Hala Strana is a folk-inspired musical project that delves deeply into the rich textures and tones of Eastern European traditional music, while infusing it with a contemporary experimental edge. The project was conceived and primarily recorded by Steven R. Smith, an artist who is well-respected for his ability to deftly weave together diverse musical influences. Hala Strana's name itself is a reference to "foreign country" in several Slavic languages, which is a fitting description for the project's exploration of geographical and sonic landscapes.

The music of Hala Strana is steeped in a reverence for past traditions while simultaneously pushing boundaries. Releases like "Fielding" and the self-titled "Hala Strana" are immersive auditory experiences, featuring a tapestry of string instruments, layered textures, and subtle electronica. Over time, the project has evolved, with albums such as "These Villages" and "Heave the Gambrel Roof" showcasing a developing complexity and narrative quality in the arrangements. While Hala Strana's works, including "Compendium" and "Dreams," feel deeply rooted in Eastern European cultures, they manage to transcend time and place, creating a sound that speaks to the universality of human experience as filtered through Smith's unique perspective.