For a quick rundown of the band’s history, their self-entitled first album “Dubioza Kolektiv” was released in 2004, and was instantly met with an enthusiasm not seen on the Bosnian scene since pre-war times. Next came the ep “Open Wide”, this time featuring dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah and Mush Khan from Fun-da-mental. Then, their second full length cd: “Dubnamite”… and this is when their popularity began to spread beyond borders. By 2008, with the release of “Firma Ilegal”, their bold and uncompromising stand against their nationalist establishment elevated them to fame across the entire Balkan region. One of their most popular songs even made it to the big screen with “Blam”, opening Berlin Golden Bear winner Jasmila Žbanić’s film “Na Putu”. Album number four followed along this logical path as “5 do12”. And, in an open snub to ultra-capitalist music labels and as an expression of commitment to their fans, Dubioza made the album available for free on www.dubioza.org.
It was around this time that Faith No More’s Bill Gould, found the same inspiration from Dubioza Kolektiv. Their fifth album, “Wild, Wild East” was picked up by his label Koolarrow Records and introduced DK on the international stage with worldwide distribution. This was followed by, “Apsurdistan”: released in 2013, was a huge success with more than 300,000 downloads. The video for the featured track “Kažu” was viewed 15 million times on YouTube and their Western Balkans tour sold-out every single venue (and we are talking about large venues here). All of this, along with a relentless approach to touring, has brought DK’s sounds to every corner of Europe.
Which brings us finally to their newest release, “Happy Machine” – aka, the next step forward. As always, the subject matter might be confrontational and challenging, but the music is always catchy as hell, now more than ever. Inspiration developed over two years, largely inspired by events that unfolded over that time – from Istanbul’s Gezi park protests (“All Equal”), the jailing of the founders of The Pirate Bay (“Free.mp3”), the Syrian refugee crisis and Europe’s shameful response to it. More kindred spirits in the music world have jumped on board, with guest appearances by Manu Chao, Benji Webbe from Skindred, Roy Paci, Punjabi singer BEE2, Catalan ska-rumba band La Pegatina and trumpet player Dzambo Agusev from Macedonia. Songs are in English, Spanish, Italian and Punjabi.
By now it’s probably clear that 2016 will be a very productive year for Dubioza Kolektiv: a new album, tours across Europe, including their North American debut at SXSW and tour dates scheduled across the country-and this is just a starting point, because as their history has shown, these guys don’t stop until they achieve their objectives. They were considered No.1 band at this year’s Eurosonic festival, per european festivals votes.
If you’re looking for macho, money-and-ego driven posturing, you won’t find it here; no MTV “rude boy” gangstas, no strippers or bling, no corporate endorsements from the international fashion industry. Rather, they take on traditional musical forms with their unique perspective, shaped by a war that changed their lives forever, and delivered with a level of positivity that hits you like a blast of fresh air. If you are open to the experience, it could change your life too.
PRESS ABOUT DK
“There’s fiery polemic in the lyrics, but it’s all wrapped up in a frantic joie de vivre that’s as infectious as it is unique.” Kerrang! – Paul Travers
“Kick-ass from start to finish, Dubioza Kolektiv marries power and positivity…” PopMatters
“Yeah, the Dubioza Kolektiv really are that good. Damn… Just…Damn…” Mass Movement Magazine
“For those who want a message combined with someof the catchiest beats this side of the Adriatic Sea, look no further than Wild Wild East. The upbeat grooves mixed with traditional melodies make for something truly different and, well, wild.” Consequence Of Sound
“Paaspop 2014: Dubioza Kolektiv is the energy shot that Paaspop needed… the band performs with enthusiasm, energy and humor. The audience is eating out of their hand, and this show should be called a great success… “ 3voor12
“EXIT 2013 Records: Fusion Stage’s attendance record was broken during the performance by Dubioza Kolektiv…“ exitfest.org
“The best thing at Paléo is coming across a band you’d never heard of before, and get totally blown away. This is what happened to me yesterday with Dubioza Kolektiv… “ livinginnyon.com
Open Wide
Dubioza Kolektiv Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Open up your brain to some reasoning,
Open up your thoughts so we can connect,
Open up your knowledge and intellect,
Open up the speaker make it blast the sound,
Open up the sky and let the bass come down,
Open up your eyes take a look inside,
If you want to overstand this open wide.
Skirlibabababa. Yeah.
Its enough, its enough. Listen you all.
Just hear me now.
Is that the thing in this World that make us fear?
Damn on this World man, damn on this time.
(???) man, you can't steal my rights.
Open wide. Open wide.
Same tune is tunnin, fire burnin,
Mostar is still divided like Berlin.
The guns are charging there's no time it's urgent,
Be wild hurry, the bridge still falling.
(2x)
The bridge still falling.
Be wild hurry, the bridge still falling.
The bridge still falling.
The bridge still falling.
Open up your mind make some rhythm come in.
What for, what comes out when the people can't get unite?
