Meeting Naked at the closing event of the pan-Balkan project Balkan:MOST in Veszprém, Hungary, was a moment of perfect alignment. Naked doesn’t just embody the mission of the project—they brought it to life. The programme, which highlighted, supported, and showcased some of the eclectic and up-and-coming talents of Balkan music, is fully embodied by Naked through their deep roots in the region’s rich musical traditions while refusing to be constrained by them and fearlessly pushing beyond.
Formed in Belgrade in 2006, Naked’s music indeed draws from the traditional Serbian and Balkan repertoire but intertwines them with elements of jazz, funk, and psychedelic rock. By participating in Balkan:MOST, they not only showcase their unorthodox approach but also contribute to the project’s goal of forging bonds between different Balkan countries and cultural expressions.
As we sat down on the terrace of the FOTON Audiovisual Centre, a modern art and cultural center in Veszprém Castle scenically overlooking the city, we got comfortable with Branislav “Banksta” Radojkovic and his music partners. The charismatic bassist, composer, and founding member of the band set the tone. He and Djordje Mijuskovic (violin) were joined by Goran Milošević (drums & percussions), and Rastko Uzunovic (clarinet & sax), forming the core of Naked’s long-standing lineup. “We’ve been Naked for 17 years now,” Banksta smiled. “Next year will be a big graduation for us—five albums, multiple continents, countless festivals, clubs, big stages, small stages. We’ve traveled across the planet from north to south, east to west, and the journey continues.”
For Naked, each album is not just a collection of songs but a chapter in a continually evolving story. Banksta detailed their musical evolution: “Initially, we were a sextet with an accordion, another bassist, and a guitarist. Over time, three members departed for other projects, and we invited a saxophonist and clarinet player to join. Now, it’s double bass, drums, violin, and saxophone—and with every new album, we introduce new elements. We’re always adding more subtle ‘spices’ to the mix.”
This idea of ‘spices’ runs deep in Naked’s creative process. Each album introduces new sonic textures and instruments while maintaining what Banksta describes as the band’s “organic sound.” “The first two albums were raw,” he continues. “But on the third album, we started doing more of our own mixing and production. That was a turning point because it gave us more control. We love to capture the live feeling of the band, especially in the studio. It’s important for us that while we’re improving technically and sonically, we don’t lose that raw energy that defines us. We want people to feel that live vibe in every track, but it also needs to sound good—polished but not overplayed.”
As Naked’s sound matured, so too did their global reach. The band’s excitement about their future plans was palpable, but they also reflected on the path that led them here. “It’s a good feeling when you remember the early days,” Banksta said with a bit of nostalgia. “Recording our first album, we believed in one thing—that we were already becoming what we wanted to be. Even in our youth, we knew we were living our dreams.”
With an international profile, including performances across Europe and in the UK, the band shared some light-hearted banter about how they view their place on the UK music scene. Đorđe chuckled, “I thought you were from the UK! But seriously, every time we’ve played there, it’s been a special experience. The UK has a great vibe for us. They get what we’re doing.”
While the band reminisced about their past, their focus quickly shifted to how Balkan:MOST—a project aimed at promoting artists from the Balkans—has offered them a vital platform. Banksta reflected on the importance of the showcase: “This platform is something new, something essential for artists like us from Serbia. We were part of the first cycle of BalkanMOST, just after the COVID lockdowns. Everything was online at that time, but we felt it was going to be a big deal for the Balkan region. It’s not just about performing; it’s a chance to connect with organisers, bookers, festivals, and other artists. Nothing like this existed before.”
The conversation turned towards the difference between Balkan:MOST and larger industry events like Womex. “Womex is huge, but also very busy. You don’t always have time to connect on a personal level. Here, it feels more like a family gathering. You meet the right people, the people who really understand the Balkan scene and want to help bands like us. We’ve met new festivals and industry insiders we didn’t know before, which is great for our future. Plus, the listening parties and feedback sessions are a big advantage—they don’t do that at Womex.”
As the discussion progressed, the focus of the conversation shifted towards the broader implications of representing the Balkans. Banksta’s tone became more thoughtful: “The Balkans are small geographically but culturally very rich. It’s an energetic place, sometimes chaotic, but there’s something special about it. We’re a mix of so many countries and cultures living in such close proximity, and that interaction shapes our sound. It’s chaotic but beautiful.”
For Naked, the Balkan:MOST platform goes beyond exposure. Đorđe highlighted the wider cultural importance: “This kind of showcase is crucial. It’s not just about the music; it’s about giving us a stage to show the world what we’ve got, culturally and artistically. It’s the start of something big, a gate for artists from our region to step into the wider world.”
Their passion for cultural exchange through music is evident. Goran, who has been with the band since its founding, expanded on the role of art in their work: “Art, for us, is about bringing people together, sharing our cultures, and building a better future. Through art, we can create a better environment for the next generation. That’s the goal—not just for us but for every artist.”
When asked about their future, the band’s humour came out once again. Banksta laughed, “Well, we plan to go around the world ten more times, buy a house by the seaside in Sicily, and maybe open a studio there! But seriously, next year is going to be busy. We’re working on two new albums. One will be our sixth album, and the other is a collaboration with Mónika Lakatos, an amazing Hungarian gypsy singer.”
Naked’s upcoming albums reflect their commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their roots. “We’re recording in two weeks,” Banksta explained. “It’s a new Naked project, but it’s also a side project. We’ll see where it goes, but we’re excited about both the collaboration with Monica and our new album. We’ll have a lot to offer at festivals next year.”
At one point, we asked the band to introduce their sound throught some of their songs, Đorđe took the opportunity to talk about one of their most personal songs, “Istina će izaći na videlo” (The Truth Will Come Out), from their latest album. “This song is very special to me. There’s a long solo section where I play the baritone sax, and every time, it feels like a challenge. It’s about pushing the truth out of yourself through the music. Every performance is different, depending on the energy of the room and the band, but the goal is always the same. It’s an introspective piece, and I hope the audience can feel that emotional process when we play it live.”
Reflecting on their overall sound, the band joked about the challenge of defining their genre. Banksta laughed, “We’re Balkan crazy motherfuckers! It’s just for fun, but seriously, it’s hard to pin down our music. We’re a mix of Balkan grooves, funk, jazz, classical, even psychedelic rock, and punk attitude. We take everything we’ve experienced as musicians and blend it into something unique.”
Đorđe added thoughtfully, “What’s beautiful about this band is that we’re always evolving. We never play a song the same way twice. Every concert, every rehearsal brings something new. It’s always an exploration, and that’s what keeps it exciting. We don’t know what the next gig will bring, and that’s the magic of it.”
As the interview came to a close, Banksta offered a final thought that encapsulated the band’s ethos: “Our music reflects the wild, chaotic beauty of the Balkans. We’ve been through so much, traveled so far, and we’re not done yet. The journey continues…”
Learn more about NAKED and send your birthday wishes for their coming of age HERE
Photo ©: Feliks Voloz