How to celebrate important events in Montenegro. Interview with musician Kostya Romanov about moving, creativity, organizing a holiday with live music

Live music in Montenegro is the soul of any holiday and a pleasant addition that will create a special atmosphere and make the event unforgettable. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, corporate evening or just a friendly party, music will add zest to it, emphasize the importance of the moment and give guests unique emotions. Professional musicians will select a suitable program that will suit your tastes and the atmosphere of the celebration.

In this interview we will talk about emigration with an artist from Russia, his musical creativity, and how it can influence the public. You will also learn tips on where and how to organize a holiday in Montenegro at a high level.

Kostya Romanov is a musician in Montenegro with a large repertoire of original songs and covers. He worked as a soloist of the Philharmonic and was trained as a choir director. Was a member of several groups. A very creative person, on stage for 25 years! Vocalist, guitarist, plays harmonica. Kostya moved from Russia a year ago with the mission to bring the warmth of his home. In the summer, you can hear him perform at picnics that he organizes with other musicians, as well as at parties in bars along the coast.

About life in Montenegro, cats and creativity

– Why did you choose to study music, what programs do you have now?

“I didn’t choose, it chose me.” I have always been drawn to creativity. In Russia, I was engaged in leather craft, I had a workshop producing unique products from genuine leather. I devoted 12 years to this, while studying music at the same time.

I have two projects now – this is Kostya Romanov, where I alone sing, play the guitar, mostly Russian rock. I have a unique cover program, which contains many songs that are rarely played by others. In bars I like to play something not very well known, so that people listen to new things and expand their musical horizons.

The second project is the JAM group, where we sing in Russian and English.

– Where can one hear your compositions on the Internet now and how can I find one to invite you to perform?

– On Instagram: romanov_koc, YouTube: @romanov_koc. Write on Instagram or Telegram: Romanov_koc.

– How to order live music in Montenegro and why you should choose it for special events?

– First, exclusivity: a live performance is a unique event that will never be repeated. Second: an individual approach, help in choosing what all guests of the evening will like. The most important thing is that nothing compares to the energy and emotions that live music gives.

– The famous Balkan performer and director Emir Kusturica has a saying “Since we cannot change the world, I propose to change the tavern.” Do you think music can change the world and make it worse or better?

– Certainly! She has the power to change the world for the better. There are several striking examples in history. Authors who changed the world include John Lennon, Bob Marley, Steve Goodman.

– In which cities do you perform and what events are you most often invited to?

– Mainly in Budva and Bar, where there are the most Russian-speaking residents. They love to sing good old hits, feel at home, dance, and socialize. But I can come if they invite me to events in any city or even country, for example, Serbia. In the summer we often have picnics with other performers and play different genres. In the summer we often have picnics together with other performers and play different music. In nature, it is always soulful and unforgettable. Of course, they invite you to birthdays, weddings and corporate events for relocant companies from Russia and Ukraine.

I can always offer an option for different budgets; if I’m alone, without a group, it’s much more affordable. This is probably my advantage, that I alone can create the atmosphere of a real concert for very little money. We always discuss the direction and repertoire with the customer and choose the best option.

– Do you have your own equipment or are your customers providing it?

– All my equipment is high-quality, expensive. I only need an outlet. If it's a picnic, then you don't need an outlet; I have autonomous sound. I once rented concert equipment and have a good understanding of this area. My clients don’t worry about this; I take care of the entire organization.

– What are the most favorite covers performed by you among the Russian-speaking public?

– From rock music, my favorite covers are Spleen, DDT, Auction, Mumiy Troll, many mashups of famous songs, when the melody is from one song and the words are from another. The most famous and boring songs also have to be sung, they are loved, this is always a win-win option.

It happens that customers for a holiday want a couple of songs that I don’t know or are simply not my genre, it’s not a problem, you can learn it if time allows. Recently, for one event, they asked to insert the composition of the group Christmas into the program - I learned it, sang it, everyone is happy!

– Tell us more about your creative mission to bring the warmth of your home.

“I’m trying to bring the warmth of my home to those who, for various reasons, find themselves away from it. And it’s very nice when people come up to me and say that tonight they caught themselves thinking that they found themselves in their hometown, among friends. It is very valuable to me that I can somehow help people in the current conditions! Moving to Montenegro was not an easy decision for many.

– How do you reveal your potential?

– I’m not afraid to experiment, make mistakes, be perfect. I use different instruments, combine different genres.

