Dani Slovak is a singer/songwriter/producer based in London and Prague - a trained medical doctor, planning to specialise in psychiatry, he knows how to talk about complex topics, issues, and emotions lots of people would like to discuss and open up about but don't necessarily possess the skill to verbalise. Dani transfers this ability into music and art. His path to music was very random; not coming from a creative, nor very supportive environment, he didn’t know he could sing until summer of 2018. Apart from writing and producing, Dani is now mixing his songs! Receiving professional guidance from an engineer Mike Dwyer, who has mixed for the likes of Shawn Mendes and The Lumineers, Dani made this song from scratch to the finished product all by himself.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Dani Slovak. What made you want to become a musician?
Growing up I always craved connection; music always provided that for me when no one or nothing else would and I knew I wanted to one day be able to do just that.
Who helped you most in your musical journey?
I'm not sure. To be completely honest, I think I have always had to fend for myself, so no one comes to mind. If I by any chance I forgot about someone, I do honestly apologise, but as I'm answering I cannot think of anyone, but if someone has I will acknowledge them at the next opportunity I'd have. However, I should thank life and universe for everything, probably.
Your latest release is 'Like a Dream'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I woke up from a nap thinking my grandmother had died and then I couldn't get a hold of her for an hour. While I waited, I sat down, recorded the first melody and words that came to mind for instagram - it's the opening chorus of the song - I recorded them only to a metronome and added the piano later. I really loved the lyrics and how raw and still clear and on pitch the vocals sounded so I kept them in the song and built the track around it.
What social issues are you most passionate about?
Accessible, affordable, subsidized healthcare; Mental health, well-being; Patriarchy; oppression of minorities; low-income countries exploitation. The list goes on. I'm a doctor and belong to a minority myself, so these are particularly important to me.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
I don't, tbh, haha. But I use Spotify for new music discovery. I am self taught, so I just do what I love and it's an honour when someone appreciates or connects with it.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Always, but they are not that hidden. Any literary soul will always get them. In this track for example there is a line "In Search of Lost Time" - it's specifically written in this way and references Marcel Proust, his other piece of work and one particular scene when the character realises their grandmother is truly gone. And that is the theme of this song. This came very naturally to me, that's how I write - as I was writing the song, these words subconsciously came out of me and then I thought, 'why is my mind saying this' and then I remembered one of his books and this scene and I was like 'aaaah, that's why my mind is saying this'. I literally write the first thing that comes to mind not questioning it because I know my subconsciousness knows very well what I want to convey in a song.
What’s an average day like for you?
If I wake up on time and not screaming that I overslept, I get up, take a leak, have a strong strong coffee, do my skincare, head to work, meditate and work. After work I go for CrossFit, but I am recovering from an injury so I am currently in a lot of chronic pain and I cannot physically bend over or touch my knees, so I am trying to do it to my best ability. Then I just eat something and sleep. On weekends I make music and catch up with friends and family. I read, listen to audiobooks and a lot of music. I've been spending quite a lot of time alone lately; I found out I am quite naturally introverted. However, to be fair, when I am manic, which is fairly often, my whole personality and activities shift. So my days are like rollercoasters I would say - comprised of planned ups and downs.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I shitpost on Instagram and I have no social filter, so like that, I would say. I am the type of person you would meet at a dive bar, or a street and could approach and instantly connect with, and talk about anything. I'm not really sure I have fans, and if I do I am not aware of it, but if I do, I am eternally grateful and humbled that someone connects with my music. OMG, but I have received a fan mail for the first time, because I therapise people all the time I have an email address in my Spotify bio stating that if they need someone to talk to, I'm more than happy to lend an ear. Anyway, someone wrote me a very nice email and I was very very moved and I thanked them for their lovely message and support.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Don't. You gotta do you. If you are doing someone else, who will do you? Everyone is so unique, it's incredible and the world will be a better place if your pure positive unique self gets to shine. My path is very specific and I couldn't really summarise nor recommend it. I try to feel good every day and it's my only priority - and I trust by doing so I can make someone else feel a little better as well (but of course I cannot create your experience for you, only you have that power). So my only advice would be, be good to yourself and enjoy the deliciousness of your life experience and know that things are always working out for you no matter the circumstances or you not being able to recognise it in your physical form.
What are your plans for the future?
I will feel good. I will do the things I love doing and music is the thing I love the most and I will look for opportunities to appreciate this crazy, yet great life of mine. I love helping and making music for other people and I don't mind doing it in the background and staying in obscurity. I want to get better at producing and mixing, I will start accepting gig offers and I will have fun. I love doing "art therapy" on artists, I follow the teaching of my psychiatry professor from school, so I will be doing that. I will simply enjoy.