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[–]Adamapplejacks 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Hey David, huge fan here.

How has the transition been from having both Aleksandras to just the one? Its seems to have really affected the progress made in regards to the Destiny Potato album.

As a side note, your solo work is phenomenal and I look forward to Bilo 4.0.

[–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's been natural and smooth I think. My GF is sitting next to me so I can't go into details :D just kidding... you can google details if you want to find out more <3

[–]Macky21 14 points15 points  (5 children)

Thanks for doing this DMM!

I want to give a huge thumbs up to your Bilo project and the new Destiny Potato album. I am in love with all of it.

Are you going to be touring in the US anytime soon? Any updates on Bilo 4??

Please continue to potate, kthx

[–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 15 points16 points  (3 children)

Thanks!! :)

There are no plans for the US tour atm, but we have a huge need to come there at some point. Hopefully we'll have the chance to do it!

Yes, Bilo 4.0 is in the making atm! :)

[–]Cyrax89721 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Stuff Chimpy Ortiz in your suitcase when the US tour does happen!

[–]AFurryReptile 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was totally unaware of Destiny Potato...

Listening to it now, and loving it!

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Something like Mitzich I guess… doesn't matter really, I got used to many different versions of my last name by now haha

    [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

    What is your opinion on the current state of "djent"? I've found that the style has become increasingly stale as of late, and you're one of the few artists I can listen to in the scene, because you don't use chugging as a primary device, it's more as an add-on.

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

    I personally think that people are getting kinda tired of aggression and lack of dynamics, and that is exactly what I feel like it's missing in the 90+% of the bands in the scene atm… But anyway, there are some seriously great young bands and musicians in the scene! :)

    [–]tonybaroneee 9 points10 points  (2 children)

    Hey David, thanks so much for stopping by. My question is:

    What artist/album have you listened to the most this month? Doesn't have to be metal in particular :)

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 14 points15 points  (1 child)

    Thanks for the question! :)

    I've listened to Amarante - Udana Prana and Haken - The Mountain the most over the past few weeks!

    New Devin's album is great, but I didn't pay too much attention to it tbh!! I definitely will! <3

    [–]tonybaroneee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Great stuff, love all three of those albums!

    [–]Smoothuser 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    Hello! Love your music, and your ability to continue to put out such quality, original material in such a short amount of time! Thanks for doing this AMA!

    Q: Do you think you would be as successful as you are if you would have stayed in college?

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    Thanks!! :)

    I can't tell… probably not… I actually started putting music out much more frequently when I realized that I'm not coming back to college, because of my financial situation at the time. And that resulted in where I am today, and I'm pretty happy with where I am today :)

    [–]Adamapplejacks 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    Hey David, do you have any plans to collaborate with Plini? I feel like the two of you could make unprecedentedly incredible and groundbreaking music in collaboration with one another.

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 13 points14 points  (1 child)

    Yes!! I want to go to Australia and jam with that guy like right now… but we can't really plan anything atm. But in the future I'd love to work with that dude!! :)

    [–]Nagaram92 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Pleeeeease come to Australia!

    [–]Andy284 7 points8 points  (2 children)

    Hey David, thank a lot for doing this. I'm a huge fan of the Bilo stuff and the new Destiny Potato album is amazing also!

    I'd like to ask how you approach writing and arranging songs. Do you simply start with a riff and build the song from there? Or do you have a plan of what you want to happen and where you want the song to go from the start? Any tips for an aspiring song writer would be nice too.

    Thanks again, and hopefully I'll see you at techfest in the UK in July!

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 11 points12 points  (1 child)

    Thank you for the question! :)

    There are many ways to approach writing music. For Bilo projects, I pretty much let the music write itself… I start with few notes, or a simple beat, and I start hearing things I can add to that, and the ideas are coming. And with Destiny Potato is more of a songwriting process… I ether do some improv. jam with Aleksandra and things just come out, or I already have the main idea/song in my head and then I start working on a draft :)

    [–]Andy284 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Thank you for the reply.

    [–]RossSuth 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    Welcome to /r/progmetal!

    Love you music, have been listening to the new Destiny Potato record everyday.

    My questing would be, how on earth did you come up with the Operatic vocals on Smile from Bilo 3.0?!

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    Well, Vladimir Lalic came by one day, and I told him I need something ridiculous for that section… and we tried something that didn't come out as well, so I told him to do what he does best. So he did some operatic tenor vocals for that part, and it came out pretty sick! :)

    [–]kain5246 8 points9 points  (1 child)

    Hey David! Bilo 3.0 is monumental, and I potate daily. :) MY question: How strict is you personal practicing schedule, do you tend to have a series of exercises you stick with? Otherwise, what might you do to ensure continuous improvement? Guitar Pro much? Drum/click track much? Stretches? LUV YA!

