Meet Odpisani, the Slovenian hardcore punk band that's been rocking the scene since 1995. Originating from the two other bands, Odpisani music blends hardcore punk with metal influences and a variety of other genres." Their seminal EP "Odpisani" and hit CD "Preobrat" set the stage for international tours and major festivals, culminating in the well-produced "Partisan Hard Core." Read our brightness interview through their music and legacy, the importance of a magazine and a lot of thing about Hardcore scene with this veterans band.
1. Can you detail the creative process behind the EP "Odpisani" and how it set the foundation for your future work?
To describe the creation of our first EP, I have to go back to the beginning, about a year before the release of this EP, when two important players on the local underground scene joined forces - the bands Not Why Yes and G.R.B. - in early 1995.
The members of both bands knew each other and we also knew the music of both bands, which came from two different musical genres, but this eventually led to a winning formula in the creation of Odpisani music. At the beginning, we took over and reworked the best songs from both bands and after only one rehearsals we already had our first concert. Since we didn't have to bother a lot with new songs and the basis was already made, we went to the LMS studio in Hungary for the first time after a few months and recorded 6 songs, which we then released as this first EP.
This mix of musical genres then laid the foundation for the further creation of music, which we would personally describe as old school hardcore punk with influences of metal and some other musical style, which we have included several times as current inspirations.
2. What inspired the thematic elements of the CD "Preobrat," and how was it received by the audience upon its release?
"Preobrat" was our first serious product, which we are really proud of, because it was immediately sold out. The reprint was also sold out pretty quickly. To this day it is our most sold record and people are still asking if it is still available. From time to time this record still pops up on Discogs from sellers around the world.
On this record, we once again released all the songs from our first EP plus 11 new ones, most of which we also recorded in the LMS studio in Hungary, and two songs in the Radio Student studio in Slovenia. The release of the record was followed by a rather extensive media campaign, which in turn led to notice among promoters, critics and of course, the audience. This then opened the way for us to perform at some major festivals and also to play with big bands and to perform abroad.
3. How did the collaboration with Statera Records influence the production of "Partisan Hard Core
Cooperation with Statera Records was not new for this record, as we also released the first record "Preobrat" with them. However, "Partisan Hard Core" was a step forward, as the label gave us some new options - recording in a better studio, producer... Compared to the first record, the sound was cleaner on this record and the production was also much better. However, "Partisan Hard Core" never repeated the success of the first record, regardless of the fact that it was released on an already made base, which was still very strong due to the debut "Preobrat" and with even more media input.
4. After a 14-year hiatus, what motivated the band to release "Šah Mat," and how did it impact your return to the European concert stages?
In fact, there was no break of 14 years, as the band was very active for some time after the release of the "Partisan Hard Core" record and also for several years before the release of the "Šah Mat" record. I think there was a break of only about 6 years due to personal reasons of the band members (children, other projects...).
If I remember correctly, they invited us as headliners to a festival that was celebrating a major anniversary at the time and at which they wanted to have bands that had played there in the past. That's why, after a few years of hiatus, we got active again. And after this performance we realized that we lacked that and continued playing. We worked on the record "Šah Mat" for I think 3 years and then released it through our friends from God Bless This Mess Records. The release of the record naturally required certain promotional activities, which in turn led to several concerts at home and abroad.
5. What was the experience of working with producer Tue Madsen on "Prva Prsta," and how did his approach shape the final sound of the album?
Tue is a fantastic guy and a top producer. When we finished the songs for the new record, we were looking for options where and how to record these new songs. We contacted Tue, who was immediately ready to cooperate. We rented a studio and Tue drove with car from Denmark to Slovenia to work with us. Working with such a man was completely different from what we had done before. Which of course affected our composure and a brand new sound.
6. How have the prominent music compilations featuring Odpisani songs contributed to the band's exposure and success?
A lot. In the nineties and early twenties, there were no social networks as we know them now. Music magazines, fanzines and international compilations were the only option at that time for wider recognition. It's interesting that from time to time we still find a compilation somewhere that appears as a digital edition after many years on some music platforms, and basically we didn't even know that we were once a part of this compilation. I found some in South America, Europe and even Africa. It's funny that I once found one of our concerts that someone recorded and released on cassette. The concert was apparently recorded from the audience due to poor quality, but still, we were flatered.
7. With the release of "Raised Fist," what message did the band aim to convey through the new songs and accompanying videos?
"Raised Fist" was meant more as a promotional matter and a return to the texts in English, which we already had at the beginning of our band's activity. It was requested by one of our booking agents, due to the greater possibility of organizing concerts abroad. This naturally led to the recording of the music video for the song in English. Here we worked again with Tue Madsen who produced all the new songs in English.
The release of this record coincided with the beginning of the pandemic, and therefore there was nothing from our plans to follow the release of the record and videos. And also from the celebration of our 25th anniversary, which should follow this release and the release of a new video for our most recognizable song of all time "LOTMERK UNDERGROUND".
