"I think that music don't have so much influence as before. Just remember Bob Marley, John Lennon and many others whose music moved people, public opinion, politicians... Today's mainstream music is like fast food, don't last long."

Danko Krznarić (D.K.): Above The Clouds

Talented Croatian Blues Rock guitarist Danko Krznarić, aka D. K., released his debut album "Above The Clouds"  (2023 / Cantus). He played Hammond organ and keyboards for years with many Croatian rock bands, and now he found his way as blues guitar player and singer, and made a fine first solo album. D.K. says: "The blues and rock music has been always big part of my life since my father introduced me to Ray Charles, B.B. King, Chuck Berry while I was a very young boy. The Blues helped me to connect with my soul and Rock music helped me to connect with world. I think that the music in general is the good way to learn." Danko Krznarić, aka D.K. will be on stage of the 6th Thrill Blues Festival, Trilj / Croatia with Robben Ford, Sharrie Williams, Sunnysiders, The Wacky Jugs, and many others.

(Danko Krznarić aka D.K. / Photo by Žabarović)

The music and lyrics of all the songs are signed by Danko himself, while Matko Gaće joined him in the arrangement. Danko Krznarić (D.K.) is a talented performer with rich musical experience who is presenting himself to the general public as a soloist for the first time. The audience knows him as a member of the band Cota G4, but also for his musical collaborations with numerous fellow musicians, including Mila Kekina, Majke, Elektrobuda and others. Danko is a multi-instrumentalist, so he sang everything on the album, played most parts of the guitar, bass, piano, and organ, and was accompanied on drums by Matko Gaće. Guest musicians on the album include Ante Puharić (guitar), Ivica Premelč (saxophone), Goran Rukavina (double bass), Dražen Bogdanović (saxophone) and Boris Novak, Korana Rucner Novak and Vinko Rucner (strings). The album was recorded in the studio "Rabbit Hole" in Makarska, and the sound recording, mixing and music production was done by Matko Gaće. Matej Gobec is responsible for the mastering.

Interview by Michael Limnios     Special Thanks: Boris Hrepa & Thrill Blues Festival

How has the Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

The blues and rock music has been always big part of my life since my father introduced me to Ray Charles, B.B. King, Chuck Berry while I was a very young boy. The Blues helped me to connect with my soul and Rock music helped me to connect with world. I think that the music in general is the good way to learn.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What characterize your music philosophy?

I'm trying to be honest with my sound, do my best and accept my limits. My songbook is diverse. I'm not running from different styles of music, but I think that every song that I wrote have some blues in it. My music philosophy is: play to be happy so you can make other people happy to.

Where does your creative drive come from? What's the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?

I just love to write music. The moment when, out of a few thoughts and chords, I start to develop a new song, is very important for me. The whole process is interesting and fun and of course relieving at the end. I think that the technique should be in service of music, not the other way. God technique can help you to explore and express yourself, but if you use music just to show your technique... Well, that's not tasteful, at my opinion.

"There is balance in music. You can burn fast or last long but if you are honest in your motivation, you will always get exactly how much you give." (Danko Krznarić aka D.K. / Photo by Žabarović)

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

Blues music have great traditional heritage and strong connection to personal and human suffering that anyone can relate. It is not a surprise that people all over the world find a blues music as a remedy for their soul that's loaded with a burden of a modern life.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

It's hard to say... Maybe when I saw my first drum set as five years old boy or when I played Hammond organ for the first time and became an organ player as most people defined me or when I decided to come out and sing a song as frontman... Or when I decided to write my own album... There is so many important moments in my life that led me to where I am now.

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

I don't have fears and hopes. I'm trying to except things as they are. I miss the times when audience could see and hear the live music only at concerts. Nowadays, when is all available, is just not that interesting.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I think that music don't have so much influence as before. Just remember Bob Marley, John Lennon and many others whose music moved people, public opinion, politicians... Today's mainstream music is like fast food, don't last long.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

There is balance in music. You can burn fast or last long but if you are honest in your motivation, you will always get exactly how much you give.

(Danko Krznarić aka D.K. / Photo by Žabarović)