We sat down with producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist badfocus. The Prague-based artist unveiled another body of work – an EP titled realities with an accompanying video for its title track – on the 28th of November via badfocus Music. badfocus is the solo project of Prokop Korb who has quickly built an impressive body of work since launching his project in 2020 at the age of 18. He has received praise from electronic heavyweights like UK producer Max Cooper and German stalwarts Pantha du Prince and Grandbrothers. He has graced the stages of festivals in Europe and Canada. He also composed the original soundtrack for New Normal, the debut dance film of the Czech National Theatre. As Prokop Korb, he has contributed to the soundtracks of several movies and major Czech TV series. The latest documentary I’m Not Everything I Want To Be had its premiere at Berlinale followed by numerous screenings at festivals such as ICA London, NewFest (New York), and Viennale. The EP is an intricate six-track odyssey through glitchy scapes of introspection and emotion. His music is sure to ensnare fans of XXXTentacion, Saba and Arca.
Read our interview with badfocus and stream realities below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
It has always been an outlet for me. Not only music, basically doing anything creative lets me be in the present moment. Not overthinking about the past or possible future. In a way it feels like a basic need for me to do it. Like drinking water. If you don’t drink enough, you get dehydrated and you can’t really function well.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
For me personally the most important thing is the vibe, that’s what I always start with. The emotion that I’m feeling at the moment. That’s why I really love collaborating with other artists. Then the vibe is something that we share together, that connects us.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
Yes, apart from ‘realities’ the whole EP is collaborative. We have a track with Chris Villon from Budapest, a hyperpop banger with Klara Wodehn, two tracks with my really close friend ATM BENNY and with an underground rap duo Twisted DV.
What’s on your current playlist?
At the moment I really enjoy listening to ambient stuff. Jon Hopkins, Nils Frahm. The latest discovery for me is Argo Nuff, to whom I got introduced to by my friend @tobiaz_g who actually did the EP artwork.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
The most important thing for me while performing is connection with the crowd. That’s why I really love doing boiler room-like setups when I’m in the middle of the crowd, on the same level, no pedestal.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
Lately I’ve been really enjoying experimenting with my upright piano I have at home. Creating weird soundscapes, warping it, stretching it, then using these ambient spaces to spark the process, to get into the flow.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I always love to start the session with a warm cup of a good V60 filter coffee. I really enjoy making it, it’s a kind of a ritual for me to get into the right headspace.
Then I would usually talk with the artist, maybe go with the coffee to a balcony, to talk. I think talking helps a lot to connect, to better understand the artist, but mainly to make the artist feel safe to open up. When I feel that it’s starting to happen, we go back to the studio and start with anything that feels right.
The rest of the process is usually quite easy. I feel like the more deeply we manage to connect with the artist, the easier, and more truthful the whole process is. Sometimes we would spend more time just talking and hanging around than actually making music.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
I think it was always quite clear for me. I had some moments in my life when I struggled with the faith in myself doing music. Though it always felt so right I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Water. And earplugs, I usually put them in as soon as I finish playing to give my ears some rest.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
I recently met and collaborated with Nairobi-based artist ApodaSpark. I think they’re really capable of reaching artistic freedom in a very unique way. It was one of the most inspiring moments for me to be in a studio together. Really excited about the journey that the future will give.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Coffee. But a solid one. Also going for a walk, reflecting on stuff. Or meeting a beautiful girl, talking about life.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
The most important piece of gear I use is my upright piano. When I’m stuck it always helps just to sit at it for a while and something comes out. Then I have a few vintage synths, all connected through an analogue mixer, so that everything is ready with just one press of a button so that the creative flow doesn’t have to be interrupted.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Right now I’m helping with artist development of a few projects, apart from production. We also just started a workshop series with my friend Bols/Slob in a new Prague venue ARCHA+, which we’re planning to develop further, hopefully establishing a creative hub for the local producer community.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I think I just understand my role within the industry and the scene a little bit better, otherwise I’m still the same. Rather than creating a crazy unique standalone project I think I’m more capable of creating a space for the project to grow, for someone to plant the seed and nurture it. So that’s what I’m trying to focus on more at the moment.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I will be releasing an EP called realities, which consists of multiple collaborations and a track (‘realities’) that I’m singing on. I’m super excited about that one because it feels really personal to me, as if each song would be a capsule of memories we’ve been through with the artists.
Famous last words?
Naaah, don’t wanna say anything. Life is good.
Follow badfocus:
Bandcamp – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
