Today we’d like to introduce you to Pedja Kovačević.
Hi Pedja, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in a picturesque spa town in central Serbia, surrounded by mineral springs, clean air, and marble quarries, provided the perfect backdrop to nurture my creativity. My love affair with music began at the age of six when my cousin gifted me a humble two-octave Startone accordion. I vividly remember learning my first songs, including the global hit Lambada, which I proudly “performed” with three of my kindergarten friends at my birthday party, delighting parents and friends alike. This serene environment and early exposure to music ignited a lifelong passion that would shape my journey.
My musical journey began with six formative years at a local music school, where I studied piano, music theory, and sang in the choir. Those early lessons laid the foundation for a lifelong passion, which evolved over time—from playing in a local rock band during high school to DJing and organizing electronic music events. This growing fascination with music eventually led me to pursue musicology at the University of Arts in Belgrade, where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While there, I delved deeply into classical music history and discovered the thrilling, boundary-pushing world of contemporary and experimental music.
Soundologia is Born
Limited opportunities for music production and technology in Serbia prompted me to seek programs abroad. After being accepted by several U.S. schools, I chose Florida International University for its compelling music production and business program. Supported by a scholarship from the Florida-Eastern Europe Linkage Institute and a fellowship at FIU’s Ratcliffe Incubator, I brought my vision to life: Soundologia, a platform dedicated to promoting contemporary and experimental music.
What started as a podcast quickly grew into a larger mission. I brought prominent composers and sound artists from Miami onto the show, capturing the evolution of the city’s cultural and musical landscape. These episodes introduced listeners to the rich history of Miami’s iconic festivals, such as the Subtropics Music Festival and New Music Miami ISCM Festival, while also spotlighting hidden treasures like the Noir Age label and FETA Foundation, which support local and global experimental artists. Each podcast episode became a unique blend of sound storytelling, education, and entertainment, offering an engaging glimpse into Miami’s vibrant music scene.
Although it’s hard for me to single out any one of the 14 episodes, there are some remarkable stories my guests shared. For example, Juraj Kojš discussed his multimedia project inspired by his Slovakian emigration roots, including a poignant tale of his grandmother, who arrived in Chicago as an immigrant with her baby (his mum) to start a new life. Another guest shared a gripping story from the war in Bosnia, recounting his time in the army. These personal narratives added an unforgettable depth to the episodes, enriching the cultural fabric of the podcast.
Launching Soundologia Records
The idea of launching a record label had been simmering in my mind for years, and in 2025, it became a reality with Soundologia Records. The label extends the mission of the platform by publishing and curating music. I wanted to create something extraordinary that brings together artists and musicians in a way that had never been done before.
Our inaugural project, Soundologia Anthology, is a three-volume series celebrating South Florida’s vibrant contemporary music scene. Featuring renowned composers and sound artists such as Orlando Jacinto Garcia, Charles Mason, Gustavo Matamoros, Richard Garet, Russ Spiegel, and Dorothy Hindman, alongside world-class performers like Mari Kimura and The Amorsima Trio, this anthology is a testament to the region’s creative energy. The first volume is already available on streaming platforms, with the second release on its way. The final third edition will be a double CD compilation accompanied by an extensive booklet.
Looking Ahead
Although I now split my time between Miami and Chicago, Florida will always hold a special place in my heart. Its vibrant music scene and sunny energy shaped both my sensibilities and my professional journey. In the next five years, I see Soundologia Records growing into a label that showcases talent from around the world. One of my dreams is to curate a compilation featuring composers from the Balkans—my home region—and unite artists from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and beyond. This project would celebrate the diversity of voices from a region with a shared yet complex history.
Through Soundologia, I hope to continue breaking boundaries, blending disciplines, and fostering collaborations that inspire listeners and artists alike.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the most challenging aspects of running the label and publishing the first release has been juggling the many segments of production, including design, music mastering, legal matters, royalties, distribution, and promotion. Collaborating with my former mentor from the Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator at FIU, Dimitry Saïd Chamy, as art director has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Pedja Kovačević is a Serbian-born musicologist, curator, and audio engineer, and the visionary founder of the Soundologia platform. With a diverse background in music education, business, and audio production, he is dedicated to advancing the study and appreciation of contemporary music. His academic research, presented at conferences in the U.S., Poland, Greece, and Serbia, explores the intersections of music with other art forms, including painting, architecture, literature, and photography.
Through Soundologia, Kovačević highlights groundbreaking music releases, concerts, and thought-provoking podcast episodes featuring renowned contemporary composers and sound artists from South Florida. A former instructor at Florida International University, he taught electro-acoustic music, curated concerts, and mentored emerging artists. Engaging with communities in Miami, Chicago, and Serbia, Kovačević continues to excel as a curator and audio engineer, specializing in recording, mixing, and mastering, while fostering connections within the global music community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundologia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundologia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soundologia
- Other: https://records.soundologia.com/bandcamp
