Seven and Counting
The band formed in 2014, founded by Vinko "Rusty" Baković (Rhythm Guitar) Daria Baković (Backing Vocal) and Boško Colić (drums). Originally the band was joined by Domagoj Bašić on the violin, he played with the band on their debut single "I'll be there" but has since taken some time away from the band with the door open to return at any point.
The concept of the band came from Rusty's curiosity who, having never had any experience with the music industry, took a lesson or had performed as part of a band realized that he had a library of music he had written over the course of 20 years, deserved more than just "living room" play. With that spark, Seven and Counting began.
At first the band wanted to record 3-4 songs seeing if the sound was right and if they were audience worthy. Throughout the initial days the band saw a few changes in line-up but from each change a strong, bonded group with a similar sense of humour and musical taste came together and found something they truly loved doing.
The name soon came since the band was seven members at the first rehearsal, they knew that they wanted to include more instruments in their musical process and thus with a suggestion "Seven and Counting" was born.
"Our first song was "I'll Be There" and the band line-up at the time was: Daria Baković & Lucija Grabovac on backing vocals, Jure Hrelić on bass, Josip Beram on electric guitar, Domagoj Bašić on violin, Boško Colić on drums and Vinko Baković on vocal and acoustic guitar. The song was recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by our dear friend Predrag Ćosić who welcomed us in his studio and made us feel like at home there! Which was important because for many of us it was the first studio experience ever. Now, with our first demo single in our hands, it was just about the time to come up with the band name..." - Vinko "Rusty" Bakovic
In late August of 2017, after several line-up changes, they decided to go public and performed on a small but vivid local Rock & Blues festival. By that time the band had two more demo singles released and a couple of songs more yet to be recorded.
A real breakthrough happened in 2018 when their songs were launched out into the World. By data available via social media, songs by Seven and Counting are being played in at least 15 countries and five continents! About a dozen live performances (including one unplugged gig) later and launched official website they are getting close to wrapping up material for the first album...
Who makes up Seven and Counting:
Boško Colić - drums - One of the three founding members of Seven and Counting. Our reliable beat machine, most experienced and most awarded musician in the band. Hell, gold and platinum records are decorating his walls and he also won Eurovision song contest! Back in the days but still... :-)))
Ante Paleka - bass - A rare bird... One of only few dancing caucasian bass players. Plus, if there's an extra beat or if someone misses one, you bet he won't let it go! Along with Boško on drums, the rest of us can play with ease knowing the two of them are holding our backs.
Josip Milković - saxophone - The youngest one. But his sax playing and his talent can match any challenge - anytime, anywhere. His feeling for music and song and wide range of styles he can play turned him into one of those people from whom we expect to bring something unexpected to any given song he plays.
Ivan Vihar - lead guitar - You better believe, he's an alien! The way he plays his guitar is out of this World. He joined the band only recently so we don't have any recordings with him yet, but once you hear what he does on those six-strings, you'll start looking into night sky... Searching for some strange lights moving in high speed...
Grgo Ivković - keyboards - We think he came with Ivan from some galaxy far, far away even though he denies it. This guy can sing, play, arrange or whatever it takes and he's doing it with huge smile on his face! Born to make music, no doubt about it!!!
Daria Baković - backing vocals - Also one of the three founders of the band. Rusty's life companion and inspiration for many songs. Her voice gave this band a new level of softness but also strength, depending on song's mood. Wide range of vocal colors and tones makes Daria much more than just another backup singer.
Nevija Kožul Peičić - backing vocals - Our latest acquisition in our backup singers line-up. But it feels like she was here from the very beginning. Her singing can be matched only with her laughter and both can last for a long, long time... Positive to the max in every aspect!
Lucija Grabovac - backing vocals - Lucija was first to join the band after the band core was formed and she immediately blended into that core. No wonder. With her voice straight out of Heaven, being a true team player and carrying the music within every cell of her body and mind, she is irreplaceable.
Vinko Baković - vocals, rhythm guitar - Also known as 'Rusty'. Band founder and lead singer (against his will). Writes lyrics and music and plays rhythm guitar. Seven and Counting band is his first music attempt ever. Who knows, maybe one day he proofs he's a late bloomer...