On Friday 25th June Slovenia celebrates 30 years of independence from the former Yugoslavia. It was obviously a very important yet worrying time and one of the key players at the time was Dr Dimitri Rupel. I am honoured that he agreed to come to the studio and speak of his role and the major events that led to the formation of the Republic of Slovenia.

My life, my music

DIMITRIJ RUPEL

Today’s journalism rarely offers a chance to get behind the face of many people in our society. My Life, My Music offers conversations that allow time to understand how the guest has reached their goals and what is important to them. Along with 8 tracks of music chosen by the guest the programme takes a journey though many different personal philosophies with inspirational guests from all walks of life.

ROOSTERS'S COCTAIL 10.06.2021

As we approach the summer and anyone with children maybe considering the next step after primary school I felt it would be useful and interesting to talk someone from a well respected secondary school. I was lucky to be able to discuss the topic with the Deputy Principal of Prva Gimnazija Maribor, Mrs Irena Smole. Some of her responses may surprise you but you will be assured that the schools have the best interest of your children at the heart of their work.

Irena Smole

Špela Pirnat was attracted to music from a very early age and chose violin, soon moving onto viola, an instrument that she plays to this day. She may be a classical musician but that doesn’t stop her working with other musicians in rock or popular Slovene songs and much more. Her band co-operations include MojcArt, the No Borders Trio and for the last 7 years has worked with her dear friend and pianist Tadej Horvat. Śpela is also the founder and director of ArSensei mentoring and offering music masterclasses.

Špela Pirnat

This week I am honoured to have two guests in the studio. Her Excellency Natalie Kauther and His Excellency Adrian Pollmann have come to Slovenia with their three children to make Slovenia their home for the next four years. They are taking their ambassador role in turns whilst the other partner looks after the family. They have already fallen for this country and look forward to more freedom to properly meet its people. Some great rock music accompanies this fascinating conversation.

GERMAN AMBASSADORS

JURE NIERDORFER

This week the story is a family one. Boštjan Kozole studied economics and his father is a farmer but together they are the amazingly successful company Evrosad. A major apple exporter to Europe including the UK Boštjan is also a very keen sportsman, in particular handball. This is a story of highs and lows but of great family cooperation and considerable strengths and music plays an important role too.

Boštjan Kozole

The Covid restrictions have been a real issue for entertainment and the world of music. If you want to release new music you certainly cannot have a party to celebrate it. In spite of this the rock band Strain from Gornja Radgona decided to go ahead anyway and do the whole thing themselves. They recorded at a friend’s studio and then didn’t just make the material available on-line but produced an EP version with 4 tracks issued on a USB key. Their sound is great so I invited them to talk about the process and how they go about composing the music they certainly love. There are several other bands they wanted to introduce to our listeners too.

Strain

The Help Tribute Band managed 100 shows in 2019 and they have still been entertaining us throughout the Covid restrictions so I thought it would be great to speak with Ernie Mendillo the force behind the band and its Paul McCartney. It's a great story with experiences of early bands in the USA and music being the prime mover throughout his life. There's also some great music in this show as well as the first ever broadcast of a very personal track, the only one the band have ever written and recorded.

ERNIE MENDILLO

Ernie Mendillo

Many people will remember Maja Keuc from Eurovision 2011 but now there is a new girl in town recording under the name of "Amaja". With many new experiences from voice training in the Netherlands to working and recording in Sweden Amaja is currently here in Slovenia with some new tracks starting her journey into the world of soul. Some great stories and a very personal view of working in the music industry this conversation is really interesting!

Amaya

Many people will remember Maja Keuc from Eurovision 2011 but now there is a new girl in town recording under the name of "Amaya". With many new experiences from voice training in the Netherlands to working and recording in Sweden Amaja is currently here in Slovenia with some new tracks starting her journey into the world of soul. Some great stories and a very personal view of working in the music industry this conversation is really interesting!

hubhopper

My life, my music

hubhopper