The ninth edition of the Rockstriction music festival was held last week, and one of the main performers, along with Rambo Amadeus, Zabranjeno pušenje, KOIKOI, Rothko Stewart, Wizelj and many others, was Neno Belan, regionally known for hits such as "Sunčan dan", "Bambina", "Rijeka snova"...
In an interview with "Vijesti", Belan talked about how he prepares the set list for festival performances, recalled previous gigs in Montenegro and Podgorica, and also reflected on celebrating 40 years of his career.
Considering that festival performances, when sharing the stage with multiple performers, are shorter than solo concerts, Belan reveals how he prepares the set list.
"When we perform in a festival format, where everything is concentrated and more compact, our goal is to give the audience the best in a limited time - the core of our sound, emotions and communication with people. We are preparing an energetic, dynamic set in which we will play the songs that the audience loves the most, which we have been singing together for decades, from 'Sunčani dan' to 'Rijeka snova'," says the musician.
"Even though the time is shorter, we try to make the concert have its own story, to create that spark with the audience that carries everything, and for people to go home with a smile, maybe even a tear in their eye," he continues, adding that such performances are "a real little time machine through music that connects generations."
Belan also recalls his previous performances in Podgorica, and highlights those he remembers throughout his long career.
"The last time we performed was in Podgorica at the CKZ Ribnica and that concert remained in my memory very fondly. It was one of those evenings when you feel the special warmth of the audience, when there is no distance between the stage and the people - everything somehow flows naturally and honestly," the musician describes.
"In Montenegro in general, I always feel a connection, perhaps because of the family ties and roots that bind me to this region. I also remember the concerts in Tivat, Herceg Novi, Bar... Each of these performances carries its own special atmosphere, but what they have in common is that the audience always welcomes me with an open heart and that this emotion is felt and remembered," adds the interviewee of "Vijesti".
When asked if he has time during his festival performances, in addition to preparing for his own gig, to listen to younger colleagues, Belan says that he "likes to listen to younger colleagues whenever his schedule and circumstances allow it."
"Sometimes it's hard because a festival day can be packed - sound rehearsals, preparation, short logistics... but I always try to catch at least part of a performance by a performer I find interesting. Lately, I've been hearing more and more young musicians who surprise me with their maturity of expression and courage to remain themselves. I'm always happy to see that - that people don't chase trends, but rather seek and build their own voice. And it reminds me how important it is for older people to remain open, because we too have something to learn from the new generations," he concludes.
Belan is celebrating his 40th anniversary with concerts across the region, and on that occasion, he is drawing a parallel between the music industry four decades ago and now, not only in terms of creating music, but also when it comes to promotion and organizing concerts.
"40 years ago, things were built more slowly, but I think they were also deeper. There were no social networks, no internet, so you had to go through everything - demos, auditions, performances in small clubs, to get to your first record or a bigger concert. Today, everything is more accessible, but everything also disappears faster if you don't have authenticity," Belan believes.
"Promotion back then was slow but powerful. Once your song got played on the radio, it meant something. Today, there are more tools available, but the competition is immeasurably greater. However, what hasn't changed is the core, if you have a song that touches people, it will find a way. Always," claims the musician.
And with a musician, some of his songs last for decades, so the question arises whether it is possible today to create a song that will last for years, like "Sunčan dan", "Bambina", "Rijeka snova"...
"I think it's possible, but with one important assumption - that the song comes from a sincere place. A hit that lasts for years is not just good production or a good chorus. It's a song that touches a human emotion, that connects to a memory, a smell, a moment. Such songs are not written to order and are not calculated, they simply happen. There are many songs today that are big hits, but not all of them are necessarily long-lasting. Time is the only true judge, and only it shows what remains in people's hearts," answers Belan, who after Rockstriction continues to remind audiences in ex-Yugoslav countries of the musical opus from the beginning of his career.
"Summer is always the most active part of the year for us, and we are already in full swing. Performances await us all over Croatia, from Istria, through Dalmatia, to Slavonia. We will also play in Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and of course we are very happy to return to Montenegro. We try to keep the concert life alive, because that is where music really happens - in meeting the audience, in a look, a smile, a song together. Every concert is a new story, and every time we start as if it were the first," said Belan.
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