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Exclusive Interview

Nov 2, 2025

Produced by: Rudy Manager

Edited by: Rudy Manager & Andrej Aroch

Mjay - Slovak Producer Shaping the Slovak & Czech Rap Scene

Studio Talks sits down with Slovak music producer Mjay, a key figure behind some of the country’s biggest rap hits and a trusted collaborator to the region’s leading artists. Mjay has helped move the Slovak and Czech rap scene forward while keeping a clear, recognizable signature. This interview is part of our series spotlighting the sound architects shaping regional scenes across the globe. The interview was conducted via video call by Rudy Manager on October 23, 2025.

“Send your music, believe in yourself, and reach out professionally. If it is good, someone will notice.”

- Mjay

How did you first get interested in music, and how did that evolve into music production?

Since I was little, my mom played all kinds of music for me, which led me to pick up the cello. Along the way, I got into Slovak and Czech rap and wanted to try rapping myself. Since I was studying music, I decided to start making my own beats, and that’s how I got into production. Later I realized my beats were much better than my rap, so I decided to focus entirely on producing.

What was your process for improving when you were starting out?

I think the key is to keep creating and stay curious about how things actually feel and sound. I kept experimenting and buying new VSTs and drum kits, which helped improve my sound. Also studying music made many things easier for me throughout this process.

How did studying music influence the way you produce, and what helped you improve?

I think learning how to make music and studying music theory help with both work ethic and workflow. It’s much easier to know which sound is right when you understand scales and related concepts.

How do you approach a new project from scratch when you first open your DAW?

I usually start with the melody, then move to the 808s and drums. After that I add details and supporting melodies to finish the track. I draw inspiration from everything around me. I stay up to date with rap trends and incorporate them into my beats, while pulling in elements from other genres as needed.

What are some of your favorite VSTs or hardware?

I work in FL Studio, so that’s my main setup. My favorite VSTs are Omnisphere and Xpand!2, which I think is great. Lately I’ve been using one shot kits a lot. I drop in a single WAV and build the music from there, which is what I’m into right now.

How do you approach a new project from scratch when you first open your DAW?

I usually start with the melody, then move to the 808s and drums. After that I add details and supporting melodies to finish the track. I draw inspiration from everything around me. I stay up to date with rap trends and incorporate them into my beats, while pulling in elements from other genres as needed.

What are some of your favorite VSTs or hardware?

I work in FL Studio, so that’s my main setup. My favorite VSTs are Omnisphere and Xpand!2, which I think is great. Lately I’ve been using one shot kits a lot. I drop in a single WAV and build the music from there, which is what I’m into right now.

How do you approach a new project from scratch when you first open your DAW?

I usually start with the melody, then move to the 808s and drums. After that I add details and supporting melodies to finish the track. I draw inspiration from everything around me. I stay up to date with rap trends and incorporate them into my beats, while pulling in elements from other genres as needed.

What are some of your favorite VSTs or hardware?

I work in FL Studio, so that’s my main setup. My favorite VSTs are Omnisphere and Xpand!2, which I think is great. Lately I’ve been using one shot kits a lot. I drop in a single WAV and build the music from there, which is what I’m into right now.

How would you describe Slovak and Czech rap scene to a foreigner?

It’s a progressive, sonically competitive scene. The only real barrier is language, which limits its reach to a wider audience. Sonically it draws from American and European styles, and especially our regional scene.

What elements in your production have you borrowed from global sounds, if any?

I was among the first to bring elements of Detroit and Florida sounds to Slovakia. I’ve listened to those styles for years and worked hard to incorporate them into my beats while keeping my own signature touch.

How would you describe Slovak and Czech rap scene to a foreigner?

It’s a progressive, sonically competitive scene. The only real barrier is language, which limits its reach to a wider audience. Sonically it draws from American and European styles, and especially our regional scene.

What elements in your production have you borrowed from global sounds, if any?

I was among the first to bring elements of Detroit and Florida sounds to Slovakia. I’ve listened to those styles for years and worked hard to incorporate them into my beats while keeping my own signature touch.

How would you describe Slovak and Czech rap scene to a foreigner?

It’s a progressive, sonically competitive scene. The only real barrier is language, which limits its reach to a wider audience. Sonically it draws from American and European styles, and especially our regional scene.

What elements in your production have you borrowed from global sounds, if any?

I was among the first to bring elements of Detroit and Florida sounds to Slovakia. I’ve listened to those styles for years and worked hard to incorporate them into my beats while keeping my own signature touch.

Which specific elements from the Detroit and Florida scenes have influenced you?

On my tracks I like using the distinctive 808 common in those beats. It feels similar to a Moog bass. You can hear it in my songs like “NENI STRE$S” and “SHOCK” with Luca Brassi10x. That’s the main influence, and I also use bells. The bells themselves aren’t unusual, but the way I use them comes from that Detroit sound. That approach feels unique in our scene, which helped those tracks become popular in Slovakia and made listeners feel they were hearing something new.

Which song of yours best represents Slovak and Czech rap sound?

Definitely “NENI STRE$S.” It became one of the biggest Slovak hits, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I’d also say “SHOCK” with Luca Brassi10x and “studené srdce” with Pil C and Luca Brassi10x. They define the sound I’m pushing and reflect how Slovak rap sounds today.

Do you usually work with artists in the studio, or do you prefer sending out beats?

Both, but lately I’ve focused more on working in the studio with artists. I also enjoy recording them, so I like both approaches.

Where do you think mainstream Czech and Slovak sound is headed in the next few years?

I think rap will continue to dominate our market for a while, and our sound will gradually evolve as some genres merge. I can’t say which ones yet.

What advice would you give new music producers who want to land more placements and start working with established artists?

The key is to send your music, believe in yourself, and reach out to artists professionally, by email or on social media. If your music is good and you stand by it, you will catch someone’s interest.

What are your main career goals?

I want to establish my brand in the Slovak and Czech markets, and I’d also like to break into other countries such as Poland, Germany, and the USA. I also want to explore other genres and collaborate with singers on interesting projects. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.

Who are some of your favorite artists you would like to work with?

This is always the hardest question because there are so many artists I admire. I’d love to work with Future, Lil Baby, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti. I’d also like to collaborate with European artists such as Capital Bra and Luciano in Germany, and Żabson or Malik Montana in Poland. Those are the dream collaborations I want to pursue.

Follow Mjay on Instagram: @mjay_beatz

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