Andrea Kis

Story

We formed the band in 1991. in Novi Sad (Serbia), at that time under a different band name - Seven Sisters, as a protest against the civil war raging throughout Yugoslavia. Frontman, Jovan Matic came up with an idea to do cover songs which were actually personal choice of his private best ofs (David Bowie, Nick Cave, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Iggy Pop, Love and Rockets and many similar). A performance we delivered was very unusual at the time, both because of unique set list we played (as back then due to embargo which Serbia faced, it was impossible to enjoy live concerts of world known names, as the country was literally closed, so in that sense Sevens Sisters was seen as a cultural salvation for the youth) and also because Jovan’s stage moves were eccentric and did not comply to local standards, especially in such a conservative environment. So with no compromises at all and no intentions for a possible commercial purposes, Jovan approached whole idea pure and honest. That was a big call he made seemingly confident, but the prime urge was to show his full love for the music he admires and even what it holds beyond simple playing. Dedicated and open minded, Jovan reached for transcendental meanings, hidden desires, sexuality showing the audience that the rock concert is not only music, but also a theatre which reveals the very essence of the original artist. Soon we started having concerts for 4 years (on weekly basis) as the audience had a very positive response to our work, so the band became locally popular and known for extraordinary performance. After a few years break, with a similar band members we were back in 1999. and finally renamed band into “Gift”. With the new name and fresh energy we updated set list in rather newer sounds which included great names from 90’s, such as: Suede, Pulp, Blur, Radiohead, Placebo, Verve, Morrissey, Happy Mondays, New Order, Joy Division, Coldplay, Pet Shop Boys and others. This very British concept led us to something very interesting, an offer to take part in (later very famous) theatre play “Polaroids” by Mark Ravenhill, at National Theatre, Belgrade (2001-2004.). For the role in this play, in category “Scene Moves”, Gift was awarded by YUSTAT, 2002. (National theatre biennale of Scene Design). In 2007., Gift started doing concerts also as Tribute Depeche Mode, which is still running actively and having a lot of booked gigs around the region. The time spent in London UK (2008-2012.) as David Bowie impersonator (in that time in his London band Let’s Bowie), Jovan eventually upgraded his skills to another level, doing the same stuff in front of real Brits. Returning back to Serbia, with the standards that were growing fast, Jovan Matic stayed as an anchor in his determination to take the band to higher level so he gathered new Gift crew. Never ready to compromise with the music Jovan highlighted for new members the importance of visual communication, scene moves of all band members, ilusive make up, lascivious attitude on a stage and radiating a party spirit or carrying a presence of worshipped original artists. The plan for this year is also to realise the original songs by Gift, so stay tuned, you don’t want to miss this!

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Exposure to as many different musical genres as possible will increase your knowledge of music and help you to decide which direction you would like your career to take. Listening to live music and performing allows you to assess musical ability, interact with audiences and be exposed to new musical ideas.

What is your music dream?

I would like to spread my music.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Listening to other people.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Maybe

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Bowie - Stars are out tonight

What inspires you to make music?

I have this one practice that never fails to get work out of me. I have favorite records, instruments, periods/sub-genres that I feel were never fully fleshed out or are under-represented on disc. I will make music in that style to entertain myself, simply to have more of it to listen to. Works every time.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

When you hear it, you will know it.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Powerful

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Every mistake is a lesson learned and no way is ever the right way.

What do you think of Drooble?

I'm new here, but it's pretty cool.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Time.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I like to hear something new, so I go to some gigs...

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Patience

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Wolfram, Nemesis, Antidepresiv....