Did you think about a concept before you started writing songs for the album?
Not exactly. It’s not in fashion. And I also think that for a concept album it is necessary to have one lyricist who will come up with a theme and combine the songs. This is how our first trilogy was created, which consists of the albums Holidays on Earth …, Streets and Laboratoř.
–
But we had a musician concept. We said we were going to record a hard rock record. That was the only task I had when writing the songs.
–
Olympic has always been a rock band. What exactly did the term hard rock record mean to you?
We used elements from metal, punk and hard rock and tried to completely displace rockpop the way we played it in the past.
–
There are several distinctive rock riffs on the album. Many have been invented in the history of music. Is it hard to come up with a new one?
It occurs to me that the well is not yet completely depleted. In addition, there is the path chosen by AC / DC. Their newer riffs resemble the older ones, but they’re still good.
–
Do you still have enough ideas for songs?
Surprisingly, yes. For the new album, I submitted seventeen songs, from which eleven were selected. I leave the choice to the other guys from the band. I’ll just make them an offer.
–
But honestly, I have to say that sometimes it happens to me that I worry for a week before I put something down. But then I will write, for example, three songs in three days. I believe that I will have enough ideas for the next record.
–
Why don’t the others from the band also compose?
This is more of a question for them. I always challenge them to compose, but usually no one brings anything. I don’t know what it is. Maybe they cough it up, or they are convinced that my ideas will be enough for the whole record.
–
In the spring, keyboardist Pavel Březina joined the band. Did the sound of Kaťata’s album affect it in any way?
Definitely yes, and quite a lot. Over the years, so-called counter-melodies, finishes and keyboard wins have appeared on our record. He also used a wider audio register of his instrument than we were used to. In addition, he is a great singer in high positions, which also helped us significantly.
–
Petr Janda says in the song Pádím that if he wants to prove something else, he should add.
Photo: Supraphon / Michal Matyáš
Is there new energy in the band now?
I feel amazing energy and taste. In recent years, there has been some fatigue in Olympics. However, the arrival of Pavel Březina kicked us positively. We have about ten concerts and I really enjoyed them all. Too bad he can’t play.
–
Your voice is now extremely mature, firm and confident …
Everyone noticed, except me. Only when I listened to the album in peace did I have to admit that they were right. For example, I sing the song I burn my face in an unusually clean voice with such a nice vibrator that it surprised me.
–
I realized that I had made a mistake when I started singing as a boy and I didn’t take it seriously, so I didn’t take at least a few lessons from an experienced singing teacher. I worked with my voice as a self-taught person for almost sixty years. Only then did I find out.
–
Did you find a teacher?
He didn’t find it, but I learned what he would prescribe for me. For the last four years, for example, I’ve been able to sing quietly, which is unbelievable.
–
With a bit of exaggeration, I would say that my career as a singer actually started thirteen years ago, when I quit smoking. Until then, I was a little worried on records and concerts. Then it started to improve and I would say I’m at a stage where it’s still improving. But it will not last forever.
–
In the final song I don’t have a pair, but in a deep chanson voice I mostly tell. I wanted the audience to notice that I had more registers. The text touches on my nightmares, which have accompanied me for years.
–
How do they manifest themselves?
The last time it happened that when they entered my dream, I fell out of bed and had a huge monocle near my eye. I’ve been sleeping alone for about two years now, because I’m kicking, beating and screaming around me in my sleep.
–
Bass player Milan Broum and singer and guitarist Petr Janda.
Photo: Jan Handrejch, Law
Is there anything you can do about it?
I consulted with experts who offered me various solutions, including surgery. In the end, however, they agreed that it would be best to let it be.
–
Which songs from the album are important to you?
I’m taking me down. I realize that if I want to prove anything else, I should add, because my time is running out. Hej’s song is about sitting at home in the evening and I would like to have a beer with a friend. I’ll call one, but he’s not home, as well as more and more. In the end, I don’t go anywhere and I open the bottle. I experienced it several times and it was a topic for me for the text. In general, I talk to the lyricists about what the songs should be about.
–
How do you put up with the fact that Olympic isn’t performing now?
I hate it badly. At least I play at home. I play the album Kaťata from start to finish and I play and sing about it. It’s actually such a rehearsal, because in the band we are inclined to play all the songs from the album at concerts. I’m really looking forward to the concerts.
—
