I slept on the bathroom floor for months.

Rok Piletič, 34-year-old Slovenian musician, has taken a different path after recent personal challenges. He now focuses more on his music rather than on speed or external expectations. His latest interview reveals deeper insights into his life and career, including the end of his decade-long collaboration with Aleš Vovk, known as Raay. The conversation touches upon the state of Slovenia’s music industry, algorithms, and the responsibilities of artists. It also delves into a period of personal turmoil where almost all the foundations of his life collapsed, his parents' separation, the dissolution of his relationship, and the end of the story behind the band BQL. This led him to sleep on the floor of the bathroom for three months, which ultimately inspired new songs that reflect a more authentic side of himself. The interview began with a simple question: “How are you?” Piletič responded that he is in one of the most creative and productive phases of his life. He admits he doesn’t have much free time, nor does he really want it. Sometimes he struggles with the idea of taking a day off, but music and creation keep him grounded enough to rest even amidst the chaos. Currently, he is preparing his upcoming album, which is set to release next year if everything goes according to plan. In autumn, new singles and stories will begin to emerge. When asked about these new stories and who he might be in autumn, Piletič described a challenge: he can be entertaining, yet he is also deeply emotional. His songs often reflect this duality, ranging from lighter pieces to intensely personal narratives. He admits he isn’t sure how these stories will be received, as they differ significantly from public perceptions of him. Piletič was asked whether this contrast between entertainer and author of intimate lyrics was intentional. He replied that it wasn’t planned, it simply reflects who he is. He believes his life has shaped him into such a person. If someone were to meet him today, having not seen him for ten or fifteen years, they would likely notice that he is still very similar to who he was before. However, he now has clearer boundaries and more inner peace. When discussing his artistic evolution, Piletič noted that he is now far more creative than he was a decade ago. While he always had the ability to create, he didn’t know how to express it consciously. This change came through a process of growth and struggle, which he describes as necessary for producing meaningful work. He compares this journey to how plants grow from seeds, emerging from hardship. He mentioned that his new album will be among the most personal he has ever created. This shift comes from shedding what he calls a “chivalric cloak”, an alter ego he once wore. He explains that being the second child meant constantly fighting for attention, leading him to build a kind of protective shell around himself. Only when he accepted that his world is defined by himself, not by others, did he feel vulnerable enough to share things he previously wouldn’t have dared. This realization has made the album deeply introspective in certain parts. Looking back, Piletič recalls his first appearance on television with Luka Basić. They both started from the same place, performing together in a small entertainment group. They played two concerts, accompanied by Martin on keyboards. Piletič says he will never forget those early days.