He made a splash at last year's Eurovision with the song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim,” and upon returning to his home country of Croatia, he was welcomed by thousands. The energetic Baby Lasagna is announcing more concerts in Europe, including two in Poland: March 4 in Krakow's Studio and the next day in Poznań's B17. On this occasion, we talked to him about the surprises he has prepared for the upcoming concert tour and the behind-the-scenes of creating his debut album “DMNS & MOSQUITOES.”
Wiktor Fejkiel: You have two concerts ahead of you in Poland - this time in Krakow and Poznań. What are you most looking forward to about returning to Poland?
Baby Lasagna: As I have said many times before, Poland has absolutely the best audience. Loud and screaming, they know all the songs. I must admit, I absolutely fell in love with the Polish fans (laughs). I also remember walking around Warsaw and Wrocław before the concerts, and they were really beautiful. I even recently told my wife that if we ever had to move from Croatia, it would be to Poland. The language is quite similar, so as long as I focus properly, I can even understand some words. So yes, this Polish audience is what I am looking forward to the most. Although I must admit that after one of the concerts, the organizer told me I definitely had to try this dish - it was goulash with potatoes and meat. It was the best meal I had after a concert. So I can't wait for that too (laughs).
This time you'll be performing after the release of your debut album. Although you must admit, you probably won't feel much of a difference since you played most of these tracks on your previous tour… I remember well, for example, “Good Boy Lasagna,” “Dopamine,” or the title track “Demons & Mosquitoes”… Do you prefer the studio versions of these songs or live?
I think, live, they sound a bit better. We added some stronger elements that are more subdued in the studio versions. Of course, I like both versions, but the live ones have something special, especially when you add the incredible energy of the audience. Besides, you know, people will know these songs even better than before.
If you had to choose one song that you enjoy playing live the most, which one would it be?
Definitely “Biggie Boom Boom” - it's the wildest song I've written. People jump, scream, and the atmosphere becomes incredible. That's the vibe I love the most, for which I value concerts and my audience.
Are you planning any concert surprises for this spring leg of the tour?
Yes, we have three or four new things that we’re introducing into our show. So if someone has seen our performances on YouTube, they will see something completely different live – I promise it will be even better (laughs). But I won’t reveal any details because then it wouldn't be a surprise. Come and see for yourself.
On your latest album “DMNS & MOSQUITOES,” are all the songs you’ve released so far included? Are these all the songs you’ve ever recorded, or do you find yourself creating a lot “for the drawer”?
To be honest, the entire album was ready before Eurovision. All the songs were recorded and written much earlier. However, after it, I started to wonder if I should hand the mix and mastering over to someone more experienced than me, so that's what I did. However, the songs have been ready for a long time. Now, my folders are empty; everything I've written has been released. I must admit, though, that we have already started working on a new album, so they will probably quickly fill up with new songs.
What does this title mean to you? Especially when it comes to mosquitoes, is it some sort of metaphor?
No, it's just about mosquitoes (laughs). One night I couldn't sleep; I told my wife about it, and she said, “Well, yes, demons and mosquitoes didn’t let you sleep.” It sounded so cool that I decided to use it as the album title. In a broader context, it’s about those nights when you struggle with anxiety, depression, or various guilt feelings. It has a somewhat dark vibe, but one that I feel many people will understand. I wanted this album to be a refuge for those who need support. Just so they know they’re not alone in their struggles.
So you did want to focus on these somewhat darker emotions?
I wanted people to feel comforted in difficult times, but also to laugh, think critically, and question reality. I want them to know that they’re not alone and that they can always reach out to someone for help.
Did you manage to realize all the ideas you had in mind for “DMNS & MOSQUITOES”?
Yes. I think so. The entire album is a strong mix of different genres, emotions, and reflections – like Polish goulash (laughs). Maybe I even included too many things at once, but life presents us with new challenges, so I won’t be lacking inspiration in the future.
Does what you listen to personally match the music you create? I'm mainly talking about your inspirations…
I think so, because I listen to literally everything – from Post Malone to Vivaldi, from Electric Callboy to death metal, and then back to Taylor Swift. A total mishmash. I would like to start experimenting more with hip-hop on the next album, but not as a pure trap song – rather a combination of metal and rap. I think it could be something really interesting. On the next album, I plan even more crazy stuff.
Are there specific artists you look up to?
I think everyone I listen to inspires me in some way – I try to take something valuable from every artist. But when it comes to those I listen to the most and whose work I would like to model after, it’s definitely Electric Callboy. I consider them a great, funny band, and I would really like to meet them someday or even tour with them. I like the combination of humor, metal, and electronics in music. You can also hear references to Rammstein in my tracks – they are one of my favorite bands. So yes, there's definitely a bit of inspiration here.
Finally - what are your plans after this tour? Are you thinking of any vacations or rather returning to the studio to create a second album?
I don't have time for a vacation (laughs). After the tour, we're releasing a few new songs, and we have another series of concerts lined up for the summer. Maybe only at the end of the year will I find a moment to rest and spend time with family during the holidays.
