"I think there is an audience for blues music, just we need more young people picking up an instrument and playing it. That way it's gonna stay fresh. The potential is there, they just need to find their way to the gigs and see what the vibe is on a live blues gig."

In The Mood: Let The Good Mood Roll

IN THE MOOD duo was founded in 2009 by Saso Gjorgjevski (vocal, harmonica, guitar) and Nikola Petrovski (guitar). The two have played over 3.000 gigs so far, mainly in North Macedonia and around the Balkans. IN THE MOOD plays its versions of classic blues, rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, country, and funk songs and their original songs that will come out on their upcoming debut album. Saso says: “We play the music we listen to, and the sound is adapted to modern times, trying to sound as loud and big as a four-piece band with only two instruments, but still keeping that clean acoustic touch to it. The balance between technique and soul is personal for every musician and it's not balance if you ask me. Soul is a must, as for technique, well I like listening to T-Model Ford if you know what I mean. Also, there are a lot of virtuoso musicians that tell a great story and give you goosebumps.”

(Saso Gjorgjevski & Nikola Petrovski / Photo by Roko Pavlinušić) 

And Nikola continues: “I like to think that as a Duo we have developed our own sound and style, playing in the past 14 years. Playing every night in loud bars has learned us to be more dynamic and expressive in our playing. We try to sound as big as possible for a duo, covering more frequencies and mimicking like we have more instruments on stage, through just our playing, and for that technique is important so you can get the most of your instrument. I think the soul, or as I see it, the love we have for this music gives us that extra edge, that has made us last on the scene all these years.”

Interview by Michael Limnios

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

Nikola: I started listening to blues music when I started playing the guitar about 25 years ago. It's the first music I fell in love it and from there learned about rock and roll, jazz, country, and all the other styles of music genres that come from the blues. Playing the blues gives me nothing but joy. I get to do what I love, play live every night and bring other people closer to this music which is not that popular in our country.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Saso: We play the music we listen to, and the sound is adapted to modern times, trying to sound as loud and big as a four-piece band with only two instruments, but still keeping that clean acoustic touch to it. The balance between technique and soul is personal for every musician and it's not balance if you ask me. Soul is a must, as for technique, well I like listening to T-Model Ford if you know what I mean. Also, there are a lot of virtuoso musicians that tell a great story and give you goosebumps.

Nikola: I like to think that as a Duo we have developed our own sound and style, playing in the past 14 years. Playing every night in loud bars has learned us to be more dynamic and expressive in our playing. We try to sound as big as possible for a duo, covering more frequencies and mimicking like we have more instruments on stage, through just our playing, and for that technique is important so you can get the most of your instrument. I think the soul, or as I see it, the love we have for this music gives us that extra edge, that has made us last on the scene all these years.

"Listen, listen, listen. Listen to a lot of music, always listen to what your bandmates are playing, and try as much as you can to listen to yourself when you are playing." (Saso Gjorgjevski and Nikola Petrovski on stage, Thrill Blues Festival, Trilj Croatia 2023 / Photo by Roko Pavlinušić)

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

Saso: We have a song called "Breeding Ground for Blues". It's about our home town. As for the audience, Balkan people are warm and passionate, so when someone here gets the blues, they get stuck with it.

Nikola: Well, blues is people's music. People like its sound, even though they might not listen to it at home. Probably because it sings about every day. It is a basic for many other genres, and f you play it right, people can even have fun on it, not just that old stereotype that blues music needs only to be sad.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions that you’d like to share with us?

Saso: Too many, and it would be too much to tell even one in this interview, but most of them are about unexpected guest musicians. Of course, the most recent and pretty unforgettable was the concert with Mud Morganfield on the Cotton Blues Festival.

Nikola: Well, every good thing that happened to me so far in my live is through playing live with our Duo. I meet my wife, a meet many new friends, I developed and continue to develop more and more as a musician and performer, so after 3.000 gigs, it is hard to take one or two things.

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

Saso: Young audience and young musicians. I guess that answers both questions.

Nikola: Well maybe just more young people in the crowd when we play, other than that this music is perfect and it will survive.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?                                    (In The Mood / Photo by Roko Pavlinušić)

Saso: Listen, listen, listen. Listen to a lot of music, always listen to what your bandmates are playing, and try as much as you can to listen to yourself when you are playing.

Nikola: You can't fake the audience. You need to play what you love and know best, and people will react to it. Also, don't bother playing for other musicians in the audience, but just play to entertain the people that came to listen. One rule is that You can't please everybody.

"Well, blues is people's music. People like its sound, even though they might not listen to it at home."

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?

Saso: About the same answer as above but the Thrill Blues Festival (Trilj, Croatia) where we met surprised me with all the kids drawn to the blues by the music school and European Blues Union. Maybe it's kind of a push, but I think it's a push in the right direction. Young bluesmen could attract younger audiences.

Nikola: Yes, I think there is an audience for blues music, just we need more young people picking up an instrument and playing it. That way it's gonna stay fresh. The potential is there, they just need to find their way to the gigs and see what the vibe is on a live blues gig.