We recently connected with Lukas Janecek and have shared our conversation below.

Lukas, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started playing guitar mostly on my own when I was about 17, teaching myself by listening to CD’s, watching YouTube videos, and just experimenting with different sounds. For a long time, I was self-taught, figuring things out as I went along. But when I moved for college to the USA, I realized how important it was to have structured guidance. That’s when I really understood the value of having a teacher. I mean, even someone like Tiger Woods, the best golf player in the world, still has a coach. No matter how skilled you are, there’s always room for improvement, you will never really master the instrument, but you just always strive to get better and having someone to point out your weaknesses and help you grow is very crucial.

Looking back, I think I could have sped up my learning process by seeking out mentorship earlier. Having that external perspective would have helped me avoid some of the bad habits I developed as a self-taught player and would’ve helped me progress faster in certain areas. But at the same time, the process of figuring things out on my own taught me a lot about perseverance and creative problem-solving, so I don’t regret it.

In terms of essential skills, I think the most important ones for me have been a combination of technical ability and ear. Understanding music theory, rhythm, etc. is important, but what really makes music come alive is having a good ear for melody and harmony, and being able to express any emotion you feel through the instrument at any give time. The ability to listen closely to the music around you and adapt to different styles is what takes you from being a player to an artist.

As for obstacles, I’d say time and self-doubt were the biggest barriers. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and think you’re not getting there fast enough. But learning to push through those doubts, staying consistent, and remembering why you’re doing it, that’s what will keep you moving forward. However, I believe the most important thing is to have a deep passion for what you’re doing and to work hard. Without that passion, it’s hard to sustain the effort to improve. It’s that drive that pushes you to keep going. You’ve got to love it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into the music industry primarily through my time in college, where I was able to build a solid foundation of network and start to immerse myself in the local music scene. It wasn’t just about getting a degree for me, it was about going out to clubs, hitting up jam sessions, and showcasing my playing and skills all around Los Angeles. These experiences allowed me to meet other musicians, producers, and industry people who would later become crucial collaborators and contacts. It really is about building a network and growing as a musician by putting yourself out there in the real-world setting.

The work I do is various, but primarily I’m available for studio work, touring, and session playing. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to a variety of projects across a lot of genres, everything from pop and R&B to jazz and soul. Whether it’s adding my unique sound to a track in the studio or performing live on stage with very talented artists, I’m always striving to create music that resonates deeply with the audience.

What I think that sets me apart in the music industry is my signature sound. My approach to music is not just about playing the right notes, it’s about infusing each song with something very memorable and also distinct. I try to bring something unique to every project I work on, and that’s one of the things I’m most proud of. Another thing I’m extremely proud of is all the opportunities I’ve had to work with top-tier musicians. I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with artists at major record labels, and one of the highlights of my career has been meeting and sharing a musical moment with Stevie Wonder. It’s these high-level experiences that have shaped me as an artist and allowed me to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can create.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a musician is when I see people connect with my music on a deep level. It’s very fulfilling to know that what I’ve created resonates with others, and that it has the power to impact their lives in ways I may never fully understand. Whether it inspires someone, provides comfort, or even challenges their way of thinking, there’s a sense of purpose in knowing that you can make a difference.

But beyond that, the feeling I get when I play music is unlike anything else. It’s a form of pure, unfiltered self-expression, where I can channel everything I’m feeling and thinking into something tangible. It’s like a conversation between me and my inner self and others musicians and people in the audience, and for a brief moment, everything else fades away. It’s liberating and real and nothing else compares to that.

There is also something deeply powerful about knowing that through my music, I’m creating a legacy. Music is timeless, it doesn’t just live in the moment, it endures forever. The idea that something I create today might still be heard, felt, and appreciated long after I’m gone is humbling. It gives my songs meaning beyond the present, it becomes part of a larger story, something that could influence and inspire future generations. That sense of continuity, of leaving behind something that lasts forever, is a beautiful part of being a musician.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey in music has been nothing short of a battle. It started in the Czech Republic where I was born, a place where the music scene is, frankly, small and often overlooked. I realized early on that to truly grow as an artist and musician, I needed to surround myself with the best, people who had the same level of dedication, drive, and skill that I aspired to. And that meant moving to a place like Los Angeles, a city where people don’t just dream big, they make it happen. But, it is also one of the most competitive places in the world, and as much as I wanted to believe there was a shortcut, the reality was far different.

I wasn’t just facing the usual hurdles of moving to a new country, the cultural difference, the financial strain, the loneliness. The hardest part was realizing that everyone there had the same goal, to be great and successful. And you can’t bluff your way into success in LA. It’s a city where people find you if you’re good enough, if you have the skills, the passion, and the resilience to withstand the grind. The thing I’ve learned through all the struggle is that there is no secret formula. It’s about being really, really exceptional at what you do. There’s no substitute for that. You have to put in the hours, keep improving, keep showing up even when it feels like no one is paying attention. But as tough as it gets, just keep on moving.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukas_janecek/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lukiguitar