Festival fever is slowly building, and the seventh edition of Love International is just around the corner. It takes place from July 10 to 16 at The Garden Resort in Tisno, bringing some of the top names from the global electronic music scene.
In addition to the regular on-site program, visitors can expect after-parties at the open-air Barbarella’s Discotheque and morning chill sessions at Sunrise by the sea. Alongside international headliners, the lineup also features numerous Croatian DJs.
The event is organized by the Bristol-based agency Team Love, which was founded by British entrepreneur and musician Dave Harvey, together with his colleague Tom Paine.
The festival on the Adriatic is not the only one proudly backed by the well-known DJ. Others include Love Saves The Day (formerly The Downs), We Out Here, Silver Hayes as part of the famous Glastonbury, and many more.
What motivates him most in his work is a love for music, the desire to connect like-minded music lovers, and the drive to create safe spaces for fun for all generations.
Foto: @dave_harvey_teamlove
In addition to event production and DJing, Dave is also involved in music releasing. Since 2011, he has been the owner of the Futureboogie label, which started as a club night. After ten years, it has evolved into a highly acclaimed label and agency, playing a key role in promoting underground music on a global scale.
Harvey’s ability to spot and support young talent has made him one of the most influential promoters in the European underground scene. Those who have met him often highlight his warmth, approachability, and positive energy. In everything he does, he always goes one step further. Interestingly, Love International donates one pound from every ticket sold to charity.
In a brief interview, the charming Brit didn’t hide the special feelings he has for our country, nor his desire to attract as much Croatian audience as possible to his events.
This is also evident in the fact that the lineup of each Love International edition is complemented by well-known local names, along with some newer artists who haven’t yet had the chance to perform at international festivals.
How are preparations for this year’s edition of Love International going? Can we expect any novelties, and what are you personally most excited about?
Everything’s great! We’re excited to return to our favorite beach. A few brilliant new artists will be joining us. You can also expect a new lighting and stage design. To be honest, I can’t wait for it to start! My favorite place is Barbarella’s Discotheque because I can completely relax there – that’s what I enjoy most. From Thursday to Friday, I’ll be playing again on the Beach Stage; last year was amazing. We also have some great things lined up during the day, like Midland’s special set, the Multi Culti showcase, and the Club Blanco all-nighter at Olive Grove.
Last year you had a Love International tour across the U.S. before the festival, and this year you’re doing a series of collaborations with well-known European clubs. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes, it was really fun going to the U.S. last year. This time, we stayed a bit closer to home with parties in London, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Berlin. We hope to do even more after the festival this year as well. It’s great to have the opportunity to collaborate with the same team outside the festival. There definitely should be more of that!
Foto: @dave_harvey_teamlove
You make a point of giving plenty of space to Croatian artists. Are you satisfied with the ratio of local to British audience?
We’d love to have more Croatians join us, but we understand that financial barriers exist due to various costs. We always offer the Ex-Yu scheme with discounted tickets, but we’re open to ideas on how to attract more Croatian audience. We also have a few new collectives joining us this year. We want to build as many connections as possible!
What does Team Love uncompromisingly strive for with each new edition of the festival?
We aim to present a diverse and exciting music program and to nurture the community we’ve built. Of course, we’re not perfect, but we put a lot of focus on lineup diversity. Our real goal is to improve it with every edition. Sound and production are also at the forefront of what we aim to develop year after year.
Foto: @loveintfestival
What does a typical day look like for you at Love International?
In recent years, my kids came with us and were looked after by my parents, so I was more family-oriented. This summer, they won’t be joining, so it will be a bit different. When I wake up, I’m usually greeted by a ton of messages about what’s not working and what needs to be sorted. During the day, I’m constantly on the move to make sure everything runs smoothly. In the evening, I buzz from stage to stage. It’s only when I get to Barbarella’s Discotheque that I can slow down a bit, dance, and relax.
How would you describe the festival to someone who’s never been?
It’s a vacation enriched with parties. In Tisno, you can spend as much time on-site as off-site, enjoying good food, drinks, and swimming, all to the soundtrack of some of the best DJs on the scene right now. There’s a real sense of community. A group of like-minded rave lovers having the time of their lives in one of the most beautiful places in the world! Our performers usually stay on the festival grounds and party all week. There are no VIP lounges or massive backstage areas – everyone is together and having just as much fun. It’s really something special!
Which of the festivals you organize is your favorite?
Love International has always been special to me. I have a long history with Croatia – that’s where I met my wife and a lot of my closest friends. I always have the best time there. My heart belongs to Love International!
If you could play anything right now, what would it be?
I was just listening to a recent Craig Richards set at Fabric, and it’s fantastic! I can’t wait to hear him at Barbarella’s this year. His performance is always a highlight of the festival.
Photo: Instagram, press, private album