– What motivates you to pursue your favorite profession?

– I just do what I like. It's like therapy, instead of going to a psychologist, you can speak out through a melody, especially when there are difficult times.

– What advice would you give to avoid burning out?

– If you feel tired and find it difficult to force yourself to go out in public, find the reasons. As it happens with me: I change the program and play what I want. I always enjoy going on stage, but sometimes I get tired of the monotony, I just say that today I have a new program, not the same as usual. It is also important to try to follow a routine and plan.

– How is a typical day going? Have you managed to find a balance between work and leisure in Montenegro?

– On the weekend I go to the mountains or chat with friends. I rehearse, write my songs. In general, yes, I found a balance. When your work brings pleasure, you don’t get tired of it, as if you were doing something you don’t like.

– John Lennon has a song “Do You Want to Know a Secret”. He said that he was inspired to create it by a line from a Disney cartoon song that his mother sang to him as a child. What are your sources of inspiration for writing your songs?

– And according to the group “Secret” they called themselves that because of this composition. Everything inspires me. Life itself is an endless source of ideas. Every day, moment, experience reflects different emotions, they become the basis for creating something new. Inspiration comes in everyday situations, meetings with interesting people, in nature, in the bustle of the city, in the silence of solitude.

– Does it happen that you don’t know what to write about?

– Can not be. Usually it’s the other way around: I really want to bring a lot of things to life, but I don’t have enough time to sit down and write my own songs.

– Do you know that communication with animals affects creative thinking?

– Yes, animals are excellent helpers for searching for new subjects, forms and sounds. For example, when playing with a cat or dog, we feel carefree, joyful, enter the state of a child, and let go of what bothers us. This is a state that contributes to the creation of something that does not yet exist, non-standard solutions.

– What differences can you highlight in work and life here compared to Russia?

– There is not a large audience here, therefore there are fewer opportunities for implementation. But now, thanks to the Internet, they have expanded; in fact, it doesn’t matter where you live. Record tracks and post them on websites and social networks. Life in Montenegro is significantly different. Small towns, no fuss, no traffic jams, warm all year round, sights from different centuries at every step.

– Which city is better to live in Montenegro?

– You need to choose depending on whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. Do you need society or prefer solitude with nature? Consider your occupation. If you work remotely, then you can choose any one with good internet. For me, the best cities to live in Montenegro are: Budva, Bar, Herceg Novi and Podgorica with developed infrastructure, parties, including the Russian community, many foreigners with whom you can also communicate.

– On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your level of happiness here? What influences it?

– I would mark my level of happiness on this scale as 9 points. There are things I miss. For example, I lack a kitchen according to my preferences, some household problems. Plus, everything here is imported, there is a small selection of everything. Of the minuses, I can’t come to listen to instruments to choose, only on order and it’s not a fact that it will fit. 

– How to overcome fears of creating what you like?

– Don’t compare yourself with others. Let everything go as it goes. It's better to do than not to do. Don't focus on the result, enjoy the process.

– Is nature your source of strength and stimulator of activity?

– Yes, for me the best stimulant is to travel many kilometers through the mountains. I can’t say that inspiration comes only in the mountains; it can come unexpectedly when I’m standing in line at the checkout or when I’m eating while driving.

– Your top most beautiful places to relax in Montenegro.

– Many have not yet been seen and each of them is unique in its own way. From those where I have already been: Sveti Stefan, the Bay of Kotor, especially the panoramic views of it. The north, its reserves, the canyon of the Tara River amaze you.

– How did the local culture and environment influence your work?

– In general, not at all, rather influenced by recent events happening in the world, now I write more on socially significant topics. Life here is more measured, no one is in a hurry, there is time to implement projects, I like it.

– What emotions do you want to evoke in the listener with your original compositions?

– I want to find like-minded people, not everyone has to like it. The main thing is that when I want to talk about some problem, if they understand me, we are on the same wavelength, an exchange of energies occurs.

– Why did many people like the Live music picnic format?

– Because everything is especially harmonious, to the sounds of nature. Everyone really liked the summer format on the beach or in the mountains. We are not limited by time, like in bars or restaurants that close at 12, we don’t bother anyone and leave when we want.

How to mark important events

– How to arrange a holiday in Montenegro? Is it difficult or is the event industry developed?