Can they even fight with no point behind?
What form your ears can't hear,
Your eyes can't see, your mouth can't talk
And you're living in the fog.
Respond, respond direct, react to fact,
Be aware of the track which always takes us back,
Discover your roots and then teach the youth
To reach the truth. Do you need some more proof?
Ruff freedom!
Ruff Ruff Ruff freedom
Ruff freedom! Ruff – freedom!
(4x)
Open up the border, free up the land
Open up your books in the Vatican
Open up yourself to any possibility
Open up your heart and mentality
Open any door that you confront
Let me put it straight, sincere and blunt
Narrowmindedness must run and hide
If you want to overstand this open wide.
(???), there's a point that we miss:
Bosnia is still divided Jerusalem
The guns are charging, there's no time it's urgent
Be wild hurry, the bridge still falling.
(2x)
You act like a boomerang, I feel like a hooligan
You never try to listen, the impact is imminent
Adrenalin hits me hard might just stop my heart
Cos I'm the Bosnian ... and I fight!
Ruff freedom!
Ruff Ruff Ruff freedom
Ruff freedom! Ruff – freedom!
(8x)
The song "Open Wide" by Dubioza Kolektiv is an anthem for unity and change. The lyrics encourage listeners to open up their minds, thoughts, and knowledge to connect with others and make positive changes in the world. The song emphasizes the importance of discovering one's roots and sharing that knowledge with the youth. The lyrics also speak to the urgent need for change in Bosnia, where the song's authors are from, with a call to tear down the walls dividing Bosnia like Jerusalem.
The opening lines of the song set the stage for the theme of the entire song, which is openness. The repeated phrase "Open up" encourages listeners to be open and accepting of new ideas, new people, and new possibilities. The song's message of unity and change is much needed in today’s world, where fear, division, and close-mindedness often seem to be the norm. The song's use of rhythm and repetition helps to reinforce the message of the lyrics and make it more memorable and impactful for listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Open up your mind, make some rhythm come in,
Be open-minded and receptive to new experiences
Open up your brain to some reasoning,
Be willing to engage in logical thinking and reasoning
Open up your thoughts so we can connect,
Share your thoughts with others to foster connection
Open up your knowledge and intellect,
Be willing to learn and expand your intellectual horizons
Open up the speaker make it blast the sound,
Turn up the volume and let the music flow
Open up the sky and let the bass come down,
Let the music flow freely, breaking through all barriers
Open up your eyes take a look inside,
Reflect on your inner self
If you want to overstand this open wide.
To truly understand, you must be open-minded and receptive
Just hear me now.
Listen to what I have to say
Is that the thing in this World that make us fear?
What is it in this world that causes us to fear?
Damn on this World man, damn on this time.
Curse this world and the present time
(???) man, you can't steal my rights.
No one can take away my rights
Open up your mind make some rhythm come in.
Be open-minded and receptive to new experiences
What for, what comes out when the people can't get unite?
What is the point if people cannot come together?
Can they even fight with no point behind?
What is the point of fighting if there is no purpose behind it?
What form your ears can't hear,
What exists that is beyond what we can perceive with our senses?
Your eyes can't see, your mouth can't talk
There are things that exist beyond our physical senses and our ability to communicate them
And you're living in the fog.
Without awareness of these things, we are living in a state of confusion
Respond, respond direct, react to fact,
Act quickly and accurately in response to factual information
Be aware of the track which always takes us back,
Be vigilant and avoid patterns that lead to recurring problems
Discover your roots and then teach the youth
Learn your history and cultural roots, and then pass that knowledge on to the next generation
To reach the truth. Do you need some more proof?
To arrive at the truth, do you need more evidence?
Open up the border, free up the land
Eliminate borders and allow for greater freedom of movement
Open up your books in the Vatican
Release information and knowledge that has been hidden or withheld
Open up yourself to any possibility
Be open to any and all possibilities and perspectives
Open up your heart and mentality
Be open and receptive to new experiences and perspectives
Open any door that you confront
Be fearless and confront any obstacle that stands in your way
Let me put it straight, sincere and blunt
Let me be direct and honest about this
Narrowmindedness must run and hide
Close-mindedness must be eliminated and replaced with openness and receptivity
If you want to overstand this open wide.
To truly understand, you must be open-minded and receptive
You act like a boomerang, I feel like a hooligan
Your actions have negative consequences on me
You never try to listen, the impact is imminent
You refuse to listen, and the consequences will soon be felt
Adrenalin hits me hard might just stop my heart
The excitement and intensity of the situation is affecting me deeply
Cos I'm the Bosnian ... and I fight!
I am from Bosnia, and I will fight for what is right
Ruff freedom!
Demanding and unapologetically rough freedom
Ruff Ruff Ruff freedom
Repeat of previous line
Ruff freedom! Ruff – freedom!
Repeat of previous two lines, with slight variation
Contributed by Zoe J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DRKEX YT
2020 XD