Díky, včely

Kvietah shows how to sing about current issues and not be vulgar on the new album Díky, včely (Thanks, bees). The second and diverse album of the author and singer Kvietah is here. The record Díky, včely (Thanks, bees) dances between styles and offers a new Kvietah, glossing over the present and telling powerful stories. Ten indie pop songs do not hesitate to invite their older siblings - rock and folk - to an epic party. Kvietah expressed a unique generation statement in collaboration with producer Nikola Šolaja.

Kvietah released her debut album Hejno černejch koček (A bunch of black cats) in 2022 and immediately established herself as one of the most talented singer-songwriters on the scene. However, the new album is different. “The current album is more about external influences that have somehow mixed with my personal situations,” explains Kvietah. She adds, “Hejno černejch koček (A bunch of black cats) was much more focused on my relationships and feelings, especially because of the COVID period during its creation. In the Díky, včely (Thanks, bees) album, themes like the war in Ukraine reappear in songs like Herojam sláva and Mami. It also explores modern relationship dynamics I observe in myself and around me—such as the effort to understand one another and the feeling of being rejected by society for one’s differences. For instance, the song MPJ tells the story of an activist for transgender rights and her best friend, Sylvia Rivera.”

But the themes of the songs aren’t the only changes. Collaborating with producer Nikola Šolaja on the final sound—a process that shaped 9 out of the 10 tracks—took almost a year. And as Kvietah confirms, it was a meaningful collab: “I’m a maximalist, so I approached the song arrangements with that mindset. Nikola reined me in a bit, sometimes removing layers of sound, but he also added some very surprising instruments and colors, allowing his creativity to flow.” The only exeption on the album is the song Herojam sláva, which was produced by Honza Skorunka. “Honza really put his own touch on it. I knew that the track would suit him, so I reached out to him specifically. He turned it into a harder rock sound, which I’m super excited about. I think on the new album, Nikola, Honza, and I have balanced the music and lyrics equally.”

Another change is also the new band lineup. “I play keyboards on nearly all of the new tracks. I love playing and singing simultaneously and being an active part of the band, both as a performer and an instrumentalist.” The recording took place at Golden Hive Studio, where the current lineup was also established. Besides Honza Skorunek, who took on the guitar, Štěpán Bína played the drums.

Mastering of the album was done by Michal Šťastný, photographs were shot by Kristyna Černá and Šárka Blažková took care of the graphics.

BIO Kvietah:

Magdalena Fendrychová aka Kvietah is a singer-songwriter from Prague. She writes songs in various genres; sometimes they’re more rock-oriented, sometimes more pop, and some could be classified as world music. In her lyrics, Magdalena uses scenes from everyday life to describe a range of emotions

She is currently studying pop composing on Prague Conservatory and also does orchestration and production. She co-produced the upcoming album of the musician Dvojhlavej kluk.

Kvietah is currently performing with a band that includes guitarist, composer, and producer Honza Skorunek, drummer Štěpán Bína (The Silver Spoons), and bassist Giulia Amerighi (Kráľová music).