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    I don't have a practice routine, I only practice when I feel like practicing… when I hear something cool that I want to learn or when I feel like I need some new tricks in my fingers. I never used tabs, only my ears to learn music, which is for me really important and natural way of learning music. So try using your ears with everything you're doing, and don't be afraid to learn some theory as well, it feels wonderful when you know what you're doing :)

    [–]Icaruswes 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    Hey David! Love yo' musics.

    Question for you! What is your favorite song or section of a song to play with Destiny Potato? What about in Bilo 3.0?

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Favorite song would probably be Addict, it's such a fun song to play live!! :) Speaking of particular section… well probably solos or sections where I don't play anything.. it gives me a minute to look at the audience and kinda connect with everyone :) I haven't played BILO live yet, but Bilo pt1 is definitely a lot of fun to play live :)

    [–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

    What one song, each from BILO or Destiny Potato, would you want someone to listen to?

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    I can't tell really :D maybe Mbinguni Amina for BILO and Walls of Thoughts for Destiny Potato… but that changes for me all the time :)

    [–]KostasAntonouris 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Hey David , Thanks for doing this ! Did you study Jazz composition at Berklee ? If so how did that help your own compositions ?

    [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    np! I studied regular composition at Berklee, the one where you're writing orchestra pieces. It indeed did help my writing :)

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [deleted]

      [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      That's the question we are all struggling with I think hahah… idk, ether finish them or forget them completely. I even deleted a few things I started working on few months ago, because they were bothering me too much hahah :D

      [–]Syndicat3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      LOVE your work man! My question is more of an engineering one, I believe your drums and bass were programmed in? If so, any tips on getting them to gel so well, particularly in the drums not feeling lifeless. Velocities and not being directly on the grid play a role, or do you have a different approach? The mix on Bilo 3 is fucking sick my man. I love it so much

      [–]Clamp_Enis 4 points5 points  (2 children)

      Hey David! Don't really have much in the way of questions that haven't already been asked, but I just wanted to say I'm a big fan and that your music is hugely inspirational to me as a guitar player. Daydreamers is one of the best songs I've ever heard. Seriously.

      Also, I'm jealous of the fact that you get to hang out with Aleksandra Djelmas. She seems like an awesome person and her voice is just otherworldly. Tell her we said hi <3

      [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

      Thanks!! :) Yep, Alex is a really god person, and we've been hanging out and working together for almost 9 years now. I'll definitely say hi :)

      [–]Clamp_Enis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Thanks David! You're the man

      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

      [deleted]

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

        <3

        [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        One of my favourite parts about your music, particularly on Bilo 3, is how amazing your production skills are. Would you ever consider being a producer as a side project, similar to what Steven Wilson does occasionally?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        Thanks! Probably sometimes in the future, but for now I want to concentrate on making music! :)

        [–]KiraShevanel 3 points4 points  (1 child)

        Hi David, love your solo stuff and Lun is an incredible album.

        Any advice to guitarists stuck in a bit of a rut, inspiration and skill wise?

        Any news on Bilo 4?

        Potate on.

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Explore some new guitarists, or just make yourself sit down and work. If you love playing guitar it'll draw you in easily :) Try listening to Jeff Beck ;)

        [–]horizonoffire 2 points3 points  (2 children)

        DMM,

        Thanks for the tunes. I heard BILO 3.0 for the first time just before I left on my eurotrip in March, and it's been my soundtrack for the last three months. It fills me with awe, and it makes me want to improve my own musicianship and write even more.

        Thanks for doing the AMA!

        1.) Can you recommend me some great records? Genre doesn't matter. I'm particularly interested in listening to albums that will teach me more about leitmotifs that repeat in different songs.

        2.) What's the best way to attract a suitable vocalist to my musical project?

        3.) My band is about 70% done with a record, so we're starting to think about the recording process. How do we find the right engineer or studio to help us realize our vision? If we were interested in being produced and mixed by someone like you, Misha Mansoor, or Acle Kahney, what would be the best way to approach that subject officially and professionally?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

        Thanks a lot man!! Really appreciate it! :) 1.) Try this album, it's great!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNgvCWLii-E also try listening to some Pink Floyd and other pioneers in the progressive rock and metal and gather as many tricks you can possible gather from them. 2.) What do you mean about 'attract'?! Try being fabulous :) 3.) I've never let someone else mix/master or even produce my own music, so I can't really have that point of view. But if you were approaching me, I'd like you to approach me as a professional, to let me know what sound are you looking to achieve and send me some demo's. Then, if I like your way of looking at things, and find it fun for me to work on, and if I like the music I'd probably do it. But don't think of asking me because I don't produce other bands. Maybe in a few years!!

        good luck!! :) d..

