Hello everyone :)!
Yesterday a Croatian rock band called Vatra had the launch of their brand new album “Doživotno” (Lifelong). I’ve already written about them before, and now I get another opportunity to share my impressions with you. The event was invite only and I was honored to be invited by the band itself!
This was their 11th studio album, and for me, it’s especially personal in a way. A while ago, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of their art in the music video “Meni Treba Tako Malo.”
That was honestly a dream come true (in 10 years seeing myself frozen in time, captured in a song), and now that video is included as part of this album. Which technically means… I’m part of the album too, right? 🤣
The promotion was held in the Guliver bar on Opatovina (newly renovated), but it didn’t feel like a typical promo event! Instead, it had the warmth of a living room gathering. About 30 or 40(??) people were invited, and the band treated everyone with genuine closeness and appreciation which is rarely seen in the musical world.
Fran, Marija, Lucija and me :)
This is F(r)an their biggest fan! He’s only 11 and he’s been to more concerts than some of the band members🤣
I’ve been an on and off fan of Vatra since 2015 when their hit Tango got released, but in the past three years or so I’ve really reconnected with their music. And being there made me realize once again how down to earth and humble they are. No ego, rudeness.. nothing. Just pure gratitude for their fans.
The band performed three songs for us:
• One dedicated to the late Massimo Savić (Mali Krug Velikih Ljudi - Small Circle of Big People), a beloved Croatian musician everyone still misses deeply. The song was written by Vatra’s frontman Ivan for Massimo.
• Their iconic Tango.
• And the brand new Doživotno, which also gives the album its name.
The atmosphere was filled with positivity, love, laughter, and pride.
Doživotno (Lifelong) comes in both digital and vinyl edition (my favorite!) , and it features 3 new songs. The title track was created in collaboration with Nenad Borgudan (Detour), Aljoša Šerić (Pavel), and Petar Beluhan (Mayales). Fun fact: Nenad of Detour is actually the father of one of my middle school friends I went to class with!
The single Doživotno is more than just a song, frontman Ivan said he hopes it makes listeners reflect on life, reminding us that although we don’t live forever, we should cherish each moment we have.
And we really should. Be happy, do things that you love without the fear of judgment. Be a good person, don’t stress and take the best that life brings. I find myself missing moments from years ago, I didn’t know how happy and lucky I was. But new happy memories are always on the way❤️.
The album also includes songs fans already know, like Slatke Suze Gorka Ljubav, Meni Treba Tako Malo, Ježurka, Nitko Osim Nas and Kako smo Glupi which were released 2 years ago up to today.
One of the most emotional parts of the night was being gifted a signed vinyl of the album, along with two other big fans (Marija & Lucija). Honestly, even just being invited would have been enough for me 🥹, but walking away with such a keepsake was beyond special. Because like they have a lot of fans but they keep the four of us close and trea us as their friends.
Vatra proved once again that they are not only talented musicians but also humble, grounded people who truly care about those who support them.
Here’s to Doživotno - lifelong music, lifelong moments, and lifelong gratitude.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for upvoting, reblogging & commenting. It is greatly appreciated :)❤️!