Milan Stankovic - Interview for Glamur Specijal, Happy TV (12.11.2013) //English translation Host: These days Milan Stankovic sings ‘Od mene se odvikavaj’. Actually, from who did he break a habit, whats going on new and many details from his life and career you haven’t heard by now, you’ll hear in the next hour in ‘Glamur special’. You just comfortably accommodate and welcome. We have been planning this for two months and finally we meet here. Milan: Yes, well I love to come to cafe ‘Hugo’, but we have been planning this for so long because I already had scheduled many shows, obligations and gigs. And for show like this it should be left enough time and space. Host: Fireplace doesn’t bother us. Completely relaxed atmosphere. Milan: It bother us a little haha.. Host: Glamur special deals mostly with biography of our guests. Lets start from the beginning. How was your growing up in Obrenovac? Milan: Generally, my childhood is the most carefree period in my life. And, that’s why I’m now, after so many years like a child. I would never want to grow up. I was constantly collecting dogs, making troubles. I didn’t play with other children and didn’t soil. In kindergarten, for example I was sitting on my teacher’s lap while others soiled in sand. So from an early age they spoiled me. I was dancing, singing all the time, getting donuts from my teachers.. I like that I was privileged, and with my grandma who spoiled me and my mom of course. I remember, I went to first grade in a suit. I was swearing on that day because I imitated characters from some audition. Host: Which moment did you memorize from that period, did you do something why your mom was scolding you, or something your family always talks about? Milan: Well, they always retell my observaton of other children. While others were playing, I stood like this and didn’t want to soil myself. I sang to a director of my school. Host: What did you sing? Milan: I can’t remember, think in that time, Dzej and Lepa Brena were popular. Generally I was spoiled, but not like spoiled brat, I mean I was quite pampered, looked after and protected. So, that certainly had a lot of influence on my development and on what I’m today. Host: You know, usually children want to be something when they grow up. Some of them want to be astronauts, some of them singers, what did you want? Milan: I wanted to be prince or a cowboy. Seriously! Everybody had real desires, and my desire was to be a prince because of Disney’s characters. They are the ones who always bring salvation and love. And cowboy because they were fearless and free at those prairies on their horses. However, one of those wishes came true. Few years ago, for my birthday Krasivas took me to the hippodrome, brought cowboy’s suit so I was riding a horse and was at least for one day cowboy. Host: Im interested now, first love and first kiss, do you remember where did it happen? Milan: When I was a kid, I fell in love with a girl named Marina. It was in kindergarten. She wasn’t in love with me, but however that didn’t stop me to marry her. So we dragged her, I was holding her hand while others did the ceremony, threw petals on us. So, Marina was my first marriage. Later we divorced.. And in school I was extremelly shy. Although I went to acting classes, scene was the only place where I could feel comfortable. I was ashamed even when a girl comes up to kiss me. Later that changed, I did different stupidity, I even sang serenades, for example ‘Ako su to samo bile lazi’ from Plavi orkestar. We had a playground behind the school, so I walked there several times between classes so I could see her many times. Host: So, when was the first kiss? Milan: In sixth grade (12 years) on our playground behind the school. Host: Where’s that girl now? Milan: I really don’t know. She was from some place near Obrenovac. We haven’t seen each other long time ago. Host: She doesn’t know what she missed. Milan: Who knows maybe shes not here, maybe she succeeded in her life far away. Host: Than comes secondary medical school. We know that you went to acting classes and it was going really well. How did you decide for medicine? Milan: I think this is very humanely profession and very respected in the world. I wanted something that was useful enough. Despite the fact that many enroll gymnasium it was a waste of time because you don’t destine for anything in that moment. But still, my wish was after medicine school to study acting. I was most of the time on scene, so I avoided school classes. Also, I was class president even though I wasn’t the best student. I have defended the students from professors so I was the subject on teachers