P/\ST is an experimental rap duo from Prague, comprised of Dan Kranich and Ivo Sedláček. The group formed during their collaboration at the Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre at DAMU. P/\ST blends rap with hard electronic elements, delivering theatrical and energetic performances. Their debut album, "Expedition to the Courtyard," earned them a Vinyla Award nomination for Discovery of the Year and the 2020 Theatre Critics Award for Music of the Year for "Šílený Herkules," which inspired their album "Hybris." In 2022, they created a soundtrack for the National Theatre in Brno's production "Smutek sluší elektře." Their third album, "Tinnitus," released in 2023, combines electronic and hip-hop elements, solidifying their position in the Czech and Slovak experimental music scenes.
"Dan introduced me to the world of trap music and heavy electro. I bring some sweet nu-metal drops and grooves. Together it works great, I believe", says Ivo.
They will perform live for the first time in Romania in an energetic concert at Club Control, an Alternative • Culture event.
We had an engaging conversation with tIvo, giving the Bucharest audience the chance to get to know them better and receive a preview before the concert on Friday, December 13th.
Your passion for music
We studied at the same university. For some reason, Dan chose me and asked if I’d like to start making music with him. It took some time, but it happened.
The creative process
Dan writes lyrics, and I make beats. Sometimes Dan comes to me with finished text and shares his idea of the genre. Other times, he has an idea for a beat, I come up with something, and then he writes lyrics to that specific beat.
Your performance in Bucharest
We’ve had gigs in Poland and Slovenia (we don’t count Slovakia since they understand everything). The audiences enjoyed our concerts despite not understanding much. Our hope is to trap them in our music, keep them absorbed till the very end, and leave something in them. A mosh pit would be amazing. Let’s see.
What messages do you hope to convey through your music
Dan used to be quite political, but I wouldn’t say we’re forcing any message or worldview. We’re offering a great time we can spend together, forgetting about the time and our problems, getting sweaty, exhausted, and experiencing the moment, here and now.
A memorable experience
There have been a few. We just played at the Christmas fair in Brno—a big square full of markets, Christmas decorations, families drinking mulled wine—and us coming with our set to ‘ruin’ everything. It ended with a huge mosh pit, people breaking the barrier in front of the stage, people getting naked, and security and paramedics losing their minds. It was lovely.
Authenticity & mainstream
We don’t care much about the mainstream. We do what we find fun and fitting. Dan comes from a hip-hop environment, and I was brought up with classic rock, alternative rock, and nu-metal. So, we inspire each other to try new things and play with different genres.
If you could collaborate with a big name for a song
I can’t speak on behalf of Dan, but I’d pick Tom Morello, Thom Yorke, Paul McCartney, Jonathan Davis, Bjork, or Matthew Bellamy. They’re some of the crushes of my youth, and I’d love to hug them and thank them for everything.
Challenges
It’s like a marriage; it’s never perfect and has its ups and downs. The key to overcoming problems is communication.
Where do you draw your inspiration from
As mentioned above, we mix styles and both like powerful music that violates your freedom to do nothing. Dan introduced me to the world of trap music and heavy electro. I bring some sweet nu-metal drops and grooves. Together it works great, I believe. And when it comes to exploring new things, we’re not done yet.
How do you see your sound and style evolving
Improving the sound quality, adding more colors, trying new stuff, and getting heavier.
Future plans
Our plans are to produce CDs, do gigs, bring more artists to collaborate, build a band to play the music live, and who knows - maybe be part of an upcoming theatre musical.
A story by Alternative • Culture in cooperation with Art Frame Palác Akropolis (Prague) & Czech Centre (Bucharest) with funding of Národní plan obnovy, EU - Nextgeneration and Ministry of Culture.
