INSPIRATION

My name is Jan Sedlák and I am a bass player, composer and poet inspired by improvised music, classical music and Japanese poetry. I love and feel the importance in telling stories of post-soviet society and industrial landscapes. Many are inspired by the north-west region of the Czech Republic, where I grew up.

Besides composing and writing, I love playing music with other artists. Playing my friends' music and touring with them is the deepest inspiration to me nowadays. Learn more about my friends on the page  artists & booking. 

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

My biggest professional passion is touring and teaching workshops.

Organizing concerts and touring is just as fun as composing and writing.

Passing knowledge further is just as fun as gaining new knowledge.

FROM CHILD TO PROFESSIONAL

Born and raised in the north of Czech Republic - a moon-like landscape of coal mines, mountains and brutalist constructions from the era of communism - I remember being shaped by two ideas. My father wanted me to become a versatile human being, strong at sports and schooling. On the contrary, my mother would support me at anything I wanted to do, emphasizing that people can become anyone they want.

Through my interest in poetry and lyrics, I started writing songs in my early teenage years. Soon, my lyrics helped me to get accepted into the “poetry, lyrics and play-writing” program at Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory in Prague, where my friends introduced me to jazz. Moving to Denmark three years later and obtaining masters degree in composition and improvisation from The Royal Academy of Music in Aalborg, I became a touring musician. 

My deep gratitude for walking on this path together with me goes to my partner Line Elkjær. Line is an incredible artist and always a great inspiration to me.