EVOLUCIJA: Not just a Swiss-Serbian Metal band

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EVOLUCIJA everything you wanted to know

Interviewed conducted on June 28, 2019

by Dan Locke

The Swiss-Serbian band “Evolucija” was founded in Switzerland in 2007 by Dragisa Marinjes. In the same year the band had published its first album in Belgrade, Serbia, titled “Baklja slobode” (“torch of the freedom”) which appeared at “TIOLI” Records.

Vokals: Ilana Marinjes-von Arx,
Bass: Dragiša Marinjes,
Guitars: Stevan Miletić,
Guitars: Igor Miladinović
Drums: Aleksandar Kaštevarac

Your band formed in 2007. How did you start playing together?

Dragisa Marinjes: Yes, the band was formed in 2007. In 2010. we changed the singer and so Ilana came to the band. Right away we recorded the soundtrack for the ‘’Pale Rider’’, a German movie. In 2012. we decided to move to Serbia. Of course, we had to find members for the band, Stevan joined us right away, and Igor and Alexandar joined us after a few lineup changes.

The same year you started you released a full-length album also. Why did you feel it was time to release your first CD?

I released some albums with a couple of bands before Evolucija. I enjoyed the process, therefore I wanted to make something that is mine, so I formed Evolucija with my sons, one played the drums and the other played the guitar. Right from the start, we wanted to make new music and release albums.

In 2009 Ilana you joined. How did that happen?

Ilana Marinjes-von Arx: At that time Evolucija was searching for the new singer. I was part of another band then, but this came as a challenge. I auditioned, got in the band, and two weeks later we were making the soundtrack for “Pale Rider”. We also made the whole album at that time, but we never released it.

The band is based out of Serbia now. Tell me about the live music scene in Serbia?

Stevan Miletić,: The rock and metal scene in Serbia is very big, and it has a lot of great, talented musicians. The problem is, however, that cover and tribute bands have way more opportunities to perform than bands with their own compositions. Unfortunately, a majority of the audience prefers to hear songs that they already know, rather than trying to discover something new. Best slots at festivals belong to those bands that are known from the 80s. So, we are all the happier that our songs reach the Serbian audience very well and thanks to them we can look back on great experiences.

How is the weather there?

Ilana: In Serbia, there are many sunny days throughout the year. In summer it is between 30 and 40 degrees warm, in winter it is cold and snowing. All four seasons can be experienced. As a Swiss, I love the climate and nature here 🙂

Ilana, you are married to Dragisa. And have two kids. How did you get them to be part of the project which became “Pale Rider”?

Ilana: As previously mentioned, Dragisa and I got to know each other through the project “Pale Rider”. At that time the sons of Dragisa were playing in the band. Our common children are 6 and 7 years old. They have been to some of our shows and are big Evolucija fans. :-).
The first time I heard the title Pale Rider, I was thinking a Clint Eastwood western movie. Not a video about knights fighting. You wrote one soundtrack already. Any plans to do anymore?
Dragisa: Oh, interesting, I love Clint Eastwood’s western movies. Composing a soundtrack to a movie was a very nice and exciting experience. It was interesting because you have the theme of the film in your head and that gives you inspiration for the composition.

For those who may not know your music. You played both the Montreux Jazz festival and Swiss Metal Attack Z7 Prettlen. Tell us about both?

Dragisa: The Jazz Festival in Montreux is one of the biggest festivals in Switzerland. The program offers different styles of music and so the audience is mixed accordingly, from jazz lovers to rock fans. It was a wonderful feeling to be on the same stage, where Ian Gillan got the inspiration for “Smoke on the water”.
Stevan: The Swiss Metal Attack is a metal festival and therefore attracts people who love this style of music. Interestingly, we were able to sell more of our CD’s in the Serbian language.

Since your band is both from Switzerland and Serbia I am going to ask you about bands from either place? I would like you to get me a statement, about that band or person.

Tina Turner- Lives in Kusnacht Zurich, Switzerland: Queen of Rock, Power woman, despite fate strikes always positive, role model
Melissa Auf der Maur: Swiss woman living in Canada.
versatile: musician, singer-songwriter, photographer and actress. If Melissa reads the interview, she may invite us to her club in New York.
Martin Eric Ain- Celtic Frost: was best known for being the former bassist of the influential extreme metal band Celtic Frost. Unfortunately, he left us too soon.
Ivana Peters: Great vocal! We are very happy that she returns to the scene after a break with new songs.
Rada Manojlovic: It would be best if you ask my mother about her! She is a big fan of hers 😉 (Dragisa)
Ana Popavic: She has everything a star needs. Talent, charisma and endless power. Certainly, one of the best blues guitarists at the moment.

What form of metal does your band play?

Stevan: All of us have grown up and listened to different genres of music, and that influences our music. Journalists have put us in the symphonic metal genre, but our main focus is heavy guitar sound combined with melodic vocal lines. Basically, we want people to be able to sing with us live.

You are about to play Rock Night in Trstenik. What is that?

Ilana: Trstenik is a town on Morava river. There are a lot of metal lovers and because of that, there are many concerts. This year, for the first time, the town Trstenik, along with the owner of Cafe’s Purple One, is organizing a festival on the river bank. This festival is supposed to take place every year and possibly also to attract the public from the nearby tourist town Vrnjacka Banja. KBO, a popular punk band from Serbia, and Evolucija are main acts.

Do you feel that you are getting more English-speaking fans since you started to record the vocals in English?

Dragisa: Yes, certainly. We released our first English album under the German record label Pure Steel Records. As a result, Evolucija gained attention in the media worldwide. We received the Innocent Award for our album “Hunt” from the German Cute & Dangerous editorial staff. Over 15,000 readers / users / followers have cast their vote. Afterward, Evolucija appeared on the front page in the April issue of the Berlin magazine ToGo.

How is it to tour in Serbia?

Stevan: We are already performing in different places in Serbia, mostly in clubs. It is fantastic and we enjoyed close contact with the audience. A wonderful feeling when the audience knows our songs and sings along. Also, our fans are very loud and the energy exchange is amazing.

Any plans to tour the United States?

Ilana: We would love to! We’re looking forward to any chance to play in the USA!

What are your plans for the next 5 years?

Dragisa: As many live performances as possible, at least 2 more albums and of course a US tour.

Anything in closing for your fans?

Ilana: Of course, live shows are the best and most important thing for us. Being on stage, sharing the energy with the audience and feeling connected is a true enrichment and a fulfilling experience for us. Therefore, come to our concerts and let’s rock the stage together :-). Get ready for more songs from Evolucija :-). We are currently recording in the studio.