– Everything is developed, there are no difficulties, especially if you turn to those who have been doing this for a long time and know all the pitfalls. I can offer a choice of premises for rent depending on the number of guests, recommend a host, suggest a repertoire that suits your event.  A holiday in Montenegro can be arranged following these four steps:

• Decide on a suitable location and premises.
• Create a menu. Adriatic or local cuisine with homemade wine, cheese and prosciutto.
• Think about entertainment: Live music, dancing, games, fireworks.
• Order photo/video shooting, save memories.

– How to celebrate a birthday in Montenegro at the lowest cost?

– You don’t have to rent something big and expensive. In the summer season, prices rise for rent and some services. I know many interesting the locations where barbecue is allowed or you can invite catering without having to cook yourself. I have autonomous equipment, it doesn’t need electricity, you can even have a disco in an open field.

– Your advice on how to organize a wedding in Montenegro.

– Choose a location near the airport that is convenient for guests. Book an outdoor ceremony, catering, photographers, music artist or band. I have contacts of proven professionals with whom we already cooperate, please contact us.

– How do you compose a repertoire depending on the event?

– I have thematic selections for any occasion, which we coordinate with customers. If they want something individual, I can prepare it, but it takes time. The more of it, the better. Therefore, it is better to discuss everything in advance so that I can start rehearsals.

– Our agency sells real estate in Montenegro. Tell our future clients how to celebrate a housewarming in a big way?

– Everything is very simple, as I said above, to mark the event you need to: invite a host, catering, even a sommelier, dance groups.

–  What amount is needed for a small party with your participation, for 10-20 guests?

–  For a company of 10-20 people, this is accessible, just like going to a cafe.

– How to celebrate a corporate event in Montenegro?

– One of the options is organizing a corporate event on the coast. Many hotels and villas offer luxurious conditions for banquets, conferences and various entertainment events. For more active teams, you can organize a corporate holiday in the mountains or an outdoor picnic. Hiking, cycling, horse riding, and rafting are all great ways to bring your team together. And in the evening you can dance to your favorite songs performed by me.

Conclusion

– Do you think artificial intelligence will ever replace humans? Will people stop going to concerts and art galleries?

– I think not. Writing texts is not just a set of words, it is emotions, feelings, where you need to transfer the listener. Performers and artists find their inspiration in the world around them, their experiences, and interactions with other people in order to create works that reflect the depth of human feelings. It is precisely such compositions that ultimately become hits. Artificial intelligence can currently create, but it does not create it in depth, but generates from what has already been created by someone, unlike a person who creates based on his uniquely experienced stories, because each of us is unique.

– Where do you rehearse?

– When I’m alone, it’s without leaving the house. We rehearse with the group at the rehearsal base, there are drums, a lot of sound, you can make noise.

– It happens that not only during rehearsals do you accidentally find some cool arrangements? For example, you are walking in the mountains, you heard some interesting sound of nature and an arrangement came to your mind.

– Certainly. Sometimes they come in completely unexpected situations.

– What criteria are there for evaluating an artist? Is it even possible to evaluate someone?

– Everyone has different tastes. Our assessment is subjective. Critics can talk for a long time about who has better criteria. If an artist has an audience, no critic will convince them. Everyone has their own audience.

– Do you think music unites people?

– Certainly! Unites those who share the same views. It’s difficult to see like-minded people on the subway, but when you come to a concert of a specific person, people look at each other, see their own kind.

– The best gratitude from listeners?

– This is a reaction when their concern is visible. It doesn't matter whether they cry or rejoice.

– I like your conveyance of emotions, your unique style of new interpretation of old popular hits!

– Great! So I already have my own viewer! Judging by the fact that people invite me, recommend me to friends, go to concerts in bars, I have a decent audience. My style, genre should not be liked by everyone, someone likes something else. This is fine. The fact that I sing resonates with many people, which means we have each other!

– Kostya, thank you for the lively, interesting interview. We wish you new platforms and success in implementing your original projects!

– Thank you! See you!

The endless Adriatic Sea, the sounds of waves, enchanting landscapes, the smiles of guests and fiery dances - this is how your celebration can go. Kostya Romanov, with his talent and passion for music, will be able to give your holiday unforgettable emotions and it will be remembered forever in your heart. And if you have recently arrived and don’t yet know where to go on a weekend or on a rainy evening, his performances often take place in Budva, in the the Čardak pub. Conversations fly by over your favorite hits and a glass of craft beer.

Subscribe to Kostya’s page on social networks and follow his work and posters:

• Instagram: romanov_koc
• YouTube: @romanov_koc
• Write a message in Telegram: Romanov_koc