ELECTRONIC
- Pigeon
- Feb 23
- 24 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
"Ad Vitam Aeternam" is an immersive journey through time, eternity, and the essence of existence. This unique blend of trance and orchestral music invites the listener into a meditative state, beginning with a serene, reflective base that gradually unfolds into a profound exploration of life and the infinite. The buildup introduces ethereal choirs, sweeping strings, and delicate melodies, evoking a deep contemplation of life's mysteries and the concept of eternity. As the track progresses, a poignant break symbolizes the threshold between life and near-death experiences. Here, rich orchestral textures and Romantic influences reminiscent of Beethoven evoke a sense of transcendence and introspection. A haunting echo of a ticking clock preludes the drop, representing the relentless passage of time. The drop itself shifts into a psychedelic realm, maintaining the contemplative ambiance while introducing a dynamic, mind-expanding energy. Following this, baroque-inspired strings à la Vivaldi emerge, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence and the timeless dance of creation and renewal. The final reprise of the central theme underscores the eternal cycle of beginnings and endings, illustrating the balance that defines our reality. In this eternal present—ad vitam aeternam—time dissolves, revealing the infinite now. This track is more than music; it's a profound meditation on life's boundless continuity.
INTERVIEW WITH ANTI LAG
"MICHAEL BICHAEL" sears dancefloors with fizzing oil, a knowing smirk,and hips that won't quit.
Starting with a seductive whisper and building to an explosive climax, this is the track for when the night starts getting interesting. Anti Lag crafts a deliciously tense journey through rising synths and pulsing rhythms, creating the perfect soundtrack for that moment when eye contact across the club turns into something more. The track's massive finish ensures nobody leaves unsatisfied."
(•)> Cru cru! What first got you into music? It's hard to say what first got me into music?
I know I coveted the electric guitar from an early age. That's actually where I started, when I was thirteen... trying to learn to play old Nirvana songs. It was only in my late teens when I accidentally discovered chiptune through the Amiga scene that I actually got into making my own electro with tracker software... and I just fell in love with every little riff and musical trick I came up with.
(•)> What's your favorite album of all time?
Easily - The Long Now by Children Collide. 12 tracks of aggressively energetic grunge-pop with some huge emotional crescendos and a crashing finish. Nothing else like it on this Earth.
(•)> What record from the 2020's do you replay the most?
Oh, boy. Probably Charli XCX, but I'm gonna surprise you - not BRAT. I'm a big fan of Crash. Good Ones, You Used To Love Me... it goes hard.
(•)> What should the Pigeon listen to next?
Disposable Planet has some intense chiptune bangers coming down the line. Can't wait to see their live set later this year.
(•)> What memorable answers have you had to your work so far?
I've had people pulling their shoes off at gigs and lofting them in the air, and all kinds of crowdsurfing antics... it's been wild the last couple years. I also find a surprising amount of people resonate with some of my singles like Grassfire and Fuck With Shoes On. People love to party, and they love music that helps them reach that fever pitch intensity...
(•)> Who is your inspiration when creating music?
I wanna write guitar songs like Johnny Mackay and all the Midwest Emo bands I don't know the names of. Electronically... Gaga, Doja, and Nicki Minaj back when she actually rapped on her tracks.
(•)> Which film do you rewatch the most?
Initial D, the live action film from Hong Kong. 14 times and counting. I watch it with a bad fansub which makes very little sense, but that just adds to the fun.
(•)> How is your perfect day?
No work, cause I'm on tour. Wake up, grab an excellent coffee and a toasted ham, cheese, tomato croissant. Walk around a beautiful new town before chilling in my plush hotel room for a few hours, then heading out to a big chiptune festival to tear up the stage with 100 energetic legends in the crowd. I've been lucky enough to experience this a handful of times in my life, and I can't wait for the next one.
(•)> Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?
When I was four, I had a huge tantrum, and I was tearing my room apart. I had toys all over my bed. When I tore off the sheets, one of them smacked me in the head, and took out a chunk of my eyebrow. It's been missing ever since.
(•)> Do you sing in the shower?
