Strengthening the alternative independent cultural scene

The project entitled "Strengthening the alternative cultural scene by encouraging the free expression of independent artists", which is organized by the NGO Stivi Music, was presented at yesterday's press conference, which was held in the premises of PAM. The project is financially supported by the FAKT Foundation for Active Citizenship within the Civic Action Program.

"Taking into account the previous projects and the winners of the funds, we can freely say that we are grateful and proud to have become part of this program. Also partners in the project are the organization PAM and KIC Budo Tomović, where it will be held on April 21 in the DODEST hall. It was conceived as a slightly more unusual jam session. It's called an open mic, it's quite popular abroad, the equipment is set up and unestablished authors come and perform their music, or rather, it's created on the spot. This has not been done in Montenegro until now. So we wanted to give support to young people who are completely unconfirmed, who don't have the opportunity to schedule a gig or don't have enough material, to come that night. Complete equipment will be installed, and it will be an opportunity to hear their author's expression", said Ivan Ivanović in front of the NGO Stivi Music.

"It can be in the form of a recitation, a song or some other artistic expression, and in the end we can all play together. At the end of the open mic, there will be an unplugged concert by Parampaščada and Bubnjiva, and in that way we will complete the story", announces Ivanovic and adds that a panel discussion will be held during that day, in which serious names from the region will also participate.

"We will talk about what the alternative music scene is like in Montenegro, and what it is like in the region. We will compare things and see what we can do to improve it. "Montenegro has a lot of bands that are working", adds Ivanovic, revealing that the plan is for them to also engage in publishing in the future.

He reminded that Studio Stivi has been working since 2017 and in less than three years can boast of a large number of projects.

"We gave birth to a lot of new authors and thus refreshed the scene. That is our primary goal. Some of those names are already representatives of the Montenegrin alternative scene. So from all that, logically, the story came out that we should found an organization that would help young authors to be on the same path that we are on and that we fight together to bring the Montenegrin alternative music scene to the place it deserves", Ivanović said.

He pointed out that over 300 tracks were recorded during the work of the Stevie studio, of which the audience had the opportunity to hear about a hundred so far.

"We have a lot in the archive that needs to be polished by the light of day. A lot of new bands came out, and so far we had two contests that were followed on Facebook and Instagram, where we supported young authors who don't have the opportunity to enter the studio and record their tracks. We honored them with a song, and for now, Sound Floor and Paralyzed Dream came out of the first competition, while we chose Big Do, Ivan Šćekić and Petar Jaredić from the applicants in the second competition", reminded Ivanović.

The goal of the project, he says, is to strengthen the alternative independent cultural scene, encourage creativity in the field of alternative music, contribute to networking and cooperation between musicians, advocate for a better position of authors and performers of popular and alternative music, strengthen the cultural music scene.

"The NGO is mostly in favor of musicians, but what we will deal with in the future is culture in general. This means that we will have projects related to painting, sculpture, film, performance, everything related to alternative culture, and we can help people to reach connections, media, to get out of the underground", Ivanović promises.