Karol Komenda | Interview | New 45, ‘Problém’
Karol Komenda has been prominently featured in recent years as part of Ben Cristovao’s backing band. However, in late 2023, he paused his ongoing projects to produce a new single for the vinyl label Memory Records Prague.
“This is our first-ever original soul music production. It will be a new series of limited 45 vinyl records that we are going to release, along with soul covers. The main aim is to support like-minded artists living in the Czech Republic and introduce their music to our foreign audience,” adds the manager of the label, Milan Dedera.
The new song ‘Problém’ was entirely recorded and produced by Karol Komenda, inspired by his favorite multi-instrumentalist, Prince. He not only played all the instruments, from bass to drums, but also composed both the music and lyrics. The track captures the retro sound of the sixties, blending elements of soul, blues, and rock. Besides the vocal version, the vinyl single will include an instrumental version featuring a prominent fuzzy guitar solo that separates the first and second parts of the song.
You’ve ventured into the realm of soul music with your latest single ‘Problém.’ What drew you to this genre, and how do you feel it aligns with your artistic vision?
Karol Komenda: Thank you. I have always liked this genre. I think it often overlaps with rock and blues, which are very close to me. I definitely want to write something similar in the future. In fact, I’d like it to be even more soulful.
‘Problém’ marks your return to recording in your native language after some time. How did this linguistic shift impact your creative process, especially considering your recent work in English with the EP ‘I’m The Man?’
I like the EP ‘I’m The Man,’ but I have to admit that I’ve started to enjoy writing in my native language more. It feels more natural to me, and I plan to continue doing so for a while.
Collaborating with Memory Records Prague seems to be a recurring theme in your career. What is it about this label and its approach to soul music that keeps you coming back for more?
It’s mainly about the friendship with Milan and Oscar. In the past, I used to play with a band in their club, and recording the single ‘Problém’ was a lot of fun!
In ‘Problém,’ you’ve taken on the role of a true multi-instrumentalist, recording everything from bass to drums. Can you share some insights into your recording process and how you manage to maintain cohesion across all these elements?
The first thing that came to mind was the opening riff. I bought a new Telecaster, and that riff came with the guitar. I put it on a loop in Logic and came up with the final solo build-up passage at the end of the song. Then I thought of how the verse could look. I think I changed the chorus twice. I made only small changes to the melody of the vocals and the chords. The subsequent bridge came together naturally. Being able to play all the instruments fulfilled a dream of mine, and I’d love to do it again sometime.
The retro sound of the sixties shines through in ‘Problém,’ blending soul, blues, and rock seamlessly. What inspired you to channel this era, and how do you ensure your music remains fresh and relevant in today’s music landscape?
Thank you, I’m glad it feels fresh. I tried to blend different genres in the song, but the final sound was meant to be more retro soul. I think we managed to achieve that. I was inspired by the music I’ve been listening to since I was a child, mainly thanks to my dad, who also plays guitar. He would play me all the rock and blues classics, and gradually I started listening to more black music like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Richie Kotzen, etc.
Your instrumental prowess, particularly showcased in the fuzzy guitar solo of “Problem,” harkens back to legends like Prince. How do you approach crafting a solo that not only stands out but also complements the overall narrative of the song?
As I mentioned, I wrote the solo first. I knew roughly note by note how it should look, and I really enjoyed that build-up. I like songs where there is chaos, anarchy, and energy at the end.
‘Problém’ will be released on limited 7” vinyl, joining a series of records aimed at promoting Czech-based soul artists to a global audience. What impact do you hope this initiative will have on the perception of Czech music internationally?
It’s great that people like me can present their music abroad. This is definitely thanks to Memory Records Prague, for which I am grateful. As an artist, all I have to do is write music and hope that the listeners will like it.
Reflecting on your journey thus far, from collaborating with Czech superstar Ben Cristovao to now releasing your own original soul music, how do you see your musical identity evolving, and what aspirations do you hold for the future?
I definitely want to continue working with Benny. It’s a great learning experience. I’m learning to appreciate different styles and I’d like to incorporate them into my own work. Currently, I am slowly working on a Slovak album.
Lastly, if you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, in the creation of your next project, who would it be and why?
It would be great to come up with something with Ben. We could play it at our joint concerts. I would also love to write something with someone like Jana Kirschner, who is my favorite among Slovak artists.
As a final note, what message or emotion do you hope listeners take away from “Problem,” and how do you envision it resonating with audiences, both locally and abroad?
I think many people can relate to the song. It’s about how we often try to find problems in other things or people but forget to look at ourselves. That’s why in the chorus, I sing about myself. Maybe it’s not immediately clear, but the whole song is about me.
Klemen Breznikar
Karol Komenda Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp / YouTube
Memory Records Prague Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