If yes, what's the setlist? It's gonna be Hot to Go by Chapelle Roan, followed by multiple repeats of APT. by Rose and Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield. Maybe throw in a little Doja here and there.
The track 'Sync' is a commentary on how our daily interaction with algorithms is reshaping our cognition and perception of time. Computers are getting faster and algorithms are getting better, while our monkey brains remain at the same processing speed. Our minds are struggling to keep up with the stream of data being funneled towards us, leading to a feeling of anxiety or being (as the song suggests) 'out of sync with time'. We, therefore, need to be more at the moment, to synchronize back with the flow of time.
"XO24 is my first release in 2025 in collaboration with Deckrd, an emergent artist from Bogota Colombia. I'm DXO synth wave producer from Medellin, Colombia inspired by sci-fi movies, 80s music, and neon lights."
"A Place I'm Meant To Know by Alex Marchisone offers a unique and compelling musical experience. The artist's personal connection to the cause, stemming from his own battle with generalized serious epilepsy, adds a profound layer of authenticity to the composition."
The Swedish artist Frida NOVA creates a blend of electropop, soul, and club music with a hint of jazz, funk, and ambient indie pop. Her debut album “REBIRTH” is a creative journey that blends freedom and musical exploration, inviting the listener to follow along. The album expresses feelings of comfort, excitement,t and vibrant optimism. It is a heartfelt expression of the self and of finding hope.
"Zero Humano delves deep into the chilling void where empathy seems to fade away, capturing the stark reality of modern indifference. With haunting melodies, this track holds a mirror up to society, reflecting the cold distance that has seeped into human connections. Through its powerful composition, "Zero Humano" serves as both a wake-up call and an anthem for those yearning for change. Let it guide you on a journey towards embracing empathy and reigniting the warmth of human kindness."
"dvdv and producer Poly Armour weave a symbiotic tapestry of ethereal vocals, pulsating electronic beats, and experimental pop that captures the hunger for meaning amid chaos."
"With this project, he’s going back to the roots, exploring, experimenting, and having fun in the studio. Influenced by experimental electronic, drum and bass, and downtempo, his tracks are raw, rhythmic explorations where distorted basslines, fractured grooves, and cinematic tension collide."
"With a blend of Jazz and Psytrance, Gengvej's EP stands out for its innovative approach to two distinct genres. The title, "Wie tanzt man eigentlich zu Jazz?" (How do you actually dance to Jazz?), reflects Gengvej's exploration and experimentation throughout the production process. This release not only brings a fresh perspective to both genres but also highlights the flexibility and potential for crossover between different styles."
"Berlin-born Lars Hemmerling has been a driving force in the city's vibrant electronic music scene since the early 1990s. Influenced by pioneers such as Kraftwerk, Hemmerling's unmistakable sound is characterized by its dark, driving rhythms and a deep-rooted love of analog synthesizers."
"XO24 is my first release in 2025 in collaboration with Deckrd, an emergent artist from Bogota Colombia. I'm DXO synthwave producer from Medellin, Colombia inspired by sci-fi movies, 80s music, and neon lights."
INTERVIEW WITH MIKE BY NAME
"I'm furthering the story of my sci-fi rock opera The Vibe Operator, a concert film available on my YouTube channel: It tells the backstory of the Android character's race and is the first of its kind released in public as a free citizen on the subway system of NYC."
(•)> Cru cru Mike By Name, it's always a pleasure to have you back for a new interview. How are you doing? What is "Down From the Subway" and why do you believe it belongs in the alternative radio scene?
The subways in NYC are always in the hot seat for violence, they’re also a microcosm of a diverse population. Who are we in transit always has interested me for some reason. Do we respect each other’s space, are we accepting of our righteous diversity or do we live with fear? The song is a hypothetical about a new race of Android beings traveling on the same subways to work as us regular humans and how it might go.
(•)> What music taste did your dad give to you?
My dad gave me Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, my mom gave me The Beatles, and my grandmother gave me The Temptations.
(•)> What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make as a musician?
The decision of dedication to the craft vs. romanticizing the work.
(•)> Do you groove in the subway?
The Android most definitely does as the music video will show.
(•)> How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin, etc.?