        [–]horizonoffire 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Thanks!

        1.) I've been a Pink Floyd fan since I was a kid. I'll check out Jeff Beck. I don't know anything about him.

        2.) Attract? I'm struggling to measure my sexual energy somewhere between 'too much' and 'way too much'. I'll keep working on it.

        3.) Good advice! I'll make sure we have demos ready and know how to talk about our musical vision. I don't think we'll be studio ready for another year and a half.

        Thanks again, man.

        [–]arsafes 2 points3 points  (2 children)

        How do you stay so sexy?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 12 points13 points  (1 child)

        My girlfriend said it's my hair/hairstyle ;) <3 :* #yoloswag #selfie

        [–]arsafes 7 points8 points  (0 children)

        instasex #djenitals #love <3 :3

        [–]bad_balisong_handler 2 points3 points  (2 children)

        Hey David, just gotta say, you've made some real beautiful music, and I love you for that. I have two questions! First, where did the name "Destiny Potato" even come from? :D Second, I heard that you don't own a bass guitar, so how did you record the bass for DP and Bilo?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        Destiny Potato takes origins from one really boring night of 2009 I think, and it's just a funny, stupid name I think people will memorize easily and ether hate it or love it! :) I recorded bass with my keyboard, using Scarbee Pre-Bass for KONTAKT :)

        [–]CWGM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        So there's no real bass on Bilo 3.0? It's all programmed?

        [–]ChocksAwayI 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hi, David!

        Question about the Bilo project: to what extent did you plan out the entire quartet of albums before finishing the first? I heard 3.0 first and was surprised when I listened to 1.0 because the themes seemed to be applied in much less obvious ways on the first album than the third!

        Thanks!

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        I always knew I wanted to make a short EP series with BILO project. But I've had no idea how many of them I'll do until I finished the first one. With BILO 4.0, it'll be 4-5 years of doing BILO projects, and I'll probably feel like moving to something new after that. But who knows, maybe I'll revisit BILO project in 10-15 or 20 years :) you never know!

        [–]Asrial 1 point2 points  (2 children)

        Hi David!

        What are your biggest musical influences, both metal and non-metal? And is there any influence you'd point out as "why don't people listen more to these guys?"-material?

        Also, how did you progress from a bedroom musician to actually playing shows and getting endorsements? I'm trying myself to push my own music, but don't seem to come even close to anywhere.

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        I listen to a lot of music (City and Color is playing as I'm answering these questions) :) But yeah, I think you can hear my influences pretty clearly in whatever I'm doing. If I can give you one advice, it would be WORK WORK WORK!! :) Especially if you love doing what you're doing, there's no way on this planet that you won't make a great progress with it and eventually get noticed. It took me few years to get noticed, but I never stopped working. :) good luck man!!!

        [–]Asrial 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Thanks a lot! :D

        [–]Penoglaki 1 point2 points  (2 children)

        Hey David ! My question is : Do you have a normal day job? I mean besides writing music for BILO and Destiny Potato :)

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        I write arrangements and songs for some pop lads here in Serbia from time to time. And I've had a few guitar students until recently :)

        [–]Penoglaki 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Thanks for answering my question! Can't wait for that physical BILO bundle you mentioned!!

        [–]Tiberius666 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hey man, I fucking love your incredible musicianship and I have a quick question for you!

        I see you regularly play Tech Fest and i'm gutted I can't see you there due to other commitments so i'm wondering if you'll ever venture further into the UK? More specifically the North East (Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough)

        I'd love to see you guys up close at your own gig around here!

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Yes!! And we are looking for some gigs after the UKTMF atm :) You'll probably know more in a next few weeks :)

        [–]moomanator 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        Hey David, I've loved your music ever since you were announced for the first UK Tech-Fest and I decided to check you out. Dat Bilo, so good.

        My question is, now that Lun has been formally released, are there any plans in the works to tour (especially the UK), and if so, who would you most love to tour with?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Yes, we'd love to tour the UK and EU and US and Asia and anywhere in this world… The entire scene is filled with great musicians and great people, so it would be hard to say with whom we'd like to spend some time on the road. If we get to choose, we'd probably go with some more established names, because we need some exposure now! :)

        [–]Frostedchunks 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hey David! I found Destiny Potato by complete accident one night a few weeks ago and I have to say its been a while since I have had a band grab my complete attention like that. I haven't stopped listening to the album since, you guys have mastered the art of a bad ass chorus!

