Predin on Arsen: 'He would call in the middle of the night, always say what he thought, almost physically could not lie'

Arsen Dedić, one of Croatia’s most celebrated poets and musicians, continues to live through his work more than eleven years after his death. His legacy endures not just in the pages of his poetry or the notes of his music, but in the memories of those who knew him best, among them Zoran Predin, a close friend and collaborator over decades. In a recent interview with Net.hr, Predin reflected on their long-standing friendship, the unique qualities of Dedić, and how his work has found new life through Predin's project “Zoran pjeva Arsena.” The two men met during a time when both were emerging artists in the Croatian cultural scene. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, shared artistic vision, and a deep bond forged through late-night conversations, creative collaborations, and a sense of humor that bordered on irreverent. Predin described Dedić as someone who could speak his mind without hesitation, often using sharp wit and unfiltered honesty to cut through social pretense. “He would call me in the middle of the night,” Predin recalled, “sometimes to share thoughts on a current event that had amused or angered him. Those calls were always filled with his characteristic humor, and they left me wide awake.” Their collaboration extended beyond personal friendship into professional territory. Together, they created the album “Svjedoci/Priče”, which became a landmark in Croatian contemporary music. The project was rooted in their shared belief that art should challenge, provoke, and connect. “We were both crazy in the same way,” Predin said, “and that made our partnership special.” He cited a moment in the film Praslovan where actor Petra Pece Popović remarked that “talent recognizes talent”, a sentiment he believed perfectly captured their dynamic. After Dedić’s passing, Predin felt compelled to honor his friend’s work by reviving some of his poems through a new musical interpretation. The resulting project, “Zoran pjeva Arsena,” saw Predin performing Dedić’s verses in a style blending traditional folk elements with modern rhythms. The album, released in 2020, became one of the best-selling titles under Croatia Records. “I was nervous about how the audience would react,” Predin admitted, “especially since I was interpreting works so deeply connected to my friend. But the response was overwhelming. The concerts were packed, and younger audiences discovered Dedić through these performances.” Predin emphasized that Dedić was not just a poet or musician, he was a man of integrity, whose honesty extended even to his closest relationships. “He almost physically couldn’t lie,” Predin explained. “If he had an opinion, he’d say it outright. You could be completely sure that whatever he told you about your work or yourself was the truth.” This trait, while sometimes abrasive, was also what made him such a compelling figure in Croatian culture. As for the emotional weight of performing Dedić’s work, Predin noted that certain songs still carry a particular resonance. “There are pieces that bring back specific moments or conversations we had,” he said. “They remind me of the times we were together, and that connection feels alive even now.” Over time, however, he has come to see Dedić’s work in a broader context. “His poetry has aged well,” Predin observed. “It speaks to universal themes, and its quality remains fresh. That’s why new generations continue to find meaning in his words.” Dedić’s enduring influence lies in his ability to blend poetic depth with accessible language, creating work that resonates across generations. His humor, irony, and lyrical precision remain as striking today as ever, ensuring that his voice will continue to echo in the hearts of listeners. For Predin, the experience of bringing Dedić’s work to life has been both a tribute and a revelation. “It’s an honor to sing his poems,” he said. “And I believe that’s because his artistry transcends time.”