White City

Interview by Karl Jorssen Editor-In-Chief

1. Tell us about having a musical career in this market.

I enjoy it, it’s my childhood dream and I’m still a bit of a child still, so I have this little dream world that I live in. My experiences through the lyrics and me singing, it is important. This market is hard for the music that I make, my [audience] are people that are of the minority and at the same time there is not a good platform in the media. If I had some magnificent conditions, maybe I wouldn’t be so popular, it’s always a struggle, sometimes the result is a joyful thing.

2. Latest project?

The new album, Sudar, was released in March, continuing in 2009, so continuing with promoting the album.

3. Musical influences?

When I was little I listened to 80’s music, I was born in 1975 so the music of the 80’s influenced me most; U2, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, George Michael, the Eurythmics, Cindy Lauper. Those were the years I started listening to music, I was very young, I preferred the melodies and harmonies of English. Now when I make my songs the melodies are always the same. New songs are all about the production of recognizable melodies but I prefer 80’s melodies that I try to put into modern music, beats.

4. Any return to film in the cards?

I just received my diploma this year after so many years, but I don’t think I have any will or interest to do that again. But I am interested in TV production, maybe travel or music – I would like to produce something. But my first love is music. I’ve managed my own career for so many years, in a way it’s the same for film and TV.

5. Europe or America?

Europe, although I really like New York.

6. Me too, capital of the world. Obama or Sarkozy?

Obama

7. Abba or Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac

8. What’s playing on your iPod right now?

I don’t have an iPod, it’s stupid I know; a singer without an iPod but I’m not much of a technical person

9. So what’s in your CD player then?

It’s Pussycat Dolls, Duffy, Alicia Keys John Legend.

10. Are things improving in Belgrade?

The talent is improving. I’m always optimistic, I think yes, there is a lot of improvement. A lot of cool shops, restaurants, cool clubs, you have more concerts than before – ‘A’ list acts are coming to Belgrade, now things are really improving. The more things you have musically in this town the more it will develop.

Top-notch street style is no longer the priviledge of London, Tokyo or New York. Meet hipsters, or global scenesters: they are cool, they are hip, they are everywhere. Being cool has never been so easy. Hipsters are seriously considered the biggest downfall counterculture ever had — young generation of carefully marketed consumers has never been so lost.

U.S./UK/DENMARK/SWEDEN/SERBIA

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When the technology became ready to reunite the web once and forever, the private data-oriented strategy of key players has kept it disorganized.

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Back in Belgrade after spending several years abroad, Milos Loncarević recently made a splash at the Free Zone Film Festival by winning the Audience Choice award for his film Ghosts of Cité Soleil.  His film is about the struggles and violence of Cité Soliel, the dangerous gang-invested slums of Haiti.  The young director sits down with White City and talks about Haiti, working with Wyclef Jean and being back in Belgrade.

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It’s still dark, though most people are beginning their day around this time, rather than ending it. So what if it’s nearing 5:00 a.m., you’re more concerned about getting something decent to eat before retiring.  White City took a look at the options for late night eats in Belgrade.  The only criteria is that it had to be open 24 hours, had to have table service and had to offer more than just the usual grill.

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The Odlićan Hrćak (Excellent Hamster) record label know-how for album releasing worked out – the New Serbian Music Scene fans are thrilled with several of quality releases. The efforts of one Serbian band to break out of Myspace with good recording and production facilities made them completely rethink their approach.

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After more than twenty years on the hip-hop scene, the New York band Public Enemy, known for their political lyrics and criticism, still have a lot to say. They will perform in Belgrade for the second time on 28 November.

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Hardcopy Media has just launched White City.  White City is Belgrade’s first English-language domestic urban magazine.  It is written entirely in English, entirely by local Serbian writers for a Serbian readership.

White City features stories about music, travel, culture, fashion, as well as stories about urban issues and issues affecting young adults.

The premier issue features a fashion editorial of Marija Jaksic.  White City sells for 150 Dinars and is now available at kiosks in the center.

Tell us what you think - comments, what’s good, what’s not perfect. Say it with wit and your submission may end up in the next issue on our Letters to the Editor’s page.  Please include your full name, age and city.

Thank you.