Djordje Stijepovic

Djordje Stijepovic
Born Djordje Stijepovic
Belgrade, Serbia
Residence Santa Monica, California
Occupation
  • Musician
  • bassist
  • composer
  • singer
Years active 1995–present
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
Associated acts
Website www.djordjestijepovic.com

Djordje Stijepovic (Serbian: Ђорђе Стијеповић, Đorđe Stijepović, pronounced [d͜ʑô̞ːrd͜ʑe̞ stijě̞ːpo̞ʋit͜ɕ]) (born 1977) is a Serbian-American double bass player, singer and composer. He is best known as bassist for the psychobilly band Tiger Army[1] and for Nickelodeon star Drake Bell.[2][3] He is also a former member of Lemmy Kilmister's (Motörhead) side project The Head Cat (with Stray Cats' Slim Jim Phantom on drums).[4]

As a bandleader, Stijepovic fronts the rockabilly band Atomic Sunset and performs as a solo artist under his own name. He has also recorded and performed as a guest musician with Tommy Emmanuel,[5] Marco Beltrami,[6] Wanda Jackson,[7] Rachel Brice and Beats Antique among others.

Beginnings

Djordje Stijepovic grew up in a music family in Belgrade, Serbia. His mother was a music professor and his father was a professional folk dancer in Serbian National Ensemble Kolo.[8][9] He decided to become a musician at 10 years old, after hearing Elvis Presley's and Stray Cats' records for the first time.[10] At 11, he formed his first rock'n'roll band Lonesome Train.[11] He started on guitar and switched to double bass when he was 13 years old.[11] Stijepovic enrolled in a Classical music school only to convince his parents to buy him a double bass.[9] He received a master's degree in double bass performance from the Music Conservatory in Belgrade, subsequently obtaining a degree in jazz bass and arrangements as well.[12][13][14][15]

Music career

1995–2004: First Bands in Serbia

At 18 years old, Djordje Stijepovic joined Balkan Music Club, one of the first world music bands in Serbia.[16] As a member of this band, he is considered as one of the initiators of the world music scene in Serbia.[17] Soon he developed an interest for Middle Eastern music as well, so he joined Shira Utfila in 2000.[18] Shira Utfila received the RASA award as the best world music band in Europe.[19]

In 1999 he founded Marsya with Georges Grujic, a band dedicated to the traditional music of the Balkans.[20] This band is considered a turning point for the Serbian world music scene.[17]

That same year, he founded a 7 piece neo swing band Havana Whisper,[18] the first band of this style in Eastern Europe.[21] Their debut album Flammable was released in 2002 for PGP-RTS. Radio Television of Serbia filmed and broadcast a rockumentary of the same title about the band in 2002.[22]

When Stijepovic disbanded Havana Whisper in 2003, he formed the rockabilly trio Atomic Sunset. Occasionally he still performs with this band.[23] With Atomic Sunset he released one album titled Hot Rods & Pin-Ups.[23] Songs from this album are featured in the movie It's a Rockabilly World! from 2016.[24]

During this period, he also played in a symphony orchestra for 7 years.[25]

2004–2006: Move to the US

Stijepovic moved to San Francisco in January 2004. At the beginning he mostly played with local bluegrass and rock'n'roll bands.[26] In 2006 he joined Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics and started touring nationally.[10][27][28] That same year, he played a concert with Joe Clay in Hollywood, and got noticed by Danny B. Harvey, who invited him to join him, Lemmy Kilmister and Slim Jim Phantom in the Head Cat.[27][16][28]

2007–2012: Head Cat, Fishtank Ensemble

Stijepovic spent most of 2007 touring with the Head Cat.[11] They headlined Rockin' 1950's Fest III in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Footage from this show is included in the movie Lemmy, featuring Stijepovic as well.[29] The band was joined by Guns N' Roses guitar player Slash at the 3rd Annual Sunset Strip Music Festival at the House of Blues in Hollywood.[30]

In 2007 he also joined Fishtank Ensemble, an eclectic band that plays Gypsy music from all over the world (Balkan, Turkish, Flamenco ...) and hot jazz.[31] Their music is featured in the movie Wild Target starring Emily Blunt, Bill Nighy and Rupert Everett.[32] Fishtank Ensemble has something of a cult following, including celebrities like Tim Robbins[33] and Sue Wong.[34]

2013–present: Drake Bell, Tiger Army

In December 2013, Stijepovic received an invitation to play in Drake Bell's band as a guest at the Christmas concert of Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Dolby Theater.[35] Bell was thrilled by Stijepovic's musicianship and energy, so he became a steady member of the band.[35] Their biggest show up to date was in front of 55.000 people at Foro Sol stadium in Mexico City in October 2014.[36]

In October 2015, Stijepovic became a member of the psychobilly band Tiger Army.[1] Besides heavy touring in US, Europe, Australia, South and Central America, the band played festivals like Riot Fest Chicago in 2016. They also appeared in two episodes of the late night show Last Call with Carson Daly.

