
From performing with Il Divo at iconic venues to collaborating with Yasmin Levy, I’ve built a career of over 3,000 performances, backed by a degree in Composition and Orchestration, blending classical mastery with pop, rock, and soul to create unforgettable musical moments.
With over 3,000 performances in prestigious concert halls and arenas across the Balkans, I am a seasoned composer and pianist with a unique artistic vision. I hold a University degree in Composition and Orchestration, having studied under the legendary Isidora Žebeljan—one of Serbia’s most celebrated composers, renowned internationally for her bold and distinctive musical language. My deep classical training allows me to infuse popular music with sophistication, blending genres like pop, rock, and soul with artistic depth.
I have performed on some of the most iconic stages, including Štark Arena in Belgrade, where I shared the spotlight with global stars such as Il Divo. My collaborations extend to recording and performing with internationally acclaimed artists like Yasmin Levy, and I have spent over a decade working with leading pop and rock musicians across the Balkans. My contributions to national television have further enriched my portfolio, allowing me to participate in high-profile musical projects that showcase my versatility and creativity.
In recent years, I have performed alongside the most prominent artists in my region, and you can explore my work and collaborations through my Linktree profile:
https://linktr.ee/MarkoAtanackovic
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Interview with Marko Atanackovic
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One of the projects I’m most proud of is performing as a pianist with Il Divo at the Štark Arena. It was an incredible experience to be part of such a large-scale production and to contribute to their signature sound in front of a massive audience. Another highlight was working as a pianist with Yasmin Levy, recording for several TV shows. Her unique blend of Sephardic and world music was both challenging and inspiring, and it allowed me to showcase my versatility and emotional connection to the music. Both experiences were milestones in my career, and I’m deeply proud of the artistry and collaboration they involved.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: While I appreciate the warmth and character of analog equipment, I lean toward digital for its flexibility and ease of use in the modern production process. Digital tools allow for greater precision, efficiency, and accessibility, which is essential for meeting tight deadlines and experimenting with ideas. That said, when it comes to sound quality, I have a deep respect for analog—its richness and depth are unmatched, and I often incorporate analog elements when the project calls for that organic, timeless feel.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I love most about my job is the ability to bring emotions and stories to life through music. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s vision transform into a fully realized song that resonates with listeners. I also enjoy the creative freedom and collaboration that comes with each project, as well as the constant learning and growth it brings. Music is a universal language, and being able to contribute to that is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: When working with prospective clients, I like to ask questions that help me fully understand their vision and goals. These include: What is the mood or story you want to convey with this song? Do you have any specific reference tracks or inspirations in mind? What is your timeline and budget for the project? Are there any particular instruments or styles you’d like to incorporate? How involved would you like to be in the creative process? These questions help me tailor my approach to meet their needs and ensure a smooth collaboration.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice for someone looking to hire a provider like me is to first clearly define your vision and goals for the project. Communication is key—share your ideas, inspirations, and any reference tracks to help the producer understand your style. Look for someone with a diverse skill set and experience that aligns with your needs, and don’t hesitate to ask for samples of their previous work. Finally, choose someone who not only has the technical expertise but also values collaboration and is passionate about bringing your vision to life.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: If I were on a desert island and could take just five pieces of gear, I’d bring a concert grand piano—it’s my ultimate instrument and the heart of my music.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: My career path has been shaped by over 20 years of diverse musical experiences. It began with classical training, including studying under the late Isidora Žebeljan, which gave me a strong foundation in composition and orchestration. Over time, I expanded into pop, rock, funk, and soul, working with renowned artists like Il Divo and Yasmin Levy, as well as recording in professional studio environments. This blend of classical and contemporary influences has allowed me to develop a versatile and dynamic approach to music production and performance.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is a unique blend of classical and contemporary influences. Having studied under the late Isidora Žebeljan, I bring a strong foundation in classical music, which informs my attention to detail and emotional depth. Combined with over 20 years of experience in pop, rock, funk, and soul, I create music that is both sophisticated and accessible, bridging the gap between timeless elegance and modern energy.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Seal because of his incredibly distinctive and emotive voice. His ability to convey deep emotion through his vocal delivery is inspiring, and I believe his unique tone would pair beautifully with my orchestral and piano-driven style. Collaborating with him would be an opportunity to create something truly powerful and memorable.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: One key music production tip is to always prioritize the emotional core of the song. Start by identifying the mood or story you want to convey, and let that guide your decisions on arrangement, instrumentation, and dynamics. Sometimes, less is more—focus on creating space for the most impactful elements to shine, whether it’s a vocal, a piano melody, or a specific instrumental moment. This approach ensures the production supports the song’s essence rather than overwhelming it.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on orchestral music, often centered around piano and vocals. My projects frequently involve creating rich, layered arrangements that highlight the piano as a central element while seamlessly integrating vocals and other orchestral instruments to build a dynamic and emotional soundscape.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: After more than 20 years of working with clients, my strongest skill is understanding their needs first and then translating their vision into a fully realized musical piece. Whether it’s through thoughtful arrangement, dynamic production, or emotional performance, I focus on creating music that resonates deeply and meets their goals.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: What I bring to a song is a blend of technical expertise and creative intuition. With my background as a producer and pianist, I focus on crafting arrangements that highlight the emotion and essence of the melody and lyrics. I aim to enhance the song’s dynamics, add depth through thoughtful instrumentation, and ensure the final production is polished and engaging. My goal is to bring out the best in every song while staying true to the artist’s vision.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My typical work process starts with understanding the client’s vision and goals for the project. I review any existing materials, such as lyrics, melodies, or rough demos, and then create a detailed arrangement plan. Next, I compose and record instrumental tracks, focusing on capturing the right mood and energy. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with the client to ensure their input is incorporated. Finally, I handle mixing and mastering to deliver a polished, professional final product.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Logic Pro, Nord Stage 3
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Keith Jarret, Bill Evans, Sergei Rachmaninof, Debussy, Ravel
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The most common type of work I do for my clients includes arranging, producing, and recording instrumental tracks tailored to their songs. I specialize in creating polished, professional compositions that enhance the melody and lyrics, whether for solo artists, bands, or specific projects like children’s music. Additionally, I handle mixing and mastering to ensure the final product is radio-ready and emotionally impactful.

I was the Composer, arranger in this production
- PianoAverage price - $100 per song
- Composer OrchestralAverage price - $200 per song
- Film ComposerAverage price - $200 per minute
- Pop-Rock ArrangerAverage price - $200 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $100 per song
- EditingAverage price - $75 per track
- ProducerAverage price - $400 per song
- Nord Stage 3