“Demofest has become a regional brand, long surpassing [the borders of] Banja Luka and Republika Srpska. [It] has become a gathering ground for bands from all over the region: Slovenian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. [Here they] all become one, united by music,” says Brankica Janković, spokeswoman of the music festival that took place at Banja Luka’s Kastel fort 27-29 July and introduced 24 emerging bands from the former Yugoslavia.

Audiences were also treated to performances by famous musicians from Europe and other continents such as Kelis, Tricky, and Skindred, and four well-known DJs: Ian Pooley, Andy Ward, Big Bud, and Necone.

Plišani Mališan from Gornji Milanovac in Serbia was this year’s Demofest winner. The first runner-up at this year’s Demofest was Big Bug, from Pirot, Serbia, while third place went to the Sarajevo band Aesthetic Empathy. This year organisers also provided a fourth prize, which was shared by four bands: Nova (from Novi Sad, Serbia), Bitipatibi(from Belgrade), The Schtrebers (from Belgrade), and Indigo Pop (from Podgorica, Montenegro).

Djordje Novaković, the frontman of Plišani Mališan, spoke to Southeast Europe: People and Culture about the significance of this award and the festival itself.

Why are the bands from region so eager to come to Demofest?

Having a festival that introduces emerging artists is most important. Considering that it’s a regional festival, it also provides young people with an opportunity to get to know each other and exchange information... and learn how the music industry works in these regions.

 

Did you expect first place and the valuable prize that goes with it?

Honestly, no. When the first runner-up was announced, I assumed we were finished and slowly headed backstage. When I heard “The winner is Plišani Mališan,’ I just couldn’t believe it. Interestingly, it started raining at the very moment we got on stage and played the first few beats.

How would you define your music?

As alternative rock with elements of blues and garage rock.

Twenty four bands from the entire region participated in the festival. Whom did you spend most time with, and who made the biggest impression on you?

We spent the most time with guys from the Slovenian band Joko Ono. We also spent a lot of time with all the other bands that made it to the final night. It was that night that we all got really close.

What did you think of the girls from the Croatian band Pučke, the festival’s only all-girl band?

When I heard them play at the opening night, I told them they were awesome, magical, and my favourite. The band consists of three young girls who play excellent music.

This year, the Republika Srpska government did not financially support the festival, which spurred talks of moving Demofest elsewhere.

Of course I believe governments should support such things. When they can back other projects, why not the Demofest? Why would rock and roll be any less important? Demofest is an excellent event and everything should be done to keep it going.