What was life like for you before you got into music?
I was definitely chasing the rainbow and had been restless. I got into tattooing at the age of 20 and built my life around it. I left my homeland, the Czech Republic, and lived in 4 different countries, searching for the answers.
Music always made sense to me. It looks like I always had the answers, I was just scared to face it and to allow my biggest dream and passion to come true. But here we finally are!
What’s the live music scene like in London right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The music scene in London is friendly and kind, in my experience. My bubble involves indie folk and alt-rock artists, from the Flyte community to Gang of Youths. We support each other and maintain a vital sense of community, which is so important.
One of my favourite things about London is that you truly can find your people. For example, the brilliant musician Elanor Moss hosts a song circle for musicians. We meet up at our homes, play new material and talk.
Another fantastic musicians and friends are Chloe Foy and Neirra Creek, I’m such a big fan!
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I do struggle a bit, to be honest. I barely can keep up with my tattoo career, and the pressure of being an “influencer” to get the exposure I need to get clients. On the other hand, I think it’s brilliant to have this accessible platform to try our luck and make it work. That means we can finally push aside certain gatekeepers on the music side.
Thanks to social media I’m able to be an independent tattoo artist and reach more people with my music. I think so many musicians thrive thanks to the accessible exposure.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I do everything DIY, which is really fun and challenging. I try to stay authentic to myself, which is really important to me. I don’t want to get swept up by the trends, but being cringy is sometimes essential! I think the key is to stop comparing yourself to others, be open to getting inspired, and do what feels right.
What’s your view on the music industry today?
The music industry is certainly changing. Some changes are positive and some unfortunately negative. It seems the main focus is on numbers and streaming rather than the actual music, and unfortunately the outcome is very mainstream and safe-like. We need more room for quirky, authentic artists who are pushing the boundaries of music and exploring further with their way of expressing.
The music industry needs to give chances to musicians with potential and talent, not only based on numbers and what would sell. Also, they need to help create an environment and conditions for musicians to actually financially and mentally survive within their early days.
The industry should be a tastemaker, able to introduce new directions of music rather than feeding the “demand” of listeners. It is a vicious circle, unfortunately.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
As an independent female musician, I consider myself very lucky to have been able to build a strong network around me through tattooing. I like being independent as my support bubble is incredible, but I think I’ve reached the point where I should look for some indie label to help me on my journey to expand. No man is an island and I think it’s healthy to admit that it truly takes a whole team to make it!
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Definitely to try to stop seeking validation and proving yourself during the whole process of songwriting and recording. You already have your own unique voice and ability to create what you’re meant to. Trust the growth down the line and the timing.
What was your best experience on stage?
Probably when I performed at The St. Pancras Old Church. I covered the song Free from Florence + the Machine. I felt the pull of music and I knew in my bones that I have to play gigs and perform or I’ll perish. It was magical!
What was your worst experience on stage?
I played for a room full of musicians and songwriters, it was a song circle night. The piano I played was used by someone else before me and they changed the setting, so I played two octaves lower and didn’t notice for the whole verse. I was pretty nervous, but it happens!
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I’m secretly passionate about knitting and yarn spinning, very boring I know. My retirement dream is to have a farm with sheep and alpacas to make fully DIY wool. Also, I’m secretly working on my embroidered clothing brand.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
My new single Side By Side holds space for grief and acceptance, whilst being present and freezing every moment as much as you can. I’ve got two more songs ready to release soon. One is the rockiest song I’ve made so far and the second one is pretty ethereal and melancholic. I’ve had the best time recording these songs. I can’t wait to release them!
What was the recording process like?
It was magic. I’ve collaborated with my dear friends Jung and Dom from the band Gang of Youths. We recorded the instruments and vocals all together fully live at RAK Studios, with only a few takes, to keep the essence of realness and liveliness. The main focus was to let the song be what it needs to be without overproduction.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Trust the process. I’ve learned to allow the songs to evolve and change. Side By Side went through a full circle from a happier version to more obscure, to finally finding its bittersweet and final essence. Another big one for me was dropping perfectionism and my ego, and focusing purely on the music. The lyrics always come first.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I would, but I’m glad I can’t! Because that’s where the magic lives. I’ve learned from tattooing, which is another permanent form of art, to let it be what it is in the moment. Once it’s done, it’s done, you can’t change it, and that’s the whole point. Recorded songs and tattoos capture where we are at that moment. Once they are done and released, we naturally grow and evolve as artists, hence why all of our past work doesn’t feel current. That’s why we keep creating, to keep capturing the new versions of ourselves, our new stories, etc.
Certainly, if a second chance was given to redo a tattoo or a song, I would do some things differently, that’s the learning curve. But I’ve learned to be fully present and give everything I have in the moment and then be at peace with it once you have to move on. Letting go is hard, but you have to trust that what you gave to the song in that moment and time makes sense.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Go and search for the music your heart desires. I feel like we got too comfortable and mainly listen to music that has been served to us. Go out there and scout for your new favourite artist and show up for them, it is vital!
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