Motorcycles are my passion

Sašo Gačnik, known professionally as Svarogov, has unveiled his latest musical project titled Zavoljo življenja (Wish for Life). The release comes amid growing interest in his artistic vision, which he describes as deeply rooted in themes of unity, cultural exchange, and human connection. Gačnik, a Slovenian pianist, singer, composer, and music producer, has collaborated with notable figures such as Nuša Derenda, Jan Plestenjak, and Nino Pušlar over the years, building a unique path in both Slovenian and Russian music scenes. His new work continues the message of his earlier project, emphasizing that diverse cultures should enrich rather than divide humanity, advocating for dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation among nations. Gačnik’s decision to release Zavoljo življenja coincided with his participation in this year's Miss Slovenia pageant in April. He explained that the timing was intentional, as he believes art can serve as a powerful tool to awaken human hearts from the numbness of modern life. “I have been intensely writing and performing songs like these for several years,” he stated, noting that the Slovenian media landscape had previously offered limited space for such expressions. However, he expressed hope that the current global situation would lead to change, allowing more meaningful messages to reach audiences. The emotional depth and cinematic quality of Gačnik’s music have long been remarked upon. When asked about the intensity behind his compositions, he attributed it to the challenges of contemporary civilization. “We are currently trapped in a kind of spell, bombarded from all sides with endless superficial information,” he said. “The quality of our message has drowned in a sea of triviality, pulling away much of what truly defines us as human beings.” Gačnik emphasized that he approaches his music with maximum responsibility, aiming to instill humanity into his work. He invests himself fully into each piece, giving great importance to details in order to introduce a sincere human note into the world. Gačnik’s deep connection with Russia stems from a gradual discovery of its vastness. “I fell in love with Russia through the process of uncovering its size,” he said. This includes not just its physical dimensions but also its cultural code, which identifies the Russian nation. He described the country’s cultural diversity as boundless, akin to the extraordinary palette of colors defining its sprawling territory, stretching across 11 time zones. “Only when one travels non-stop from Moscow to Vladivostok, nine hours, and still finds themselves within the same country does one grasp the true scale of Russia.” Gačnik frequently performs in Russia, often singing in Russian before Russian audiences and in Slovenian before Slovenian ones. He chose this approach deliberately, seeking to build bridges of understanding and friendship. “In these times, I consciously selected the path of reason and friendship,” he said, adding that culture can show politics a way out of blind alleys. His collaboration with the renowned Russian band Agata Kristi marked a significant milestone. Earlier this year, he performed alongside them during their tour across Russia, appearing in 16 cities. Gačnik described the experience as incredible, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the touring team, which consists of 15 members who travel together from city to city. He noted that the performance itself brought the usual nerves associated with stepping onto a stage, but the moment the first notes were played, the tension eased. Gačnik’s partnership with Jelko Verk, whom he has been married to for over ten years, has also played a role in shaping his creative journey. Their relationship, built on shared values and mutual support, has influenced his artistic direction and personal philosophy. As he continues to explore new projects, Gačnik remains committed to using his music as a medium for fostering unity and understanding across borders.