ZMEI3

ZMEI3 is the pop-jazz Romanian band from Berlin.

Mihai Victor Iliescu (concept, guitars, vocals, lyrics) is the brain of ZMEI3. In 2011, while in Berlin, he formed the band and created the concept of a new musical style - Rough Romanian Soul. He also writes the lyrics of ZMEI3 in a very personal key.

Oli Bott (vibes, keys, composition) writes the original music of ZMEI3, in which he speaks out all of his heart as well as his own Rough Romanian Soul. His virtuoso, explosive, flamboyant vibraphone improvisations are at the core of the ZMEI3 sound.

The powerful vocals of ZMEI3 is Paula Turcas, a soprano opera singer who gave up classical music in the pursuit of a more truthful artistry grounded in the struggles of everyday life.

The band’s name is inspired by an ancient Romanian anti-hero, misfit dragon – a rebellious figure, who rarely prevails, but remains committed to his ideals.

Their debut album Rough Romanian Soul (out April 22nd, 2016 on Six Degrees Records) is produced by GRAMMY® award-winner, Ian Brennan. The album was recorded in August 2015, live without overdubs in the Carpathian mountains.

The name of the album, Rough Romanian Soul is also the name of the new style that ZMEI3 created in Berlin. A new aggressive style, mashing up indie-pop, blues and soul with influences of jazz, avant-garde with introspective topics and psychedelic soundscapes.