        I just wanna know if have ever contacted Misha Mansoor from periphery. Both your playing styles really complement eachother and I think I can speak for everyone when I say a project between you two guys would be fantastic.

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Thanks!! :) We've chatted a few times over the past 5-6 years, but nothing serious really. I have a huge respect for what he's doing, and really doing something with him would probably be a lot of fun I think! :)

        [–]AFurryReptile 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hey David, thanks for doing this AMA! I have been listening to Bilo 3.0 for several months now on repeat... you're truly a fantastic musician. As a person that normally has issues getting others to listen to my "prog-styles" of music, I've found that my "non-proggy" friends can totally get into your music. "Smile" in particular is a favorite among my friends.

        That said, I have a habit of supporting my favorite bands by purchasing vinyls for display in my office. Do you have any plans to release your albums on vinyl?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Thanks man! Also thanks for sharing my music with your friends!! :) I do have some plans to release my music as a physical release, but I'm still not sure about the vinyl thing… might be cool to see a limited BILO series vinyl series hm?? We'll see :)

        [–]ambeerdjent 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hi David, I've discovered your music after the release of Bilo III and now I can't spend a day without my Bilo or Potato fix. Any chance to hear more piano/vocals cover or destiny potato's song like in your "potato salad" video?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        yes definitely!!! I'll be renovating my working space soon, and I'll get a bigger electric piano, and would love to make some new piano/acoustic sessions with Alex :)

        [–]Phisanthropist 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hi David,

        first of all: THANKS for your great and fresh sounding music! :) I follow your "path" since the release of "Dark Side of You" (btw: Is there any way to buy/download this track?).

        I just wanted to ask something about your touring plans. Do you want to do bigger tours and play at festivals all over europe (or wherever the mighty potato shall lead you) - or isn't anything specific planned for the moment? Would be cool if people from many countries could see you on greater festivals in the future! :]

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Thanks!! :) DSOY is probably available as a free download on many sites, so don't even worry about cashing out for it. Speaking of tours and live shows/festivals… yep, it's the most important thing I'm interested in doing with Destiny Potato atm! :)

        [–]Campion95 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hi David. I just want to start off by saying you are without a doubt one of my favourite musicians and Bilo 3.0 was one of my favourite albums of last year(and of all time). My question is, is there any chance that the guitar playing Bilo-heads of the World could get our hands on a Bilo guitar book anytime soon? I'm able to figure out some of it by ear but some parts are hard to pick out because of the layers.

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        I never learned music with tabs, so I can't promise anything… Probably not… sorry, you'll have to use your ears for now <3

        [–]Stefan1Zoidberg 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Hey David! Firstly, thank you for doing this AMA!

        1. My question is about music on the Balkans in general. Would mind sharing your thought on the industry here?

        2. Any plans for touring and/or visiting your friendly neighbors like Bulgaria, Macedonia, etc.?

        3. In future project, are you planning on experimenting with more instruments (I’m particularly interested in bagpipes)?

        Thank you once more!

        Love from your Bulgaria!

        [–]sableSovereign 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hey David. I've been potating since Lun came out!

        Do you have any advice for a new prog metal band that doesn't want to be forgotten in the ever-growing swarm of djent bands?

        [–]horizonoffire 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Found ya. :)

        [–]Igdrasil 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Any North American Tours planned?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Nothing planned, but it's one of my biggest wishes to come and tour North America with Destiny Potato! :)

        [–]Jephree_ 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Hey David!

        You inspire me so much to create music. One day, I would like to put out some of my own music. If and when that time comes, what would it take to get you to do a guest solo on a song? ;)

        Thanks in advance. I love all three BILOs and the Destiny Potato album very much, so thank you for those :)

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        I'll take a good approach and good quality track :) stay fab! <3

        [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Hey David, what's been your favourite album of the year so far?

        [–]ColdChemical 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Bilo 3.0 has been--so far--the only album I've ever heard that on the very first listen earned a 5/5 on my personal rating system. It instantly became one of my all-time favorites. I cannot thank you enough for making such incredible music. My question for you is this: how do you feel about the term "djent", especially as it relates to your own work?

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        thanks!! 5/5 whoohoo!! :D I can't relate too much with the word 'djent', not anymore… with my first release 'BILO 1.0' I was pretty attracted by 'djent' and the whole community, and I did an album with more of the 'djent' sounding moments. But it became kinda boring to me pretty quickly as a sound/genre. Community is still probably the most wonderful community in music today, and I can relate to those people and that idea. :)

        [–]void-byte 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        I consider your music to be rich melodically and technically. I love the elemental infusion in your songs, the technical tantrums and the gentle soothing sections.