councils. Host: So, you were fighter for human rights? Milan: From the beginning, fighter for human rights, for justice. I always asked for understanding.. For example, if the whole class didn’t study that day, we would talk about politics, current events and we won’t do the exam. Once, I was leading the school, we wanted to go on some demonstrations, it was an incident in Kosovo and nobody reacted. However, they didn’t let us do that, and locked us in the school. Host: You had to smash the windows? Milan: No, no. We weren’t hooligans. We just wanted to take the initiative as citizens. But director has decided that we shouldn’t lost that day. Host: Now that youve passed through showbiz road, do you think it is worth to fight for justice? Milan: Justice is slow but reachable. And that’s so true. In specific moment you think it’s hopeless, but there is definitely something in the universe that balances and puts things right. You can’t fight for justice if you don’t have morale in yourself, humanity, right attitudes.. If you carry that with you, there’s nothing to fear. Milan Stankovic - Intervju - Glamur specijal - (TV Happy - 12.11.2013.) 2.deo Link: https://youtube/watch?v=rMWNd1ykTuM Host: After medical school, there is an internship in a clinical center. How was it like? Im interested in how patients reacted to you. Milan: In that time I wasn’t blond. I was a regular guy from the neighborhood. Then I wanted to study, but we were in a difficult financial situation, so mom said I had to start working. So I went on an internship for 6 months. Later, I worked in a health center in Obrenovac. They transferred me to hemodialysis. I arrived there in a group that was very interesting, people were so nice to me and they pretty welcomed me there. I had my own uniform.. Nurses adored me. They were older, so they trained me. However, I had the idea that something new should appear on our music scene. So, one day I lied to a head nurse telling her I was sick and I didn’t go to work. Then I went to the hairdresser, dyed my hair blond and I had two outfits representing the direction I wanted to go. Then I applied on audition for ‘Zvezde granda’. Host: And the rest is history. Have you found inspiration somewhere, or that was some of your visions? Milan: It’s clear that there are many singers on the world stage who look like me, those are mostly boy bands. But here is very strange and unusual that something like that happens. From the beginning, I was prepared for harder way, and ready to be different. Host: Then comes the audition. Milan: I went on audition with my sister who was the initiator. Although I still wanted to act. I hesitated, thinking that people would asking questions, so my sister said that we should do it secretly. That’s Ivana, my sister of uncle. She took me to audition. Jitters was enormous, but all of that went well. We were supposed to sing with a keyboardist some of our folk songs. I didn’t know that. So, I came out and sang a new song from Zeljko Samardzic ‘Ne daj da te rade’ and there were a lot of familiar faces in the commission. I pretended that I was relaxed and I was actually dying of stage fright. Host: Then comes the competition. From the beginning you were noticed and you singled out with your vocal abilities, the songs you sang and your appearance. Do you see it as an advantage, because your authenticity has most of the credit for what you are today? Do you think it would be different if you had been like others? Milan: It is a big question. Our people are used to new faces who are logical and ordinary like everybody else. From the start, I tried not to be like that. It was very difficult, but my authenticity is something that I still insist on. So, I would do that again. Host: Was it risky? Milan: Everything in life is a risk. Even if I was like everyone else, it would be risk. I believe this is the right way. There were a few clashes with journalists, a lot of inconvenience, but maybe its good thing that I started on time getting used to turbulent life. Host: Then you were getting used to, now you are breaking habit of that.. But ok. About first song, you didn’t have a lot of choice. That went very noticed, and then it comes your first solo album. That was also something completely different from others. Then people said youre a favorite of Sasa Popovic. Did you really be and what did he say to you when you appeared? Milan: (laughter) From the beginning he was aware of that there is nobody with greater charisma and more authenticity. Those are his words. I was a complete personality, just needed to find good songs. So, I went to studio ‘Atelje trag’ and paid for some