THE SHAPESHIFTERS: EXCITED TO COME BACK TO ONE OF MY FAV PLACES - ZAGREB!

On March 7th, 2026, Dobar House joins forces with Love Room for an unforgettable night at Peti Kupe. The event has generated massive excitement across the scene, with tickets selling out, leaving no spots left online.

The timeless blend of house, disco, and soulful grooves will light up the dancefloor as The Shapeshifters make their long-awaited return to Zagreb. Led by Simon Marlin, the iconic act behind the eternal anthem “Lola’s Theme” brings their feel-good energy, classic house roots, and fresh material to one of the city's most beloved spots.

We caught up with Simon ahead of the gig.

Hi Simon! Thank you for this interview, it's a pleasure having you! Let's get into it.

You’re in Croatia pretty much every year, but it’s been a while since you last played in Zagreb. What are you expecting from the Zagreb club scene this time — and how do you think it might have evolved since your last visit?

Simon: Honestly, I have no idea! It’s been so long and I felt things had changed there throughout the EDM period but recently have seen a big shift back to House in that region which is probably why I am coming back. Zagreb used to be one of my fav places to play so I’m excited to be coming back and hope to feel the same energy and enthusiasm that I used to feel there.

'Lola’s Theme’ became a global smash. When you made it, you said it was simply a record you wanted to dance to. Looking back now, what do you think gave it that timeless anthem energy?

Simon: No surprise, I've been asked that question so many times and the answer is always the same, it was made by clubbers for clubbers and is a genuine dance floor anthem that connected on many levels that makes it evergreen.

You were mentored by Frankie Knuckles. What’s the most important lesson he gave you that still guides you today? Do you have any fun stories working with the legend?

Simon: To always be humble, Music first & never take it for granted.

Your connection with Defected Records and later Glitterbox feels very organic. What made Glitterbox feel like a true spiritual home for you?

Simon: I think my music and style of playing (amongst others) was what was missing in the scene at the time Simon Dunmore decided to buck the trend and start a night like Glitterbox. We put our heart and soul on the line every time we played and that resonated with an audience looking for more depth and soul in their nights out.

Disco has returned to the cutting edge of club culture. Why do you think younger generations are reconnecting so strongly with that sound right now?

Simon: See above! We have had many years of soulless social media DJs and producers delivering average records and sets, it always comes back to ‘music’ and those DJs and producers fall short on depth and longevity and the kids are not stupid, they know, they see they listen and eventually they realise.

Your album “Let Loose” on Glitterbox Recordings blended classic songwriting with club functionality. Do you start with the dancefloor in mind, or the song?

Simon: Always the dance floor, I will be road testing new ones this weekend for the first time 😉

You describe yourself as a “facilitator of talent,” inspired by producers like Quincy Jones. How do you approach collaboration differently compared to producing solo?

Simon: Over the years I have built a network of writers and musicians that inspire me also and I find collaboration a much more fulfilling way to produce, it excites me and you don’t have to play everything yourself, just know what’s good and what’s not and what you need to do to achieve the picture in your head.

After launching your own imprint Pleased As Punch, what excites you most with running your new label?

Simon: The scene needs new music to keep it alive, we can’t live off the classics or re edits it’s boring. PAP gives me the abilities to put my money where my mouth is and contribute back to a scene that has given me so much and bring through another generation.

With millions of monthly Spotify listeners and a packed global tour schedule, what still gives you butterflies before stepping into the booth?

Simon: I still treat every gig like it's my first tbh. I still get a healthy 30 mins of controllable nerves before I step on stage which helps me to focus, tune in and be my best.

You’re coming to Dobar House x Love Room at Peti Kupe. What can the crowd expect from your set — more classic Shapeshifters energy, new PAP material, or something unexpected?

Simon: All of the above!

Simon teases a night full of uplifting grooves, timeless anthems, and fresh heat from Pleased As Punch—expect smiles, soul, and pure dancefloor magic.

This event is now completely sold out!