Je muzika!

After a long break, Karel Markytán, one of the founding members of the still active AG Flek, comes with his second original independent album titled "Je muzika!".

Produced by Petr Vavřík, who also plays bass here, the "studio band" also includes "Fleck" guitarist Petr Hoffmann, drummer Marcel Gabriel and keyboardist Milan Nytra.  Brno singer and actor Martin Kyšperský from the band Květy and singer songwriter Eliška Lajdová from Zlín sing in duets with Karel Markytán. Other guests include Luboš Novotný on lap steel, Pavel Skopal on trumpet, the choir of Mužáci from Zlín on one song and backing vocals by Markéta Vodičková and MIchael Markytán. The album contains twelve tracks including the title single ‘Je muzika!’ (i.e. Music Is!).

The meaning of music for Karel Markytán was also reflected in the title of the recording. "The exclamation mark is to emphasise the importance of something as underrated as music! It is the most important thing next to the basic necessities of life. But not everybody knows that yet," says Karel Markytán with a smile, but at the same time he adds, "but seriously: of course it's personal, some people grow cacti, but for me, music is a way to displace problems, out of the mud. And I also wanted the title to sound cheerful, since my songs are often ‘thoughtful’."

Songwriting in its full range, from ballads to folk rock, is what is close to Karl Markytán. It is clear from his previous records, as well as from his original contribution in his current home band AG Flek. "Several authors have contributed to AG Flek's repertoire, which is why it is more colourful. The songs are mainly typical of Ivo Viktorin's melodies, unlike him, I am more of a songwriter, for me words and testimony do not come after the music," Karel Markytán reflects on his decision to record a solo album. "But I'm not at all questioning the meaning of the idea in the tune! I admit that songwriting is an inherent need for me, and after a finished album, whether my own or Flek's, I think about what to do next. That's probably what everyone who hasn't given up does. And the new album is one way of presenting it. I work on songs inconsistently, but persistently, carrying them in my head, and in bright moments of ‘sharpened perception’ the ideas mature. It takes time, I'm not a speedster and I'm only driven by ambition and the need for a message.”