Mina Matic is a creative artist from Serbia. Her music is a result of a combination of many musical genres, fused together succinctly into one conceptual project.

Ethereal soundscapes, a powerful voice, touches of industrial sound, and esoteric emotions. Music to be immersed in travelling beyond the stars.

She has released several exquisite albums on Altar Records during the last few years, as delicate gifts to the listener. We are very happy to talk with her.

Interview by Shantiago on 09/04/24.

Hi Mina, how are you? Thanks a lot for spending some time talking with us.

Hello! I’m doing well, thank you. It’s truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to discuss my passion with you. I’m grateful for the invitation and looking forward to our conversation.

You come from a small town in Serbia, right? No doubt everything is peaceful and quiet there and the colours are ready for the spring.

Yes, I’m from Sremska Mitrovica, a city with a rich history that’s close to my heart. Now, I find myself in Krusevac, embracing the calm and scenic beauty of Serbia. There’s something about spring here, it’s when I was born, and it’s when nature awakens, filling the air with promise and color. It’s my favorite time of year, and I suspect many share this sentiment.

Mina released her first EP in 2017. However, travelling back in time, could you tell us about your music journey?

My journey into music began in the classrooms and halls of primary and high school, where I first discovered the joy of singing in choirs. Though I later joined some bands, it was more about the experience than making a mark. It wasn’t until 2015 that I truly found my own path, learning the craft of music production. A year later, I met Bojan Stojiljkovic, known as Ascent, who would not only become my mentor in music production learning but also my partner in life as my husband.

His brother, Argus, opened my eyes to the ambient music scene, which resonated with my spirit. While my roots were in the emotive power of Metal, Blues, and R&B, it was the ambient chill out genre that offered me the artistic freedom I craved for. This genre, with its tranquil and expansive soundscapes, became my true love, allowing me to express myself in ways I never thought possible.

In my role as a conservator of cultural heritage, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the arts. This background has given me a unique perspective on music’s place in history and its transformative power, which continues to inspire my work and artistic expression.

Now let’s talk about Mina. Your music is highly emotional, hypnotic and deep. What’s your vision behind creating this mystical harmonious blend?

My vision for creating this mystical harmonious blend is deeply rooted in my love for the natural world and the ethereal realms that lie just beyond our senses. Nestled close to the forest, I am enveloped in the pure sounds of nature, which guide my creative process. The music I create is a reflection of the world around me, imbued with the belief that there is more to our existence than meets the eye. Ideas and inspiration come to me all the time. The more I work, the more inspiration I get, if that makes sense.

As an artist, I see music as a powerful force that leaves a lasting impression on the fabric of time, much like a painter with a canvas. It’s a medium through which I can express my deepest emotions and thoughts, crafting songs that must first resonate with my soul before they can touch the hearts of others.

In my compositions, I strive to blend the harmonies often found in live band performances with the expansive freedom of Psy-Chill music. This fusion is a tribute to my diverse musical background, from the resonant depths of metal to the fluidity of ambient chill out. My aim is to create a sound that not only captivates the listener but also transports them to a place of introspection.

‘Lost and Remembered’ is your last and excellent album on Altar Records, and also the rest of your releases fall into a high quality sound. How do you organize your work creating and producing?

The creation of ‘Lost and Remembered,’ as with all my music, is a dance between spontaneity and meticulous craftsmanship… and thanks for compliments on the quality of the sound. Ideas often come to me in the quiet moments of life, sometimes so fleetingly that I have to capture them immediately on my phone. These fragments of inspiration are my starting points.

When it comes to creating and producing my music, it’s a process that feels very natural and spontaneous. I could be anywhere – maybe taking a walk or just sitting quietly – when a tune or a line of lyrics pops into my head. I’ve learned to always be ready, so I quickly record it on my phone. These little voice memos are like my musical sketches. They’re the start of something more.

Back in my studio, I imagine how these sounds would sound in the open air, how a voice might rise up from the forest, or on a mountain, and I try to capture that feeling in my tracks. Sometimes I aim for that raw, unfiltered studio sound, and other times I want the music to feel like it’s part of the landscape itself.

Creating presets is like mixing colors on a palette – I want them to be fresh and modern but still fit within the Psy-Chill genre. It’s a delicate balance, but when it works, it’s magic. The truth is, the mixing part takes up most of my time. It’s where I polish the raw ideas into something I love, something I hope will resonate with others too. It’s not just about making music; it’s about creating an experience that lasts.