Solo Work

Djordje Stijepovic's solo work is greatly influenced by traditional jazz and world music, especially from the Balkans and the Middle East. He insists on perceiving music as a whole, with different genres just being a matter of taste.[11] His original compositions are included on two compilations Srbija Sounds Global: All Stars and World Music from Serbia.[17]

Stijepovic regularly performs in duos with world's leading bellydancers of tribal fusion genre including Rachel Brice and Mira Betz.[8][16]

In September 2015, Stijepovic's solo concert opened the first double bass festival Bass Passion in Serbia.[37] His band included some of the best Serbian musicians: Aleksandar Sedlar on guitar, Vasil Hadzimanov on keyboard and Predrag Milutinovic on drums.[38]

Other collaborations

Djordje Stijepovic has performed and recorded with many world known musicians from very wide music genres. His session studio work includes Beats Antique (electronica),[39] Rupa and the April Fishes (reggae),[40] Kiosk (Persian), Marcelo (hip hop), Kal (Romani) and many others. Two albums he recorded with Kal reached top of World Music Charts Europe (Kal in 2006 and Radio Romanista in 2009).[41]

Some other live collaborations include guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel; rock'n'roll pioneers Donovan,[42] Wanda Jackson, Dale Hawkins, Scotty Moore band, DJ Fontana, Sonny Burgess, Joe Clay, Eddie Bond, Gene Summers; blues giants Billy Boy Arnold, Jody Williams; jazz legend Don Randi; swing sensation Squirrel Nut Zippers; pop star Aaron Carter[43] and many others. He also worked with movie composers Marco Beltrami[44] and Danny Elfman.[26][10][27][8][16][28]

Movies and Theater

Stijepovic was a cast member in various theater plays like As You Like It (CalShakes, Orinda, CA),[45] SummerSounds (Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA)[46] and Everyman (Atelje 212, Belgrade Serbia).[47] He also appeared in movies Lemmy, It's a Rockabilly World! and Flammable.

Playing style

Stijepovic is often mentioned as the world's best slap style double bass player.[17][48][8][49][50][51] Slap bass is a mostly percussive technique that was developed in New Orleans at the beginning of the 20th century. He is writing the first book about the technique.[13][18][28][15]

On several occasions he said he doesn't want to be pigeon-holed in any musical genre and that he sees music as a whole.[18][20] His playing draws on many influences from different music styles like rockabilly, jazz, blues, country, Gypsy, punk, metal and classical.

At first, I tried to copy my favorite rockabilly licks, and then I gravitated deeper into the past researching old jazz, blues, country, and gypsy recordings. At the same time, I was listening to punk, metal, and studying classical music. I incorporate everything. I often use licks I learned from Romanian gypsy music when I play rockabilly, or throw in some New Orleans jazz licks when I play Balkan music. I do it all with a punk edge - my personal touch.[52]

Influences

Stijepovic most often cites Stray Cats, Clash, Motörhead, Tom Waits and Charlie Mingus as his main musical inspirations.[20][10][12] As his slap bass influences, he lists Willie Dixon, Steve Brown, Joe Zinkan and Milt Hinton.[52][12][13]

Equipment

Stijepovic is endorsed by Blast Cult,[53] Thomastik-Infeld,[54] Orange,[55] Mogami,[52] Mojave[52] and CodaBow.[56]

His main instrument since 2011 has been "The Great White", a custom double bass made under his specifications by the Blast Cult in Orange, CA. It has a one of a kind 3 pickup system. The symbol that can be seen under the strings is Stijepovic's logo, which is a stylized combination of the first letter of his name (Ђ - DJ in Cyrillic) and bass clef, made by the artist Zeljko Gajic.[9][56] He has been using Thomastik-Infeld strings since he was a teenager[4][54] and they made him their ambassador in 2006. He plays their Spirocore Orchestra Medium strings, Solo strings, and more recently their new prototype.[52]

Stijepovic uses Orange amplifiers. On recent tours with Tiger Army he had 4 Stroke 500 with two OBC410 cabinets.[57]

He also uses Mogami cables, Mojave microphones and CodaBow carbon fiber bows.

