Bio

Dejan Ilic, also known as DJ Woodie, embarked on his journey into the world of music through MC-ing and hip-hop culture. His passion for music led him to the youth radio station "Balkan," where, at the age of 16 in 1997, he began his career as a radio DJ. Notably, he organized Banja Luka's first post-war rap party on April 24, 1998.

As he delved deeper into the realm of music through his work at Balkan, his interests expanded to include electronic music and DJing. Influenced by artists such as Ian Pooley, Robbie Rivera, Todd Tery, and Armand Van Helden, he honed his craft and began organizing and performing at small underground events in Banja Luka under the banner of the DJ association "Los Hombres Locos".

Equipped with his first professional CDs and later turntables, DJ Woodie mastered the art of mixing, allowing him to navigate through various musical phases and genres with ease. His sets became known for their unpredictability and diversity, always driven by the fundamental essence of "Funk" in music.

In his exploration of DJing, DJ Woodie embarked on various projects, including the "Breaksters Soundsystem", a hybrid DJ set featuring live effects and scratching. He also ventured into live house performances with "Funkeeleeshz", incorporating live musicians into his sets.

Despite his evolution as a DJ, DJ Woodie remained rooted in hip-hop, contributing as an MC to projects such as the BL Mixtape "Bilo Je Vrijeme" (2006) and collaborating with artists like MC Dual on the album "TryBl."

Beyond his DJing endeavors, DJ Woodie expanded his creative reach by producing music and special effects for theater plays and even making appearances in films.

Over his illustrious career spanning two decades, DJ Woodie has graced the stages of numerous clubs, events, and festivals throughout the region. Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in organizing events that celebrate music and urban culture.

From 2011 to 2013, DJ Woodie served as a booking and stage manager for "Neofest", while from 2016 onwards, he has been involved in the organization of "Fresh Wave Festival", where he managed the Massive Stage until 2019. Currently, he spearheads artist selection and booking for the Funk You! stage.

DJ Woodie's passion for music extends beyond performance; he has also shared his expertise through DJ workshops and guest lectures, contributing to the education and development of aspiring DJs. In 2020, he further showcased his knowledge by serving as an expert associate for writing articles about electronic music in the "Encyclopedia of Republika Srpska".

BANJA LUKA Bosnia and Herzegovina

Member since: 22 Feb 2024