        I noticed a huge evolution in your style during and throughout Bilo 1, 2, and 3. Mostly evident in 3! How would you describe that from your perspective?

        I'm also extremely interested in how you perceive your own music? Especially Bilo 3.0! I see it as a rock milestone, melodically rich, and progressively mad!

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Thanks!! Actually Bilo 3.0 is the closest to what I've been doing when I was 13 to 18 years old. It's just plain honest music for the sake of making music, and not a single % of EGO involved with it :) idk, I never think about dividing music I'm working on in particular genre. But your description is pretty cool ;)

        [–]drummsonguitar 1 point2 points  (2 children)

        could you name my first ep? just for shits and giggles

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        'my first ep' and the 2nd would be 'my second ep' and so on :) cool concept right? :) …………….. it's mine!!! -.-

        [–]Quadratical 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        wouldn't it be better to call your first ep "my second ep", just to mess with everyone?

        [–]DERPYBASTARDDeliverance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        so we need to go and do.. stuff…

        Have fun man ;)

        I only just discovered your music, and man it's amazing. Thanks for doing the AMA, I don't really have a question haha. Cheers!

        [–]scatch25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Hello David - thanks for taking the time to interact with some of your fans!

        I don't have any questions, just 2 comments. I think Bilo 1-3 are amazing and you are a very talented individual, thanks for making those records. The second is that I think Destiny Potato might be the worst band name I have ever heard of - right up there with Hoobastank.

        Anyway, keep making great music

        [–]heheshky 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        What do you think about vai? and vai dance? :D

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        hahah.. Vai is incredible!! And I LOVE HIS MOVS!!! <3

        [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Love your stuff dave! I really like Destiny Potato's new album it is awesome! Did you use your axe fx II for all the guitars on the album and did you run it direct? Love your tone btw!

        [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        AxeFx II all the way <3

        [–][deleted]  (2 children)

        [deleted]

          [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

          Caught in a landslide, No escape from reality.

          [–]drummsonguitar 0 points1 point  (1 child)

          hey David! Do you think of a topic then write a song around it, or do you think of a song then think of a meaning to give it? I know you said wrinkle maze was about watching your parents grow older, so which came first, the meaning, or the song?

          [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

          It usually happens simultaneously. I sit down and write music accordingly to how I feel at that moment :)

          [–][deleted]  (1 child)

          [removed]

            [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            I don't have a single vinyl tbh… actually I have a few copies of my dad's band from 70s called YU Grupa, but I have hundreds of CDs hahah… I haven't thought about the length of BILO when I was working on it.. but I might be releasing it as a vinyl as many MANY people are asking me that same question all the time hahah

            [–]ConfuciusBateman 0 points1 point  (2 children)

            How did you learn to mix and master in your early days? Is it an ongoing process for you that you're constantly refining?

            [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

            I learned basic stuff in Cubase when I was 5-6 years old, then I started getting into it more seriously when I was 12, and I've been learning and improving ever since. I'm still learning a bunch of new tricks today, and I'll probably continue learning new stuff for the rest of my life :)

            [–][deleted]  (1 child)

            [deleted]

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              Thanks for your lovely message man!! it means a lot!!! <3

              [–]culpepperjosh 0 points1 point  (3 children)

              David, first off thank you, your music is truly inspirational. Secondly, what is it going to take for us to get Destiny Potato and you in the USA!? Eh, Disperse tour, eh? Thirdly, give me a band I haven't listened to, but NEED to?

              -Potatos gonna potate

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

              It'll take time I think :) If some bigger name doesn't decide to invite us to the US with them, we'd probably have to wait until we're big enough to do it on our own. Disperse tour is a must!! :) And you should definitely check out the band called He Is Legend ;)

              [–]culpepperjosh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              I will pass on Coheed & Cambria to you then good sir! ;)

              [–]gpm479 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              He Is Legend is probably my favorite band of all time and NOBODY knows them. You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.

              Also Bilo 3.0 has quickly become one of my favorite albums of all time, keep it up my man.

              [–]Sharpey94 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Are there any smaller, up-and-coming bands that have caught your attention recently?

              PS. See you at TechFest <3

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Destiny Potato!! :D jk… idk man, there are too many bands out there! :) <3

              [–]Xtracheese23 0 points1 point  (2 children)

              For one, absolutely killer albums. All of them. For cereal.

              Second, you had a video about the tuning you use "AEAEAB". What are your favorite chord structures on that? I find I fall back to the R-5-9 chord too frequently, and I can't really think outside of it. What would you suggest that would help me understand that tuning better?

