Lelee

About

" Fresh post punk with a flavour of the Balkans "

At the gateway to Western Europe, the city of Ljubljana has always been a meeting point for artists from all over the Balkan region. Lelee frontwoman Jelena Rujsan (bass, vocal) was born in Belgrade and raised in Sarajevo, before she moved to Ljubljana to play a big role in 2010’s return of Slovenian industrial rock legends Borghesia. The frontman Damjan Manevski (guitar, vocal) hails from Bitola in North Macedonia. The rest of Lelee, who formed in 2020, are two Slovenian guys, Leon Stoilković (drums) and Blaž Gracar (synth).

Their post punk and indie rock with a local flavour is a symbol of cross-cultural collaboration among Balkan musicians, with the name ‘Lelee’ also of Balkan origins. It’s an ancient invocation of Slavic pagan goddess Lela, translating as something like “oh my gosh”. The trio of Jelena, Damjan and Leon recorded their powerful 2021 debut album ‘Čuka bije pumpa’ for Slovenian label Moonlee Records, with an additional release on Canadian label Ill in the Head Records.

The nine-track LP has an almost perfect balance of fresh post punk and 90’s style indie rock with Serbian and Macedonian lyrics. Electronic musician Blaž Gracar was introduced as their 4th band member through 2023 recordings and live gigs, including at Ment Festival in Slovenia and Velvet Festival in Croatia. Both recent singles ‘Nestaješ’ and ‘Snaga’ bring significant changes in Lelee’s sound and vision. Based on the strong Southern Balkan groove and colourful psychedelia ‘Nestaješ’ could be the first taste of their very different 2nd album, which is due to arrive in 2024.                       

New release!

Mora malo u crveno, Album – November 8 2024