Biography
Sedef first burst onto the vibrant live Balkan music scene in autumn 2004. Based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, their roots draw firmly from the unique musical heritage of the region, utilizing the band’s mastery of both traditional and classical instruments and the haunting vocal intonations of Balkan folk culture.
The three (Maša Pašović-vokal, Tilen Stepišnik-guitar, Šemsudin Džopa-guitar) peace band are two thirds Bosnian and established a reputation for capturing a mixture of traditional Balkan themes and styles with a firmly contemporary flavor, however their primary stylistic influences have continued to be drawn from the Sevdalinka tradition of Bosnian music. This in itself is fashioned from the rich traditions accompanying the long Turkish Ottoman occupation and has often been compared with similar Mediterranean folk traditions such as Portuguese Fado and Flamenco in Spain. In particular, the unique melancholic yearning of this rich stream of musical tradition and its vibrant and beautiful fusion with more contemporary styles carry the tragedy and pain of the everyday lives and loves of the Balkan people to a whole new generation.
The long awaited (among the Sedef's many aficionados), first album was released in Autumn 2007 to co-inside with the third anniversary of the band's formation. Sedef are currently working on material for a second album expected to be released in late 2009. They also continue to play to critical acclaim, not only in the band’s home in Slovenia, but also at concerts and festivals across Europe, bringing their unique sound to audiences in Switzerland and France where they have the distinction of having played twice at the FIMU Festival in Belfort in both 2005 and 2008.
Sedef’s continued ability to fuse styles and genres has enabled them to form wide ranging relationships both with other bands and with a range of talented guest musicians and is exemplified in the intense and hypnotic energy the band convey onstage. The energy and vibrancy of this mix as well as the use of both contemporary acoustic and Spanish guitar with more traditional instruments such as the saz and classical cello, mix with stunning vocals to produce a sound haunts, inspires and literally winds you at the same time.
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