I was born in a small village in Slovenia and grew up in the countryside. My father was a train driver, my mother is an accountant. I have a younger brother who became an engineer.
At the age of 18 I moved to The Netherlands for music, the idea won over my plans to study Latin and old Greek. A few years later, I was immersed into the rich world of Amsterdam’s improvised music scene, which complemented my studies of classical composition in a great way. After 13 years in Holland, I moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, stayed there for 5 years, and recently moved back to Trboje, my home village.
Welcome to my website.
for bio and cv please scroll down
News:
I was nominated for German Jazz Prize, category Piano/International.
The second album of my duo with the brilliant Portuguese trumpeter Susana Santos Silva is out on Intakt Records and is called GROW.
Fundacija Słuchaj released a trio album with Ab Baars, Terrie Ex and myself. You can listen to it here.
Die Zeit did a very generous portrait on me, available (in German) here.
My new solo album In Otherness Oneself is out on Unsounds!
A part of the concert we did with Marcin Masecki at Koln's Loft (playing J.S.Bach) is now available to watch online here.
On Innovation and the Future of Music (and art), a collection of interviews is out digitally and in printed, 200 copies limited edition. The zine features drawings by Szymon Gąsiorek and is designed by Maga Ćwieluch.
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RECENT VIDEOS:
Kaja Draksler Solo: Zagreb Biennale
Anja Zag Golob, Irena Z. Tomažin, Kaja Draksler: Rojišče #73
Draksler/Bach/Masecki: Goldberg Variations
Kaja Draksler Octet: In Time, music on the words of Matsuo Basho
Czajka & Puchacz at A4, Bratislava, interview & concert
Punkt.Vrt.Plastik FRAUSTADT
Kiebitz & Uhu ENTSCHULDIGUNG
Kaja Draksler & Irena Tomažin for Glasbeni cikel JUTRI
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“Draksler is one of the most potent musical minds of our time.“
Quietus
“The young Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler shows off a wealth of sturdy ideas and nonchalant technique on this stunning solo recording.”
Downbeat
“/.../ the young Slovenian pianist Kaja Draksler pulls together information from a century of experimental music and jazz. She also makes rhythm a priority, and reminds you subtly that she knows what she’s doing. /.../ It’s hard, or maybe impossible, to predict where she’s going to take you. That’s not so common from a young musician.”
New York Times
“Draksler brings austerity, subtlety and poignancy with her fluid piano playing and rings through in bright, rich textures.”
Irish Times