8. How did the departure of founding members Peter and Borut affect the band's dynamics and creative direction?
Peter announced his departure even before the release of "Raised Fist" due to personal reasons and helped when we found a new guitarist by giving him advice. After the last concert we had before the start of the pandemic, Borut also announced that he was leaving the band for personal reasons. His decision surprised us a little, but due to the lock down, we had time to think and decide what to do next. In normal times, all of this would probably have put us in serious trouble, because we already had a European tour booked, which was then canceled anyway due to the pandemic.
9. What qualities did new members Marko and Dario Berg bring to Odpisani, and how have they influenced the band's evolution?
Especially young blood and energy, which of course had a very positive effect on the two remaining old farts from the original lineup. It also brought a different way of thinking and working, which also moved us a little from the established guidelines that we had in the band before. All this, of course, in a positive sense. It also brought a new, stronger sound, lyrics and singing on another level, and influences from more modern genres.
10. In reworking and translating old songs into English, what challenges did you face, and what was the audience's response?
In the beginning, we had most of the songs in English, and also in German and Hungarian... and of course in Slovenian. However, eventually Borut decided to sing only in Slovenian, which pretty much limited us to mostly local performances. Due to the departure of Borut and the arrival of the new singer Dario, it was normal to either do only new songs or translate the old ones into English, since Dario is a foreigner and does not speak our language. We had no problems with processing. I literally translated all the Slovenian lyrics into English, and Dario then edited and adapted them to the music and his way of singing, and made sure that the lyrics did not lose the meaning they had in the original version.
Due to the aforementioned pandemic, we had quite a bit of time to arrange all this and be ready for the opening of the concert venues. Of course, the reactions were mixed. The locals were a little dissatisfied and we heard statements that this is no longer the case and that it is better for the Odpisani to stop operating or for the name to change as well, but on the other hand, only positive reviews came from abroad. Over time, the passions at home calmed down and the band was accepted in a new image and with new members.
11. Can you share insights into the recording process of the five new songs in June 2021 and the decision to release "Remembered" as the first single?
The recording of these five new songs was the first thing we officially recorded in the new line-up. Here, everything moved away from the old guidelines, both musically and lyrically. The song "Remembered" was meant to be the first single because we liked it the most out of all of them. It also has a deeper meaning, as Dario wrote the lyrics in memory of his stepfather, who died during the creation of the new songs, and we also dedicated this song and video to him.
12. What themes and messages are explored in the new EP "Rebirth," and how does it reflect the band's current artistic vision?
"Rebirth" set new guidelines for the band and marked a departure from the old way of working towards a new one. We are very satisfied with both, the complete product and the response. Even with the success of the song "The Burden", for which we also recorded a video. The cover of the record itself carries the message... the rebirth of the band... and the band has also been reborn musically and lyrically. The text messages range from personal to socially critical, and I think we've done a pretty good job of it all.
13. Discuss the significance of the split vinyl with Toxic Youth and the partnership with Wtf Records.
Last year we recorded three new songs. We then planned to record additional songs and release a new album by the end of the year. However, plans changed and we postponed the recording of the new album to this year. But since we had three new songs, we wanted to use them somehow. That's why we came up with the idea to release them as a split album with some other band. I contacted the guys from Toxic Youth, who immediately agreed. Then we contacted Tim from Wtf Records from the Netherlands, whom we have known for some time because he had already distributed our "Rebirth" record and we immediately agreed to cooperate with him. And thats it.
14. Looking ahead, what are Odpisani plans for future projects, and can fans expect any new collaborations or stylistic shifts?
Our biggest project that we are currently preparing and working on is going to Denmark at the beginning of May and recording the new album in Tue Madsen's home studio. We are very much looking forward to working with this outstanding producer again. Then of course, follow the filming of videos, the release of the album... and of course concerts, concerts, concerts... and what is also very important - preparations for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the band ODPISANI, which we will celebrate the whole next year.
15. How does the band perceive the current state of the music scene in your city, and what role do you see Odpisani playing in it?
The band members do not live in the same city, in fact, not even in the same country. We have a small studio where we meet from time to time for rehearsals and work on new songs. From time to time we also organize a concert in different cities, but we don't have a big influence on what's happening in a certain city. Lately we have been more or less oriented towards concerts abroad. OK, people know us and listen to us and also come to our concerts when we play locally. But to have a bigger role and influence on someone... I don't know, maybe, I hope... in a positive way.
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This retrospective captures a remarkable 29-year odyssey, highlighting Odpisani's steadfast commitment to the hardcore punk genre. Their transformation from local trailblazers to global punk stalwarts is a tribute to their lasting impact and the enduring appeal of their sound. As we reflect on their trajectory, it's evident that Odpisani has not merely created music; they've crafted a legacy.