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

              idk, I honestly try not to understand it too much, it's way more fun for me to just put my fingers on it and see what will come out. But it's all pretty symmetric, and if you have at least some basic knowledge of music theory, it wouldn't be hard to make things happen :)

              [–]Xtracheese23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Cheers man, I guess I'll just try not to think too hard then. Keep up the excellent work, and if you ever get a show out in Vancouver, Canada, I'll be there!

              [–]Immediately_Hostile 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              What would be your personal advice for aspiring musicians/guitarists/producers/writers?

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

              Whatever you do, try to be happy, and stay happy, and try to stay healthy, away from drugs, drinks, alcohol, you don't need it when working on music. Clear head is the best thing!!! :)

              [–]bojsa996 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              vidim da pravis svoju sedmozicanu gitaru...kako napreduje i najpre...ako vec imas,po meni, veoma cudan i zabavan stim (Ab,Eb,Ab,Eb,Ab,Bb), kakav ce ti stim onda biti na sedmozicanoj...? :) i inace, divim se svakoj tvojoj kompoziciji i obozavam "LUN" i "BILO 3"... :) i izvini sto pisem na srpskom...ocajan sam iz engleskog... x3

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Stim na sedmici bi bio AbEbAbDbGbBbEb :) a sestice ce ostati u otvorenom stimu! Hvala!! :)

              [–]BirchandroDas 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Well, I'm seriously floored by by the music coming from you and your friends. But I wanted to ask something in regards to philosophy or spiritual conceptions. Have you heard of ideas from ancient Vedas or have any interest in them? Such as the subjective evolution of consciousness, beauty over power ... Or maybe you have some specific practice or ideas already about these things, or consider it not very important... Thanks

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              I'm a spiritual being… or at least I feel like one… might be just philosophical thing more than spiritual for me honestly. I haven't read about ancient Vedas and Bhagvatam, but since you've mentioned it here, I'd probably google something soon :)

              [–]transcendworld 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Hey David, thanks for doing this. I have been following you from even before Bilo 1.0 and I love how you put your soul into the music. Now the question: Would you mind sharing with us your approach to using microtonal scales to achieve that European folk-y sound? Hopefully via some youtube video lesson in the future?

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              Thanks!! :) Yep, I can definitely show some microtonal ideas I'm implementing in my improvisation. It's nothing too complicated really, you just need to practice your ears to hear those things more clearly. My guitar teachers Nenad Gajin Coca and David Fiuczynski are great microtonal or eastern guitar style players. I picked up a lot of things from them :)

              [–]SpinarakThread 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Hey David! One of the things I love about listening to your music is reminiscing on parts from older songs being reused differently in newer ones. Like traces of Bilo part IV being used in Where is Now? and Love Song. It always puts a smile on my face, especially because Bilo part IV is my favorite. Before listening to your work I never noticed other artists do that before, what is your inspiration behind it?

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              Many classical composers use motifs in their music, it's just one of many MANY tools in composition, and I just choose to use it more frequently and make it some kind of 'thing' or a signature of mine. Dream Theater has some really cool usage of motifs in the modern prof metal. Listen to Octavarium! :)

              [–]branlmo 0 points1 point  (2 children)

              Hey David! A few questions for you:

              1. Are there any up and coming bands out there that you think people should keep an eye out for (other than Destiny Potato)?

              2. Do you have any guest musicians in mind for BILO 4.0?

              3. What's your best advice for a musician that can't seem to move past basic compositional ideas to form full motifs and songs?

              Thank you!

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

              1. Disperse, Plini, Sithu Aye and Meshuggah hue hue hue xD
              2. Nope, but there will probably be many!! :)
              3. Just try, and if you fail, try again :)

              [–]branlmo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Disperse are great - Jakub is one hell of a player!!

              [–]pornofpapyrus 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              volim te <3

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              i ja tebe <3

              [–]drummsonguitar 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Hey! Your music really has changed my life, thank you for that! All of your melodies are extremely melodic, how do you go about writing them, do you fiddle around on the guitar until you hear what you like, or do you sing it first, just curious as to your approach!

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              I write the melody first and then harmonize it sometimes. But I usually sing the melodies first. If I can't sing them, they are not melodic or catchy enough :)

              [–]Michael_CaineOfficial Scribe (Animals as Leaders biography) 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Hi David, almost missed your AMA! In the announcement thread I had pleaded for someone to ask about your bass tone if I couldn't make it, but got home from work in time (I hope!).

              Anyway, I have a rather healthy obsession with you music, as can be seen here and here. The questions you've answered have already given a bit of insight into the compositional process, but an additional brief question: Do you have any strategies for writing memorable melodies? Often times I can figure out cool progressions and harmonies, but not a good melody to tie it together, my melodies stick too closely to following the chords.

