Kamila Kopcova is a professional actress and singer who recently relocated to New York City from Prague. She has an established background performing at prestigious theaters in Prague and has toured with well-known singer Ewa Farna. Kamila is currently focused on building her career in New York. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
Kamila Kopcova: Believe it or not, when I was at the Conservatory, I actually hated singing. The idea of holding a microphone was terrifying to me. When I was 18, I had a side job working as a mascot for an agency. The owner happened to be a producer, and one day while we were driving to an event, he heard me humming in the car. He asked me to come to the studio, and we ended up recording a chorus for another artist, followed by a cover. It just happened so naturally. That was a significant turning point for me; once we released that first cover and received positive feedback, the fear became a choice rather than a barrier.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration?
Kamila Kopcova: I had formal singing at the Conservatory, I studied Music and Drama and then, I took some lessons to “stay in shape” and refine my technique. However, my approach has always been more about “vibing” with the music. I never really set out with the goal of releasing my own album or writing my own songs. I knew that to succeed, you have to be incredibly consistent, and since singing wasn’t something I had originally chosen for myself, I wasn’t sure I could give it that level of dedication.
3. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
Kamila Kopcova: When I sing, it’s really about retelling a story. I see it as a conversation—a way of sharing how I feel in the moment or capturing what the writer felt when the song was created, because I haven’t always experienced everything that is in the song. I definitely feel more like an actress; I would choose the ‘acting’ part over the ‘singing’ every time. So, it’s really my way of stepping into a role—let’s call it a musical talk with whoever is listening.
4. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?
Kamila Kopcova: I would say that I’ve been fortunate to see my energy pay off in my singing and voiceover work, but I’m still seeking the unique fulfillment that comes from acting. While I love all my creative outlets, I feel there is a different level of artistic growth and connection in acting that I’m still very much driven to explore.
5. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
Kamila Kopcova: I’ve always loved acoustic sessions; I’m a big fan of NPR’s Tiny Desk, and I just thought it might be cool to have my own music videos. I found the absolute best musicians; they were so open to doing it because we all just love music.
Beyond that, they are my friends and I admire their work. We went into it without any expectations for the future. I shared my idea and they were immediately in.
They did an incredible job, and if they weren’t so open-minded and full of love for creating something like that, they wouldn’t have done it. They are busy and very highly regarded in their field, so I think they also did it to make me happy! (laughs)
Shoutout to Honza Peroutka, Josef Mikulka, Víťa Polák, and Tomáš Vivodík. Also, Studio Beep and Studio Prague for the incredible sound and space, and our videographer Elmer Carvalho.
6. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?
Kamila Kopcova: I’ve always thought I wanted to be liked by everyone, but I hadn’t realized that the person who wasn’t accepting me was actually myself. I think this might be a hurdle for many artists. You want to be liked because that motivation is hidden
underneath. Sometimes when we feel the feedback isn’t enough, we quit. Instead of being consistent and pushing through. I’m convinced that every artist will find their fans sooner or later. Just keep going, please. The tables turn, believe me.
7. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why?
Kamila Kopcova: Definitely my collaboration with the well-known singer Ewa Farna. I toured with her and her band for almost three years, and I would have stayed if I hadn’t moved. We had a concert in front of 17,000 people—nothing bigger has come into my life yet! Being literally surrounded by top musicians in their field taught me so much; these are lessons that nobody can ever take away from me. Ewa is one of the most inspiring women I’ve met. Many times I’ve found myself thinking about her and hoping that I can find the same fulfillment in my life that she has found in singing. She is such a hard worker, and she recently even had the opportunity to sing with Dua Lipa in Prague during her European tour.
8. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
Kamila Kopcova: I’ve been learning to ignore criticism from anyone I wouldn’t go to for advice. That realization changes everything. Since I am already my own toughest critic, I’m trying to surround myself with people who are supportive and uplifting.
Social media can feel quite shallow and cruel, and I think the only thing that can save us is kindness. The arts should be a supportive field; that’s the energy that pushes you beyond your limits. Personally, while I’m active on Instagram, I rarely watch others’ stories or pay attention to trends. Let’s say ‘selfishly’ blind to the noise.
9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
Kamila Kopcova: It’s been a while since I have created something in the studio, if I don’t count my voice- acting work. A home environment doesn’t really work as well for me. I definitely prefer a live audience because I also love theater; that interaction is important to me.
10. You moved from Czechia after 9 years of thriving in your career; do you regret this step? Do you think you will move back or stay in the US?
Kamila Kopcova: I don’t regret it, though I would have done a few things differently that would have a different impact or outcome. I love the art scene in Czechia and Slovakia, so that wasn’t the reason I left. In my opinion, the quality of the art scene back home is high and I wish more people in the US were familiar with it. My staying here really depends on how I feel and what opportunities come my way.
11. What’s one thing that you’re secretly terrified of?
Kamila Kopcova: That doubt will become bigger than trust, and I won’t fulfill my potential or my purpose in life.
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