Doomed Confessionary: Milan Stojković (Cardinal Point)
Here’s the second interview for this lovely Sunday evening…
Serbian southern/stoner/heavy rock quartet Cardinal Point is back with their second studio album, »Man Or Island«, released on September 25th, 2023 via Q Records.
Cardinal Point’s current line-up consists of Darko Trajkovski (vocals, guitar), Milan Stojković (drums), Nemanja Dejanović (guitar) and Dejan Mitić (bass).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Southern/stoner/hard ‘n’ heavy band from Vranje, Serbia. The first album was declared the best debut album of 2015 and was among the top 30 in the entire region. It was promoted on TV and radio stations in England, France, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, USA, Russia, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Sweden, etc. and of course throughout the region. The album was also promoted at festivals (Exit, Belgrade Beer Fest, Šumadija Fest, Taksirat, etc.) and by live shows on tours in Serbia and throughout the Balkans, along with the promotion of the music video for the song »Mesmerised«, which was featured in the American documentary film »ICON 1000 – Days Of Thunderdome« (Harley-Davidson vs NASCAR). In September 2023, the new album »Man Or Island« was released by the publishing house Q Records and with its announcement and promotion we have already started our performances in Serbia and the region.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
The biggest challenge for the band this year is the release of the new album »Man Or Island«. The band strives to be as professional as possible and to remain consistent with ourselves and our investments in every possible sense. We are aware of the level of appreciation of the rock scene, which includes labeling, and why all that is, but we simply would not accept receiving drastically less than what we offer in return. In this sense, we must say that we were lucky, because all of our work, dedication and character were recognized by the Macedonian record label Q Records. We must point out that the cooperation between them and us takes place as every caring band deserves, that is, as the cooperation between the publisher and the band was done in better times. A small detail, but a sufficient detail, is to say that in addition to being available on all digital platforms, the album has been released on vinyl, CD and audio cassette.
What can you be most proud of this year?
And to this question, the logical answer is »Man Or Island«. Its pre-promotion and promotion are going better than we expected, precisely because of the attention and interest in the region, Europe, but also in the USA, where besides Great Britain we have the most orders specifically for vinyl. Considering that almost 3 months have passed since the release of the album, the invitations for guest appearances on television, radio stations, online magazines and podcasts are coming in – the Balkans, England, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Russia, Poland… Also, planning and arrangements for the tour of Central Eastern Europe are proceeding according to plan.
What was your biggest regret?
In principle, we regret about the things we didn’t do, not the things we did. This year will pass soon, and the goals we set have been achieved and are being achieved.
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
I’m not sure if there are best or worst concerts. We have performed in front of 100 and 70,000 people. There are good and bad organizations for those shows. So far, there haven’t been ones that were that bad, and the good ones go without saying. Certainly, in both cases we’ve gone back home having made great friends, so even just because of that, all the concerts were actually the best.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
When it comes to music, there can be no surprises. You’re either rock’n’roll or you’re not. Those who are not, follow the process of supply and demand. Well, if you look at it that way, someone is born to become a prey… But there are also plenty of “hungry hunters”.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
What we are allowed to reveal to you for now is that we will certainly see each other in the countries of the Balkans and, as we stated above, in Central and Eastern Europe.
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
To play, to play, and just to play! We want to keep competing with ourselves, to progress, to mature musically, organizationally, as people and as friends. It is also a fact that we are determined to bite, so it’s also a possibility for a serious approach for the third album.
How can people best support your band?
Like any other bands. Support has no boundaries and there is no a less important type of support. It’s one thing to hear a band on speakers/headphones, and another to see it live and feel the energy of a few people who have dedicated their time for a bold move to express their rebellion, opinion and views, on an intellectual and artistic approach. Whether it’s us or other bands you like, fill the clubs! By buying a show ticket, you are supporting the art in which you are involved so that it can physically reach you. Also, much more than all the tickets being sold for a full club, the people from the band have invested to bring you emotions towards everything that is happening in your lives that you also share with them. And talent, determination, practice, dedication and investment of time are priceless. Nowadays, a band is not very materially supported, but it is necessary in order for that circle to keep going around, and to expand that circle in the form of positive energy, exchange of opinions and participation in visual and audio creativity, and why not even just in relaxing listening to music and grooves. Another way to find out what a band has to offer, in addition to live show-energy through their performance, is through their merchandising. In that regard, here is a link to ours: cardinalpoint.bandcamp.com/merch.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Stand up and get to know yourself, are you are a man or just an island!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well