Vlatko Stefanovski presented two new albums during a promotional event in Split, held ahead of receiving the prestigious Porin Special Merit Award.
The two releases, titled “Muscle Memory” and “Guitar Sings”, are distinct yet interconnected projects issued by Croatia Records. While “Guitar Sings” consists of instrumental compositions, “Muscle Memory” is an original authorial album that reflects a long and intensive creative process.
Stefanovski explained that the new album took around three years to complete and expressed satisfaction with the final result. He noted that in today’s world, overwhelmed by information and opinions, he prefers to communicate his thoughts through music and guitar expression rather than words.
He also highlighted the challenge of conveying meaningful messages in modern times, emphasizing that concepts such as love, freedom, empathy, and solidarity have, in his view, lost some of their original strength due to overuse.
The album “Muscle Memory” contains nine tracks, including both instrumental and vocal pieces. One of the songs addresses the contemporary digital era, offering a response to artificial intelligence and the growing presence of technology, while still acknowledging its value when used in moderation.
The project features collaborations with several musicians, including his son Jan Stefanovski on drums and Ivan Kukic on bass, alongside other regional artists. The title itself reflects the idea of “muscle memory,” symbolizing long-term practice and mastery of musical skill.
The Split presentation comes at a moment of significant recognition for Stefanovski, marking both a new creative chapter and a celebration of his long-standing contribution to music.
