Montenegrin female musicians Marija Božović i Bojana Petrović better known as labia, they collaborated in previous years, and in 2024 they started with the song "Anemoi". In the following months, both of them published new material, both independently and with colleagues, so it is not surprising that they "closed" the previous year with another joint song, "Clone".
The action in the music video accompanying this track takes place, they say, in the post-apocalyptic environment of Podgorica 2125 and symbolically "explores the themes of uniformity and loss of individuality through the story of two female warriors (Labia and Maria B) who flee from the 'zombie Barbie' army - a dystopian depiction of obsession perfection and blindly following trends".
Announcing this song, Maria B and Labia pointed out that the song and video are literally an artistic rebellion and a symbol of a revolution in which art remains a permanent reminder of the power of expression and freedom of spirit, and that with this work they invite the audience to celebrate their uniqueness, not to adapts to imposed social matrices of perfection.
In an interview with "Vijesti", the Montenegrin musicians revealed more about the song "Clone", and at the beginning explained how the idea for this song came about, but also that they are working on it together.
"Marija and I have known each other for many years, ever since my and her collaboration with "Who See". Then I wrote a text on this topic and there was also a demo with Marija's chorus in a slightly different form", explains rapper Labia.
"As the realization of the song never happened then, and now here I am again on my 'rapper' journey, I remembered that demo recording and sent it to her. We decided, however, to redo the text and music and adapt it to the current moment. He composed the music for this final version of the song Nikola BožovićLabija points out.
The topic they deal with in the song "Clone", as well as the message they send, is very complex and important, and Labia remembers what specifically inspired, that is, what was the "trigger" to turn it into a song.
"Since we are moving the topic from some 15 years ago to the present and the future, during which the number of cubicles and other procedures women undergo has increased drastically, the lyrics and music had to be a little more serious and strict. I am against any form of extremism, including in aesthetics, especially to the detriment of individuality, and for the sake of blindly following some trend", explains Labija.
"The trigger was this silent frustration at the loss of authenticity, because human nature is so rich and varied, and today it seems that we all strive to be copies of each other. The song was created as a rebellion against that, but also as a wake-up call," continues Maria B.
It can be said that the song, as well as the music video, are a criticism of today's trend that everyone strives for uniformity and blending into the middle, so the musicians answer the question of whether this was exactly the goal or if they wanted to provide support to those who jump out of the template and frame .
"As far as I'm concerned, both. But first a criticism of blindly following trends and an invitation to critical thinking. And in order to think critically, we have to get a little familiar with the information", Labia believes, while Maria B adds that "criticism is still present".
"...But the music video and the song, I would say, go a step further, they also want to support everyone who dares to be themselves. The world progresses not because of those who fit in, but because of those who dare to step out of the box. We need to take risks, to step out of the mold, because we never know what it is that can contribute to fulfilling our full potential and being completely happy", notes Maria B.
"Every trend we blindly follow often leads us to uniformity, while art, creativity and individuality remain the main drivers of change," adds Maria B, who is the "main culprit" for the video she made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).
"AI has become a tool that not only speeds up the creation process, but also allows ideas that once seemed absolutely unachievable to become reality. Considering that the idea for the song 'Clone' is to be symbolically depicted through a dystopian world, we felt that using artificial intelligence was the perfect way to convey such an atmosphere to the screen - rich in details, emotions and visuals that leave a strong impression," explains Maria. B how it came to be that they themselves jump out of the template of standard screen adaptations.
"Through this process, I managed to create a unique post-apocalyptic world, full of elements and nuances that would be extremely difficult or even impossible to realize with classical methods. Imagine vast deserts, city ruins and armies of zombie Barbies - all brought to life thanks to AI. It was a kind of challenge, but also an incredibly inspiring experience," said Maria B.
"Artificial intelligence opens the door to new ways of expression, and for us it was an opportunity to combine art, innovation and a story that leaves a strong message", believes Maria B.
When asked how the work on the music video went, how much AI makes it easier to film songs now, and how she managed in that endeavour, Maria B says:
"In the beginning, it was challenging, because working with AI technologies is completely different from everything I'm used to. You have to learn how to "communicate" and convey your vision in a very special way".
It helped her, as she says, that she already has experience in that field because last year she made a music video for the song "Ti samo spaj".
“So the process was somewhat familiar to me. However, technology advances at an incredible speed, so this spot is visually much better and more complex than the previous one (it was made with four artificial intelligences, unlike last year's, which was made with the help of one), and therefore the process itself was a little more difficult, but more exciting because of all the new possibilities offered", explained Maria B.
Although both Maria B and Labia released a lot of new material during the year, they promise to continue at the same pace in 2025, "in which they plan more songs".
"Marija is now planning some of her solo projects, and I have a few guest appearances on other songs. But for sure it will be, especially with a start like this", asserts Labia, and Maria B says the same.
"Of course! In addition to my and Bojana's songs, I have recorded three solo songs, which will be released in the first half of 2025. A video has already been shot for one of them, which is currently being edited and edited. The remaining ones are still waiting for the film adaptation", Maria B. hinted.
Bonus video:
