Miha Kralj: Mom, Without You I Would Have Given Up Long Ago

Miha Kralj's distinctive electronic sound, forged in the late 1970s, left an indelible mark on Slovenian music history. His groundbreaking 1980 album, 'Andromeda,' stands as the first electronic music record released in the former Yugoslavia, heralding a new era of domestic artistic innovation. Kralj's sonic landscapes, characterized by their vivid imagery and futuristic feel, resonated with audiences both at home and abroad, becoming a cherished part of the collective memory.

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Mom, without you, I would have given up long ago.

His musical journey began with humble aspirations, influenced by his mother's wish for him to play the accordion. She provided unwavering support, even helping him pay a substantial fine when he was caught illegally importing instruments. "Mom, without you, I would have given up long ago," Kralj expresses, acknowledging her crucial role in his perseverance. This early experience highlights the personal sacrifices and familial support that underpinned his artistic development.

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She gave all her savings and even borrowed money, so – Mom, thank you very much, because if it weren't for you and your will, I would have given up long ago.

Kralj's career also saw him navigate the vibrant music scene of the 1960s and 70s. He performed with various groups, including the Dekameroni, and played in Ljubljana's bars and hotels, mastering evergreen tunes. For eleven years, he was a fixture at Emonska klet, and later spent over 40 years performing in Bled. During this time, he experimented with his own music, carefully integrating it into his performances without disrupting the established atmosphere.

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I created the lyrics myself, but Srečko Čož later rearranged them and put the letters in the right place.

His studio, located in a 300-year-old baroque house at Novi trg 5, became the crucible for much of his influential work, including 'Andromeda.' He spent countless hours there, dreaming, exploring the universe, and contemplating the mysteries of women and the realities of finance. Despite initial reluctance from ZKP RTV Slovenija to release an electronic music album, Boris Kovačič at RTB Beograd eventually issued a recording order for 'Andromeda,' which went on to sell over 100,000 copies, cementing Kralj's legacy as a pioneer.

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I had to play bar programs by notes, play evergreens, nothing was sung yet at that time, then the ladies of Slovenian popular music and their colleagues came.