feel the atmosphere, and adapt as I go. What works in Amsterdam might not land the same way in Sydney, and that’s part of both the challenge and the joy of it.

Two standout moments for me were my U.S. summer tour in 2019 and performing in Australia. The energy and warmth from the crowds in both places were unforgettable. I felt this deep, intimate connection that truly stayed with me. For me, the real magic happens when I play a record and I can feel people connecting, not just with the beat, but with the emotion and story behind the music.

That’s what I’m always chasing, that fleeting but powerful sense of togetherness, even if it’s only for an hour or two. It’s never just about pressing play; it’s about creating meaningful moments together.

As a longtime contributor to Silk Music, how has that relationship helped you grow as an artist?

Silk Music has played a truly pivotal role in my artistic journey. It was one of the first labels to genuinely believe in my sound and give me the freedom to evolve. Being part of their roster over the years has helped me grow, not just as a producer, but as an artist with a clear voice and identity.

They’ve always championed creativity and emotional depth in music, which aligned perfectly with what I’ve always tried to express. That kind of long-term trust and artistic freedom is rare, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. All three of my artist albums were released on Silk, and that partnership gave me the confidence to take creative risks and tell honest, personal stories through music.

It’s also been a gift to be part of a community of artists who genuinely inspire and support one another. That shared vision and mutual respect have deeply shaped who I am today.

We can’t skip this exciting milestone. After 12 years as a fully independent artist, you’re now launching your own label! What made now the right time, and is this your way of creating even more space for your artistic freedom and vision?

Yes! Launching my own label is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time, and it finally felt like the right moment. After more than a decade of working with amazing labels and learning the ins and outs of the industry, this is my first time going fully independent. It’s both exciting and a little scary, but in the best possible way.

It’s definitely about artistic freedom. I wanted a space where I could release music exactly the way I envisioned it, without compromise. From the sound and visuals to the storytelling behind each release. There’s something really empowering about having full control over your creative output, especially when it comes from a place of love and intention rather than pressure or deadlines.

This new chapter feels like a natural evolution, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who’s supported me along the way. The label is called “Ambient Circuit” and it will be home to my upcoming album and future projects, plus collaborations with like-minded artists who share a passion for melodic and emotive electronic music.

I can’t wait to share this new journey with everyone, and I hope Ambient Circuit becomes a place where listeners can find both inspiration and comfort.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring producers who want to carve their own unique path in electronic music?

My biggest advice is to be patient and persistent. The music industry can feel overwhelming and fast-paced, but true growth and success don’t happen overnight. Keep honing your craft, but don’t get lost in perfectionism. Sometimes the best moments come from taking risks and embracing imperfections.

Also, be true to yourself. Don’t chase trends or try to copy what’s popular. Find what makes your sound unique and nurture that. Authenticity always shines through and connects more deeply with listeners.

And lastly, surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s fellow artists, mentors, or fans, having people who believe in you and your vision is invaluable. Keep learning, stay humble, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Music is a lifelong adventure, so savor every moment.