songs. Host: They are very expensive authors. Milan: Yes, but that paid off. Three songs that marked me as a singer were ‘Solo’, ‘Nepristojna ponuda’ and ‘Face’. Host: Did the success change you? Milan: No, then I was just playing. I didn’t think a lot at that moment, just wanted to record songs that I liked. There is no thing in my carrer which I regret for doing it. Everyone in that period was chasing songs which are good for making money, and will bring them many gigs at sea side. I never had any desire to compete with other singers. Even today I am someone who involves in the music my view, wish or idea. I’m especially proud of music video for my song ‘Face’. It is even copied. Host: That’s what I wanted to ask you. Neda Ukraden did it, right? Did she, at least ask for a license? Milan: No, what license. I’m not the person who is going to argue because of that. It’s important that video left such an echo and effect to be an inspiration to someone. Host: You divided the audience, there wasn’t indifferent persons. You had two sides and you were in the middle trying to balance. Milan Stankovic - Intervju - Glamur specijal - (TV Happy - 12.11.2013.) - 3. deo Link: youtube/watch?v=OhoPu_CE1Lo Host: You were inexperienced, and you came to television, popular show program. Milan: I still think, no matter how much inexperienced I was, from 70-80 competitors in ‘Zvezde granda’ I am in top 3, who are meaningful and managed to do something valuable. I am very pleased and proud of that period. Generally that show is the most easy way to become a focus of interest. Its just an area where you will show something, if you have anything to show. It’s just few real stars that originated from there. And we have so many participants and so many destroyed dreams. Host: Ok, but you didn’t answer the question. You are diplomat. How did you balance between divided opinions? How did you react on bad comments? Milan: At first it wasn’t easy for me, but I knew I had to be prepared for that. There is an option to give up, which is not an option for me. Host: Actually, its the worst option. Milan: To give up, no. So I think I found my way in that jungle. Host: Something we have to mention is your relationship with Rada Manojlovic. How did start your love story? Who was singing serenades? Milan: No, there were not any serenades, because we knew each other. During our tours, we have been spending the most of time together, and became very good friends. I don’t know exactly when it turned into love, but I remember that in April we started dating. And we hid that for 4 months, until we went to the sea side. Until our colleagues found out, because we all were in the same villa. And when the journalists found out it was like a bomb. Apparently in Serbia, Im not allowed to have a girlfriend. And because of that there were many criticisms. Everyone asked question why, how, and is that true? However, it lasted 5 years. Actually, everything is told about that. Journalists were putting us in all sorts of contexts. From false relationship to the fact that I was maltreating Radmila. Host: What did Sasa Popovic say? Milan: Everyone was delighted, because they knew it was a media bomb. Milan Stankovic who is the prototype of someone who isn’t typical singer from Balkans or Serbia, neither a guy, neither a boy, hooked up with a girl who is the dream of all those average people. So, from the start, that was a burden on me. Even your love life is difficult in those conditions. Host: When we see you two on television, you are completely different. That was the impression, don’t get me wrong. Milan: I understand. That’s because we are totally different media personalities and we have different style and music. But it doesn’t mean that, for example rocker won’t be with country singer or with a stripper, or with some hot chick. I think it’s more shocking to see on the raft older men with young girls then to see two young singers, one of them sings pop and other folk. But, we can’t draw to people and explain what’s the essence. Host: In one moment you just had your private life and didn’t advertise anywhere. Milan: It has always been our wish. But whatever the topic of the interview was, headlines were in that context, about our relationship, because it was attractive to the media. Host: I have to ask you, where was the first kiss with Rada? Milan: In her flat. Host: So, you weren’t romantic about that. Ok, then comes the Eurovision. That was also a bit shocking. It could be felt the dose of vanity in your colleagues. What the lead singer of Grand is doing on Eurovision? Milan: Somehow, people will always find a reason to dispute you. For