Viktorie Surmová: hard Czech folklore finding its place on the Czech music scene

Metal singer Viktorie Surmová is setting out on a path with her new project that is still far from commonplace on the Czech scene. She strips traditional folk songs of their "schoolbook" layers, wraps them in a modern sound, and gives them new energy without losing their essence. In the interview, she talks about searching for her own musical language, her relationship to roots, the thin line between respect for tradition and personal interpretation, and why folklore should not remain only a thing of the past. While a similar approach is common abroad, in the Czech environment it is still more of a rarity.

Most listeners know you primarily from the metal and symphonic scene. What led you to decide to devote yourself to a solo project based on Czech folk songs?

I've been carrying this idea in my head for almost five years, but for a long time I couldn't find the right producer who would dare to take on such a project. That only worked out now thanks to Igor Ochepovský. So the whole idea had a long development, and I think I was also led to it by the musical influence of neighboring countries, where modernizing folk songs is completely normal.

Why did you choose folk songs specifically? Was it more a natural continuation of personal roots, or a conscious artistic challenge?

Probably a bit of both. :) Honestly, it saddened me how in other cultures people are proud of their roots, their music and traditions, while here—apart from Moravia—those traditions are rather disappearing. Losing the traditions of our ancestors is like losing a part of ourselves.

In your arrangements you often work with minor keys, which give the songs a more melancholic and emotional character. Is that a deliberate way to give folk songs a "stronger voice" for today's listener?

Yes, minor keys are more pleasing and singable for listeners. At least that's how Igor and I perceive it. It's not so much about giving the songs a "stronger voice," but rather that it works better for us personally as musicians.

How do you balance respect for the original form of the songs with your own interpretation when arranging them? Are folk songs more of a solid foundation for you, or free material for further storytelling?

That line is very thin, and we are well aware of it. We would never want to trample on our culture and traditions in any way. So we work with a solid foundation and "dance" around it with a more modern sound, so that folk songs can get closer to today's listener.

Do you think Czech folk songs are today unfairly perceived as something outdated or "school-like"? How would you introduce them to people who haven't found their way to them yet?

I'm afraid so. I taught at an elementary school and could sense from my students that folk songs were something that didn't interest them at all, because they had no relationship to them. They weren't the "bangers" from radio and TikTok. They simply don't have a modern interpretation, and that's why they don't feel close to them.

Do you see any connection between metal music and folklore? Can the energy and emotionality of these genres be naturally combined in your opinion?

Definitely yes. There are many metal bands all over the world that work with folklore. An example is the band TÝR and other artists from this genre.

Your project also includes a personal dimension—family, roots, a relationship to traditions. How important is authenticity to you in this type of music?

Folk music and authenticity are, in my opinion, very closely connected. I have always been proud of my family and my roots, and I think authenticity naturally grows out of that. I would wish that others could feel this pride as well. It's beautiful to be proud of your culture, family, and traditions. It's not always easy, but that already leads us into topics that don't belong in music or in this interview.

What would you like listeners to take away from your folk songs? Is it emotion, a story, or perhaps a new perspective on their own cultural roots?

I would like cultural pride to awaken in people—to help them connect and come closer together through music.

We thank Viktorie Surmová for the open and inspiring interview. We appreciate her courage to seek her own path, to connect heavier musical worlds with Czech roots, and to give folk songs a voice that still has something to say today. We wish her plenty of energy, powerful moments, and listeners who aren't afraid to go all in with music.

Rebel Sound Editorial Team  🖤🤘