DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV

They're rebellious and a little revolutionary, they're terrific and great live. And they give their music away for free.
Australia, meet Dubozia Kolektiv.

Melding influences of ska, punk, reggae, electronic, hip-hop with traditional Balkan flavours, and presenting traditionally no-go topics in politically incorrect fashion, Dubozia Kolektiv (Doobie-Oza Collective) are a band quite like no other.

Born in 2003 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, at a time of deep moral and economic stagnation in the region, and with little space for cultural or political expression among the crop of newly plugged-in youth; Dubozia Kolektiv arrived kicking and screaming - demanding to be heard and creating a bit of a phenomenon while they went about it.

By 2008, with the release of their 3rd full length album "Firma Ilegal" the band's bold and uncompromising stand against their nationalist establishment elevated them to fame across the entire Balkan region. And in an open snub to ultra-capitalist music labels and as an expression of commitment to their fans, Dubioza made the album available for free. Around this time, Faith No More's Bill Gould discovered Dubozia and the band's fifth album "Wild, Wild East" was picked up by his label Koolarrow Records - introducing DK on the international stage with worldwide distribution.

In the ensuing years the band has gone on to become one of the most popular live outfits in Eastern Europe, with the video for the track"Ka u" from the album "Apsurdistan" reaching over 12 million views on YouTube. All of this combined with a relentless approach to touring, has bought DK's sound to every corner of Europe.

Which brings us to their new release, and news of the band's debut Australian tour, taking in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane and Woodford Folk Festival. The subject matter on the new album "Happy Machine" may be typically confrontational and challenging, but the music is as always, as catchy as hell - now more than ever.

The album is largely inspired by events that have unfolded over the past two years; from Istanbul's Gezi Park protests ("All Equal"), the jailing of the founders of The Pirate Bay ("Free.mp3"), the Syrian refugee crisis and Europe's shameful response to it. More kindred spirits in the music wold have jumped on board, with guest appearances from Manu Chao, Benji Webbe from Skindred, Punjabi singer BEE2, Catalan ska-rumba band La Pegatina and trumpet player Dzambo Agusev from Macedonia. Songs are in English, Spanish and Punjabi.

The music needs no translation though. It's wild, frenetic and fabulous. And again, it's also totally free. You can download the album at the band's website right now. Head to dubozia.org to do just that.

In celebration of the announcement of Dubozia Kolektiv's debut Australian tour,
the band prepared a little something special just for us - check it out below.

HAPPY MACHINE IS AVAILABLE NOW
Available free at dubozia.org
Enjoy