example, today I don’t know who told me, that I made in photoshop muscles on pictures. No matter that I have trained for 5 months. So, they don’t approve what is obvious, not to mention something they don’t understand wholly. People don’t approve your relationship, success, your looks, or to be praised by another person. I would like that someone finds my statement in which I offend others. That doesn’t exist. Still a lot of, as I say reptiles from show business, are messing for some reason. I am a person that is enough to exist, and just my existence annoys others. So they make conspiracy theories about some simple things. Goran Bregovic was invited that year from RTS to do the song for our country. He found on Youtube singers that he was interested in. People from RTS objected to be me, but Goran Bregovic insisted. I was so honored that a great musician recognized a talent in me. And I had to compete. So,it was all very clear because Oliver, Emina and I participated in the selection. People voted by sending sms, therefore, the country chooses the one who wants. There wasn’t any jury. Generally, that period for me was very explosive because only one year after my first album, I touched the peak of the European show business. Milan Stankovic - Intervju - Glamur specijal - (TV Happy - 12.11.2013.) - 4. deo Link: youtube/watch?v=PJsXIiVGvi4 Milan: I am very happy that Ive experienced all that. There was the biggest media interest of all our representatives. Even the showman of Eurovision imitated me and had the same hairstyle like me. We won in Australia that year by the number of votes, but Australia doesn’t compete on Eurovision. And we ended at 13th place in the final night. Host: When all that started, you had full support from Grand, and they were praising you everywhere. Milan: The sticker album with my photos, we mustn’t forget. Host: Yes, of course. It was, for me, very cute. Milan: What’s the catch? If someone, as a character was big brand enough to have something more beside the music, that was Tose Proeski who had his own comic book. You may like that or not, but it definitely means something. I am someone who likes to look objective at facts. And to deal with numbers and impartial items. I don’t talk about taste, just about facts that are irrefutable. But, what was your question? Host: About support from Grand. Milan: They were very happy, because Sasa Popovic never managed to go on Eurovision, even not with Lepa Brena. So, that was always his wish. They wanted to send a lot of singers years before, like Tanja Savic, Bane Mojicevic, but they never came through. So I was the one that fulfilled their wish. Im very happy about it, and about cooperation, I never had any objection, neither had they. Host: But then you came back from Eurovision, and the real media scandal originated. You didn’t talk about that nowhere, I couldn’t find any your interview in which you talk about that. Can you tell us now your truth? Milan: The real truth is next: After the quarrel, I was forbidden. Host: What caused that quarrel? Milan: Because I refused to give an interview to the newspapers who wrote lies about me before I went to Eurovision. It was many lies, one of them was that I asked to bring my whole family with me to Norway and it would be an expense of our country. So I certainly won’t give to that newspapers an interview. However, they invented the interview, I think its a peak of injustice that a celebrity can have. I was disgusted by that, and I didn’t have the support of my production. And because of that I was forbidden. In the meantime, the media campaign made me a lot of damage. Every day was coming out a new lie about me. People were confused and they still are, because they don’t understand what actually happened. Because of my ban and all the negative things, I realised we couldn’t continue our cooperation. We didn’t know how to set apart, thats why it lasted so long. I repeat, the media did to me a lot of damage and I couldn’t face with so much negativity. My only answer to that was silence. That period was very stressful for me, you know, even the biggest criminals aren’t prohibited. I was banned on national televisions, and that was done by phone calls. Today even murderers get their media space, not to mention someone talented who has something to show. I seem to have been such a threat to something, I don’t know to what exactly. I think that people sometimes overestimate me or the truth was so undesirable. Host: How it feels when you are forbidden? What did you do so horrible to deserve that? Milan: That’s the point, because nobody did anything so horrible. Host: From an early