Bejenaru Ștefan Adrian – Building an Authentic Artistic Community through OWPN Academy

Interview with Addi (Bejenaru Ștefan Adrian), DJ, music producer, and co-founder of OWPN Academy – the first free European academy for professional and emotional development in electronic music.

Bejenaru Ștefan Adrian, also known by his stage name Addi, is a DJ, music producer, and co-founder of OWPN Academy, the first free European academy for Professional and Emotional Development in Electronic Music. Based in Bucharest, Addi is a multifaceted figure in the creative industry, with a background that includes television, event organization, community management, and digital content creation.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in one sentence, to make people who don’t know you yet curious?
Addi: I’d say I’m someone complex enough to be active in music, an association, events, television, and content creation at the same time—but organized enough to bring clarity and creativity into everything I do.

C&B: Looking back at your career or business journey, what have been the defining moments?
Addi: A key moment was organizing OWPN Camp 3, the first camp of its kind in Roșia Montană, with over 100 participants. It was a logistical and emotional challenge that bonded our team and marked a significant milestone in our growth.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment so far, and how did you overcome it?
Addi: The most difficult times are when we face sensitive situations with our members. Since OWPN puts a lot of emphasis on mental health, these challenges arise. Although we have psychotherapists on the team, sometimes these issues become collective concerns. Luckily, we work with empathetic professionals who help us learn and grow through it.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of the obstacles?
Addi: My dream is to build a community of artists who support each other, who bring value through their art and set a positive example. I believe trust and openness can shift the energy of the Romanian music scene.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed since then?
Addi: I wasn’t part of the original OWPN Academy team, but I joined what we now call “OWPN 2.0”. We evolved into a structure with a board of 10 decision-makers and a staff of over 20, supporting the four pillars of our organization: Academy, Label, Agency, and Awards. I’ve grown from an outsider to a co-founder, through continuous learning and integration.

C&B: If we talked to your team or collaborators, what do you think they’d say about you?
Addi: I think they’d describe me as creative, serious, and dedicated, with a good sense of humor—that’s one of our favorite ways to communicate.

C&B: What’s the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Addi: The most important decision was to structure the association into four main pillars, each with its own team and mission. That brought clarity, responsibility, and autonomy to everyone involved.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it natural or learned?
Addi: At OWPN, our decision-making is democratic and inclusive. We have 10 distinct voices on the board, and we rely on open debates and constructive feedback. Often, our final decisions are shaped collectively rather than impulsively.

C&B: What sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Addi: OWPN stands out as an open platform—a space that combines professional and emotional growth in an empathetic environment. We operate by the values of Creativity, Empathy, Respect, and Compassion (CERC) and aim to create a space where every artist feels supported.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you, and what moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Addi: My days vary a lot depending on the season, especially since many of us are artists. My role is tied to the OWPN community, so a regular day includes welcoming new members, online meetings, and project coordination. But physical activities and live events across the country bring me the greatest joy.

C&B: What values or principles guide you and how do you apply them daily?
Addi: Our core values—Creativity, Empathy, Respect, Compassion—form our CERC. We apply them both online and offline. For example, we have separate communication channels for serious topics or creative sessions, to maintain a healthy environment for our members.

C&B: How did you come up with the idea for this business, and why this name?
Addi: OWPN is a stylized version of the word “Open,” which defines us—we are open with ourselves and others. The association was born out of a need to address the toxic, fragmented state of the electronic music scene in Romania. We believe that therapy and community are key to unlocking both individual and collective growth for artists.

C&B: If you could send a message to people following your example, what would it be?
Addi: Over the years, I’ve met people with extraordinary skills. With the right support, they’ve made a real impact in society. I truly believe that “Everybody’s somebody, nobody’s nobody.”

Through authenticity, empathy, and a clear vision for the future of the music scene, Addi manages to transform not only sounds but also the communities around him. OWPN Academy is more than a project – it’s an example of how art, emotional support, and collaborative leadership can build a healthy future for the next generations of artists.