Ana Protulipac is one of the most charismatic bass players in Serbia. She is playing the bass guitar in a Serbian band called IrieFM.

Ana Protulipac (Irie FM) in Novi Sad 2017 | photographer Marko Ristić
The most underrated and overrated band?
Ana: I’m sure that there are a lot of bands that don’t get adequate media attention. They definitely do not deserve to be underrated. I believe that the overall quality of the music and performance should position the band within the public, so I can not say exactly which band I think is overrated. I’ve always preferred a good live performance so rapping or playing to a backing track is a bit overrated in my opinion.
Which band would you like to see reunited again?
Ana: I wish Amy Winehouse was alive. I regret missing her live performance and I’m sorry that she didn’t reach her maximum. Amy would have definitely made more brilliant songs if she had lived longer.
The band you would like to see perform live, but haven’t had a chance before?
Ana: Lianne La Havas, solo or with a band. She is my favourite artist at this moment and I would love to hear both her live arrangements and the unreleased songs she performs live. Radiohead would be another unfulfilled wish of mine.

Ana Protulipac (Irie FM) in Novi Sad 2017 | photographer Marko Ristić
Your guilty pleasure? Band or an album you are embarrassed to admit you like?
Ana: Something characterised as classic MTV pop. A mainstream album, say “Rated R” by Rihanna. 🙂
The first album you ever bought?
Ana: “Rubber soul” – The Beatles.
Ideal album to relax with on a Sunday afternoon?
Ana: Alan Hampton’s “Origami for the fire”. An album I can always listen to. It creates a soothing and pleasant atmosphere, ideal for thinking and daydreaming.

Ana Protulipac (Irie FM) in Novi Sad 2017 | photographer Marko Ristić
The greatest album of all time?
Ana: “Who is Jill Scott: “Words and Sounds, Vol. 1”. It has some songs that will surely be remembered as timeless R’nB classics.
The most annoying musician?
Ana: Any folk star from Serbia can be classified as the most annoying (if we could call that music anyway).
A kid asks you what metal or rock is, you recommend them to listen to?
Ana: Everything that was played in my house when I was young-The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd… I prefer soul or pop nowadays, but you should listen to all the genres in order to form your own style and musical taste and create something that’s authentic. It’s an imperative for musicians.