We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tamara Jokic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Undoubtedly, one of the most profoundly meaningful projects I’ve had the honor to contribute to was creating music for video games developed by Demagog Studio and Rogue Games, and seeing that music featured on the renowned platform, Netflix. This endeavor not only allowed me to combine my passion for music composition with the immersive world of gaming but also gave me a chance to share my artistic expression with a global audience in a way I never imagined.

The journey began when I was approached by Demagog Studio to collaborate on their upcoming video game called ‘Highwater’. The studio’s innovative vision and commitment to creating a captivating gaming experience immediately resonated with me. I was excited to dive into this unique creative space, knowing that my music would be an integral part of shaping players’ emotions and experiences throughout the game.

The collaborative process with the development team at Demagog Studio was both inspiring and invigorating. We engaged in deep discussions about the game’s narrative, characters, and overall ambiance. These conversations became the foundation upon which I crafted the musical compositions, ensuring they seamlessly integrated with the game’s dynamic environment. The challenge lay in composing music that not only elevated the gaming experience but also resonated as a standalone artistic creation.

Once the music was finalized and implemented within the game, the feeling of accomplishment was immense. To see my compositions perfectly complementing the gameplay, enhancing suspenseful moments, and guiding players through various emotions was incredibly rewarding. However, the project’s significance soared even higher when I learned that the game was chosen to be featured on Netflix, exposing my music to an even broader and diverse audience.

The moment my music was placed within the context of a popular platform like Netflix, my heart swelled with pride and gratitude. It was a realization of the potential impact that art can have when it reaches the masses. Knowing that viewers around the world would hear my compositions while engaging with the game on Netflix gave me a profound sense of accomplishment and validation as a composer.

This project is deeply meaningful to me because it showcases the powerful synergy between music, storytelling, and the gaming world. It’s a testament to the far-reaching influence that creative collaborations can have, transcending mediums and connecting people across different cultures and backgrounds. The opportunity to contribute to this project has not only enriched my artistic journey but also solidified my belief in the universal language of music and its ability to evoke emotions and create memorable experiences.

Also, one of the most meaningful solo projects was the creation of my debut album, “Transibérica,” which was released in 2022. This project holds a special place in my heart not only because of the music itself but also due to the profound journey that led to its conception.

The story behind “Transibérica” begins with my deep connection to both Spanish and Portuguese cultures, as well as the rich musical traditions of the Iberian Peninsula. Having grown up in Serbia, I was drawn to the captivating melodies and rhythms of Mediterranean music, which resonated with me on a personal and cultural level. As a singer and composer, I felt a strong desire to unite my love for the sounds of the East with the expressive power of the Spanish and Portuguese languages.

The process of creating the album was a collaborative adventure that spanned various continents and artistic backgrounds. I had the incredible opportunity to work with world-renowned musicians. Our collaboration involved intense creative discussions and exploration, as we sought to blend the authentic essence of Mediterranean music with contemporary instrumentation and storytelling.
It signifies the crossing of musical borders, languages, and emotions, mirroring my own personal journey from Serbia to the United States and my exploration of the musical landscapes of Spain and Portugal. Every track on the album holds a story, a piece of my heart, and a dedication to preserving and reimagining the cultural heritage that has influenced me so profoundly.

This project is deeply meaningful to me because it encapsulates my passion for cross-cultural collaboration, linguistic expression, and musical storytelling. “Transibérica” allowed me to create a bridge between different worlds, inviting listeners to experience the fusion of my Balkan roots with the warmth of the Mediterranean, all conveyed through the prism of Spanish and Portuguese languages. The album’s release was a culmination of years of dedication, exploration, and artistic growth, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for me as an artist and educator.

Tamara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Tamara Jokic, a singer-songwriter from Serbia who has ventured into the captivating realms of video games, animated movies, and audio books. My musical journey has taken a delightful turn as I collaborate with creators to infuse these mediums with the power of melodies and harmonies.

Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to video game soundtracks, adding depth and emotion to the virtual worlds that players explore. My compositions guide players through epic adventures, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

In the world of animated movies, my music has found its place within scenes that evoke emotions and underscore the narratives. Crafting melodies that align with the characters’ journeys and the storytelling has been both inspiring and rewarding.

Beyond that, I’ve ventured into the realm of audio books, where I weave musical elements into spoken narratives. The goal is to create a captivating synergy between words and melodies, enhancing the listener’s immersion in the story.

My collaboration with these mediums allows me to combine my passion for music with storytelling in innovative ways. It’s a rewarding endeavor to contribute to projects that engage audiences on multiple levels, from the visual to the auditory.

In addition to my work in these exciting fields, I’ve released an album titled “Transiberica,” where I explore a fusion of sounds inspired by Mediterranean and Balkan cultures. With a background in music from Berklee College of Music, I’ve honed my skills to create a unique blend of melodies that traverse languages and cultures.

Speaking of languages, I’m known for singing in more than 10 languages, adding an extra layer of depth and connection to my performances. It’s my way of embracing the diversity of our world and bridging gaps through the universal language of music.

From studying at Berklee College of Music to exploring the world of video games, animated movies, and audio books, my journey is about discovering new ways to share the magic of music with the world.

If you would like to hear some of my music live, you can catch me in NYC at Drom in East Village on October 4th!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting colleagues in the music industry is not just an act of camaraderie, but a vital pillar of fostering a thriving and inclusive artistic community. In an industry that thrives on creativity and collaboration, solidarity among peers fuels innovation and shared growth. By embracing a culture of support, we collectively uplift each other’s voices, allowing diverse talents to shine and ideas to flourish. It’s imperative to reject gatekeeping and instead promote open arms, for every musician brings a unique perspective that contributes to the tapestry of music. By offering encouragement, sharing resources, and celebrating each other’s achievements, we cultivate an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and the industry as a whole benefits from the synergy of our combined efforts.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Definitely – traveling, meeting all sorts of people and exchanging stories with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tamarajokic.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jokictamara
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TamaraJokicMusic/featured

Image Credits
Jana Mitrovic Ema Bednarz Danilo Mijatovic