If Human Emotions could be described in the language of Jazz, Kamila Csenge's 'Behind the Universe' is what they'll sound like!

From falling in love with music as a kid in Nový Jičín to releasing her debut album, 'Behind the Universe', Kamila Csenge is anything but ordinary. A fellow Berklee scholar and a guitar enthusiast hailing from Prague, Kamila Csenge isn't just an artist but truly a force to be reckoned with when it comes to combining her love for academia with sound. As someone who holds expertise in multiple genres of sound, be it Latin, jazz or classical music, she not only graduated with accolades but also proved her star power by gracing multiple venues like Berlin, Boston, London and many more. From performing at venues to making media appearances with the Prague TV program Terra Musica, Polar TV and 'Reflex' magazine, to name a few, Kamila is someone who has got a hat full of different, vibrant experiences, which constantly shape her sound. Without further ado, let's get a gist of what this album feels like!

Kamila Csenge

What feels like a soul-stirring experience that feels like a multiverse of endless possibilities, 'Behind the Universe' is a finely curated masterpiece.

A rejuvenating deep-dive into the human psyche, 'The Void' feels like a beautiful acoustic moment of despair where we experience a unique sense of calm. Adding to the charm, 'Against the Wall' is a soft and surreal slow electric guitar instrumental that has got tons of surprising highs and lows. A sporadic moment of dreamy guitars that sound relaxing yet add a hint of spice to everything; this is rich, elusive and very ambient. Almost every track feels like a moment of escape. If I had to pick a favourite track, it would be 'Guardians of the Garden' because it's so low-key and soothing. In 'The Metamorphosis', you enter a realm of transformation, making you experience a world where one starts to morph into a new person, shedding previous patterns and adopting a new sense of self that feels one with their soul. Intense, passion-fueled, and explosive if used in the right context, this feels like the sound of a reckoning. 'The World', however, pulls you into its embrace of serenity. Reminding us how nothing is that serious at the end of the day, this feels like the sonic depiction of everything nature. Kamila takes us away from this worldly chaos with 'The Point of No Return', which blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Overall, this entire album feels like a breath of fresh air, and a jazz experience that is way ahead of its time.

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We got a chance to interact with the artist and learn more about them and the release. Here are all the insights we got! : -

1. Hi Kamila, what a sonic blast! What was the production process of this album like?

Kamila- Hi Sambhav, thank you! The production process of Behind the Universe was both exciting and rewarding. The album was recorded in two different studios. Three compositions – The Void, Against the Wall, and Guardians of the Garden – were recorded at Popschutz Studio in Berlin with recording engineer Arne Bergner. The remaining four compositions – This World, The Metamorphosis, Music Forever, and The Point of No Return – were recorded at SONO Records in the Czech Republic with recording engineer Adam Štola. After the recordings were completed, Adam Karlík from SONO Records handled the mixing and mastering. The album was released by the label Fat Banshee Records, led by guitarist Yamirah Gercke, and developed in collaboration with the Berlin-based publishing company Random Noize Musick. Their support helped bring the project from the initial idea to its final release. The project brought together wonderful musicians: Yamirah Gercke on guitar, Kateřina Vacková on double bass and bass guitar, and Ivo Hermanovský on drums.

2. People often get inspired by a multitude of things. What got you into music?

Kamila- I am not from a musical family, so my path to music was not something that was planned from an early age. I actually started with classical music and discovered jazz later. When I first heard artists such as Pat Metheny, Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery and Al Di Meola, I was fascinated by their sound, creativity, and ability to express emotions through their instruments. What drew me most to jazz was the freedom it offers. I loved the idea that music could be created in the moment through improvisation and interaction between musicians. Every performance could be different, and there was always room for exploration and personal expression. Over time, music became much more than just an interest. It became a way of communicating ideas, emotions, and experiences that are sometimes difficult to express with words. That creative freedom and sense of discovery continue to inspire me today, both as a guitarist and as a composer.

3. You sound like brilliance in its purest form! What has been a mantra you've followed throughout your life as an overachiever? Like what keeps you grounded?

Kamila- Thank you for the kind words. I am not sure I would describe myself as an overachiever, but one principle that has guided me throughout my life is to keep learning and moving forward, step by step. Music has taught me that growth takes time. Whether it is practicing guitar, studying harmony, composing, or recording an album, meaningful progress usually comes from consistency rather than sudden breakthroughs. I try to focus on the process itself and enjoy the journey rather than constantly thinking about the destination. What keeps me grounded is the music itself. No matter how much we learn, there is always something new to discover. Every musician can continue growing, exploring, and developing. I am also grateful for the people around me—my fellow musicians, friends, and listeners—who remind me that music is ultimately about connection and sharing something meaningful with others.

