Work and passion, a combination that is nothing out of the ordinary. But to that we should add a swooping flight over and across musical styles, with a stylish look and a dash of improvisation in live performances to boot. The people taking part in the event we have described have been looking for an independent place for their performances. Because they are the Big Banda.

Big Banda is a democratic structure of musicians and visual artists, in which everyone is equal. The Banda was born of their yearning for freedom of expression and for helping each other, creating and sharing music. Radio Bulgaria’s Elena Tsvetkova talked to one of the Big Banda’s members – Mr. Smiff.

“Big Banda is an old idea of ours, but it has been in existence for just one year. We got together because we wanted to do more interesting party-type events, to find different ways to present music, a different look and all in all – a different kind of art. So, we look for unconventional venues, outside clubs or other places where we usually listen to music. The key is in the collaboration between music and appearance. We have a conventional VJ to create the visual synchronicity between appearance and musical rhythm. But we are also on the lookout for installations, modern and digital forms. Our audience is mostly young people and they find it odd, because we find ways to present our project that are very different. When they perform live, the Big Banda artists and groups improvise and experiment. And that is what enables us to take a swooping flight over and across musical styles. With absolute freedom.

We are now working on a compilation with all Big Banda participants. The idea is to produce independent music. We are also considering organizing festivals – out-of-doors and special indoor events, but in places that are unconventional. We shall continue to present new artistes and to share our music. We are planning a big party; for the time being we are not disclosing the where and the when.”

Besides Mr. Smiff’, Big Banda also includes the groups: Popara, Fly Me to the Moon, Space Dubb Jammers, the trip-hop ambient band Cheaptrix, beatbox performer Alexander Deyanov – Skiller and others.

Mr. Smiff is also a DJ and has played the trumpet in different groups and projects. His love of this musical instrument dates back to the time when he was 15. After graduating the French Language School, he did solfeggio, theory of music and trumpet. He continued at New Bulgarian University with Prof. Atanas Dyulgerov. He was the first to have enrolled “trumpet” there.

“It was at this university that I had the pleasure of meeting Angel Zaberski Jr. and Roumen Toskov, who opened my eyes for jazz,” Mr. Smiff goes on to say. “I was studying harmony, polyphony and all the time I was experimenting with the trumpet and different kinds of electronic music software. Composing is part of my life I have composed for the theatre and for films. As Mr. Smiff I am also a producer. I have worked on the music to Burundanga by Spanish playwright Jordi Galceran staged at the Yambol theatre house by Anton Ougurchinov. Two years ago, I set up my own recording studio and I recorded two of my electronic albums. From the composition to the performance – I did everything myself. I am currently playing with different groups but I have a new project with Stanislav Gendiev-Genda – the newest Big Banda member.”

The audio features the following pieces:

-  Blooming madness;

-  Gring Boogie;

-  Slow stepping;

-  Sweet poison.

English version: Milena Daynova