Rani Mraz
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Đorđe Balašević |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Novi Sad , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Studio albums, singles |
Rani Mraz (Serbian Cyrillic: Рани Мраз; translated as Early Frost) was a rock group originating from Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, established in 1977 by former Žetva member Đorđe Balašević. Following multiple changes in personnel, the band’s core became Balašević and vocalist Biljana Krstić, who together produced two studio albums before the group dissolved in 1981.
Band history
In late 1977, ex-Žetva musicians Đorđe Balašević and singer Verica Todorović founded Rani Mraz, initially joined by guitarist Vladimir Knežević, known as "Knez". Their debut appearance took place in December 1977 at Belgrade’s Pionir Hall, where they performed a reworked version of Žetva’s hit dedicated to boxer Mate Parlov. Since Rani Mraz did not yet have a complete lineup, Balašević recorded "Moja prva ljubav" for the 1978 Opatija Festival with members of Neoplanti. Released by Jugoton, the single sold over 130,000 copies despite not securing a festival award.
The band’s profile rose significantly after performing for president Josip Broz Tito. Balašević composed the patriotic track "Računajte na nas" ("Count on Us"), which became emblematic for Yugoslav youth. The addition of former Suncokret members Bora Đorđević and Biljana Krstić solidified what would be the most notable lineup, responsible for recording "Računajte na nas." This single received widespread acclaim, with Balašević placing third among composers in Džuboks magazine. During the summer of 1978, Rani Mraz delivered numerous concerts at Belgrade's Dom omladine, featuring Balašević’s comedic interludes alongside songs by Đorđević.
Following the release of "Oprosti mi Katrin" and "Život je more," Đorđević departed to establish the hard rock band Riblja Čorba, which emerged as a prominent force in Yugoslav rock. Subsequently, keyboardist Aleksandar Dujin and bassist Aleksandar Kravić joined Rani Mraz. Balašević issued his first solo single "Ljubio sam snašu na salašu," while the band released "Oprosti mi, Katrin" / "Život je more." Additionally, Balašević took part in the 24th Zagreb Festival both as performer and composer.
The year 1979 saw Rani Mraz unveil their debut album Mojoj mami umesto maturske slike u izlogu (To my Mom instead of a Prom Photo in the Shop-Window). Just prior to recording sessions, Todorović exited to follow a folk music path, leaving Krstić and Balašević as the official members. The album featured studio musicians with producer Josip Boček contributing guitar parts. It included popular tracks such as "Sve je dobro kad se dobro svrši," "Mnogo mi znači to," and "Neki novi klinci." During summer tours alongside Neoplanti, Balašević and Krstić incorporated his trademark humorous monologues. Poets Mika Antić and Pero Zubac made guest appearances at select shows. Balašević secured first prize at the Split festival with "Panonski mornar." In September, Rani Mraz performed eight consecutive sold-out concerts at Belgrade's Dom Sindikata. The year concluded with the single "Prvi januar – popodne," although its vinyl pressing mistakenly reversed A- and B-sides.
In early 1980, prior to commencing his mandatory military service, Balašević began work on Rani Mraz’s sophomore album. Released in November 1980, Odlazi cirkus (The Circus Is Leaving) featured notable songs including "Priča o Vasi Ladačkom," "Mirka," and "Menuet." While serving in the army, Balašević released the single "Triput sam video Tita" and intended to embark on a solo career following his discharge.
Balašević officially started his solo journey in 1982 with the album Pub, while Biljana Krstić launched her solo career in 1983 with Prevari noćas svoje društvo sa mnom.
Legacy
The album Mojoj mami umesto maturske slike u izlogu secured the 44th position in the 1998 publication YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike (YU 100: The Best Albums of Yugoslav Pop and Rock Music).
In 2006, the track "Priča o Vasi Ladačkom" achieved the rank of number 13 on the B92 Top 100 Domestic Songs list. Additionally, in 2011, listeners of Radio 202 selected "Menuet" as one of the top 60 songs released by PGP-RTB/PGP-RTS throughout the label's six-decade history.
Studio albums
- Mojoj mami umesto maturske slike u izlogu (1979)
- Odlazi cirkus (1980)
Singles
- "Moja prva ljubav" / "Kristifore, crni sine" (1978)
- "Računajte na nas" / "Strašan žulj" (1978)
- "Oprosti mi Katrin" / "Život je more" (1978)
- "Panonski mornar" / "Moja draga sad je u Japanu" (1979)
- "Lagana stvar" / "Prvi januar (popodne)" (1979)
- "Tri puta sam video Tita" (1981)
References
- EX YU ROCK enciklopedija 1960–2006, Janjatović Petar
- NS rockopedija, novosadska rock scena 1963–2003, Mijatović Bogomir; Publisher: SWITCH, 2005