Art of Slap Bass

Since 2002, Djordje Stijepovic has been intensively working on the development of slap bass technique, and researching its history. With the goal of its popularisation he started the web site www.artofslapbass.com on June 10, 2009.[26][58] He publishes articles about slap bass on the web site and promotes other exponents of the style. He has interviewed legends like Marshall Lytle, Ray Campi, James Kirkland and discovered new players like Nicolas Dubouchet, Ryan Gould, Beau Sample and others.

Discography

Solo

  • World Music from Serbia (2009 WMAS Records)
  • Srbija Sounds Global – All Stars (2008 B92)

With Fishtank Ensemble

  • Edge of the World (2014 Fishtank Records)
  • Ciocarlia/Ciganka sam mala (2010 Fishtank Records)
  • Woman in Sin (2010 Fishtank Records)
  • Live at Strings (2008 Estradasphere)
  • Samurai Over Serbia (2007 Fishtank Records)

With Atomic Sunset

  • Hot Rods & Pin-Ups (2007 Ceklin Music/Automatik Records)

With Shira Utfila

  • Sephardic Songs from the Balkans (2008 Orange World Records)
  • At thy Gates O Jerusalem (2003 PGP RTS)
  • Nagila Alleluia (2001 self-released)

With Marsya

  • A High Tree (2003 PGP RTS)

With Havana Whisper

  • Flammable (2002 PGP RTS)

With Balkan Music Club

  • Live in Belgrade 1999 (2008 WMAS Records)

Filmography

YearTitleNotes
2017Tiger Army - Dark and Lonely Night[59]Music video
2017Last Call with Carson DalySeason 16, Episode 83: "Elisabeth Moss, Lauren Ash, Tiger Army"
2017Last Call with Carson DalySeason 16, Episode 64: "James Gunn, Halston Sage, Tiger Army"
2016It's a Rockabilly World![60]Documentary
2010Lemmy[29]Documentary
2010Fishtank Ensemble - Woman in Sin[61]Music video
2007Atomic Sunset - Hot Rods & Pin-Ups[62]Music video
2002Havana Whisper - Flammable[22]Television film