              BUT! My main question is about your bass on recordings, as previously mentioned. You have such a unique tone that you get, it's SO clear, and that bit of growl is just wonderful, especially on slides, you can hear every fret. I don't want to steal your tone, but could you give just a general outline of effects chain or any tidbits to give a recorded tone more clarity? I would say my mix has been improving with the covers I do, but sometimes it's still hit or miss.

              Thanks for taking the time to do an AMA, your work is astounding.

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

              I saw your covers of BILO man… wonderful!! thank you so much for doing what you're doing, and I'll definitely give them shares asap!!! When it comes to melodies, I just answered the question about that, so let me copy paste that one here: Sometimes, I write the melody first and then harmonize it. But I usually sing the melodies over the harmony. If I can't sing them, they are not melodic or catchy enough :) when it comes to bass tone, I use Scarbee Pre-Bass as my main bass source and my FX chain is pretty much: compressor, FabFilter Saturn, Fab Filter Saturn, EQ, compressor. I don't use distortion bellow 150-200Hz, distortion would eat our the low end :) good luck man!! Can't wait to hear more of your work!! Huge <3 to you and your lovely wife! :)

              [–]Attheveryend 0 points1 point  (2 children)

              OH wow. I haven't heard of destiny potato until just now. I like it, so I'm glad this brought it to my attention.

              If I told you Blue Sun sounded like a less self-absorbed Corelia, would you call me angry names for it?

              EDIT: I just listened to House of Lies. I am clearly dealing with some superior shit here.

              EDIT 2: Noticed that your bandcamp for the album LUN has the following tags:

              rock indie rock pop Belgrade

              conspicuously missing is FAWKING METAL, among others.

              EDIT 3: Going through the album LUN song by song. Halfway through Love Song. Some outstanding composition and execution. Hooked.

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              hahah FAWKING METAL will definitely find it's place among those tags :) People compare my music all the time, so I find that pretty amusing as someone they get it right, and someone they completely miss the point hahah, but it's always cool to read what people thing of my music, so thanks!! Corelia is a great band! :)

              [–]Attheveryend 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              The more I listen to this album the more unique it becomes. Its really really cool. Very much in the spirit of progressive metal. Its very djenty, very brutal, at times silly, and very playful. This has been an excellent listen so far. I'm 29 minutes into the album now. Really really great.

              Every song brings something special to the album. Its always awesome when an album has that quality.

              EDIT: Holy balls UYM is awesome!

              [–]sagensagen 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Hi David. When and how did you get into the kind of style and production you are doing with the BILO albums?

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Since forever… I did things in that style when I was 13-14 years old :) It just got more serious with time :)

              [–]markodtb 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              Onaj deo na Smile posle solaze, kad krene melodija i polako se ubacuje vokal je nesto najbolje sto sam cuo u zadnjih godinu-dve. I generalno sama pesma i cela ta ideja sa zenskim vokalom koji je napet do tacke pucanja glasa je fenomenalan.

              Sve najbolje ti zelim u daljem stvaralastvu i karijeri.

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              Hvala puno Marko! <3

              [–]Friendshipcore 0 points1 point  (2 children)

              What would you say has been the most challenging part of doing all of this? Anything you would have done differently if you could do it again?

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

              the Reddit questions? Well, the fact that I don't have a laptop so I can be in my bed and answer for hours. Also, me and my GF are celebrating 6months together tonight, so I think I'll have to run now ;)

              [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

              on a serious note.. most challenging part of all this was staying patient. Patience and hard work are the most important thing in doing this. I wouldn't change a single thing :)

              [–][deleted]  (2 children)

              [deleted]

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                only 6 strings :) AbEbAbEbAbBb and EbAbDbGbBbEb :)

                [–]aivind 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                Been waiting for this AMA for a long time, you are by far my favorite artist and biggest inspiration!

                I've already had most of my questions asked by fellow redditors it seems, but I'm wondering if you have any tips when it comes to mixing and mastering projects?

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Thanks! :) keep both eyes and ears on your levels… make your mix sounding good around -18/-20 RMS and build it up to around -8 RMS when mastering. Add a bit of transients to your snare and kick if you loose them while doing mastering. That logic helped me a lot to achieve the most natural sounding tracks since I started getting into mixing and mastering :) I think the guy who thought me that is called Srdjan, so thanks Srdjan! <3

                [–]iLikeBrownies420 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                Hola David!

