"Blues is not necessarily music only, it can be any kind of expression, and since it is the root of today’s music, it touches the soul and heart of a person. Kids nowadays are less connected with the older generations and their way of life, and it is unlikely for them to discover the blues on their own."

Odin S “The Bluesboy”: Sunrise Blues

Croatian guitarist and singer Odin S "The Bluesboy" (aka Odin Sokač) is a talented 15-year-old music lover and the youngest Croatian blues star attracted the attention of some of the strongest genre names and ambassadors of the Croatian blues scene, the most famous organist Kreša Oremuš and Boris Hrepić Hrepa (Sunnysiders). Odin's rise on the Croatian blues-rock scene began in 2022 with the release of his debut single "The Wild West War" on the Dancing Bear label. The anthemic blues-rock composition first impresses with its viscous alternative rock sound and strong rhythms. After many live performances, from the Thrill Blues Festival and the Međimurje Blues Festival to a solo performance in Pag. Odin's talent impressed Ray Frick, an icon of the German blues scene and the founder of the united blues & rock of the Explosion project.     

(Odin S “The Bluesboy", Thrill Blues Festival, Trilj Croatia 2023 / Photo by Roko Pavlinušić)

In the company of these legends, Odin presented last year this rich and inspiring solo material in Maribor, which he will soon publish on his first studio release of the Dancing Bear production. Croatian musician performed in Notodden Blues Festival, in Norway this summer. Odin says: "The more musical knowledge and experience I gain, the richer my sound will be. When I compose I try to release my inner sound. My musical philosophy is to compose simple music that reflects my originality. Since music is not a competition, but a transfer of emotion, I believe in a fine balance between the music performance technique and the soul of a musician, when a performer successfully transfers their emotion to the audience."

Interview by Michael Limnios      Special Thanks: Berislav Sokač & Boris Hrepić Hrepa

How has the Blues influenced your views of the world? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

I did not find the blues, the blues found me – and that happened even before I started playing. Without the blues, I would not have the perspective I have today. Blues should be protected because it is the foundation of todays music. Sadly, nowadays we have to fight for the blues to live on. Everything in life has its ups and downs, and I hope that young musicians like me will contribute to the new rise of blues music on the world stage.

How do you describe your sound and music philosophy? What is the balance in music between technique and soul?

The more musical knowledge and experience I gain, the richer my sound will be. When I compose I try to release my inner sound. My musical philosophy is to compose simple music that reflects my originality. Since music is not a competition, but a transfer of emotion, I believe in a fine balance between the music performance technique and the soul of a musician, when a performer successfully transfers their emotion to the audience.

"I did not find the blues, the blues found me – and that happened even before I started playing. Without the blues, I would not have the perspective I have today. Blues should be protected because it is the foundation of todays music. Sadly, nowadays we have to fight for the blues to live on. Everything in life has its ups and downs, and I hope that young musicians like me will contribute to the new rise of blues music on the world stage." (Odin S “The Bluesboy” & Boris Hrepić Hrepa / Doringo Photography)

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Each meeting is important to me because I can always learn something from others. The most important experience for me has been playing at the Thrill Blues Festival, thanks to Boris Hrepić Hrepa, who is the artistic director of that festival. Another memorable experience was attending Little Stevens Blues School and doing four gigs at the Notodden Blues Festival, thanks to the invitation of Davide Grandi, the president of the European Blues Union. I would also like to point out performing as a special guest with Creedence Clearwater Revival in United Blues & Rock Explosion, under the leadership of Ray Frick, and thanks to Krešo Sonnyboy Oremuš. Many people have given me excellent advice that I try to follow as much as possible. The latest piece of advice I got was from Boris Hrepić Hrepa. He told me that I should control my ambition and set a short-term and long-term goal. By doing so, I will always be satisfied with achieving the short-term goal, whereas achieving the long-term goal will be an added value. This is something that pushes me forward.

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Croatia?

In Croatia we have blues enthusiasts, who enjoy sharing the joy of listening and creating good music with others, and when a person does something from the heart, the audience recognizes it.

What moment changed your music life the most? Are there any memories from gigs and jams which you’d like to share with us?

The turning point in my musical development came when I was discovered by Krešo Sonnyboy Oremuš, who then recommended me to Boris Hrepić Hrepa, the then director of the Croatian Blues Force. These two men opened doors for me in the music industry and introduced me to a whole different world. Every gig is an opportunity to learn something new, and to learn from my mistakes. I remember a situation when Krešo Sonnyboy Oremuš was my special guest on stage, and I forgot to give him a chance for a solo. Ever since that blunder, I always try to pay attention to the communication with the band and the audience.      (Odin S “The Bluesboy”, Trilj Croatia 2023 / Photo by Saša Tadinac)

"Croatia does not have a big blues community, but however small it may be, we all live the blues. If we want to have a bigger and younger audience, I think it would be better that more young blues performers gets on the scene because the audience often gets attached to the performers. I can personally attest to this because my classmates have started coming to my concerts. However, for the time being, the audience mostly comprises of blues aficionados and older generations."

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

It is hard for me to say that I miss something because I am a child of another time period, but I feel connected with former times and that is why I like the sounds of the past, old stories and movies that help me get into the spirit. Due to digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, I sometimes fear that the creation of music will be taken over by AI and that the soul and human touch in creation will be lost. But I always like to look at the bright side of life, so I hope it won't happen and that the young blues musicians as me will safe the music creation as it always has been.

What could that be the impact of Blues music on the new generation? How do you want the music to affect people?

Blues is not necessarily music only, it can be any kind of expression, and since it is the root of today’s music, it touches the soul and heart of a person. Kids nowadays are less connected with the older generations and their way of life, and it is unlikely for them to discover the blues on their own. However, once they discover it, they might find themselves in it. I would like that the blues teaches people how simple things are important in life and how to walk in someone else’s shoes because that is the best way we can understand each other.

Do you think there is an audience for blues music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

Croatia does not have a big blues community, but however small it may be, we all live the blues. If we want to have a bigger and younger audience, I think it would be better that more young blues performers gets on the scene because the audience often gets attached to the performers. I can personally attest to this because my classmates have started coming to my concerts. However, for the time being, the audience mostly comprises of blues aficionados and older generations.

(Odin S “The Bluesboy” / Doringo Photography)