Doomed Confessionary: Aleksandar Vrhovec (Grinded Grin)
The weekend is over! Here we go with the 1st interview of this week…
Grinded Grin is an experimental rock collective from Koprivnica, Croatia whose members change depending on the vision of each album. Through improvisation, they reach into post-rock, and often through metal into free jazz.
Grinded Grin’s tenth studio album »Fledge« dropped on October 13th, 2023 via Olde Scratch Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hey Bojan, thank you for the opportunity to do this interview. I really love your website! Grinded Grin is a music project I started in 2005. It has always been characterized by a mantra-like, repetitive style, with elements of post-rock noodling. After a period of silence due to starting a business related to guitar parts, I felt the need to revive the Grin project. In 2018, I began working on the album »Reset«, taking my time with it. This was the kickstart I needed, and I then sought musicians with whom I could create long, improvised songs on the spot. Borrowing some great friends from my other musical projects, Grin was ready. In 2020, we released 2 albums, and in 2021, we released 6 more. In late 2021, I envisioned Grin as a double trio band with a slightly more focused musical direction. This led to the sessions for the latest album, »Fledge«, which took some time as the selected musicians live in different parts of Croatia.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
The most significant challenge this year was finalizing the album’s mix and deciding that it couldn’t be improved further (even though it probably could). Mixing albums is a peculiar process for me; I see it as a very personal endeavor. Constantly overthinking and rearranging elements in my head, testing different approaches to drum and guitar sounds, managing the challenge of two basses simultaneously on this album – the low end was quite a mix challenge. »Fledge« is the first Grin album that took me more than 6 months to mix. Once satisfied, every subsequent listen felt like an emotional journey. After the release, I won’t listen to it again to avoid finding new mistakes in the mix. Additionally, this year, I began recording a new Grin album, which is different and incorporates even more ethnic elements and sonic textures.
What can you be most proud of this year?
I am extremely proud of completing the »Fledge« record and receiving positive feedback from the musicians who played on it. There’s a new level of reach for Grin, connecting with people around the world through the internet. It’s surprising because I initially thought this kind of music might not appeal to a broad audience. It’s fantastic that websites like yours, among others, write about the album, and we even give interviews. The positive response has sparked the idea of producing Vinyls, considering the numerous messages Grin received through Facebook and Bandcamp.
Photo by Teodora Lukavski
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t have any regrets with Grin. Perhaps, it’s a missed opportunity not to have played live more in 2022 and 2023, but that can always be rectified with new gigs. Overall, no regrets – everything has been very positive and even better than I imagined.
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
We didn’t perform this year, but in 2022, we had a great experience at the FIUK festival. Having two drummers and two bass players on stage was amazing.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The music scene is vibrant these days, with many great bands and inspirational individuals. I’m exploring various genres, but black metal and psychedelic prog resonate with me the most currently.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
I hope to resolve the drummer situation early next year and, after that, play a few shows, possibly at festivals. But no pressure; if everything aligns, it will happen.
What are your plans for next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
The most enjoyable aspect is creating a new album – developing riffs, tracking drums, and layering other instruments. The next albums will be unique; I have 90% recorded and believe it brings freshness to the stoner/psy world. Another goal is to find a suitable label for a deal that streamlines publishing and distribution processes after an album’s release.
How can people best support you?
The best support is to listen to our other albums – we have 10 available on all streaming services and Bandcamp. Also, follow us on social media for updates on future releases.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening! Check out my other bands: Acid Hags, Saddle on the Bomb, Mycena, or find Olde Scratch Label on social media or YouTube for updates on all projects at once.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well