Vojtaano: I only do what I enjoy, I try to keep pushing it forward, but at the same time I don’t force things.

Vojtaano, whose real name is Vojtěch Záveský and whom fans know under his pseudonym Vojtaano, is one of the distinctive figures on the Czech scene. He works as a singer-songwriter, actor, and stand-up comedian, and in his work he combines music with exaggeration, a unique sense of humor, and authentic lyrics.

At a time when sincerity in music is often hidden behind stylization or irony, he comes with the album Šťastnej, which doesn't pretend to be anything else. It's not a pose or a play with words, but a direct statement of a period in which he has his life in order and can rely on what truly matters to him.

In the following interview, we return to how the album was created, where Vojtaano draws his inspiration from, how he selected his guests, and what it means to him to be "happy" in everyday life.

Why is the new album called Šťastnej Is it irony, or are you really at a point in life where nothing is missing?

Right now, I honestly don't feel like I'm missing anything at all, and I realize that's a rare state. I wanted to write about it while it lasts. I want to remember this period forever.

Based on some of the song titles, the album feels quite "family-oriented." Is that true?

I always write based on what I'm currently living through, but I don't overthink it. When I look back, you can clearly tell from the themes what I was going through. And listening to the new album now, it really is a lot about family. It makes sense — family comes first for me.

In what other ways is this album different from your previous work? Did you try something new?

For the first time, I'm singing lyrics I didn't write. For the song Máma je nejvíc with Ester Kočičková, I composed the music, but Ester wrote the lyrics entirely herself. I usually insist on authenticity and only sing lyrics that truly come from my soul, so I don't let others into that process. But Ester decided to write it anyway — and since it was perfect, I didn't argue.

Where do you get inspiration for your lyrics? Do you eavesdrop on people in pubs, or is it all from your own head?

I don't go to pubs — in fact, I don't really go out among people at all. I mostly see close friends. My main contact with people is at concerts, and that's enough. The lyrics are largely based on my own experiences, but sometimes I step into topics my friends are dealing with, or things resonating in society.

Which song was the hardest to write? And which was the easiest?

Writing lyrics itself isn't hard. The hard part is finding the right theme, story, and point. Once I know what it's about, it flows naturally. Rhymes just come, and then I play with the dynamics and rhythm of the words.

You play a lot with words on this album. Is there a line or rhyme you're especially proud of?

I'm not particularly proud of any specific line, but I like this one: "Now I'm not afraid of anything, anything that used to scream, my forehead doesn't sweat anymore…" It's from the song Mířím nahoru, produced by Josef Mikulka.

Did you leave any song off the album because it felt "too personal" or maybe too wild?

No. I don't plan the overall concept in advance — I just write song by song, whatever I feel like. Based on the lyrics, I choose the genre — whether it stays guitar-based or goes more electronic. That's how I enjoy it, even if the album might feel a bit scattered to some.

What did you go into the studio with, and what did you come out with? Did the result match your original vision?

Most of it I prepared in my home studio. Some things we fine-tuned with Ondra Žatkuliak at Rooftop, but with Jacob Růžička we completely reworked certain tracks. He added electric guitar and bass, and even produced some songs entirely based on my ideas. For example, I asked him for old-school hip-hop with a metal guitar at 90 BPM — something like late '90s nu-metal. Two hours later, it was done. That became Vole co je feat. Zeller.

The album has a distinctive visual style by @barabunda_hunter. How did that collaboration come about?

I've known Míra Šikula since childhood — we did judo together, later hung out, skated, partied. He's always been into graffiti, comics, and humor. I barely interfered with his design. He knows me and my work well, and he nailed it.

The album features many guests — Ester Kočičková, Zeller, Mukas, Fast Food Orchestra, Cocoman, Dr. Kary. How did you choose them?

Both based on the theme of the song and personal connection. I picked people whose style fit and who I know, like, and respect. Most are already friends. With Dr. Kary and Cocoman, it was our first deeper collaboration, and I'm grateful for that.

Did any guest take a song in a completely different direction than you expected?

Cocoman completely blew me away on Pray. His bridge especially set the bar really high and pushed me to be more melodic—I even re-recorded my verse. Mukas on Já na bráchu cracked me up with how funny his delivery was, and I adjusted my verse because of that too.

The album closes with a cover of "Je to blízko" by Michal David. Is that irony, or serious?

Michal David is a great musician — a jazz player and pop hitmaker. We probably wouldn't agree on most things, and his music doesn't resonate with me, but I respect him. That song Je to blízko is my guilty pleasure — I've loved it since childhood. I just wanted to sing it with a guitar, no irony at all.

What's your recipe for being "happy"? Do you have any ritual that helps you stay in that mindset?

What works for me is doing only what I enjoy, trying to improve, but not forcing things. I don't drink, I stay active, and I live in the present. But the biggest part of my happiness is my family. I have a wife I truly connect with — she's my love and support — and we have two amazing, healthy kids. What more could I ask for?

You've started touring with a full band for the first time. Why Fast Food Orchestra?

We've toured together before and guested at each other's shows. They're friends, and I've always loved their sound and live performance. It felt like the easiest and best choice. I didn't even expect them to say yes, so I was really happy they did. They're total pros, so rehearsals went smoothly. On stage, we have great chemistry.

What do you enjoy most about playing with a band? Or do you sometimes miss playing solo with just a guitar?

Both have their charm, and I plan to combine them. Solo is calm, intimate, very connected with the audience—you can do whatever you feel in the moment. With a band, it's all about energy and pressure. It's more structured—click track in your ear, strict arrangements—but that shared energy on stage, with drums behind you, that just hits differently.

We would like to thank Vojtaano for his time, his open approach, and his honesty during the interview, and we wish him every success — both on stage and off.