Dino Šaran: I Don't Have a Habit of Constantly Churning Out New Songs and Going for Quantity

Dino Šaran, the frontman of the Bosnian band Letu Štuke, explains the deliberate eight-year wait for their new album, "Eter." He prioritizes artistic satisfaction over prolific output, stating, "I don't have a habit of constantly churning out new songs and going for quantity." Šaran believes the public space is already oversaturated, and quality no longer guarantees success, making hyperproduction unnecessary.

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I don't have a habit of constantly churning out new songs and going for quantity. The public space is oversaturated, and quality no longer guarantees success, so there's no need for another hyperproduction. I prefer us to be completely satisfied with what we've made.

The album is dedicated to those who have transitioned from the middle class to lower strata due to struggles in the post-war period, further disoriented by rapid technological advancements. Šaran sees these changes as leading towards dehumanization. However, he remains unfazed by algorithms, asserting they do not dictate his creative process. He believes artificial intelligence will primarily impact formulaic music, while genuine music lovers will discern the difference.

Šaran critiques the modern emphasis on short-form content and superficial listening, questioning the artistic merit of 15-second clips. He contrasts this with the album format, which he credits with shaping generations of creators. "The album has long proven its worth. It has nurtured many generations of creators," he stated.

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These are all those who have turned from the middle class into the lower class thanks to their inability to cope in the war and post-war period. On top of all that, a drastic and rapid technological revolution has occurred, which has further disoriented them and set a pace and methods that seem to be leading us towards dehumanization.

Reflecting on public presence, Šaran views silence not as a luxury but as a natural state essential for connecting with oneself. He finds excessive noise detrimental and sees no need for constant self-exposure. "Silence is not a luxury, but a natural state and a need to stay connected with one's own being. There is too much noise around," he explained.

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AI will certainly first hit the music made by the template. AI can realistically and successfully replace it. Anyone who is an exclusive consumer will not even notice the difference because that difference is not important to them. Those who truly love music, have art within them and are characterized by natural intelligence, will not fall for the charms of AI.

When asked about writing honestly without sounding banal or propagandistic, Šaran responds with confidence: "If it was possible before, it's possible today." He questions the fear surrounding the present, attributing it to the pressure of constant public visibility, a trait he reserves for the divine. He concludes by advocating for a non-pessimistic worldview, stating, "There's no point in being a pessimist."

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Silence is not a luxury, but a natural state and a need to stay connected with one's own being. There is too much noise around. I don't feel the need to constantly expose myself and further fuel that noise. I think that's a healthy way of thinking.