Interview With Srdjan Brankovic Of Serbia's Hard Rockers "The Big Deal"

The Big Deal, featuring two outstanding vocalists, Ana Nikolic and Nevena Brankovic (who is also a highly skilled keyboard/piano player), offers up a catchy, driving sound that will appeal to both melodic rock and hard rock fans. “First Bite” is an absolute tour de force showcasing the outstanding talents of the individual members over the course of 11 tracks of infectious, hooky, memorable songs.

The Big Deal first came together when guitarist, composer, and producer Srdjan Brankovic and his wife Nevena Brankovic, who is an academic pianist and singer, met singer Ana Nikolic. Ana had spent the past few years fronting local bands, but after meeting Srdjan and Nevena, they started collaborating in the studio together. While working on some new ideas, Srdjan thought it would be interesting to include Ana’s vocals in addition to Nevena’s in the recordings they were working on. After a couple of songs were finished, they were overjoyed with the results and thus some of The Big Deal’s first demos were born. These would eventually morph into the music that was presented to Frontiers and ultimately got them signed. To round out the lineup, the band brought in drummer Marko Milojevic and later, Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints) on bass (who was instrumental in introducing the band to the label).

Both Srdjan and Marko are members of the most successful Serbian progressive metal band, Alogia. Throughout his career, Srdjan has played on many festivals and tours, recorded and collaborated on countless studio and live albums, and opened for some well-known bands such as Whitesnake, Ian Paice, Apocalyptica, Savatage, and more. He was also a member of Michael Matijevic’s live band in Bulgaria. On his “Expedition Delta” and “Alogia” albums, he collaborated with names such as Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, Mark Boals, Erik Norlander, Gary Wehrkamp, Fabio Lione, and Hansi Kursch, among others.

Brankovic states, “I am happy to say that we signed a deal with the premier rock and metal label Frontiers and I am very excited that my priority in the forthcoming years will be cooperation with them. I seem to have found my music a home in the best place in the music universe, since I believe that Frontiers is a label with the best ideas and fantastic projects and releases, which have made the rock scene look far more beautiful and powerful. We started the collaboration with a newly formed band, created in a combination of ideas with Frontiers. Next to me on guitar, a very exciting line-up will feature piano-virtuoso-lady who sings at the same time, Nevena, who I would characterize as an original appearance on the rock scene. Beside Nevena, another rock lady is involved, as a singer. Her name is Ana and she is a r’n’r lover, with a very authentic and beautiful voice. Marko, a friend from my parent-band, will be in charge of the drums, and Alessandro Del Vecchio will be in charge of the bass lines. Needless to say we’re absolutely thrilled about this. Cheers and stay tuned!”

It was my pleasure to have the amazing Srdjan Brankovic on an interview to talk about the band, the album and much more, Check out the awesome band and the cool interview on the YouTube video below.

Tracklist:

Never Say Never
I Need You Here Tonight
Sensational
Top Heaven
Wake The Fire
In The Dead Of The Night
Rebel Lady
Power On
Bad Times, Good Times
Fallen
Lady Of The Night