From FMK to Radio_Head Awards: Our student FAYE is competing in the Discovery of the Year category

Every year, Slovakia hosts the prestigious Radio_Head Awards, organized under the auspices of STVR and Rádio_FM. Currently, Laura Ilečková, alias FAYE, a student of Mass Media Communication at FMK UCM in Trnava, is also on the list in the Discovery of the Year category.

Last year, thanks to the band Fallgrapp, with whom she released the song Nebo on their new album, a turning point in her career occurred. Laura wrote the second verse of this song, as well as the part "láskou liečim sa" (I heal with love) – a line that became a top line on merchandise and hashtags associated with the band.

"The song resonated with the underground scene in Slovakia, partly because of the political situation and life in our country. We successfully presented the song during our spring tour and also at festivals in the summer. I sang it with them for the first time at Grape. I assume that this was the reason why I was nominated for Discovery of the Year," said the musician.

Her musical journey has taken her from techno to pop and jazz. In an interview for fmk.ucm.sk, Laura talked about how her musical career took shape, the themes she explores in her work, and what FMK has given her.

What does it mean to you to be longlisted in the Discovery of the Year category, and how did you find out about the nomination?

It's a joy for me, I didn't expect it. I remember watching it when I was younger and saying to myself, "One day I'll be there with them." I did it, which is quite unbelievable. But when I look back at everything I've been through in music, it makes sense.

It's electrifying when, on your journey as a musician, you start meeting people and encountering situations that you previously looked up to. Now it's a common thing, these people become close friends.

The first round of the Radio_Head competition is based primarily on the support of fans. How do you perceive this phase of the competition and what role does sharing and the community around you play in it?

Currently, these are the only music awards in Slovakia. The first round is mainly about support from the public. I'm not sure if I like it, but I accept that it's a process I simply have to go through.

I used to be quiet and leave everything to fate. Over time, however, I realized that, as everywhere else, here too you need a certain ability to push through, make yourself known, and, to a certain extent, share your work and its successes aloud.

The second round will also depend on the public vote. That's why the relationship between the musician and their fans is also important.

How did your stage name come about, and what does it represent—both musically and personally?

FAYE was created with the idea of creating an alter ego that would be dedicated to music, creative, and independent. I, Laura, am its mediator. My friend and I chose the name. It is a French name that means something like "loyalty" and "fairy." It fit the concept perfectly, as I initially intended to focus on ambient music.

What type of music, emotions, and styles can we hear in your work?

I currently combine pop and jazz. The emotions are rather melancholic, the lyrics abstract and pensive. I don't want them to be too precise. It's good if people find something of themselves in them. That's why I leave room for each listener to connect with the lyrics in their own way. It's wonderful to see in the feedback that this is really happening.

I started with techno and ambient electronic music, then moved on to jai-wave (inspired by the artist Jai Paul), RnB, pop, and finally live jazz performances. We played our first live concert at the Bratislava Jazz Days exhibition.

I used to write music mostly in English, but now Slovak is my primary language, as it is quite obvious that Slovak lyrics resonate most with Slovaks.

What topics do you sing about most often?

More than the content, what is key for me is the connection between syllables, the rhythm of words, and the overall impression of the text on the listener. Then I try to find the right sound for it. Until now, I sent my songs to another producer, who added his own unique perception to them. Currently, I prefer my own sound and production with people with whom we can complete the work "my way," so to speak.

The lyrics are mostly about what life brings, inspired by my experiences. Some are very personal, but I don't usually talk about those and keep them hidden. Only I know their true meaning (laughs). The resulting composition is more of a soundscape than a coherent meaning, precisely so that everyone can find what suits them in it.

How does studying at FMK help you develop your artistic work?

I now have a different attitude toward social platforms and media in general. I realize that the things I used to ask others about—such as how to promote, do graphics, video, editing, and the like—were unattainable for me. Today, I try these things myself and am becoming more knowledgeable about them.

Can you recall any specific subjects, projects, or experiences from university that advanced your music career or gave you the courage to showcase yourself more as an artist?

I remember a recent lecture with RADIO GROUP program director Marek Mikúšek. He said that young artists are unlikely to have their songs played on the radio before they take off on social media and become a hit there.

This fact really motivated me, and I started adding videos and content to my profile. I don't know how effective it is, but his words had a strong impact on me.

How do you manage to balance student life, school responsibilities, and building your own artistic brand? Is it a challenge or rather an advantage?

At the moment, I see it with perspective and ease. Before, it was difficult. I was already studying at university, and the pressure of all aspects of life at that time led me to stop studying, playing music, and all my hobbies. Now I'm back at school and I can define it better, so it's easy to combine these plans with music.

We have several talented musicians at our school. What would you say to students who have artistic ambitions but are still afraid to show their work to the world?

Define the goal you want to achieve with your creative work or art. If it's a hobby, keep it as a hobby. If you want a professional career, put your energy and professionalism into it. How you define it is up to you, and either way is okay. And remember, not every hobby has to earn a living just because you enjoy it.

You can vote too

Voting in the Radio_Head competition will continue until February 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. You can also vote for your favorite musician on the competition website. The contestants advancing to the second round will be announced on February 16, when the second round of voting will begin.

Source of photos: @fayesculture