Marek Rakovicky is a singer-songwriter and producer hailing from Bratislava, Slovakia. He found solace and an outlet for expression in music at a young age, utilizing writing as a tool for articulating the deepest parts of his emotional world. As the lead singer of the bands RAKOVICKY and LAVAGANCE, he has been captivating audiences with his emotive lyrics and dynamic live performances. Rakovicky's music is a blend of pop, folk, rock and electronic elements, creating a unique and personal sound that reflects the complexity of human emotions.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey RAKOVICKY, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Growing up in a tough neighborhood, the streets often felt gray and the future seemed bleak. But then I discovered music, and it was like a whole new world opened up to me. I found that I could lose myself in the rhythms and melodies, and forget about all the troubles and worries of my daily life. Music became a source of light in the darkness, a way to escape the monotony of my surroundings and enter into a more kind and inspiring world.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
Well, my favorite part about being a musician is definitely the creative process. There's something really special about being able to take an idea or emotion and turn it into something tangible that others can hear and connect with. Seeing a song come together from start to finish, and then being able to share it with others, is one of the most rewarding experiences I can think of.
On the flip side, my least favorite part about being a musician is probably the constant pressure to perform and deliver. There's always the expectation to come up with something new and fresh, to keep pushing the boundaries of what people expect from you as an artist. And while that can be exciting, it can also be exhausting and stressful at times. There's always the fear of not living up to expectations, of letting down your fans and yourself. But at the end of the day, it's all worth it for the joy and connection that music brings.
Your latest song is 'GHOST TOWN'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
The track talks about the human experience of feeling lost and disconnected, portraying a place where people are frozen and the only truth is emptiness. It was composed before the war in Ukraine, but after the war started, it gained even more weight and significance. The feeling of a 'ghost town' took on a new meaning as we saw firsthand the devastating impact that war can have on a community. The creation of this song was a deeply emotional and introspective process, as we tried to capture the feelings of despair and hopelessness that can arise in the face of such adversity. While there were no unusual things that happened during the song's creation, it was certainly a challenging and cathartic experience, and one that I'm proud to have been a part of.
How do you differ from most other artists?
I think what sets me apart from other artists is my willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in my music. I believe that the best art comes from a place of honesty and openness, and I try to reflect that in everything I create. I also draw inspiration from a wide variety of genres and styles, which I think gives my music a unique and diverse sound. Although I'm not saying that other artists are not honest, though.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I'm originally from Bratislava, Slovakia, currently living in Austria near the Slovak border. I have a stable home here, but I also love to travel and explore new places. As a musician, traveling is an essential part of my work, and I'm always excited to discover new cities and cultures. That being said, I also value having a stable and familiar home base to return to, and I find that it helps me stay grounded and connected to my roots. So, in short, while I do enjoy traveling, I also appreciate the stability and comfort of having a home to come back to.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
As a musician, it's difficult to put my music into a single genre or category. My style is an amalgamation of my diverse musical influences and eclectic tastes. I would describe my sound as a fusion of indie pop, rock, and electronic music, blended with the twang of country tremolo guitars and the immersive feel of cinematic vibes. I aim to create music that is both innovative and emotionally impactful, incorporating a range of sounds and textures to construct a unique sonic universe. My goal is to constantly push the boundaries of my sound and continue to evolve as an artist. Overall, I believe my music reflects who I am as a person, and I'm excited to see where my musical journey takes me in the future.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
To nurture my creativity, I balance my studio work as a music producer and mixing engineer with activities that offer contrast. I practice Muay Thai to recharge my energy, and I often find inspiration for new songs while on vacations away from home.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I've been fortunate enough to open twice for Depeche Mode and Duran Duran with my band Lavagance. If I could choose anyone to open for now, it would be someone like Lana Del Rey. I saw her in Chicago in 2014 and have been a fan ever since.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
As a musician, I'm fortunate enough to work with an incredibly talented producer and band member, Oliver Fillner, who shares my vision and passion for music. We collaborate seamlessly and complement each other's strengths, which allows us to create something truly unique and special. While I'm always open to collaborating with other artists, I feel that my current partnership with Oliver is ideal and allows us to create the best music possible.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I plan to keep creating new music, producing videos, and pushing myself creatively. And who knows, maybe one day my dream comes true and I win a Grammy. Haha. But for now, my focus is on working hard and putting my heart and soul into my music.