Interview: Kiper

Kiper’s latest EP, Aksiom, is out now via Geenger Records and PDV Records. We caught up with Hrvoje Jagarinec Jaga to discuss the inspiration behind Aksiom, the songwriting process, their musical influences, and the collaborative effort with their labels. Enjoy!

Order EP HERE

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First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?

JAGA: Thank you for asking, I’m always doing great. I believe there’s no point in complaining—you just have to do things that fulfill you and bring satisfaction alongside work and life responsibilities, especially in these tough times.

Your introductory single “Aksiom” has gained a lot of attention. Can you tell us about the story or inspiration behind the track?

JAGA: I wrote “Aksiom” during the post-COVID period when I had plenty of time to go through my personal archives. That’s when I stumbled upon a song from my old hardcore band Paruzija, also titled “Aksiom.” I took parts of the original lyrics and reworked them into an entirely new song because the leitmotif perfectly resonated with the post-virus situation in Croatia. Since this is somewhat a reinterpretation of Paruzija, we invited Zdravko, Paruzija’s guitarist, to record the second guitar on this version. Though no longer an active member of Kiper, Zdravko frequently collaborates with us in the studio. This time, he even added synth tracks—a first for our recordings.

The song “Aksiom” is also the title of your upcoming EP. Can you share what fans can expect from the EP in terms of sound and themes?

JAGA: Kiper continues to write all our lyrics in Croatian. Three of the tracks are classic Kiper melodic punk songs, with a production style reminiscent of The Offspring. The song “Igra brojeva” is an ironic take on life, while “Ljubav” and “Aksiom” represent Kiper’s alter ego, exploring broader influences beyond punk rock. Each of us has spent over 30 years delving into different genres of heavy guitar music. As I grow older, I find myself focusing more on themes of life, love, and human foolishness, which dominate the EP’s lyrical atmosphere.

What drew you to release the EP through both Geenger Records and PDV? How did this collaboration come about?

JAGA: As you know, Six, our bassist, is also the founder and driving force behind Geenger Records. During the mastering process, Vedran Meniga of PDV Records heard the material and proposed a collaborative vinyl release since he liked it so much. To our delight, this plan came to fruition, and we eagerly await the official launch.

How would you describe your songwriting process? Does it start with a specific idea, or is it more of a collaborative effort?

JAGA: Since Zdravko is no longer in the band, I now handle about 80% of the songwriting. I usually record demos in my studio (Monster Studio) and finalize the songs during rehearsals with the band, making adjustments to arrangements or lyrics. Over my 35 years of writing and recording music, I’ve probably created over 150 songs in the studio, though I’ve written even more—some still waiting to be used and others discarded entirely. Rarely do I write lyrics first; instead, I experiment with riffs and themes on my instrument, creating melodies that later become lyrics. I also have a collection of recorded riffs on my phone for future use.

Can you talk about the themes that run through the songs on the upcoming EP? Are there any personal stories behind the lyrics?

JAGA: As I mentioned earlier, the current themes revolve around life, love, and human foolishness. I always intertwine personal experiences with fiction to keep things from being entirely dull.

Are there any specific themes or messages in the lyrics of “Aksiom” that you’d like listeners to focus on?

JAGA: Since “Aksiom” reworks lyrics by my dear friend and former bandmate Dr. Boris Gunjević—now a professor at the University of Cambridge—the message is clear and open. Listeners just need to engage with the song. Boris is a master of hardcore lyricism, which always requires a second listen and careful thought before deciding what it truly means to you.

As a band, what’s your main goal when writing a song? Is it to convey a specific message, evoke an emotion, or something else entirely?

JAGA: A band is as good as its ability to transfer energy to an engaged listener. I’m happy if we can genuinely reach even ten people through our music.

Punk rock can be a very diverse genre. Are there any particular artists or bands that have been major influences on your sound?

JAGA: After 35 years in music, it’s tough to pinpoint specific influences. While various genres have shaped my expression at different times, we decided early on to keep things relatively simple in Kiper, focusing mainly on melody and energetic riffs.

Where do you feel Kiper fits in, and how would you describe your take on punk rock?

JAGA: For us, punk and hardcore are more about a state of mind and a way of thinking. If we had more time for practice, we might venture into a complex form of artcore. However, we’re content with the punk rock we’re delivering now, and our audience seems to share that sentiment.

How do you think the punk rock scene in Zagreb and Croatia influences your music, and does it play a role in the way you approach your sound?

JAGA: I’m always thrilled when our friends release new material, play gigs, and hang out at shows. I’m especially excited when I see a new band like Neven, whose live energy revitalizes and inspires me.

The EP’s title track is already out, but what other songs on the EP are you most excited for people to hear?

JAGA: Personally, I believe “Ljubav” has the potential to take us in a new direction. I’m curious to see how our audience reacts since it’s not a typical Kiper song.

Who designed the cover artwork for “Aksiom,” and how does the visual element complement the music?

JAGA: Our vocalist Mish designed the cover. He’s a professional designer, artist, and comic illustrator who created the Kiper robot character, which runs through our visual identity. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Mish on board—his designs always stand out and set us apart.

Do you have any upcoming tours or shows planned to support the release of “Aksiom”? What can fans expect from your live performances?

JAGA: Our first concert will be a few days after the album’s release, supporting Nula at Močvara. We always give our all during live performances, and this will be no exception. We plan to promote the album as much as possible throughout 2025, so we invite promoters to reach out and book us for their cities and clubs.

With everything you’ve accomplished so far, what’s next for Kiper after the EP release? Are there any long-term goals or plans for the future?

JAGA: Our main goal is to stay healthy and alive. We’ve never been a band with grand plans because we prioritize family, work, and life obligations. We’re always working on new songs, sometimes quickly, sometimes at life’s pace. Hopefully, we’ll soon start on new material.

That’s it! Thank you for your time. Anything you would like to say to our readers at the end of this interview?

JAGA: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this interview. Keep reading as much as you can, even if it’s just interviews with small punk bands.