The Artist Network / Groove On The Grass; Founder & MD (Bulgaria)
Summit Session: Meet The Buyers
Deian, a Bulgarian-born, Canadian-raised artist and electronic music concept creator, has spent the last decade shaping the dance music culture in the Middle East while performing and showcasing brands worldwide. He is best known for creating groundbreaking events like **Groove On The Grass Festival**, **Punta Music Festival**, and **Unfold**, among others.
As the founder and owner of the international event and concept development agency **The Artist Network**, Deian has established himself as a creative force in the industry. As a DJ, he has performed alongside iconic artists such as Nicolas Jaar, Bonobo, Tale Of Us, Black Coffee, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, Luciano, Nina Kraviz, Maceo Plex, and Marco Carola.
Deian approaches each crowd and venue as a unique story waiting to unfold, blending into the vibe while keeping key elements of his musical roots in every performance. Growing up immersed in Hip-Hop, Alternative, Indie, and Classic Rock, Deian's love for electronic music was sparked by his sister, who was part of Toronto's rave scene in the mid-90s. Initially experimenting with Drum & Bass records, he later studied Independent Music Production at SAE Institute, honing his skills as a producer.
Recognizing his business acumen, Deian founded **The Artist Network** in the early 2000s, focusing on artist management and concept development. Fast forward to 2023, Deian has played and hosted events globally and is set for his debut release on **Fiction Records/Universal** this summer, with many exciting projects on the horizon.
His contributions to dance music over the last decade have been immense. His festival, **Groove On The Grass**, introduced over 180 regional artist debuts to the Middle East and won **Festival of the Year 2016** at the Hype by Mixmag Awards, as well as **Highly Commended Best Festival 2019** at the Time Out & What's On Awards. Deian's passion for music and community is evident in every project he undertakes, whether creating world-class festivals or performing on stage. His dedication continues to drive both his artistic evolution and the success of the global dance music scene.
