There is a lot more to being a musician than the time spent on stage. There are instruments to learn, songs to work out, rehearsals, and years of practice that most people never see.
For Jovana Vrklevska, Stefan Apostolovski, and Martin Spirovski, music has been part of life since childhood, although each found their way into it differently. Their experiences range from performing at celebrations to recording original music and playing with different bands.
We asked them how their musical journeys began, what they’ve learned along the way, and what still makes them want to get on stage.
Stefan Apostolovski | Guitarist
Stefan Apostolovski plays guitar in two bands, 100Ren and Amaneth. Making music with friends has become a significant part of his life, from regular rehearsals and writing songs together to performing in front of an audience.
His interests don’t stop at music. He’s also passionate about mountain biking, hiking, and motorcycles, and enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Between band rehearsals and trips to the mountains, Stefan has found plenty of ways to keep himself busy.
The Long Road to Playing Guitar
Ever since the young age of six, I’ve been in love with music. My parents bought me a toy guitar, and I would just stand in front of the TV, imagining myself as a rock star with the guitar. As my love for music grew, I started attending music school. But sadly, the guitar spots were filled, so I started on the accordion. After some excellent years spent with the accordion, competing in numerous competitions and achieving many first and second places in classical music, I switched to guitar at the age of 11, and ever since then, it’s been a wild ride.
The Determination to Learn on His Own
I am a self-taught guitar player. The whole process was really hard and stressful. But I kept going through it all because I was determined to teach myself my dream instrument. What I kept telling myself was, “If my favorite guitarists can be self-taught, why can’t I try my hardest and achieve my dream?” Also, my mother was and is my biggest supporter in everything I try to achieve, which kept my dedication strong.
From Rehearsals to Making Records
One of my bands, 100Ren, released a record last year. The whole writing process was exciting and easy because we are all close friends. We knew what we wanted to do and shared ideas for the songs. And so, naturally, after releasing some singles and music videos, we decided to release the album on vinyl.
The process is similar with my other band, Amaneth. All of the members come up with ideas, whether they are lyrics or guitar or drum parts. Then, those ideas are brought up at practice, and the song develops naturally.
The important part about being in a band and sharing ideas with four other people is having fun and being patient with the others. When you build chemistry with your closest friends by doing something you all love, the feeling when you share the stage and play the songs you created for the audience is priceless.
Beyond Music: Finding Freedom Outdoors
I’ve always been fascinated with nature and adrenaline. So I thought, “How can I combine those two things and enjoy life?” I remember being a kid and watching the older kids with their mountain bikes, having a blast in the mountains, and I was jealous of them. So one day, I bought one.
The feeling of adrenaline once you start going downhill on the track is irreplaceable. However, you can’t ride in the mountains all the time. Sometimes you want to enjoy a quiet hike and ease your mind. Usually, I hike with friends to have more fun. I am lucky that all of my friends enjoy nature, and we always have a blast hiking.
Also, I am a fanatic of motorcycles. I bought my first motorcycle this year, and my life changed completely. With my rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the chopper bike was a no-brainer for me. It just gives me freedom, and in a funny way, it’s my therapy.
Jovana Vrklevska | Singer and Live Performer
For Jovana Vrklevska, weekends often mean being on stage. She’s been performing at weddings and celebrations for years, and this October marks 22 years of performing.
It’s a remarkable amount of time to spend doing something alongside a regular career. And while performing has become a familiar part of her routine, she still finds plenty of reasons to look forward to the next one.
When Singing Became Something More
I think I realized it quite naturally. I was always singing as a child whenever I had a chance, and it was something that made me genuinely happy. The more I sang, the more I realized how much joy and confidence it gave me. But as I started performing, I discovered that singing wasn’t only about music. It was about how it made people feel and how it brought us together. That connection stayed with me, and I wanted to keep sharing that feeling with people.
From the First Performances to Today
It’s changed a lot over the years. In the beginning, singing was mostly about the excitement of performing, sharing something I loved, and getting everything right. Now, after 22 years, it feels like a part of who I am. I’ve learned to be more confident on stage and also to really appreciate every performance. Singing has become a part of who I am rather than something I simply do. Even after all these years, though, that feeling of stepping on stage and sharing music with people is still very special.
What It’s Like to Be Part of Someone’s Celebration
It’s honestly a really special feeling. You’re not just there to sing. You’re part of someone’s memories and one of the most important days of their life. From the other side of the microphone, you get to see all those emotions up close: the happiness, the tears, the family coming together, everyone celebrating. That’s one of the things I love most about performing at weddings and celebrations. Being part of that is what makes performing so meaningful to me.
What Keeps Performing Exciting After 22 Years?
I think it’s the people, the emotions, and the fact that no two performances are ever truly the same. Even after all these years, there’s something special about seeing people connect with a song, sing along, and dance. That energy comes back to me from the audience and keeps singing exciting. After 22 years, what still moves me most is knowing that for a few minutes, we’re all feeling the same thing through music.
Martin Spirovski | Drummer
Martin Spirovski has spent years playing music with different bands, exploring new sounds, and learning from the musicians around him. As a drummer, he’s particularly interested in how instruments work together and how a song comes together as a whole.
His musical interests are broad, and he’s never been particularly interested in sticking to just one style. For Martin, there’s always something new to discover, whether he’s playing on stage or simply listening to music.
Finding His Own Sound Through Different Genres
Macedonian rhythms combine quick and slow beats, which have taught me to feel time in a completely different way. They add a natural, dancing groove that lets me make even a standard rock or hip-hop song feel deeply unique. Because hip-hop is usually built on simple, looping rhythms and minimal notes, playing it keeps me highly disciplined and steady. At the same time, alternative music gives me the freedom to experiment and create something entirely new, using my own inspiration.
Finally, I view the blues as the root of today’s popular music because it expresses the artist’s feelings and soul. Combining all these different influences makes me capable of performing many styles of music.
Finding His Place Behind the Drums
Music is the ultimate form of expression, and mastering that total physical coordination was a great challenge for me. I learned that being a drummer means leading others through anticipation and patience, holding the groove while knowing exactly where the music is going next. As I traveled through different musical genres, the drums offered me a sense of joy and understanding that no other instrument could match.
Where It All Came Together
Those early garage days were a beautiful, chaotic rush of chasing new wave vibes, following trends, and connecting with other young creators. Producing something on your own as a self-taught musician was definitely a challenge. But learning band chemistry made it all worth it. That garage is where I finally decoded the puzzle of how instruments interact, communicate, and blend together in real time.
Why the Live Stage Never Gets Old
My journey through various bands has been incredible, but the raw magic of a live stage never gets old. The real excitement always depends on the vibe of the place and the thrill of chasing a completely unpredictable moment. The stage is the ultimate destination where the music, the crowd, and the band fuse into a single energy. Experiencing that rush is what keeps my inspiration alive.
Has Being a Musician Changed How Martin Listens to Music?
For sure. It completely changed the way I listen. It taught me how music is put together and gave me a fresh perspective on the emotions and messages hidden in the sound. Before I started playing, there were specific genres I really disliked. Now, I even enjoy them because I see them in a totally different light.