The Montenegrin band SOULx3000 teamed up with singer Tina Džankić to offer their interpretation of the iconic folk song “Još ne sviće rujna zora” (The dawn has not yet broken). While this song has seen various covers over time, their version stands out due to its unique style and sound.
The lyrics of the song “Još ne sviće rujna zora” typically revolve around themes of longing, love, and a profound sense of melancholy. These themes often find inspiration in the captivating landscapes of Montenegro, characterized by its rugged mountains, deep canyons, and picturesque Adriatic coastline. Additionally, the lyrics may delve into the historical aspects of Montenegro, portraying the strong sense of identity and pride among the Montenegrin people.
Montenegro indeed boasts a rich tradition of folk music, and “Još ne sviće rujna zora” is a testament to the depth and emotional resonance of their musical heritage. The use of traditional instruments like the gusle, a single-stringed instrument played with a bow, enhances the song’s authenticity and spiritual essence, connecting it to Montenegro’s cultural roots and history.
The reworking of “Još ne sviće rujna zora” was crafted during the “Tradition reimagined” workshop, where a group of musicians and producers joined forces. The primary aim of this workshop was to transform a traditional song into a contemporary style. Participants enthusiastically ventured into diverse musical genres and sounds, culminating in an impressive musical creation.
This rendition of the song takes on an electro-synth-pop style, delivering an exceptional musical experience. It is released under the label “Beats per Montenegro“.
SOUlx3000 is a distinctive band formed by producer and DJ Nikola Rajović from Podgorica, Montenegro. Nikola is a Montenegrin hip-hop pioneer and has had a lasting influence on pop culture. For this rendition, the music and arrangement are crafted by Todor Tadić and Marko Ćaćić, co-founders of the “Knowhere2Run” studio in Podgorica. The captivating vocals are provided by Tina Džankić, celebrated as one of Montenegro’s finest voices, and her performance in this song showcases her remarkable talent.
“The diversity among the project’s participants, each bringing their distinct musical backgrounds and experiences, fostered a remarkable fusion of traditional and contemporary music. This creative synergy led to experimentation with various instruments and musical styles, shaping a unique sound. In terms of the visual component, the video was crafted by the MediaTag studio team under the leadership of Ivan Mandić. Their artistry was showcased through aerial footage of some of Montenegro’s most breath-taking locations”.
The “SOULx3000 – Tradition Reimagined” project receives support from MOST Music, a comprehensive European initiative for World Music originating from the Balkans. This support is made possible through funding from Creative Europe, an initiative by the European Commission designed to bolster the culture and audio-visual sectors.
