Meet Linda Zatloukal | Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Zatloukal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I used to think of my balance as having these two very different aspects of my life: my career/work, and the fun hobbies, friends, et-cetera. Today I would say it’s all one. I have completely submerged myself in the world of Songwriting and music and honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I think the music industry is such a unique community in this sense, when you’re passionate about it, your whole world becomes your career. Not to say all I do is work, but all of my friends work in the same industry, it’s also how I like to spend my “free time”. I thought it would be overwhelming at first, instead it has allowed me to stay focused, stay determined. It has allowed me to live in my little songwriting bubble and I absolutely love that! I would say I think of my work/life balance differently in the sense that I take time to rest and relax when I need to, but don’t separate my work and that environment from other parts of my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
No big dream is a road without ups and downs; passion for my work, having love for what I do has taken me so far. There is so much rejection before that one ‘YES’ you’re striving for, and passion has been the one thing that’s kept me going during those long years. I have made many mistakes and bad decisions but perhaps the best one was attending Berklee College of Music. Educating yourself on the industry around you, your peers, co-workers, others’ failures and successes, will allow you to make more accurate steps towards your own success. I have cherished improving/learning about my craft. A favorite professor once told me “A failed musician is one that’s stopped exploring,” and so I am constantly learning and exploring my songwriting, new instruments, genres, opportunities, et-cetera, trying to be the best songwriter I can be. As for the harsher parts: my career has taught me to focus on my own goals, my own progress, my own losses and successes, and not waste time comparing my business with others. This industry is extremely competitive and while it’s helpful to learn from your peers, it can be daunting to watch and feel that you’re constantly behind. I found that focusing on myself has brought me that much closer to my goals. With that I’ve discovered that I write songs because there’s something in me that just craves it—deep understanding. Some would say it’s a drug: both painful and enjoyable, I would argue it’s therapy. I write songs to better explain the emotions we(any of us) go through: the heartbreaks and insecurities. I try to explain the world ‘through my own eyes’ and reach the people that might listen and feel something, find clarity, find hope, or just simply know that they’re not alone. I’m certain it’ll be this way till my last days on this planet and I am completely content with that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting me here in Colorado, perhaps the first place I’d take them would be Chautauqua Park. A little walk I do almost every day, and relax in the nature. Then coffee at Boxcar or Suti & Co! I would show them all around Pearl St. and visit some of my favorite stores, and if it’s a Wednesday, take them to the Farmer’s Market for dinner. Throughout the week I’d hit all my favorite spots including Moxie, North Boulder Park, maybe even take them on a bike ride. Then, hear me out, Whole Foods for lunch, that’s my go to. Then I would take them to Rocky Mountain National Park and stop at Estes Park on the way of course. Coffee at Inkwell&Brew and lunch at Jim&Bird after hiking to Emerald Lake. Maybe we’d even camp in the National Park for a few days, and if not the next stop would be Vail! One of the most beautiful places, and one of my favorites to visit in the summer. Even though this might feel cheesy, we would definitely have to catch a show at Red Rocks, it is just the most magical place. Those are all my favorite spots, and I know my best friend would enjoy them as much as I do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Berklee College of Music, my dad, my peers.

Website: https://lindazmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lz.music/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-z-2587ab312/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.zat.3

Image Credits
Pictures:

1st – N/A
2nd – N/A
3rd – N/A
4th – Kyla Reed
5th – Yellowhammer Productions