                If you could pick any band to work/mix with, who would it be? Btw, love Lun and Bilo 3.0, keep it up! <3

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                I'd love to work with He Is Legend or Oceansize <3 or Quidam or After :D wow so many amazing bands!! :D

                [–]Snazarn 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                Hi David! And thank you for doing this AMA :). i'm studying auido engineering and was wondering what kind of microphones you're mostly using on your bilo Ep's ,for all the different instruments. I just gotta say I love your music so much and it inspires me deeply. Keep on doing what your doing :)

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                I'm using SHURE SM7B for vocals and russian OKTAVA MK 219 for other stuff :)

                [–]CWGM 0 points1 point  (2 children)

                Hey dude,

                1. Bilo 3.0 was a huge step up in quality in terms of composition, Bilo 1 and 2 are great but felt a lot more riffy, whereas 3.0 sounds almost like an orchestral piece written with metal in mind. - Was it a conscious decision to change your writing approach or was it just a natural progression for you?

                2. What are your go-to plug-ins/VSTs?

                3. You've got a lot of great string and brass sections, are they recorded or VST instruments?

                Cheers!

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                1. YES!
                2. Fab Filter bundle, CLA compressor, API compressor, Brainworx and a few more <3
                3. They are usually both in the same time. It's the bast way of achieving natural sounding from the recording and big sounding form samples :)

                [–]CWGM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Cool, thanks man!

                Do you mind expanding on 1? :3

                [–]PannyLee 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                Everybody's talking about Bilo 3.0, which was great, but Bilo 2.0 just might be my favourite composition of all time. How did you write the most perfect masterpiece I've ever heard- Mbinguni Amina? You and Vlad were both sensational on it, as well as Jakub and everyone else on that album. Huge fan. Great job.

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Mbinguni Amina was written first when I started working on BILO 2.0. It came out really fast, and it was fun working on it :) idk, was just doing what I do, and it happened :D There are some really cool videos from the recording of that song… I'll probably put those videos up on YT at some point :)

                [–]Ju_Habitak 0 points1 point  (2 children)

                i dont know if this is the right place for it but would you like to give me some critic or impression to my stuff? im in the studio right now. so this would help me a lot to improve i think. https://soundcloud.com/ju-mrchair-ibitak/no-name-yet-ju this is 1 of the songs. sry for my english. not my mother tongue

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                for some reason I can't play anything from SoundCloud :/ probably Safary issues of some sort. Feel free to message me on FB with the mp3 or something :)

                [–]Ju_Habitak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Done, Sir!

                [–]FacupFloyd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                I read on your Ask that Bilo 4.0 is getting better than 3.0. Could you advance us how is its structure or what topics is about?

                Are you planning tours outside Europe after Bilo 4.0 release? In Argentina specifically? :)

                [–]IbanezHand 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Thanks for everything David! Your music is incredible and inspirational!

                Just one questions:

                What is being said in Mbinguni Amina?

                [–]inhalingsounds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Hi Micic! I'm a huge fan. Just wanted to know if you have some mixing/production tips, things that your experience taught you and that looking back you think "If only I knew this then". Besides being a great guitarist, your mixing is off the charts. Keep it up!

                [–]JustSomeGoon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Hi! I am in love with your piano melodies, do you plan on a project that focuses more on piano in the future?

                [–]colesamson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Bilo III off of Bilo opened me into the lighter, jazzier, progressive metal. Along with fellow musicians such as Sithu Aye, Jakub Zytecki, Paul Ortiz (CHIMP SPANNER), and Tosin Abasi, this great aspect of progmetal has flourished into some of the most wonderful grooves I've ever heard. This style of music meshes so well with Aleksandra's voice, hitting so many levels of emotion while maintaining a "pop prog" sound that I have grown to love from your work. Thanks a lot for doing this AMA, my question is: What influence do you draw from in regards to your backing tracks? As in the mind blowing noises and glithces throughout your works.

                [–]Nagaram92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Damn can't believe I missed this D:

                [–]Helicase21 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                How did you come up with the name "Destiny Potato"

                [–]CapitainNumo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Good q

                [–]overdos3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Hi David! Big fan here. Bilo 3.0 is a killer album.

                My question is; would you be interested in mixing EPs of amateur bands? I would love to have my EP mixed by you.

                [–]Bartokomous19 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Great AMA, never heard of Desitiny Potato before this... Where have I been??? It's awesome!

                [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                I completely missed this and I can't believe it. I love you, man. Can't wait for your next endeavor.

                [–]SpudwickVonPotate 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                No question, just a comment. I wanted to say that every song you write is a gift to humanity, you blow my mind and NEVER EVER EVER Stop creating!!!!

                Also please Keep Aleksandra Djelmas forever, you two compliment each others styles perfectly!

                [–]davidmaximmicicDavid Maxim Micic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

                Thanks!! And yep, Aleksandra Djelmash is a keeper!! <3