Gracing Tisno’s Garden Resort this July, one of the world’s leading drum and bass festivals, Hospitality On The Beach, has been bringing top music makers and great vibes to this part of the world since 2018.
Hospitality is the pioneering events arm of the leading UK drum & bass label Hospital Records, that covers all styles of DnB, from liquid to jungle, rollers to jump up, minimal to neuro and everything in between.
Hospital/Hospitality co-founder and MD Chris Goss talks to Time Out Croatia about the journey he and his label have taken over the past quarter-century, from a tiny club in East London to a gorgeous slice of Dalmatian coastline – and about the magic of Croatia:
Time Out Croatia: When did Hospital Records break out to stage events as Hospitality, and when did you first venture into Europe?
Chris Goss: The very first Hospitality event was a Friday club night in Shoreditch, back in October 2001. We hired a club called Herbal, that went on to be the second home for the drum & bass community, hosting multiple D&B nights for many years.
Our first European event took place at the iconic Watergate club in Berlin, I think in 2004... People find it hard to believe, but back in those days Watergate – now the home of minimal techno – had drum&bass every Friday night.
We were fortunate enough to be invited by the residents of Hard:Edged to bring our brand to their incredible venue, every four months.
These were really special shows at a club that continues to be one of the very best in Europe.
TOC: What was the attraction of coming to Croatia, and how did the first festival go?
CG: Hospitality On The Beach first took place in Croatia, back in the summer of 2018. We knew very well that Croatia had become a music-lover’s destination of choice, thanks to festival brands like Outlook, Dekmantel and Defected.
Our friends from the Soundwave family were coming to the end of their residency at The Garden in Tisno, and invited us over for a site visit. The timing was perfect for us back then, as we finally felt ready for our debut International festival, and Croatia was – and remains – a beautiful country.
Coming home to Tisno after one summer in Albania in 2022 felt very special. The people, the community, coastline, food and weather are unmatched, and our team, artists and fans were all delighted that we brought Hospitality back to Tisno.
TOC: What are the main challenges of staging this kind of event in a different country?
CG: We naturally need to ensure that we work with experienced, personable and like-minded partners, especially for a showcase event like this. Our fans’ comfort and safety are paramount, along with ensuring safe travel and quality accommodation for them, our artists and crew.
We need to have total confidence in top-level sound and light production, superb venues, and excellent food and drink options. It’s also clearly essential that the local community are treated with courtesy, respect and professionalism. We hope that the town of Tisno is happy to share their coastline, facilities and spaces with all of us every year.
TOC: Are there any new and exciting elements attendees can expect at this year’s edition, that distinguish it from previous years?
CG: Every Beach event is intended to be a natural evolution from the previous year. We work extremely hard to make sure our fans are entertained, excited and hopefully surprised with the planning, structure and creative content across our holiday programme.
Each year we keep learning about how the pieces of the jigsaw fit together. We are also extremely blessed to have such amazing fans who believe in our brand to deliver a memorable week away in the Dalmatian sun.
TOC: As someone involved in the entire journey, from production to the live event, what stands out as the most significant highlight for you at Hospitality On The Beach?
CG: I would have to say our debut year in Tisno back in 2018... There was something truly special and emotional about finally bringing our event brand to life as an international summer holiday for the first time. That was unforgettable.
Hospitality On The Beach, The Garden Resort, Tisno, July 2-9. Tickets available here, with payment plans from £50/month. Accommodation available here.