Uprising: Jakub Olechny on Artistic Integrity and Taking Creative Risks
The journey to finding one’s creative calling is rarely straightforward, and for Jakub Olechny, it has been a whirlwind of exploration, passion, and determination. As a junior music creative at MassiveMusic Warsaw, Jakub brings his analytical mindset and an insatiable curiosity to the world of music supervision and production. His story is one of dedication, evolution, and a desire to push the boundaries of sound in advertising.
Jakub tells me that growing up, he was naturally inclined to dive deep into his interests – whether it was basketball, hip-hop, or metal music, he approached his passions with an almost scholarly intensity. “When it was basketball, I was trying to follow everything that was going on in the NBA,” he recalls. “Later, when I discovered hip-hop music, I was a ‘real’ hip-hop nerd, looking for any scraps of information about an album, release date, who produced it, etc.”
Despite his deep love for basketball, Jakub found himself gradually drawn into the world of music. While his younger years were dominated by international influences – American hip-hop and European metal – he has since developed a newfound appreciation for Polish artists from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Jakub’s reconnection with his own cultural background has shaped his approach to music, giving him a broader perspective on creativity and artistic expression at large.
First Steps in the Industry
Jakub’s path to the music industry wasn’t linear. After studying psychology at university, he started work at a marketing agency in his hometown of Wrocław. However, his passion for music never faded, leading him to enroll in the audio production programme at the SAE Institute in Amsterdam in 2020. “I had already started producing music and decided that I wanted to pursue studies in music production,” he explains.
Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy, especially in the post-pandemic landscape. After finishing his studies at the SAE, he started relentlessly applying to recording studio jobs in Amsterdam, but found that opportunities were scarce. During one routine job search, he stumbled upon MassiveMusic. Intrigued by the company’s profile, he pursued the opportunity, eventually securing his first role in the industry as a junior music creative.
Lessons from the Early Days
Starting out in a competitive field, Jakub quickly learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and emotional balance. One of the most valuable lessons he has absorbed came from his mentor and colleague at MassiveMusic Warsaw, Chris Sulenta: “Give away your heart, but do not give away your soul.” This wisdom serves as a reminder to remain committed to projects while also maintaining your own artistic integrity, especially when clients choose to go into a direction differing to one that would satisfy the artist inside him.
His first professional project, a commercial for Falko, a Polish non-alcoholic wine brand, remains a memorable milestone. “It was a really serene spot for this particular campaign, and what we came up with was a very nice bossa nova, sunny vibe composition,” he says. While he hasn’t yet had a career-defining project, Jakub believes that continued efforts and creativity will eventually lead to that breakthrough moment, and many more are to follow.
The Challenges and Joys of Music Creativity
As a junior music creative, Jakub finds immense joy in his creative process. He thrives on discovering new music, revisiting forgotten classics, and collaborating with his team to find the perfect sound for a campaign. The role isn’t without its challenges too, of course. One of the biggest hurdles is maintaining consistency in quality music searches, especially when multiple projects are in progress at the same time. “Naturally, we always deliver,” he says. “But staying motivated and determined can be hard at times.”
He envisions a future where brands take more risks with music choices in advertising. “I think there are a lot of unexplored opportunities – brands are scared of taking risks in music and/or artist synchronisations,” he explains. “People, even if they would be caught off guard by a particular piece of music or artist in a campaign, would appreciate a surprise as long as there is a coherent creative vision.”
“The key,” he says, “is quality.”
Looking Ahead to Technology and Personal Ambitions
Gazing into the future, Jakub finds himself excited about the potential impact of technology on music supervision and production. He appreciates how streaming services and algorithms have already changed the way people discover music and looks forward to future innovations that could further enhance creativity and accessibility. “It’s things like streaming, targeted playlists, and other algorithms that help us navigate this vast ocean of sound and make our lives richer by allowing us access to new and old information.”
At the same time, he’s wary of the pitfalls of mass-produced, uninspired content. “It’s good in terms of access to new information, but we also take the bad in terms of generating insane amounts of ‘copy-paste’ content that is just literally flooding the market right now,” he notes. Balancing technological advancements with artistic integrity is a challenge he believes the industry must address.
Outside of work, Jakub decompresses by playing basketball, watching films, and revisiting his favourite albums. He is also working on an ambitious side project – an experimental electronic music venture under a new alias. And while he isn’t ready to reveal details yet, he is excited about the creative possibilities it presents.
For Jakub, the driving force behind his career and life is simple: the thrill of new projects and, as he puts it, “dogs.” His passion for music, combined with his analytical mindset and relentless curiosity, makes him a rising talent to watch in the industry. As he continues to grow and push boundaries, his journey serves as a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and taking risks in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
