July 15, 2025 | 8:00 PM
07/25
Mate Picukarić - Maali
On Tuesday, July 15th at 8 PM, at Urania – Space of Creation, the music program Creative Hour opens a space for an encounter with one of the most intriguing new voices on the Croatian singer-songwriter scene. Mate Picukarić – Maali, a versatile musician who has captured the attention of both audiences and critics with a presence that is at once subtle and deeply engaging, will perform live material from his acclaimed debut album, as well as deliver the immediacy of a performance that transcends studio precision in favor of unique, unrepeatable moments.
Maali is the artistic pseudonym of a Croatian musician whose musical expression has taken shape through various styles and contexts—from collaborations with bands such as Demetronomes, Mimika Orchestra, and Luce, to his own solo work that blends American folk, indie-pop, and acoustic minimalism. The album Maali is not merely a collection of songs but a sonic diary spanning a decade—a delicately constructed narrative of personal losses, humorous anecdotes, and intimate insights, woven into the texture of acoustic guitar, precise arrangements, and vocal nuances that reveal a refined sensitivity for space and silence.
The concert at Urania is a special opportunity to experience music born at the edge of introspection and public performance. Joining Maali on stage are Luka Palčić (slide guitar, vocals) and Domagoj Leljak (electric guitar)—two musicians whose sensitivity and musicality enrich every aspect of the performance.
Luka Palčić, known as the frontman of the band Brothers, stands out as one of the few Croatian musicians specializing in slide guitar. His playing, inspired by greats like Derek Trucks and Kelly Joe Phelps, merges expressive flair with precision. Domagoj Leljak, a physicist and guitarist with deep roots in jazz, brings a thoughtful approach and an acute sense of space, creating an atmosphere that supports but never overwhelms.
Maali has been recognized by critics as one of the most mature and complete debut releases in recent years. Večernji list calls it “a fascinating masterpiece that never cracks anywhere,” while Nacional emphasizes its narrative power and musical consistency.
In the unique environment of Urania, this concert also functions as a kind of site-specific musical dialogue: the space of a former cinema, architecture steeped in memories, and the emerging Croatian music scene meet in a gesture of contemplative presence.
The number of seats is limited, so please reserve your spot here. Admission is by a donation of €10!
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