Coming from the west side of , where punk and hard core were always youth’s favorites, Bernays Propaganda reached an iconic status in the country and abroad, especially in the DIY communities. They are one of the few bands coming from the Balkans that tour extensively, having been on several European tours, one U.S. tour and one across Russia, Ukraine and Belarus so far. The raw energy and tight sound earned them a reputation of a must-see act. With their five studio albums and hundreds of concerts, Bernays Propaganda are recognized as one of the leading alternative bands in ex-Yugoslavia (a pretty huge scene, left behind the former state).
Led by Vasko Atanasovski (guitars) and Kristina Gorovska (vocals) Bernays Propaganda are more than just a band. They are a collective of politically active (or anti-politically, which better suits their position) and socially aware individuals, determined to stay on the right path of humanity. That’s why they reject major labels, produce and release their own albums for free and never miss to speak in their interviews about the important things that bother mankind. The name Bernays Propaganda comes from the father of propaganda and brainwashing techniques Edward Bernay and his theory and methods for mass-manipulation. On their first studio album “Happiness Machines” they wrote the following:
“Luckily, the father of PR, Edward L. Bernays, is dead – otherwise, the United Nations Security Council,NATO, Mossad, Interpol, the Macedonian police, CNN and some other self-proclaimed leader, world's cop or sleazy politician would condemn Bernays Propaganda as enemies of humanity, dangerous anarchists, atheists, feminists and terrorists.”
Edward Bernays was Sigmund Freud's nephew and one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century. The band took his name to emphasize their disgust from the manipulation, control and seduction of the masses, propagated by Edward. With edgy lyrics (both in Macedonian and English) sang by the incredibly allusive female vocalist Kristina Gorovska, they get to the essence of things, directly and with no watered-down metaphors. Straight-forward as the truth itself! With the groovy bass lines they sound almost like a dance band and that’s what they want from the audience - to dance “and while you're at it, don't forget to use your head!”. Bernays are a band that celebrate civil disobedience, human rights and freedom.
For those out there that constantly seek new music I strongly recommend you take a look at Bernays Propaganda discography, listen to their songs and dance if you feel up to it! But as they said for themselves, this is a music that you won't be able not to dance to!
