Žiga Smrdel

Žiga Smrdel is a talented young drummer, composer, and band leader from Slovenia. He has been a member of various rhythm sections and has led multiple bands for many years, establishing a significant presence in both the Slovenian and international music scenes. Notably, he is associated with the bands WCKD Nation and the piano trio Mind Tree, and he has collaborated with esteemed artists like Jure Pukl, Marko Churnchetz, Denis Beganovič, Igor Matkovič, Robert Jukič, Tonč Feinig, and groups such as Vazz, Rok Zalokar Trio, and Nazzareno Zacconi Trio.

Žiga’s musical journey has been enriched by his studies under the guidance of the great jazz master Gregory Hutchinson, and he has also had the privilege of learning from renowned musicians such as Doug Hammond, Jeff “Tain“ Watts, Joe Sanders, Shai Maestro, Charles Altura, Joel Ross, and Kurt Rosenwinkel.

Žiga has received various international accolades, including the prestigious Hub for the Exchange of Music Innovation (HEMI) award, presented by the European Initiative for the Support of Artists, gold plaques at the national competition Temsig and the esteemed state award Zlata piščal (Golden Flute), awarded by the cultural-artistic association Zlata piščal for his outstanding achievements in the field of Slovene popular music.

Notably, with his jazz trio Mind Tree, Žiga earned recognition by winning the prize for best composition at the 7th Virtual Jazz Club competition. The trio has also released their first album Catharsis, which has garnered acclaim from both critics and listeners alike.