Josie Dropout is a Kresimirian pop boyband formed in Sinj in 2010. Composed of four members from prominent families in the capital’s elite, the group is currently the single most popular musical act among teenagers and young adults in the Divine Republic.
Managed by Starskard’s Skyline Audio label, the band represents the polished, consumerist face of modern Kresimirian culture. With their high-production music videos, carefully curated fashion styles, and non-controversial lyrics about romance and luxury, they are favored by the Council for Education as “ideal role models” for the youth, serving as a safe alternative to the rebellious rock music of the north.
They are the most streamed artists on the KresiX music platform, and their fanbase, known as “The Dropouts,” is a dominant force on the domestic Kresinet social media.
History
Formation (2010)
The group was formed in 2010 at the exclusive Sinj National Academy, a private preparatory school attended by the children of the political and business elite. The founding members—Niko Vlasic, Teo Kovac, Luka Zima, and Davor B.—originally performed as a cover band at debutante balls in the capital’s “Gold District.”
They were discovered by the music mogul Starskard, who was looking for a pop act to launch the teen division of his Skyline Audio label. Starskard reportedly signed them immediately, recognizing that their wealthy backgrounds and “classic Sinj looks” would appeal to the aspirations of the middle class.
The Breakthrough (2011–2015)
Their debut single, Text Me via Protocol (2011), was a massive hit, blending catchy synth-pop with lyrics that subtly promoted the new digital infrastructure of the time.
Between 2012 and 2015, the band released three platinum albums. They became the faces of the “New Sinj” aesthetic—young, wealthy, and technologically savvy. During the 2014 Sprodvice Earthquakes, the band participated in the “Unity Concert” in Sinj, raising funds for reconstruction (though critics noted they did not visit the disaster zone itself).
The Mature Era (2016–Present)
As the members entered their late 20s, the band’s sound matured into soft rock and power ballads. Frontman Niko Vlasic began a parallel career as a fashion icon, frequently appearing on the cover of Style of the Republic magazine wearing avant-garde suits designed in Novi Otonik.
Frontman Niko Vlasic’s status as a fashion icon was solidified by his collaboration with photographer Rijad Turk for the 2018 Oblikav campaign. Turk’s portraits of Vlasic are considered the most reproduced images in Kresimirian pop culture history.
Vlasic in the Oblikav campaign.
Despite rumors of a hiatus, the group renewed their contract with Skyline Audio in 2020 for a reported â‚50 million, the largest record deal in Kresimirian history.
Members
The band’s lineup has remained consistent since 2010.
- Niko Vlasic (Lead Vocals): The charismatic frontman and “heartthrob” of the group. He is the son of Goran Vlasic, the CEO of YakaSys, making him a scion of the tech nobility.
- Luka Zima (Guitar/Vocals): The “musical architect” of the band. He is the great-grandson of former Chief State Councillor Petar Zima (and therefore a distant cousin of Skarskard’s wife, Elena Zima).
- Teo Kovac (Bass/Vocals): Known as the “rebel” of the group, though his rebelliousness is strictly aesthetic (tattoos and unbuttoned shirts) rather than political.
- Davor B. (Keyboards/Vocals): The quietest member, known for his producing skills.
Cultural Impact and Criticism
“The Sinj Bubble”
Josie Dropout is frequently criticized by northern media outlets like Northfocus and bands like The Black Lungs for representing the “Sinj Bubble.” Their music videos often feature speedboats on the Kambel River or parties in high-rise penthouses, a lifestyle unattainable for the average citizen in Viskogorje or Moraviskameja.
Accusations of Nepotism
The band is often cited as the ultimate example of Kresimirian nepotism. Critics argue that their success was guaranteed by their family connections to YakaSys and the CIA, which ensured their songs received priority placement on state radio and streaming algorithms.
Support from the State
The Council for Education has officially endorsed the band. In 2018, the Council’s “Youth Guidance” report listed Josie Dropout as “an exemplary cultural product that promotes joy, wealth, and stability.”
Discography
- First Class (2011)
- Capital Dreams (2013)
- Protocol of Love (2015)
- Midnight on the Kambel (2018)
- Velvet Youth (2022)