References

  1. 1 2 "News from Octoberflame!". Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  2. ↑ Dzodan, Neven (February 2, 2014). "Djordje Stijepovic: Moj dom je na autoputu". Blic. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  3. ↑ Castro Aranda, Hector (February 20, 2016). "El rock and roll y el rockabilly, mi mayor pasion". Cientounorevista.com. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  4. 1 2 Olwell, Greg (October 2007). "Lemmy Kilmister and Djordje Stijepovic". Bass Player magazine. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Tommy Emmanuel & Djordje Stijepovic - Live in San Francisco". YouTube.com. January 22, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Los Angeles Film Festival - Opening Night Premiere Of Snowpiercer". gettyimages.com. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Rockin with the Queen of Rockabilly - Wanda Jackson". djordjestijepovic.com. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Vasic, Marija (August 15, 2013). "Srce nam kuca u istom ritmu". Vijesti. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 Jokanovic, Srdjan (January 29, 2013). "Nicega se nisam plasio" (PDF). Ilustrovana politika. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Rios, Orlando (May–June 2008). "Hey Djordje!" (PDF). Rockabilly Magazine issue 41.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Garic, Dragana (February 22, 2008). "Drago mi je da je interesovanje za rokabili sve vece i vece" (PDF). Gradjanski list. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 Duric, Aljosa (March 11, 2010). "Atomic Sunset Bend, Beograd - Srbija: Intervju". cromalternativemoney.org. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  13. 1 2 3 Bulic, Jelena (July–August 2002). "Slap That Doghouse Bass!". Belgrade Life/New Times. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Srpski kontrabasista svira sa sefom Motorheda". December 21, 2007. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  15. 1 2 V, M (2007). "Povratak rokabilija u Srbiju". Blic. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Mircov, Sasha (September 25, 2012). "Interview: Djordje Stijepovic, Fishtank Ensemble". bturn.com. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Djordjevic, Oliver (Summer 2008). "Intervju: Djordje Stijepovic". Etnoumlje issue 5. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Ristic, Milos (May 2003). "Dublje u pricu". Ana. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  19. ↑ Stojanovic, Danijela (2012). "World Music u Srbiji - Prvih 30 godina 1982-2012". Etnoumlje: 243. ISSN 1452-9920.
  20. 1 2 3 Kojic, Zorica (July 7, 2003). "Divlje i moderno". Danas. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  21. ↑ Dragosavac, Predrag (May 20, 2000). "Pozitivna energija - osnovna filozofija". Glas javnosti. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  22. 1 2 "Havana Whisper - Zapaljivo". youtube.com. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  23. 1 2 R, J (December 18, 2007). "Svirati sa Lemijem". 24 casa. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  24. ↑ "It's a Rockabilly World - Sizzle Reel". youtube.com. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  25. ↑ Macura, Valentina. "Intervju Djordje Stijepovic". Paralel Vision. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  26. 1 2 3 Markovic, Nikola (January 15, 2011). "Djordje Stijepovic Atomski kontrabas". B92.net. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  27. 1 2 3 Filipovic, M (September 18, 2009). "Premijera u Cikagu". Vesti. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Ristic, Milos (February 3, 2008). "Daleko i jos dalje" (PDF). Ana. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  29. 1 2 "Lemmy: 49% Motherfucker, 51% Son of a Bitch". youtube.com. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  30. ↑ Team JamBase (September 3, 2010). "3rd Sunset Strip Music Fest". JamBase.com. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  31. ↑ Janusevic, Z (August 22, 2013). "Muzicki molotovljev koktel". Dan. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  32. ↑ "Original Soundtrack Wild Target". Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  33. ↑ Rock, Mick and Reelick, Amanda (September 2010). "Tim Robbins - All Back to My Place". Mojo Magazine issue 202. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  34. ↑ Wong, Sue (May 8, 2015). "An Evening With My Favorite Band Fishtank Ensemble". Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  35. 1 2 "Drake Bell Concert this Saturday!!!". vimeo.com. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  36. ↑ "Drake Bell - Exa Concert 2014". youtube.com. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  37. ↑ Milincic, Jelena (October 13, 2015). "Djordje Stijepovic: Sviram sa svojim herojima". Gloria. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  38. ↑ Kovacevic, Miona (October 11, 2015). "BASS PASSION Djordje Stijepovic - Americki san beogradskog kontrabasiste". Blic. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  39. ↑ "Blind Threshold by Beats Antique". Beatsantique.bandcamp.com. March 15, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  40. ↑ "este mundo by Rupa & The April Fishes". rupaandtheaprilfishes.bandcamp.com. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  41. ↑ "World Music u Srbiji - Prvih 30 godina 1982-2012". Etnoumlje: 190. ISSN 1452-9920. |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  42. ↑ "Catch the Wind with Donovan". djordjestijepovic.com.
  43. ↑ "Drake Bell & Aaron Carter - I Want Candy". youtube.com. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  44. ↑ "Snowpiercer Performed by Sandy Cameron". youtube.com. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  45. ↑ Schiffman, Jean (September 26, 2006). "Review: As You Like It". Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  46. ↑ Shea, Beth (June 10, 2013). "A World of Music: SummerSounds at the Bowl". Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  47. ↑ "Everyman/Svako". Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  48. ↑ Rios, Orlando (2008). "YouTube Pics". Rockabilly Magazine issue 40.
  49. ↑ "World Music u Srbiji - Prvih 30 godina 1982-2012": Etnoumlje page 304. ISSN 1452-9920. |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  50. ↑ Rubin, Mark (June 9, 2005). "The Best Slap Bass Player". markrubin.blogspot.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  51. ↑ Bruner, Betsey (April 17, 2011). "American gypsies coming to town". azdailysun.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  52. 1 2 3 4 5 Leslie, Jimmy (May 16, 2013). "Djordje Stijepovic On the Art of Upright Slap". Bass Player Magazine. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  53. ↑ "Djordje Stijepovic". blastcult.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  54. 1 2 "Djordje Stijepovic". thomastik-infeld.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  55. ↑ "Djordje Stijepovic". orangeamps.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  56. 1 2 "Official Website". Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  57. ↑ "My rig on this Tiger Army tour". instagram.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  58. ↑ "Art of Slap Bass Official Facebook Page". facebook.com. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  59. ↑ "Tiger Army - Dark and Lonely Night". Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  60. ↑ "It's a Rockabilly World!". imdb.com. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  61. ↑ "Fishtank Ensemble - Woman in Sin". youtube.com. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  62. ↑ "Atomic Sunset - Hot Rods & Pin-Ups". youtube.com. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
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