Times full of doubts and questioning such as today are inspiring to musicians, and they are increasingly analyzing and reflecting on everything that is happening around us in their songs. The Montenegrin music scene is not far behind regional performers. In recent days, another such track has appeared on YouTube, which brings universal questions about trust, dreams and transience. The song “Da li znaš” is the first independent single Sead Salkovic former guitarist of the Bijelo Polje band Alternaiva who will build a solo career under the name Dadman.
"Dadamann is my personal musical expression and a roadmap for the coming period. I intend to, in my own way, permeate all my previous musical influences and thoughts on music. Five years ago, I recorded the album 'Zrno' with the guys from Alternaiva, which is still relevant in terms of quality and themes. As far as I know, the guys are preparing a new album and I wish them all the best in the future," says Dadamann.
The song "Da Li znaš" marks a new musical chapter for Salković, and how much what he will do under his own name will differ from the sound of his former band is appropriate.
"My style is very specific in many segments. Musically, in relation to what I have done, it differs in emotion, attitude and simplicity of expression. Of course, the sound is suggestive, warm and receptive to everyone," notes Dadamann, who wrote the music and lyrics himself, played guitar, and sang backing vocals for his first solo single. He had help with the arrangements and bass guitar, and when asked if it is easier when he relies on his own talent and realizes the idea he has imagined, or is it simply money that dictates that musicians in Montenegro must know how to do as many things as possible on their own, he answers:
"It has absolutely nothing to do with money. I am guided by instinct, I know what I want and I let myself be carried by a flood of emotions and notes. I'm not going to say that it's easier when you rely on yourself, but music is a purpose and a guide in itself. There is nothing more beautiful than when you hit the point in any sense, whether with a text or a musical phrase or a combination of rhythms. Working alone is at the same time a privilege and a 'sharp knife' with which you go in front of the audience... you can delight them or 'hurt them badly'. But the whole process of creating music is magic, just like turning stone into gold, so it is irreplaceable. I want to encourage young musicians with my example to dare and free themselves in their efforts to do something on their own, now and immediately, provided that they have something to say musically," says Dadamann.
The song "Do You Know" can be interpreted as a love song, but also as a universal one - touching on topics of time, identity, and social norms. To avoid any misinterpretations, Dadamann reveals what message he wanted to convey with it - whether it was social, romantic, or philosophical:
"That's right. A nice observation. Although the song is basically a love song, it is also universal in a way. I wanted to send a message of hope to everyone, to wake up, imagine and do everything they can in a given moment, not to regret missed opportunities and chances. To be happy with what they can and currently have, to make today better than yesterday," the musician says.
Music like the one Salković decided to make is doing well in the region, but in Montenegro the media is still closed, and it is considered an alternative. The progress of the scene is impossible if we do not open up to certain genres, but Salković is modest, and is satisfied with the initial reactions his single has provoked.
"I'm very pleased with the reactions. My friends from the region tell me that it's also widely listened to there. However, I also listen to people who are indifferent and critical of what I do. This helps me to be better in some segments. In this song, the combination of music and lyrics fits perfectly with every movement of the characters in the video. I'm moving forward with creating new things and trying to work on something completely different each time than what I've done before. I think the time is ripe to open all the 'locked doors' for this type of music and that people are tired of watching the same characters and torn concepts. Why would anyone have any prejudice against a different approach to music? Especially if something is worth something. Why wouldn't there be two or three shows in which there would be room for live music and the emancipation of new authors, I'm primarily thinking of young talented people," Dadamann asks, adding that there is a crisis in the authorial and creative sense.
"We need more good bands and authors. How can someone young look up to someone if there is no place to hear and see alternative music," he asks.
We're used to songs being "ironed out" in the studio, meaning there are no wrong notes. However, this one sounds as if it were sung live. On whether these little imperfections are the beauty of music, Salković says:
"Exactly. I wanted the song 'Da Li znaš' to reflect the emotion and that's exactly how it sounds. I don't think I'm 'ironing' anything, everything is authentically recorded without embellishment. The important thing is the song. Nothing is ideal, and why would it be? The song is dedicated in all its elements to ordinary people who are looking for freedom and opportunity in life. I think the song is good enough, especially because it sent a very important message," concludes Dadamann.
Bonus video:
