Pocket.Star
Igor Matković – trumpet | Lenart De Bock – saxophone | Jani Moder – guitar | Samo Hude – keyboards | Peter Smrdel – double bass | Žiga Smrdel – drums
Acclaimed trumpeter, composer, producer, and educator Igor Matković presents his latest project, Pocket.Star—a musical exploration of introspection and the complexity of the modern human experience.
On this new album, Matković blends jazz with contemporary musical influences while holding firm to the idea of improvisation as an act of freedom—an act that questions relationships, demands empathy, and accepts responsibility.
Pocket.Star is a concept centered on enoughness: valuing the present rather than being driven by the constant pursuit of “more.” It raises questions about how individuals and societies can responsibly engage with resources already available—not only material or technological, but especially human. At its core, the project emphasizes connection—not just between people, but more importantly with our own inner values and needs, which are often overlooked in a fast-paced, high-expectation world.
Over the years, Matković has charted a distinctive artistic path through albums such as Sonic Motion, Motion in Two Dimensions, State of Ku, and Ephemeral Lake. His work spans from traditional jazz to atmospheric soundscapes, subtle textures, and boundary-defying storytelling. As co-founder of the group Ecliptic, he released Path Of 01 and Trash Society, and with Ground Ritual, the self-titled Ground Ritual.
In recent years, Matković has also embraced the role of producer, releasing digital singles such as Corner Light, Pocket Star, and Bad Moves (in collaboration with the duo Freekind.). The creation process for Pocket.Star combines studio recording with home production, giving the music a defined structure while allowing space for sonic and compositional exploration.
This album represents the synthesis of Matković’s musical journey—music that dissolves genre boundaries. Created in collaboration with talented young musicians from a new generation of artists, Pocket.Star radiates authenticity, connection, and sincerity.
The project leaves us with a compelling question:
Are we still able to truly listen—to ourselves, and to the world around us?
Perhaps the tools we seek have always been within reach.