4. Out of all the experiences of learning music, which one was the most transformative?

Kamila- It is difficult to choose just one experience, because several moments have had a profound impact on my musical development. One of the most transformative experiences was studying at Berklee College of Music. It gave me a deeper understanding of jazz harmony, improvisation, and composition, and challenged me to approach music in a more disciplined and creative way. It also introduced me to musicians and ideas from around the world, which broadened my perspective. Another important experience was playing in New York. Being in a city with such a rich jazz tradition and hearing world-class musicians perform live was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me how high the artistic level can be and motivated me to continue developing my own voice as a musician. Most recently, creating my debut album Behind the Universe has been a transformative journey. From composing the music to collaborating with outstanding musicians, recording in Berlin and the Czech Republic, and finally releasing the album, the project taught me a great deal about creativity, teamwork, and perseverance. It was not only a musical achievement but also a personal journey that helped shape who I am as an artist today.

5. When you think about your musical journey so far, what has been a career-defining moment?

Kamila- One of the most defining moments in my career has been the creation and release of my debut album Behind the Universe. It represents years of study, musical exploration, and personal growth coming together in a single project. Studying at Berklee College of Music was another important milestone, as it helped shape my understanding of jazz, composition, and improvisation. Performing internationally, including in New York, Boston, Prague and Berlin, also broadened my perspective and inspired me to continue developing as an artist. If I had to choose one defining moment, however, it would be Behind the Universe. The album is a reflection of my journey so far and marks the beginning of a new chapter in my musical career.

6. If you give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Kamila- I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of taking risks and to trust the process. Growth in music does not happen overnight, and it is easy to compare yourself to others or feel that you are not progressing quickly enough. Every challenge, mistake, and setback is part of the journey. I would also remind myself to be patient and enjoy the process of learning. The hours spent practicing, studying harmony, developing technique, and searching for your own voice are never wasted. Over time, all of those small steps add up. Most importantly, I would say: stay curious, keep creating, and do not be afraid to share your music with the world. There will never be a perfect moment to start. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and remain true to your artistic vision.

7. If you could describe this entire album as a movie, which one would it be and why?

Kamila- If I had to compare Behind the Universe to a movie, I would choose The NeverEnding Story. What resonates with me is the idea of a journey beyond the familiar world into a realm of discovery, imagination, challenges, and transformation. Like the film, the album is about facing fears, overcoming obstacles, and finding the courage to move forward into the unknown. It explores both external and internal worlds—the vastness of the universe around us and the unexplored spaces within ourselves. Throughout the album, there is a sense of wonder, curiosity, and the belief that what seems impossible may become possible if we are willing to take the journey. At its core, Behind the Universe is a search for meaning, connection, and hope. Just as The NeverEnding Story invites us to look beyond ordinary reality, the album encourages listeners to explore what lies beyond the visible, the known, and the limits we place on ourselves.

8. Which of these tracks was the most extensive to create?

Kamila- The most extensive composition to create was probably The Point of No Return. It is one of the most technically and compositionally demanding pieces on the album, combining a fast tempo, odd meters, and complex harmonic movement. Writing the piece required a great deal of attention to detail because I wanted it to feel challenging and energetic while still sounding natural and musical. Finding the right balance between complexity and flow took time, both in the composition and during rehearsals with the band. At the same time, the technical elements serve a deeper purpose. The title The Point of No Return suggests a moment when there is no way back and the only option is to move forward. I wanted the music to reflect that sense of urgency, momentum, and determination. The changing meters, fast pace, and harmonic tension all contribute to the feeling of crossing a threshold into the unknown.

9. If you could listen to one track for the rest of your life, whether it's your own or not, which one would it be?

Kamila- That is a difficult question because there is so much incredible music to choose from. If I had to pick just one track, I would probably choose All Across the City by Jim Hall. The piece reminds me of my early days of learning jazz and discovering the beauty of improvisation, harmony, and musical interaction. Jim Hall's playing has always inspired me because of its lyricism, sensitivity, and ability to say so much with just a few notes. There is a depth and honesty in his music that continues to resonate with me.

10. You're creating inspiration for people in real time in jazz! Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?

Kamila- Thank you. In five years, I hope to continue growing both as a guitarist and a composer. I would like to release more original music, perform internationally, and continue developing the artistic direction that began with Behind the Universe. At the same time, I want to continue learning. Music is a lifelong journey, and there is always something new to discover—whether it is a new compositional approach, a different musical culture, or a deeper understanding of improvisation. Most importantly, I hope to stay true to my artistic vision and continue creating music that connects with people, inspires reflection, and tells meaningful stories. If in five years listeners can hear my music and feel something genuine, I will consider that a success.