ALI's INTROVERSE

We're not doing a "wrapped" for 2025. The lessons are in the notes, the gratitude for all the support is ongoing, the pains of the downs were felt, the highs of the ups as well, the landlord called to raise the rent as we move into the eurozone, the hopes for 2026 are up - only time will tell what we'll accomplish. We had a special guest at our rehearsal - Emil Mihaylov. A former financier, now local bakery owner and luthier extraordinaire. But most importantly a very kind-hearted man who knows what he's talking about and does much more than talking. He stopped by to showcase Sparky, a custom-made guitar you'd be afraid to touch, and he'd beg you to get your hands all over it. First thing you notice is the sparkling blue top as if made of a disco queen diva's dress. Surprisingly light and flawless playability across the "zebra" baked maple neck. With a full-body sound you'd swear is coming from a semi-hollow guitar. Especially made tremol...

At one point we had an internal discussion triggered by Ali asking if anyone in the band had something against his putting a Palestine flag with the word "genocide" on his guitar strap. The debate wasn't around the Israel-Palestine issue, but more about how do we as a band approach publicly stating political views. There's bands that just prefer to stick to music. Same for band members. Our rule of thumb has always been that we take all decision unanimously - either we're all in, or none of us. At the same time, we're all individuals with an opinion, at times a strong stance. We will not be a band to filter or censor individual expression. It's quite the opposite - I expect to support each other. The outcome is that any one of us may and will express their view publicly. You will never know if anyone among us is against it. We respect each others' opinions and rights to express them. As a band, we will encourage it because we believe freedom of express...