Poptimism: A Vesna Duo Mixtape

“Poptimism,” the latest release from UNCSA Media, reimagines pop, rock and indie songs for piano and percussion.

The album brings familiar tunes into a new setting, giving them a fresh acoustic presence on stage. Conceived as a mixtape of Ksenija Komljenović’s and Liana Pailodze Harron’s favorite tunes from the past two decades, the repertoire reflects music that has lived in their headphones for the better part of their lives. The album features reimagined versions of songs by artists including Sting, Hozier, Soundgarden, Beyoncé, Dean Lewis and Rihanna.

Arranged by Miloš Branisavljević, the songs are not treated as replicas but are reshaped for percussion and piano in creative ways, including playing over a blanketed vibraphone or preparing the piano. Across the album, the writing moves between intimate and concerto-scale demands; some tracks offer sparse textures, while others demand virtuosic intensity. 

Following their previous release, Vesna Duo Presents: "The Rite of Spring," which brought attention for its bold reworking of large-scale repertoire, "Poptimism" continues the duo’s exploration of bringing contemporary listening culture to the concert stage, inviting audiences to hear familiar music in entirely new ways.