For Serbian producer and songwriter Aleksandar Mladenovic, known professionally as Acko, making music has always been about following his own taste and remaining curious. Rather than restricting himself to a single genre, Acko explores the sounds he genuinely enjoys, from Afro House and chill house to the electronic music that first inspired him.
A self-taught producer, Acko began making music at 18 after developing a love for EDM. Without a musical family or formal music education, he learned through tutorials, experimentation, and discovering artists who shaped his developing sound. That independent approach continues to influence the way he works today.
His latest single, “What A Life,” was released on 31 July and features the vocals of J.A.E., while his next release, “Wish You Were Here” featuring Robbie Hutton, is scheduled for 6 October. The track is currently available exclusively on PLAYY. Music for an early listen before its wider availability across other discovery platforms.
We caught up with Acko to discuss his self-taught journey, the inspiration behind “What A Life,” his approach to genre, AI, and what is coming next.
Many artists today move across and blend genres rather than fitting neatly into a single category. How would you personally define or label your sound, and what genres, subgenres, or underground scenes have most influenced and shaped your evolution as an artist?
I try to make the kind of music that I personally enjoy the most. Even if that means exploring multiple genres, I think the most important thing is that you genuinely like your own sound and the music you’re making.
Lately, I’ve been exploring a lot of Afro House, and I also really enjoy making more chill house. But growing up, Kygo was definitely one of my biggest inspirations and had a big influence on the way I developed as an artist.
How did the environment you grew up in shape you as an artist, and in what ways does it still influence your creative identity today?
I grew up in a family with no musicians, and I never went to any music schools. I actually started quite late, when I was 18, simply because I really loved EDM and wanted to try producing.
I spent a lot of time watching tutorials, experimenting, and learning on my own, while discovering more and more artists who inspired me. I think that self-taught background still influences me today because I’m always curious to try new things and learn as I go.
Can you share a brief, compelling narrative or inspiration behind your new release?
“What A Life” is one of my favorite tracks I’ve ever made. When I first heard J.A.E.’s vocals, I felt really inspired, and when my great friend Way 2 Nice/Pessto sent me the idea, I immediately knew we had an insane song on our hands.
The song is really about that feeling of looking around and thinking, “Wow, life is great.” It’s about appreciating where you are and simply being grateful to be here.
Do you prefer producing music in a studio setting, or are you more comfortable creating on the road or during touring?
I always prefer producing in my home studio, because that’s where I feel the most comfortable and have the most freedom. Touring and being on the road can get really stressful, but sometimes you get an idea and just have to work on it wherever you are.
What role does rebellion or counterculture play in your music?
I wouldn’t really say rebellion plays a big role in my music. I mostly just make what I like and what feels right to me.
Sometimes that means experimenting with different genres or sounds instead of following what’s currently trending. For me, it’s more about having the freedom to create whatever I’m feeling at the moment.
How would you evaluate the current state of the global EDM scene in terms of its overall health and creative direction?
I definitely enjoy the current EDM scene. There are so many great talents out there, but for me, nothing will top that golden era of EDM around 2015–2016, when I started listening to Avicii, The Chainsmokers and so many others as a kid.
I guess nostalgia also plays a huge part in that.
Do you see AI as a threat to musicians, a helpful collaborator, or something else?
I don’t think using AI to generate fully finished songs is really making music, and I think a lot of people would agree with that.
However, AI is also a very powerful tool and it can be useful for things like developing ideas or extracting vocals. For example, with The Beatles’ “Now and Then,” they were able to isolate John Lennon’s vocals and finally release the track.
So I think AI definitely has its good sides too. As musicians, we always have to adapt to new technology and changes in the music industry.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to an aspiring DJ or producer looking to break into the music scene today?
Do what you love, listen to a lot of music and get inspired. Even try remaking songs, because it can teach you a lot.
And definitely put yourself out there. Whether it’s through content or sending demos to A&Rs, you have to be persistent and never give up. Every successful musician has been rejected many times before getting their break.
At the end of the day, it’s about staying motivated and how badly you want it.
What is the official title of your latest or upcoming single, EP, or album?
My latest single, “What A Life,” was released on 31st July and is available on all major streaming platforms and “Wish You Were Here” featuring Robbie Hutton set for 6th October.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next phase of your artistic journey, both creatively and personally?
Definitely new collaborations and meeting new people. I’ve been blessed to work with so many talented singers, producers and songwriters, and I want to keep doing that, keep learning from them and most importantly, keep creating new music.
Are there any upcoming festivals, tours, collaborations, headline shows, or major projects listeners should keep an eye out for over the coming months?
There’s definitely something coming soon. I’m afraid I can’t say exactly what yet, but you’ll find out very soon, and I’m sure you’re going to like it.
Listen to Acko on PLAYY. Music
Follow Acko:
Spotify – Instagram