age, fighter for human rights, why didn’t you come out and tell the truth, but withdrew? Milan: Because it was too much negativity. You know, today there are few public figures who put up with enormous injustice from media. One of them is Jelena Karleusa. When we compare what that public figure does and how it returns to her that’s not equal at all and it doesn’t make sense. Some people are followed by that karma and they have to live with it. Generally, I’m someone whom they will minimize the success, and prejudice will always be displayed. But that period is behind me, and I wouldn’t further open that topic. We said a lot about that in this show. Host: Just want to know, who was your support in that time, from your colleagues, except Rada, who was your girlfriend? I remembered now, once appeared headline that you and Karleusa should have recorded a duet ‘Insomnia’. Is that true? Milan: Yes, it’s true. Guys from ‘Atelje trag’ were inspired for that song, after they did my song ‘Face’ and you can hear similarities between these two songs. And because of Sasa Popovic we didn’t record it. Host: Do you regret now, when you see how big hit that was? Milan: No, I don’t regret at all. Because ‘Face’ is the precursor. And now, when you compare ‘Pokerface’, ‘Face’ and ‘Insomnia’ the beat is more less the same. Host: Ok. The agony lasted a year and a half. Milan: Yes and I crowned that with my song ‘Perje’ of which I am very proud and many people think that’s my best song. However this is my first ballad, so I should record few more ballads, so that audience look me as a singer with a deeper emotions and serious attitude. Host: I will now show you one video clip. The viewers will be able to see that on TV. I heard that you haven’t seen this video. Now were going to see your reaction. Therefore, those are fans from all over the world. Milan: No, I haven’t seen this video. There is a lot to watch here. I have to say, every time when I’m in a bad mood, my fans are the ones who always put a smile on my face, there are about 150 thousand. Anyway, the number is less important than all the things they do for me. Host: Those are messages from all parts of the world, it takes 7 minutes to watch the whole video. But, it’s fascinating how many people around the world copy you. The last one is a boy from Australia, in a show ‘Australia’s got talent’. Did you watch that? Milan: I didn’t watch anything, I have to see that. Host: Ok, now we move on. After ‘Perje’ what was going on? Milan: After that, I went to European tour, recorded a song ‘Mama’. I think it’s boring to appear in public when you have nothing to show. When I don’t have new music I don’t appear in public or on TV. And it was like that until September. Then they invited me from the organization Smedia to participate in the radio festival. The song ‘Od mene se odvikavaj’ was finished in March, Marina Tucakovic was inspired by my emotional situation. Host: So, the break up allready happened? Milan: Break up was for the New Year. Host: Why, exactly for the New Year’s eve, man? Milan: Not exactly, it was couple days before. But that’s how I orient chronological. Happy New Year! Haha.. Anyway I was working really hard in that period thinking about music video and change of style and everything. I wanted everything to be wrapped up in a package, so I also trained for 5 months. And on September 9. it was the premiere. Milan Stankovic - Intervju - Glamur specijal - (TV Happy - 12.11.2013.) - 5. deo Link : youtube/watch?v=gGbXGi3zRPo Host: We have to finish our talk with your break up. Milan: We return to that again, termination with Grand, with Radmila.. Host: But we need to hear the story from your side. You didn’t talk about that in public at all. Milan: I think I said too much about that. Host: Only a few sentences to hear your side of the story. Then we will talk about song which is now absolute hit. Milan: Oh, I see what you are doing. You say the song is absolute hit so that I would talk about break up. Host: No, of course not. So, you got the New Years surprise? Precisely, you both got it, was it agreed break up? Milan: (laughter) It’s very uncomfortable for me.. Host: Is it hot for you, in here, because of this fireplace? Milan: First, it’s very hot here. Second, we have been talking too much, and third it’s very uncomfortable for me to talk about that. Generally, who is telling these stories, who gives an intimate confessions? Host: Well, people are interested. Milan: I know that, but who tells those stories? Host: You, singers. Milan: We? In that case, I’m not a singer. I don’t like to give an intimate confessions. Host: Ok, did you break a