Musical career

Milan Janáči, known by his stage name *Opak*, is an integral part of the Slovak hip-hop scene. As a member of the Bratislava-based group AMO, he contributed to several successful albums and singles that had a significant impact on the local music scene. His charismatic stage presence and meaningful lyrics have earned him the admiration of fans.

Opak’s music career dates back to 1996 when he founded a three-member crew called *Krakalla*. Their first demo – the single “Bratia sláva” – was recorded at the Lúčnica studio, and the EP *Všelibárzhocičohokoľvek* was recorded on cassette tape in Opak’s childhood bedroom when they were just 17 years old. The music spread among people by copying tapes using so-called “magic” machines—cassette players and recorders common in households. Many recall hi-fi systems from brands like Aiwa, Philips, Panasonic, or Grundig. Interestingly, with each copy of the tape, the sound quality degraded. The last copy passed from hand to hand could sound like a pair of worn-out jeans thrown off a moving train and left in a puddle.

Later, Krakalla grew with the addition of a new member, rapper *Moe*, who brought brisk lyrics and a fresh style to the group. In 2022, in collaboration with Czech DJ and producer Emmit and his label Yard Records, they released a double single *Krakalla / ASH721 & DLM* – “Neskoro V Noci / Československý Rap”, their first vinyl record. This experience motivated the band to produce more vinyls, leading to changes in both the lineup and the name of the group.

The Beginnings of AMO

As one of the first producers in Bratislava, Opak started making beats on the legendary AKAI MPC 2000XL sampler, helping shape the sound of Slovak hip-hop. This device was also key in creating instrumentals for AMO’s first vinyl *Čo si čakal / Svet patrí mne* and other tracks. Released on December 2, 2003, under their independent label 24 Hodín Records in collaboration with SubBeats (led by Midi from Trosky), it quickly became a part of Slovak music history.

In addition to known tracks like *Čo si čakal* and *Svet patrí mne*, the vinyl included a bonus track, *Slavín*, a collaboration between Opak and Čistychov. The song became a hit and further cemented AMO’s place as one of the most exciting acts on the scene. AMO still perform it to this day.

In September 2004, plans began for a music video for what would become their most iconic track, *Bratislava*, which premiered in October. The song soon became an anthem for AMO fans. Just a few months later, on December 16, 2004, AMO released their second vinyl *Rap2005*, featuring the tracks *Rap2005* and *Bratislava*.

These beginnings were just the prelude to the success that awaited AMO—and especially Opak. Their influence on the Slovak music scene is indelible, and their story lives on.

The AMO Era and Opak in Full Force

In addition to his work with AMO, Opak released solo albums *Otvorenie* and *Produkcie*, as well as the *RARE* EP with a talented, lesser-known producer Lexaurin Luthor, which was also released on cassette. Opak’s music is marked not only by strong lyrics but also by distinct musical undertones—his artistry goes beyond music and words.

When people spoke of Opak as a producer, it wasn’t just about music production. His vision and execution extended beyond his own projects. He became the head and creator of a demo contest for the best track, titled *Vytiahni svoj majk* ("Grab Your Mic"). Opak aimed to help young talent by designing the competition rules to motivate participants to produce their own recordings at home using whatever gear they had. The best contestants got a chance to perform publicly, with the competition broadcast by Slovak music television channel Musiq1. Over two seasons, more than a thousand artists applied. From the second season, a then-unknown young rapper *Majself* emerged as the winner with his song *Živý spánok*. Thanks to Opak, the track got its own music video that same year (2010).

This was the most productive period of Opak’s career, leaving its mark on the stage. The first and only Slovak hip-hop musical *Príbeh ulice* (“Street Story”) continuously featured Opak’s production in a compelling narrative about Niko and Mia, directed by Nikita Slovák. Besides the local *Divadlo Aréna* on the Danube riverbank in Bratislava, full houses welcomed the show on tour across Slovak cities.

Meanwhile, AMO continued releasing albums like *Originál*, *Family Biznis*, *Positive*, *Rok Nula*, and *Analog Architekt*, full of hits and music videos. Among their best-known tracks are collaborations with artists like Celeste Buckingham, Misha, Polemic, Para, Juraj Benetin, and Moja Reč. Whether performing with a DJ or live band like United Flavour, AMO rocked major stages across Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Their career milestones include opening for Wu-Tang Clan, Black Eyed Peas, Nas, and Gentleman.

Zion5 – More Than Just a Studio - From Bedroom to Pro Spaces

Aside from AMO, Opak’s biggest passion and life project is the *Zion5* studio. Its early days were tied to music production on an old second-hand 486 PC connected to a cassette recorder, using the “Fastracker 2” software running on MS-DOS. A graduate of an electrical engineering high school, Opak’s love for technology and software greatly influenced his evolution. Combining that with music was a recipe for success. He gradually became a self-taught expert and geek in audio technology and acoustics.

The first studio space for musicians was built in 2006 when he rented a basement room from his aunt and created a small acoustically treated studio. By 2024, Zion5 had moved four times. The latest space is more than a sound studio—it’s become a creative hub for Slovak musicians, rappers, event producers, content creators, video makers, ad agencies, and directors. Opak not only records and produces music but also creates videos, graphics, and develops full projects, turning ideas—his own and his clients'—into reality. His professional approach and extensive experience guarantee top quality.

Zion5 has become a community space where creatives gather and where brilliant ideas and collaborations are born. Opak actively supports young talent, creating an environment that nurtures new projects. Zion5 is now an inseparable part of the Slovak music scene and a creative hub for marketing professionals.

A.I.

With the arrival of A.I., the creative industry is evolving. This business will never look the same again. That’s why, in 2024, Opak launched a new modular podcast studio at Zion5, where clients now record video podcasts focused on wellness and healthy living. Being a lifelong learner himself, Opak continues to explore new horizons. A.I. opens doors to new possibilities in production—from creating music and voice or vocal recordings to images and videos. He sees A.I. as a powerful tool that must be handled sensitively and fairly, ensuring that the needs of both clients and creators are respected and fulfilled.