Photo: personal archive
Boštjan Soklič (1962) is an art historian and musician. Influenced by progressive rock, blues, and English folk-rock, he founded the band Ejga with violinist Jernej Brencet during his high school years; at the time, the band was known for its psychedelic music. In 1983, they formed the acoustic group Vijolica, which enriched the Slovenian music scene with musical adaptations of gems by Slovenian and foreign poets (Minatti, Lorca, etc.) and also appeared at one of the first Slovenian pop workshops. Toward the end of 1984, he found a creative and musical “synergy” with the Jesenice poet Damjan Jensterl, with whom he formed the group Preja in Luč. In 1986, Soklič founded the band Tantadruj together with singer Aleš Hadalin and guitarist Mateja Blaznik. At the same time, he played in various musical groups, but remained committed to his work with Tantadruj as a composer, guitarist, and lyricist.
Tantadruj is considered a classic of the Slovenian acoustic music scene. The band combines original musical expression with influences and traditions from various cultures. Another hallmark of the group is their successful musical adaptations of poetry by Slovenian and foreign authors (ranging from Prešeren, Jenko, Vodušek, and Kosovel to Pushkin, Lermontov, Shakespeare, and other major world poets), most of which are Soklič’s work. He also composes instrumental pieces, bringing a unique expressiveness to the Slovenian music scene—one woven from the traditions of blues, classical, and folk music.
