Chorba by Shazalakazoo

ShazaLaKazoo, the brainchild of Milan Djuric and Uros Petkovic, has its origins in late 1990s Belgrade, Serbia. United by a shared ambition to transcend musical confines, they embarked on a sonic journey that seamlessly weaved Balkan traditions, gypsy melodies, and electronic rhythms. This tapestry of sound, enriched with Latin percussion and influences stretching from Africa to the Middle East, gave birth to a genre-defying experience characterized by intricate, resounding rhythms and opulent melodies. Their innovative compositions and remixes have earned ShazaLaKazoo acclaim that resonates with a diverse spectrum of listeners, from electronic music aficionados to devoted world music enthusiasts. The band's festival performances across the globe have etched indelible marks, leaving audiences eager for the evolution of their musical narrative. The band's extensive discography features four full-length studio albums, including "Speaking Balkanian" (2010), "Karton City Boom" (2011), "Monobrow" (2014), and "Metanational" (2016), along with a treasure trove of EPs, singles, and remixes, showcasing their exceptional adaptability.

ShazaLaKazoo's reputation is built upon a foundation of groundbreaking collaborations with artists hailing from both the Balkans and beyond. These creative partnerships have expanded their musical horizons and solidified their standing as pioneers in genre-blending. A pivotal moment in their journey unfolded during the production of their third album when master trumpeter Milos Nikolic became an integral part of the band, adding fresh dimensions to both their live performances and studio recordings. The band's journey forges ahead, now featuring Greek singer and violinist Aimilia Varanaki as their lead vocalist and charismatic frontwoman, introduced after their fourth album. Their upcoming release, "Chorba," promises to usher in a new chapter in their musical odyssey, enriched by Aimilia Varanaki's enchanting lead vocals. With unwavering dedication, ShazaLaKazoo continues to redefine the boundaries of music, crafting an enduring legacy in the realm of sound.

The new album Chorba (15 March 2024), a venerated soup intricately woven into the culinary traditions of the Balkans, Middle East, and North Africa, stands as a culinary marvel. Its brilliance shines in its remarkable capacity to transform every day, often humble ingredients—sometimes just a handful of basics and water—into a profoundly remarkable and delectable feast that delights all who partake. This alchemical process requires time and patience, as the ingredients simmer and meld, evolving from the ordinary into something genuinely extraordinary. It transcends being a mere dish; instead, it's a living testament to the artistry that can turn the simplest elements into something extraordinary. In a similar vein, ShazaLaKazoo, a band known for their sound exploration and innovation, echoes this spirit in their new album named "Chorba." Just as chorba showcases the art of creating a satisfying meal from simple ingredients, "Chorba" the album is a musical journey that, like its culinary counterpart, required time and patience to achieve. It mirrors the culinary process, as the band creatively melds a rich mix of instruments and tools, drawing from a diverse range of influences, to craft their captivating music. While one is a culinary delight, the other is a musical feast, and both are testaments to the creative and resourceful approach to their respective crafts. "Chorba" marks ShazaLaKazoo's fifth album, but it's a groundbreaking first with Aimilia Varanaki as their new frontwoman and violinist, a synergy that breathes fresh life into their sound. Accompanied by the master trumpeter Milos Nikolic and the original duo, Milan Djuric on the wind controller, beat making, and mix engineering, and Uros Petkovic on the violin and mastering engineering, this release ushers in a new era of live performances. Evolving from their electronic music roots, "Chorba" embraces a classic band experience, fusing Serbian trumpet excellence with ShazaLaKazoo's signature groovy electronic rhythm section, all crowned by Aimilia Varanaki's captivating charisma. This album represents an exciting chapter in their journey and celebrates the musical diversity and harmonious blend of talents that promises to delight audiences once again.

ShazaLaKazoo, the brainchild of Milan Djuric and Uros Petkovic, has its origins in late 1990s Belgrade, Serbia. United by a shared ambition to transcend musical confines, they embarked on a sonic journey that seamlessly weaved Balkan traditions, gypsy melodies, and electronic rhythms.