Bobby Beige aka Robert Ellerby is one of those DJs being known for a reliable good taste, for genre-bending, one who’s taking you on journeys you never know where they end up, knowing it will be a good one. He’s spending his summers in Croatia each year where he’s a resident and booker at the beautiful „The Garden“ bar in Zadar, responsible for chilled out nights you whish to never end - because of the vibe and music.

We had a little talk about his summers, his invites and his antipathy of categorizing music.

Bobby, you’re living the dream of a lot of DJs, spending summers in sun-kissed areas, having residencies in La Escollera/ Ibiza and The Garden, Zadar/ Croatia for 12 years now. How did that happen and is it still your dream or did it start being disenchanted or at least „normal“?
Actually I’ve never been to Ibiza in the summer and it's something I’ve not really been interested in at all. I played and went there for the first time in 45 years last October as I got recommended by a good friend, then went back in April. A nice restaurant by the sea - I would eat there if I had the money and time. It’s a very special place and the owners like music I play and are lovely people. I will be going back in September for another month to close season.
The Garden Zadar happened after I was booked to do the opening night of the bar way back in 2004. I had a album out at the time on a label from Birmingham, Different Drummer. Adam Regan who worked at the label put me in touch with Nick Colgan at The Garden Bar, we became friends, then eventually I got asked if I fancied doing a residency. Now I have been given the freedom for the last couple of years to invite some guests. I have an idea of the sound we have created at The Garden bar, so I book people accordingly when required. Now this is the place I spend my summers and it’s probably my fave DJ gig in the world.

What’s your daily routine? I imagine a beach boy Bobby lying in the sun all day, having a bunch of iced coffees late afternoon before leaving to play the tunes he likes to listen to while having a dozen of cocktails in the evening. Far from truth?
I'm not really a sun dweller, I do like a morning swim however. I actually spend a lot of time reading and listening to music. I have a fair amount of promos to get through and also dealing with the bookings for the bar etc. I like a siesta in the afternoon before another night doing the job I love - playing music. I don't really drink ice coffee, not a big fan of cocktails either - too much sugar. I’m more of a wine and beer man.

What is the typical night? Is there afficionados coming from far away to see guys like Moonboots, Basso, Phil Mison and the creme of balearic music and do they dance until sunrise or is it a totally chilled out scene where people hang out, drink, talk and listen to some good music?
We rely on tourism really, one or two people come over for some of the events. I’m not sure about 'creme of balearic music‘… I don't really like the B word to be honest or trying to categorize music. Just some nice friends who I have happened to know who play nice records from a wider range of musical heritage.

Tell us a little about The Garden Festival.
Superb weekend that my friends Eddie & Nick and their partners and a whole team of people have been running for the last 10 years with unbelievable line ups of DJs and live acts, all leaning to a little bit left of centre. We just had the last ever Garden Festival at the beginning of July. It was fantastic. I programmed a small stage, The Terrazza. It was superb, we had a blast, got drunk, ate sardines, listened to some unbelievable music from some proper selectors. Can't believe it's over but as they say 'All good things come to an end'.

What’s happening this summer for Bobby Beige and what are you doing during winter time?
This Summer I will be resident at The Garden Zadar until end of August. In September I will head to La Escollera for a month to play there - or bit longer maybe, we'll see.
After that, at winter, time is needed for some family and friend time and back home to Amsterdam. Time to feel the cold and dark and hibernate.

The Garden dates summer 2015:
Albin Lindstrom (Eden Rock, Sweden) July 31st, Aug 1st
Andy Wilson (Ibiza Sonica Radio, Balearica, Ibiza) August 7th, 8th
Phil Mison (Cantoma, Reverso 68, UK) August 14th, 15th
Moonboots (Aficionado, UK) August 14th, 15th
Basso (Growing Bin Records, Hamburg, De) August 21st, 22nd

If you happen to be in Croatia for summer vacation we’d highly recommend to drop by there.

More music of Bobby:
mixcloud.com/bobbybeige