Naked & Mónika Lakatos Trio: Neked(SRB/HU)

A collaboration between the Serbian band Naked and Hungarian Romani singer Mónika Lakatos' trio, blending unique sounds from both sides of Europe. Naked draws inspiration from Balkan musical traditions, East European heritage, and klezmer, seamlessly fusing these danceable, rhythmic elements with funk, jazz, free jazz, classical influences, and Mediterranean and North African sounds. When Naked’s deep, rich, and energetic trippy dub jazz meets Lakatos' soulful voice and the playful, precise rhythms of Olah Roma, the result is an unforgettable musical experience. It’s a perfect mix where Lakatos' outstanding tone, vibrato, and expressiveness resonate deeply with the listener.

Formed in Belgrade in 2006, Naked quickly made a name for themselves on the international world music scene. Known for defying genre boundaries, the band creates a unique fusion of music that effortlessly flows between diverse styles—from wild Balkan grooves to classical motifs. Their sound spans from heavy, funky madness and freaky jazz experiments to trippy dub psychedelia, with beautiful violin solos, rich clarinet arrangements, and captivating saxophone melodies. Their music is a journey from one place to another, flowing without limits.

Mónika Lakatos, a prominent Hungarian Vlach-Romani artist born in Budapest, learned to sing within her family. In 1996, she became the first Romani singer to win Hungary's most popular talent show. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, including the Anna Lindh Prize, the Parallel Culture Award, and the WOMEX Artist Award in 2020, one of the highest honors in world music.

Together with her trio, Mónika performs Hungarian Romani (Lovari) songs, infusing them with influences from other cultures while preserving her own traditions. She is accompanied by her husband, Mihály Mazsi Rostás, and guest percussionist Antal Máté Kovács.

NEKED
The album title "Neked" is both intriguing and multi-layered. It differs by only one letter from the name of the Belgrade-based band behind the collaboration but also leads us to the Hungarian word "neked," meaning "to you."

"To you... And to all those who are no longer with us" - explains Naked - "That period, over the past few years, when the compositions for this album were being created, was imbued with contemplation about the passage of time, the transience of life, and about dear ones who have left this world."

The collaboration between Naked and Mónika Lakatos Trio developed over time. Their first meeting was in 2011 at the Babel Sound Festival in Hungary, and they later reconnected at various European festivals, including WOMEX.

"The idea of teaming up had been brewing since those early encounters. Once we heard Monika's voice, we knew it would mesh perfectly with Naked's music. However, we didn't start working on a joint project and album until the summer of 2021." [...] we knew we were a good match, and that the album had to see the light of day. After those two days in the studio, guitarist Mazsi invited us to be guests at Monika Lakatos Trio's concert, which took place at the aforementioned Babel Sound Festival. When we played those two tunes together, the crowd went wild."

The recordings faced several delays, a typical challenge when two renowned bands with packed schedules try to coordinate. Finally, in mid-January 2024, Naked and Mónika Lakatos Trio entered the studio and recorded nine tracks in less than three days.

On stage:
Mónika Lakatos – vocals
Mihály Mazsi Rostás – guitar and vocals
Antal Máté Kovács – percussion

Branislav Radojković – electric bass
Đorđe Mijušković – violin
Đorđe Kujundžić – baritone/alto saxophone
Rastko Uzunović – clarinet and tenor saxophone
Goran Milošević – drums and percussion