Vladan - Keyboards

When did you start playing keyboards?

I was actually a classically trained Accordianist up until I was around 18 years old. But I had to put playing on hold when I went to University as my housemates didn't quite appreciate my taste in music

Accordianist? What happened there then?

After Uni I was in a band with 2 other accordianists but I decided that we needed a little more variety.. so I borrowed a Yamaha PSS280, practised for a couple of weeks and managed to play bass and solo.

When did you start playing with Vihor?

It was at Peterborough I believe in 1998, and I was on the program to play a couple pieces, Vihor were due to play for the evening and asked me to carry on and play with them. it rollercoasted from there. Vihor asked me to play with them at number of venues, and it just felt like I got my break. The accordian will always be my first love but somehow I feel I'm better placed on Keyboards.

Who are your influences?

Well, for the accordian it has to be Tomica Milic but I remember practising the Ljubisa Pavkovic notes for hours, days and weeks on end. I'm sure I drove my parents crazy. For Keyboards, it's a mixture really. Rade Petrovic 'Kosmajac' has to be up there along with Mico Nikolic, Dragan Cirkovic 'Cira'. All have there own unique styles..

What's on your iPod?

Its gotta be live music for me!. It shows the talent of the musician if they sound good live.