Evolucija is a Serbian-Swiss band that has released two studio albums in Serbia and internationally. Our second album, ‘Hunt,’ was declared the best metal album of 2019 in Germany. We have a multitude of concerts in Serbia and abroad, and a successful tour in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Switzerland, where we shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the global Heavy Metal scene, such as Doro Pesch, Paradise Lost, Children of Bodom, Tyr, Pestilence, Destruction, and others. In the upcoming period, we are looking forward to the release of a new studio album, mixed and mastered at the renowned ‘Fascination Street Studios’ in Sweden under the supervision of Jens Bogren and Linus Corneliusson. In 2023, Evolucija receives the Royal Oscar as the best metal band in Serbia.
* Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band? Where do you call home?
My name is Dragisa, and I am the bassist of Evolucija. We are the Swiss-Serbian Symphonic Metal band, Evolucija. Our journey began in 2007 when we formed the band in Switzerland. Our roots are diverse, with our singer, Ilana, hailing from Switzerland and relocating to Serbia in 2012. It was in that year that we decided to move the band to Serbia and kickstart our musical endeavors more actively.
* How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
Evolucija was formed in 2007, and there were many changes in the band. Starting in 2016, we began serious work, which in a way marks the official beginning of the band’s activity. Since then, we have started releasing music and actively performing. The pandemic slowed us down a bit, but we used that time to work on a new album. A deep love for music brought us together.
* Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
We are inspired by events from real life, occurrences, emotions, or stories. Other musicians and bands also influence us, as well as listening to different genres.
Our emotions, whether sad, happy, or nostalgic, are often a common driving force in songwriting; through songs, we express our feelings. Nature and the external world often serve as inspiration for our music. Landscapes, colors, and scents from nature can influence the creation of melodies and lyrics.
In short, inspiration can come from various sources, and the process can be spontaneous or require time. All of this makes the musical creative process challenging and exciting for bands and musicians.
* How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
Our music is inspired by various themes and emotions; through music, we express our emotions and feelings. This can be love, sorrow, happiness. Then there are social and political issues where we express our views on them.
Our goal is for our music to reach as many listeners as possible and to contribute to cultural and artistic development.
* What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
We have nothing for which we would be uncomfortable.
* Do you have any pre-show rituals?
We don’t have any pre-show. We are relaxed, joking, laughing. Just before we start, we hug, wish each other a good performance, and take off to the stage.
* Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
Well, I would highlight the meeting with Doro Pesch. I have always been a big fan of hers, captivated by her immense energy. When we found out that we would be playing with her and that I would personally meet her, I couldn’t believe it. When we saw each other at the airport, she showed all her greatness, saying to her band, ‘Hey guys, this is Evolucija.’ For me, it was a very memorable meeting with her and her entire band.
* What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
Our award for the best album of the year from ‘Cute & Dangerous’ Magazine, and also sharing the stage with our lifelong heroes, such as Doro Pesch, Paradise Lost, Children of Bodom…
* What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
A successful song, in my opinion, has a magic that connects emotions, sincerity, and something unexpected. It’s like a magical blend of a touching lyric, a memorable melody, and an unforgettable moment.
* When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
It depends from song to song. It can happen that we start working, and within a few hours, the song is finished, and we feel excited. But mostly, we work on a song for several days; on one song, we worked for a month. And when we feel a joy or, I don’t know how to describe that feeling, like you’re in another dimension, then we know it’s it.
* What song of yours are you most proud of?
It is very difficult for me to single out which song it would be because each song, in my opinion, is special, and each band member has their favorite. Personally, I love fast songs with strong guitar riffs, but I also love our latest ballad. However, if I had to single out, then it would be the songs “The Earth is Full of Rats” and “Shame on You” from the upcoming album
* Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
Unfortunately, only big bands have the privilege of choosing and being careful about their nutrition. We are not yet at that level. Of course, we try, but most of our food on tour is based on dry food and the principle of ‘take what you can get, just to survive.’ 🙂
* Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
We never write on the road; to write, we need peace. We mostly write at night when we are most tired, in a kind of semi-trance. During that time, we work, and the next day, we can’t wait to listen and correct everything we don’t like. We leave it for some time and listen again.
* What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
I hate when there’s a delay with the soundcheck, and everything has to be done hastily, and in the end, nothing works as it should. The remote on the guitar isn’t working, and you can’t hear clearly what you’re playing…
* What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
Thank you to you as well for giving us the opportunity to introduce ourselves to your followers and readers of your portal, who, I believe, will become our listeners too! It means a lot to us, and please publish information about our singles that we will soon release, followed by the album release.
* How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
Everyone can follow us on social media. As for the album, the easiest way is on digital platforms or by ordering through the band’s email, which is on our website, and everything else. Currently, we are on the verge of signing a contract with a record label, and then all of this will become more accessible in every country. Follow us on social media; that’s the way to stay updated on our new songs, performances, and events.
