Interviews: Marko Bojkovic

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal guitarist Marko Bojkovic from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or come out just like that?

My real name is Marko Bojkovic. Ever since I was 16 years old, I have been publishing music under my real name. I thought about making “Marko Battleson” my pseudonym but given that I am a big fan of Rush, I feared that people would think that I am an Alex Lifeson wanna-be. *Laughs” 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Metal is the genre that suits my personality the best. Not too many people know that the metal community is full of happy people who are very supportive of each other and is willing to help one another succeed. I have made so many great friends in this community and am always willing to make more! Metal is not just a genre of music; it’s a brotherhood! 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I knew two of the singers before I made this album. They sang on my previous album Venom, and now we have another singer contributing power metal vocals and rap vocals! 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

I love so many bands but if I had to pick one, I’d pick Trivium. Their album Shogun made a humongous impact on me during my teenage years, especially when I finally received my first 7-string guitar. Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu’s solos are still among my favorite solos to this very day, and their albums with Alex Bent are just…wow! Listen to them if you haven’t! I met Matt Heafy in person once, and I am very active in his Twitch streams. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The songs are inspired by my personality; I’m a very positive person who has been blessed with amazing friends and family, and I want my music to display that. I also enjoy writing thought-provoking songs every now and then. My experiences also shaped me into the person that I am today, so I am grateful for them, too. 

6. Where was your last gig?

My last gig was in St. Pete at Noisemakers, Inc. It was hosting a memorial concert for Dakota Moon Two, who died back in August from a seizure. His old band Oni and my old band Particle Effect played a few shows together back in 2017, so he helped me start making an impact on our local music scene, and I am forever grateful for that. He was an exceptionally gifted player with some of the coolest licks you could ever hear. 

7. Where would you like to act?

I would like to play at a festival that focuses on progressive metal, power metal, or even metal core. Because my music fuses all 3 of them, I’ll fit into more festivals any one of those festivals! YAY! Lol. I’d like to do a mini tour around Florida. It would make a great family road trip! 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I would like to feature with artists in my local music scene such as Wirethrone, Noctus, Reverya, and Apeiron Bound. If we’re talking about established touring bands, I’d love to feature Trivium, All That Remains, Spiritbox, Seven Spires, or Avenged Sevenfold. 

9. Whom not?

Definitely not As I Lay Dying given all the scandals that Tim Labesis has going against him. 

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I have never suffered from stage freight. The trick to not having it is to just have fun onstage and not worry so much about being perfect. If you’re not having fun onstage, no one will vibe with you, regardless of how well you’re playing. The audience can tell if you’re enjoying yourself onstage, so having fun is way more important than being perfect. Additionally, your performance will be more genuine. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

That’s very tough to answer because my list of influences changes over time, but currently, I’d say Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Dream Theater, Periphery, Spiritbox, Firewind, Symphony X, Sabaton, Steve Vai, Nevermore, Kiko Loureiro, Metallica, and Iron Maiden. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Luckily I don’t have an answer to that question. No one has ever asked me for anything outlandish. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

I love my fans! They’re the life support of my music! I also consider them my friends and I love to talk to them and see how they’re doing! A musician’s career is only as strong as the bond that’s shared with fans. 

14. What do you think of our site?

Your website is awesome! I love how you go out of your way to support your artists! They all have very interesting stories to tell with their music, and what’s best about them is that they’re always interesting! 

15. Something to add?

Thank you so much for your time!