We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Niké Vopalecká a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Niké, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being a musician is one of the greatest privileges of my life. Music was always a part of my life but I have never seen anyone pursue it as a job. I perceived music as a hobby – until I met a few key people in my life, mentors and musicians, who showed me there is space for me in the creative field. To be able to be on a journey of being a vocalist, songwriter and a creative in general and to do it for a living feels absolutely surreal.

Do I ever wonder what it would be like to just have a regular job? Absolutely. The greater certainty of a 9-to-5 is very attractive for me as a lover of clarity, good organization and routines in life. Working in the arts is also incredibly personal, so close to the heart, sometimes too close. No matter if you’re an artist, a producer or a session musician, you put a piece of yourself into everything you do. Whether you want to or not! It’s amazing but sometimes gets tricky. For example, when you’re having tough conversations and making big decisions about the music as a songwriter writing for another artist. You wrote it, you have a specific intention but it is ultimately the artist needs to feel comfortable and connected to the music. That’s all a part of the gig and I am so grateful I get to be a part of an industry where creatives are willing to let pieces of themselves go through the music they put out into the world. I am a part of a service industry – and I am so happy to serve people through the music.

Niké, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, originally from the Czech Republic. Combining my love for jazz-influenced existential soul-pop and a passion for deep meaningful conversations, I hope to write music that brings people a piece of home. Besides performing with my own band, I actively write music for other artists. I have worked with both emerging and established artists in my home country and since moving to the U.S. to study at Berklee College of Music, I have the honor of continuing to do that with people from all around the world. I love being a part of other people’s creative journeys – it is such a joy being a guide, asking questions, making suggestions and seeing their vision come to life. As an artist and performer myself (“Niké” on all streaming platforms) I released my debut single called Don’t Need Her in 2024, a song about letting go of what no longer serves you. I have a lot more music coming out later this year – so keep your ears out! Hopefully you’ll feel at home as you listen to it.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

First of all, I believe every creative person should read Austin Kleon’s trilogy at least once a year. His books Steal Like An Artist, Show Your Work!, and Keep Going provide key insights on finding inspiration, maintaining a creative mindset, and sharing your work with the world. I have one of his quotes on my wall: “Step 1: Wonder at something. Step 2: Invite others to wonder with you.” I think that is the core of life as a musician or really a human: find things that fascinate you and invite others to be a part of it in community. I am also addicted to Apple Music interviews with Zane Lowe, it doesn’t really matter who he’s talking to. The way he asks questions and creates space for artists to discuss what truly matters in their life and art is incredibly powerful. I sometimes joke and say I only have two goals in life: to be interviewed by Zane Lowe and to be Zane Lowe– to have a platform for real meaningful conversations with people within the entertainment industry.
From a business perspective, I’ve gained a lot from Donald Miller—through his books, social media, and other content—especially when it comes to the power of clear and compelling messaging.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Witnessing the impact your music has on others is an incredible feeling. Recently, after a small, intimate concert in the Czech Republic, a guy came up to me and shared his experience with a particular song: “I felt it so deeply that I didn’t even realize it was in English—I couldn’t actually understand the words.” Other times, people have approached me in tears, thanking me for lyrics that resonated with them in a profound way.
At the end of the day, art is all about connection. We listen to music in our headphones or go to live shows to feel something. To remind ourselves of something, to forget something, to enjoy, … as artists we create those connections.
And that is so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nikevopalecka.cz/en
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikevopalecka
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nike-vopalecka
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikevopalecka6990
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IjOhfquuvYOGYDGmmpGyx?si=66BFIRUITAWXPy5-nOi9pw

Image Credits

Naomi Leites, Alex Corallo, Elia Ma