EPK
Bio
Blackstate is the dark & melancholic-moody alt-pop alter ego of Filip Tasevski – Fitz, and a completely open audio-visual concept. An under-radar musician, songwriter, performer and active player in the North Macedonia’s music scene for over 20 years. His expression and approach are based on hardcore/punk ethics. In addition to his musical abilities, he is also a visual designer and artist, and it is this combination of skills that gives Blackstate his unique and compelling sound and meaningful live audio-visual performance.
With influences raging from experimental electronica to synth pop, alt pop and hardcore punk, Blackstate creates a sound that is both haunting and exhilarating, combining “cathartic instrumental experimentalism to which he adds lyrics that explore the emotional complexity of the 21st century and the absurdity of superficiality over substance” (A&R Factory, UK). This approach encourages a deeper level of engagement by allowing the audience to form their own connections and find their own truth in the project’s visual and sonic landscapes.
Although the project officially debuted in 2019, the concept behind Blackstate has spanned more than 15 years, with the first EP released in 2020.
Since its debut, Blackstate has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the project’s “refreshingly distinctive songwriting approach, perfect pinch of melancholy, and fragile optimism”. Some have even compared Blackstate’s sound to “what it would sound like if Elliott Smith experimented with synths”, a comparison that speaks to the project’s originality.
With his “evolving sonic exploration” (Gigmit, DE) and captivating live performances, Blackstate is quickly becoming a hot new project on the alt-pop scene. Blackstate has been featured in influential magazines and publications including The Calvert Journal, Vents Magazine, A&R Factory and also in Beehy.pe’s Best Global Albums of 2020 lists. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Fitz’s work or just discovering Blackstate for the first time, his work should definitely leave a lasting impression on you.
Debut EP reviews
“…eclectically-inspired endearingly unforgettable debut EP”
“…cathartic instrumental experimentalism and grounding lyrics”
“…refreshingly distinctive songwriting approach”
“…perfect pinch of melancholy while exuding fragile optimism”
“…what it would sound like if Elliott Smith experimented with synths”
“…I can’t recommend Blackstate enough”
🇬🇧 A&R Factory, Voted 10 Music Blog in the UK
“Blackstate: an evolving project thriving in sonic exploration”
🇩🇪 Gigmit
“Dance in 2 Yugoslav-era modernist buildings with North Macedonia’s Blackstate pop anthem”
Best Global Albums of 2020
🇵🇱 Beehy.pe – Best Music From Around the World, Poland
“Dancing trip to North Macedonia with Blackstate”
🇫🇷 Hajde
Live Video – 5 Mins
Live Video – Full Show (40 Minutes)
Official Videos
Audios
Photos
