Bulgarian rock is coming into its own this summer, as demonstrated by the most successful so far, 9^th edition of the festival Kavarna Rock. In the course of three days, it became more than apparent that rock music fans are innumerable in Bulgaria, and that they would never miss an opportunity to hear some of the best Bulgarian and world rock bands perform live. The first day of Kavarna Rock fest 2014 featured the finalists of the competition Black Sea Battle of Bands, among them the Bulgarian Sevi, Eridan, and Downer Kill – their performances at the festival electrified the audience and even brought Sevi first place in the competition.

Several days later the epicenter of the rock tornado moved to Sofia, this time for the jubilee of rock dinosaur Vladimir Georgiev. Percussionist of the legendary punk-rock band Control, he turned 50 and a whole constellation of BG rock musicians were there to celebrate with him.

Vladimir Georgiev’s idea was to bring together all rock bands he has played with through the years, so friends from a dozen Bulgarian bands joined in the party. Emil Enchev from Konkurent says he is optimistic about the rock scene, here in Bulgaria:

“I dare say there has been a revival in recent years and that is due, first and foremost to the audiences,” he says. “If there’s no audience there’s no one to play for. But rock in Bulgaria has been coming into its own and the audiences are multiplying. This is due most of all to the big festivals taking place in the country and the concerts by bands from abroad. I have friends who went to such a big rock concert for the first time in their lives, and then become fans for life.”

Does anyone remember a band called Dysonans? Yes, there was a rock group by that name and it had some great songs. Its frontman Nicky Tomov was among Vladimir Georgiev’s friends:

“I am touched,” Nicky Tomov says. “It is because of people like Vlado that I am still making music. I cut an album in English and it includes three tracks by Dysonans in a new arrangement.”

My first more serious band was called Fix, predecessor to Control, Vladimir Georgiev says, and adds:

“I would like to thank all of my friends who came to play some rock on my birthday. That is my biggest reward. I would very much like to see the rock scene develop; I am pleased to say it is young bands that have been reviving it.”

The audio file features the following songs:

-  Own My Own, Sevi;

-  I love you, my dear, Control;

-  Now, Dysonans;

English version: Milena Daynova