Jindra Polák ze skupiny Jelen: Nechceme se vzdát toho, co máme

As the Czech band Jelen marks its fourteenth year on the music scene, the group finds itself at a creative and professional peak. Frontman Jindra Polák attributes this longevity and success to a stable foundation, specifically citing the guidance of industry veteran Martin Červinka. Rather than pushing for rapid, risky expansion, Červinka’s mentorship has focused on avoiding professional pitfalls, allowing the eight-member ensemble to maintain a steady and sustainable trajectory.

Following two sold-out performances at Prague’s O2 arena, the band is now shifting its focus toward a more intimate connection with its audience. This pivot manifests in the launch of their own traveling festival series, the Jelenfesty, scheduled to span various locations from June through September 2026. This initiative serves as a direct response to the group’s desire to restore the personal engagement with fans that became difficult to manage during their recent high-intensity touring schedule.

A Strategy Rooted in Stability

While some artists might view international expansion as the next logical step, Jelen remains firmly committed to the Czech market. Polák notes that while the band has played in foreign venues—such as street performances in Ireland during his earlier years—their current focus remains on the significance of the Czech language in their songwriting. The group holds the view that for a band to truly succeed abroad, they would need to reside in those countries, a step they are not currently pursuing.

The band’s internal cohesion is arguably their greatest asset. Despite the pressures of a demanding career, the members report a complete absence of long-term conflict. This harmony is bolstered by their shared values and the collaborative environment fostered by the label SinglTon, which acts as a hub for like-minded musicians. The recent addition of Adéla Orlová as a permanent guest reflects this philosophy, as her integration into the group occurred with a seamlessness that Polák describes as feeling like a long-standing partnership.

Looking Toward the Future

The upcoming Jelenfest series is poised to reshape the band’s public presence. By hosting family-oriented events that include dedicated performances for children followed by a “Big Deer Show” (Velká Jelení show), the band is likely to solidify its image as a community-focused act. Looking ahead, the inclusion of frequent collaborators such as Jura Pavlica with Hradišťan or Lipo suggests that the festival series will serve as a celebration of the extended musical family that has grown around the band’s core.

Should this festival model prove successful in meeting the band’s goal of reconnecting with fans, similar, highly personalized touring formats could become a staple of their future operations. By maintaining their current structure and focusing on these curated live experiences, the band appears well-positioned to continue its trajectory without the typical turbulence often associated with long-running musical groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the band launching the Jelenfest series?
The band realised that their intense touring schedule left them with too little time to interact personally with fans. The festivals are designed to allow the band to spend an entire afternoon and evening engaging with their audience.

Is Jelen planning to record music in English to reach international markets?
No. While they acknowledge it would not be difficult to translate their lyrics, they find the Czech language significant to their work and prefer to focus on their home audience.

How does the band handle internal disagreements?
The band reports that they have never faced long-term disputes. While they occasionally have differing opinions, they prioritize finding solutions that satisfy everyone, viewing this process as a vital part of their friendship.

Which aspect of Jelen’s approach to their career do you find most essential for a band’s long-term success?