Slovenian Rockers Joker Out Ride the Wave of Eurovision Fame

When they burst onto the Eurovision stage in 2023, Slovenia's own rock band Joker Out captured the attention of fans across the continent. Their distinct sound and high-energy performances took them from a high school band to a powerhouse of the Slovenian rock scene. Now, they're channeling that success into an extensive European tour, captivating audiences in 18 different countries. The group's story is a testament to their growth, from the classic beginnings of a high school friendship to their current status as rock stars with a rapidly expanding fan base.

Road to Success

Joker Out took the leap from the local scene to the international stage following their Eurovision appearance, solidifying their influence outside Slovenia. Comprised of Bojan Cvjetićanin (vocals), Kris Guštin (guitar, backing vocals), Nace Jordan (bass), Jure Maček (drums), and Jan Peteh (guitar), the band produces a unique blend of music characterized by their own lyrics and a dynamic sound that has become their signature. In a candid interview, the band members shared insights into their lives on tour and how it has shaped them both as individuals and artists. For instance, they've picked up healthier living habits, and their creative process has evolved to become more vigorous and intense, all while integrating a new bassist, Nace, into their collaborative environment.

Upcoming Multilingual Album

One of the exciting projects in the pipeline for Joker Out is their upcoming album, which promises songs in multiple languages. They aim to maintain their close-knit creative process, involving their producer Žare, and have decided not to alter the way they craft their music. The band looks forward to continuing to write their own songs, much like they have done previously. However, they plan to tap into the inspiration from London, where they will be relocating for a couple of months to write their new album. Despite the change in locale, they're dedicated to keeping the spirit of their music aligned with their style and collective artistic vision.

Influences and Challenges

Joker Out's influences are diverse, with classic Yugoslav bands such as Bijelo Dugme and Parni Valjak being notable examples. The process of creating an album is replete with challenges and decisions, particularly when determining which songs make the final cut. According to the band, if the five of them, along with their producer, don't feel the song, it doesn't make it onto the album. As for live performances, they continue to strive for improvement, with each member focusing on their individual instrumentations, like Kris Guštin aiming to enhance his acoustic guitar skills.

The Eurovision Effect

The band's success at Eurovision has notably changed the perception of the contest in Slovenia, bringing a patriotic sports-like enthusiasm to an event that's typically about music. Joker Out feels they were a part of changing how Eurovision is regarded in their home country, and that shift has also influenced the way they are perceived by the Slovenian public. With a tour and a new album on the horizon, Joker Out is clearly on an ascending trajectory, continuing to win over fans and cementing their place in the rock music landscape.

band, Eurovision, album, tour, multilingual, creative