habit? Milan: Yes, of course. How not to? Host: Ok, we said it all. Milan: I think the song tells more than any of my statements. I also think that those intimate confessions just banalize things. Especially, in a few years when we look back at this situation, the song is something that will better describe it and have a much stronger impression than to start now with tears. Host: I didn’t mean you should cry. Milan: Well, I know that you would like to see tears. We have the material. Host: It’s not a problem, you were an actor from an early age. Make an effort haha.. I was serious when I said the song is mega hit. It became for just one day. Social networks have been flooded with that song. People are delighted with the music, and lyrics. And again, something totally new. Milan: From me, it’s definitely new. I would like to thank Damir and Marina. At this time of crisis in authorship, happened something which is really a good product. I’m proud of that song. At my gigs, when I start to sing it, everyone is putting hands in the air immediately. Especially on the beginning, when it starts like dum, dum, dum.. I adore their reaction. I like those comments which are ‘I don’t like him but I like the song..’ I think that music is the key. I’m not here to be mister world, or domestic starlet so you should love me as a person. You just like my music, ‘Perje’, ‘Od mene se odvikavaj, ‘Face’.. So in a 10, 15 years I will be a mature singer, and I won’t have the need to be different. But I still have this need and same idea as I had 5 years ago. Host: And what’s that? Milan: To be, in this region, singer who is completely different from the others despite all possible efforts. Host: This song was a real comeback. Milan: Well, I think so. It was calm before the storm. Before that, I didn’t have anything to say, and many people thought that was pulling-back. It’s just a media silence. I think its a good expression ‘real comeback.’ Its a recipe from my favourite Miley Cyrus, who became from a teenage star more mature and crazier singer. Host: What are your plans now? You threw a spark and now everybody is waiting with impatience. What’s next? Milan: Album is almost done. We are waiting Damir and Marina to finish one more song. It was planned for the New Year. Host: It shouldn’t be fatal New Year like last one. Milan: No, no. Because something very nice is going to happen. After European tour, I’m going on American tour on December 20. And I’ll be in Chikago for New Year’s eve. I’ll try to remember all the places where I’m going to sing. By the way, I think I have 9 concerts there, I was born 9.9 and the song was published on 9.9. so 9 is really powerful number. Host: Whay didn’t you say ‘Let’s go to America to record this show?’ Milan: Well, you called me earlier. Host: I’m joking. So, we expect album for the New Year. Can we hear exclusive just a small part of your new song? Milan: Well, I don’t know.. Host: Why, you are now free man, you can do whatever you want? Milan: Yes, but I still don’t want to divert attention from ‘Od mene se odvikavaj’ because fans will be like ‘We want to hear new songs, this one is old..” There is still time to listen to this one. These days I’m recording a video for one ballad, but it won’t come out yet. Also the video that I did in Nice for a song in spanish ‘Marisol’ is ready. Host: Yes, we have to mention that in spanish radio were Milan Stankovic, Emina Jahovic and Goran Bregovic. Milan: I don’t know who all was, it matters to me that I was haha. Host: It’s interesting that they played song in our, Serbian language. Milan: Yes, but I recorded ‘Ovo je balkan’ also in Spanish. So generally, I know there is people from Latin America who love this song. Host: You might show up in a telenovela as William Levy. Milan: For sure. Host: So, America, new album. What else we didn’t say? Milan: How I have to send some message for the end of this show? Host: You can, that’s a good idea. Spontaneous situations are the best. Milan: Hm, I don’t have any message, just listen carefully what I have musically to say. Host: From your personal experience, what lesson have you learnt? Milan: From carrer? Host: From career, life, everything. Milan: It’s that every person chooses his own truth. For them truth is what they think it is. Mine is to exist and not to fight against anyone and prove everything. Host: That’s how we’ll finish. Thank you very much, Milan. Milan: Thank you. Host: And you, respected viewers are waiting for the end of December and new album of Milan Stankovic. Have a nice day. Many thanks to Katarina B., Serbia!
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 07:29:36 +0000