Discover how Kristijan Ursic’s love for Bob Dylan shaped his identity and worldview
Kristijan Ursic shares his transformative journey from Slovenia to American folk music, inspired by Bob Dylan, emphasizing music’s power to shape identity and promote peace and love.
Kristijan Ursic is a name that resonates with the soul of American folk music, despite his roots in the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia. A self-proclaimed “lost music folk child of America,” Ursic has dedicated his life to the pursuit of musical and spiritual enlightenment, drawing inspiration from the legendary Bob Dylan. His journey from the quaint village of his birth to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nova Gorica is a testament to his relentless quest for artistic expression and personal growth. Ursic’s work, a harmonious blend of poetry, storytelling, and music, captures the essence of a timeless pilgrimage, inviting readers and listeners alike to explore the world beyond reality. His unique perspective and unwavering commitment to spreading peace and love make him a compelling figure in the world of contemporary folk music.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of Kristijan Ursic to uncover the transformative power of music and the profound impact of his first Bob Dylan concert. We were drawn to Ursic not only for his artistic contributions but also for his philosophical musings on life, identity, and spirituality. His story is one of passion and purpose, a narrative that transcends borders and speaks to the universal human experience. Join us as we explore Ursic’s journey, his inspirations, and his mission to create a better tomorrow through the universal language of music.
Kristijan Ursic masterfully blends music, poetry, and storytelling, creating a profound artistic expression that inspires and uplifts the soul.
Your book describes the experience of attending your first Bob Dylan concert as a pivotal moment in your life. Can you share what it was about that night in Bologna that felt so transformative, and why you consider it a small part of heaven?
As someone came from the other side of the universe and met kindred spirits and souls, it would be difficult for it not to happen transformatively. Suffering is always the way to salvation. Salvation is always the entrance door to heaven. Bob wrote and sang in one of his songs: “That he not busy being born is busy dying.”
The Lord illuminates what is hidden in darkness. The concert renews you, inside and out.
When I was been in the concert hall PalaMalaguti in Bologna, I felt like I was been in the shrine near the altar, where all my sins were forgiven.
As someone who describes themselves as the lost child of America with a deep love for American folk music, what role has Bob Dylan’s music played in shaping your identity and worldview?
As Bob said in his autobiography ” Chronicles Vol. 1,” “I’d come from a long way off and had started a long way down. But now destiny was about to manifest itself. I felt like it was looking right at me and nobody else.”
I said to myself that I left my home so far away and visited planet Earth in my country, Slovenia… November 6th, 1987. Self carries a secret dream of an American folk musician, so “I’m Lost Folk—rock music child of America”.
In a conversation I have with Izzy Young, folk expert, archivist, owner of the Folklore Center in Greenwich Village, New York, and Bob Dylan’s organizer of the first major concert at Carnegie Chapter Hall in 1961, Izzy Young tells me that “dreaming and imitating Dylan’s life is no way to develop on your own and totally wasted of Time “.
” That is why I say not to adore Dylan but to learn what you can from Dylan and make your own life richer and stronger !”
I said: ” OK ! Right Izzy ! But I and Bob have ” the same spiritual deals ” !!” I always felt like I was related to him. With Woody Guthrie, too!
Bob changed my worldview and identity to become a spiritual metaphysical person!
You mention that your father and a friend joined you on this journey to see Bob Dylan. How did sharing this experience with them enhance the significance of the concert for you?
It is always nice to go with someone like my friend, who is a big fan and connoisseur of Dylan’s life and work. My father is like an angel saviour for my soul and body. Always is ready to meet my every wish like a photograph, start a conversation in Italian language, realize my every wish…
Nice not to travel alone…
Your story is set against the backdrop of Northern Italy, with the journey to the concert being as much a part of the experience as the concert itself. How did the landscape and atmosphere of Italy contribute to the overall magic of the event?
We live alone in the cosmos, and nobody knows for us. Always was nice to travel the world, especially on land—countrys that have special history, culture, city, town, “weather”… Italy was always a special country with an important and rich history. By the way, Dante Alighieri also travelled the beyond spiritual World and was born and lives in Italy. Magic country for dreaming, events, concerts, storytelling, positive energy…
I like castle narrative romances, religious Christian songs, magic tricks, supernatural, and everything else related to Christianity and religion.
In your book, you talk about discovering new things that had been hidden from your eyes before this concert. Can you elaborate on what these revelations were and how they have impacted your life since?
I didn’t know how things were going on, I think in particular on concert preparation, like concert equipment, bringing musicians to a concert, or something similar. I thought that everybody knew me, and then everything fell into hell. Nobody knows for me. This has been painful.
You describe attending a Bob Dylan concert as a way to come to heaven. For readers who may not be familiar with Bob Dylan’s music, what would you say to convince them to experience one of his concerts?
Everything is peaceful music with full heavens sweet sounds. among angels, preachers, godness, goddesses, and as Bob sing: ” Knock’ on Heaven’s Door “.
Why not take advantage of the opportunity and Why not enter ??
