Following the growing international response to ‘Real Little Wild’, cinematic indie-pop duo 2AP (Two Alien Planets) continue their journey with ‘Sweet Harmony’, a dreamy and quietly uplifting single that explores the elusive search for peace within an overcrowded mind.
At the heart of 2AP are Jarek H. and Lenka K., whose contrasting vocal styles give the project much of its distinctive character. On ‘Sweet Harmony’, Lenka's airy soprano and Jarek's warm baritone intertwine across acoustic and electric guitars, bass and drums, gradually transforming an intimate opening into something considerably more expansive.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Jarek: Guitar
Lenka: Piano
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Jarek: Classical music like Beethoven symphony no. 7, Claude Debussy and his Claire De Lune, Antonin Dvorak, Prokofjev or Tchaikovsky and others from rock world like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, The Beatles and many songs we played in front of the fire camp like Bob Dylan, John Dencer, Johny Cash, Wabi Danek, Karel Plihal, Nerez etc., I think I was listen to lot of music, thanks to LP’s my father had at home.
Lenka: As a little girl, I used to dance around the living room to whatever my mum was playing—mostly The Beatles, or even Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances. My journey into classical music deepened as I learned to play the piano. I started at the age 6 - with Johann Sebastian Bach, Mozart, and Dvořák, and by the time I was twelve, I fell in love with Claude Debussy, Bohuslav Martinů, Beethoven, and Shostakovich, which really shaped my musical foundation.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jarek: The first album(s) I remember owning were three LPs I received for Christmas: Help! by The Beatles, an album by the Czech alternative rock band Pražský výběr, and Darmoděj by Czech singer-songwriter Jaromír Nohavica.
Lenka: Honestly, I don’t remember having one specific album. When I was ten, my stepdad came into my life—and with him came his vast music collection, packed mostly with rock and folk classics. Exploring that library gave me more than enough inspiration for my entire youth.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Jarek: Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Lenka: Joni Mitchel: Big Yellow Taxi
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Jarek: Every song comes to life in a different way, but most of mine emerge from the flow of my emotions and the harmonies I discover on whichever instrument I happen to be playing, whether it is a guitar, kalimba, piano or beer can. Usually, the emotion and musical idea come first, and then the lyrics slowly follow.
Once, while having fun with some children at a summer camp, I tried doing it the other way around. They gave me about six poems, and my task was to turn each one into a song in just ten seconds. Surprisingly, I managed to do it, shifting between different styles and moods, and everyone had a good laugh. Maybe I should change my habits!
Experimenting with new tunings, instruments or styles also brings me plenty of fresh ideas, allowing me to explore the same melody from different perspectives and develop a stronger melodic progression.
Lenka: I'm usually starting with an emotion, then comes melody or/and basic lyrics, after that I´m looking for harmony and other instrumental parts.
Together: “Sweet Harmony” is one of the songs we wrote collaboratively. Jarek brought in the guitar riff and the initial melodic idea, and Lenka later added the lyrics. We developed the rest together, including the final melody and structure. There were originally many more lyrics and pre-choruses, but Jarek cut quite a lot to give the song more space and make it feel airier. We then put it aside for a while before returning to it and finally bringing the song to life.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jarek: At the moment, my listening falls into several categories. There are newer discoveries from the indie world, such as Kinga Głyk, Pamela, and Tori Wolf, alongside more established artists like OneRepublic, Passengerand The National and these icons.
I also enjoy discovering older songs that I did not know before, by artists such as The O’Jays, Tina Turner, and Fleetwood Mac, Nick Drake or Norah Jones, Björk etc. I like the production and artistic feelings there. Then there are songs I want to explore more deeply—perhaps because I heard them somewhere, want to learn how to play them, or imagine creating a cover with a completely different mood. These include songs by Simon & Garfunkel, Guns N’ Roses, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Idol, Blur, and Dire Straits or Norah Jones. We are also preparing a version of Modern Talking’s “Cheri, Cheri Lady” with a very different atmosphere from the original.
Thanks to our upcoming jazz spin-off album, I have also been listening to more jazz classics, including Dave Brubeck, Thelonious Monk, Henry Mancini, Chick Corea or Béla Fleck and many others.
Lenka: Over the past week, I've been hooked on Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” after singing it in a jazz arrangement at a summer music workshop. Aside from that, I’ve been diving deep into classic jazz standards, listening to different big band interpretations.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jarek: The Rolling Stones or Coldplay? I think our sound is closer to Coldplay’s early era, or perhaps The National, whose audience may be very similar to ours.
Lenka: Opening for Fiona Apple would be an absolute dream. Her raw emotion, rhythmic piano playing, and unfiltered honesty have always been a huge inspiration to me.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Jarek: I love playing for people, and when they enjoy it, that is always the best feeling. Music is an essential part of my existence and helps me overcome life’s challenges. It allows me to experience the world in more colours and is also a form of meditation for me.
Lenka: For me, the most beautiful and emotionally powerful moments happen when I’m singing harmonies. When voices align and blend together, it almost feels like I’m completely immersed, bathing in those shared vibrations.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Jarek: Definitely social media. I don’t think it is a natural part of being a musician, but it has become a necessary part of today’s music world if you want to be noticed and heard. On the other hand, it is also an important tool for reaching more fans and gives you a chance to discover how show business works, even without a budget.
Lenka: For me, the hardest part is navigating the whole journey from that initial spark—a raw emotion or idea—to the finished song. It’s a process filled with so many doubts, and the real challenge is not losing the way or the faith in the music along the way.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Jarek: Listen to criticism, overcome setbacks, and constantly learn new things—but always remember why you love music. Most importantly, truly enjoy every concert and audience. And stay tuned!
Lenka: I'm actually still waiting for it!
Jarek: Don’t give up?
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2AP's new single 'Sweet Harmony' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.