What kind of gear do you like to use? And how do you name your tracks?

As a vocalist at heart, and ambient music artist my go-to gear revolves microphones and sound recorders, definitely. But if there’s one piece of equipment that’s become indispensable, it’s the equalizer plug-in Fab Filter Proq 3. I simply can’t imagine producing without it.

When it comes to naming my tracks, I draw inspiration from the world around me, also from personal experiences. The titles often reflect current events, capturing the collective mood, whether it’s joyous or somber. Other times, a film might spark an idea, or a piece of poetry will resonate with the music. There’s a certain freedom in not having set rules for naming, it allows each track to have its own identity, shaped by the moment it was created.

Does psychedelic chill out music have a strong metaphysical identity? What do you think?

Metaphysical experiences are very personal. What resonates with one person may not resonate with another. Psychedelic chill-out tunes can evoke feelings of awe, wonder, or even melancholy, emotional release and catharsis. These emotional states can lead to insights, healing, and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. Psychedelic chill out music has a strong metaphysical identity due to its ability to induce altered states of consciousness and evoke deep emotional responses. It’s a music that transcends the physical, tapping into the essence of your being and the mysteries beyond. So, in my view, yes, it does have a strong metaphysical identity, as it allows listeners to explore the profound aspects of their psyche and the metaphysical world.

Which artists have served as inspiration for you?

Answering who has inspired me musically is like unraveling a tapestry of sounds and emotions. In my early days, it was the raw energy and complexity of metal bands that fueled my passion. As I’ve grown, my tastes have broadened to embrace a spectrum of genres and artists. Ivan Torrent’s epic compositions remind me of the grandeur music can achieve. Vikram Shankar’s dynamic and emotive piano work deeply influences my approach to melody and harmony. When it comes to vocal expression, I draw inspiration from the powerful and nuanced performances of Tom S. Englund, Heike Langhans, Bjorn Strid… Their ability to convey deep emotions resonates with my own vocal aspirations. And in the electronic music, it’s the haunting melodies and ambient soundscapes of E-Mantra that captivate me.

How is the psytrance/psychill scene in Serbia? Are there spaces and events oriented to the electronic psychedelic culture?

Psychill scene in Serbia is almost nonexistent. There are some artists who make this kind of music such as: Sufi’s Life, Merlin, Lydia, Argus, Ascent and me… I can’t remember no one else, sorry if I forgot someone. I am very pleased to see that at some Psychedelic festivals in Serbia, in addition to the mainstage there is a Psychill/Psybient stage. I hope that more and more people will feel the beautiful energy of this music and that we will be more and more on ambient stages.
As far as faster psychedelic trance music is concerned, we have such parties all the time.

What are your plans for the near future? Are you planning to do some gigs presenting your music?

Currently, my focus is on being a full-time parent, which means I’m not traveling for performances. However, I’m channeling my creativity into producing new music and exploring ways to share it digitally. This period is a time for growth and reflection, which I believe will enrich my artistry for future gigs. Additionally, I’m working on creating sample packs, offering a taste of my vocals and sounds to fellow artists and enthusiasts.

Do you practise other arts besides music?

Of course, there are other art forms I dabble in besides music. I am a classically trained painter who can explore the visual aspects of art. Additionally, I do digital imaging which combines my artistic abilities with modern technology to create eye-catching designs for Psy-Trance releases among others.

Who is Mina in her daily life, as human?

Mina is a mom, wife, friend, sister, child, empath, nature lover, painter, lover of film, poetry, mystical philosphy, and a lover of good audiobooks.

And before finishing, would you like to send a message to the psybient.org community?

I’m truly grateful to the psybient.org community. Your love for psychedelic ambient music is beyond inspiring. Keep nurturing this wonderful space where music and art rise over the regular and make a embroidered artwork of transformative encounters. Thank you for your steadfast support and for being a vital part of our creative path. Big hug

Thank you very much for sharing some words and insights. We will keep listening to your fascinating sound and looking forward to what’s next. Take care and see you soon, a big hug!

Listen and follow Mina:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mina_tmina_ofc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tminadeep

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tmina-1

Bandcamp: https://mina-altar.bandcamp.com/