I don’t balance it. Balance is not possible. Balance is always a fantasy, some unachievable marker that we hold over our heads. There’s a time to reap and a time to sow and you just have to make sure to permit yourself to explore. If you don’t take the time to create regularly, you’ll never start, let alone finish anything. Which, I wouldn’t call that balance but it is a strategy.
(•)> What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
A whole slew of warehouse jobs: inventory jobs, technical writing, mascot, forklift drivers, videographers, photographers, music teachers, etc.
(•)> What do you do to relax after a long day of hard work in the studio?
Lately long walks, like 4-5 miles have been keeping me on an even keel. But usually after a long day in the studio, I feel relaxed because I know I put my blood and sweat into my craft, which is always reassuring.
Do you sing in the shower? If yes, what songs?
Very rarely do I sing in the shower but if I’m randomly in a shower that has a nice reverb I’ll sing “Whole Lotta Love”, the bridge section right before the end and really hold that long note before the band comes back in.
Do you agree with the Pigeon?
I never argue with birds.
INTERVIEW WITH PAFT DRUNK
"Dive into an electrifying night with "Moar." This Frenchy track is an invitation to let go beneath the neon lights. A punchy beat, groovy bass, and an irresistible vibe that pulls you through the night!"
(•)> cru cru! What first got you into music?
Our past from the real world does not exist anymore. We create art through a meme coin. Music is just content for us to use in our autistic war in the Solana trenches.
(•)> How did you get the idea for Paft Drunk?
Out from the Solana tranches, Paft Drunk ($PAFT) is a meme token created on the Solana blockchain, inspired by the cultural legacy of Daft Punk. The project blends humor, creativity, and blockchain technology. Paft Drunk stands apart by thriving as both a blockchain-based meme and a real-world music band. This unique duality bridges the gap between digital finance and creative industries while offering long-term growth and value to its community! Please check our website when you have the time, you can find there all the info about the token 🥃
(•)> Are you familiar with Daft Punk's discography?
Yes, we are from France and grew up with the Daft Punk Sound, our direction on this project is not to make a copy-paste, but to use their music code and create something new through a humoristic et creative vision. There are all kinds of memecoin categories, and for our case, that's the celebrities category. There are tons of meme coins within this category. It's a kind of caricature, but the main goal of this project is innovation—showcasing a new way to approach a music career. This concept is called artist tokenization: bringing art to life through a memecoin (a financial product). This allows us to offer additional experiences and opportunities beyond just music
(•)> Very interesting project! Who's your favorite of the Daft Punk robots and what's their magnum opus?
We love them both, we chose the Silver one for the token Icon so we had to push a bit more than the other for our memes (drawings). I think we have a preference for the first Album (Homework), mainly because of the machine sounds and the energy!
(•)> Homework is such a club banger! Razor-sharp grooves, sweat, and futuristic energy! What's your favorite track on it?
Yes that first album Homework was a life-changer for many music producers. Selecting only one track is impossible for me, there is a track for every moment in a whole day :)
(•)> Do you have any thoughts on French duo Justice?
Yes, Justice are amazing artists, they have done great things for this music genre. They truly deserve a high spot on the podium.
INTERVIEW WITH MANDYCAN
(•)> Cru cru, what first got you into music?
I'd say it was picking up the guitar when i was 12 years old. I started off with rookie Nirvana covers and took to small time performances in just about any local events in my hometown. I realized that I had more confidence on stage than off it. I was then exposed to all sorts of electronic music during the whole EDM/Dubstep phase of the 2010's. It showed me that I didn't have to limit myself to just my physical instrument - I could shape sounds and bend it to my will to create the sounds I heard in my head. Once I had my first crack at Ableton, I was hooked. MandyCan was born from the curiosity of my younger self; to galvanise the creativity of my younger days into my current artistry.
(•)> That's a dope origin story! What's Nirvana's magnum opus in your opinion?
Oh undoubtedly Their MTV unplugged album! Even though it was a lot of covers it really showed what they were capable of outside their grunge-shell. I loved their studio records and conventional live concert footage but I think the world got a taste of what they could be more than what they were on during their unplugged show :)
(•)> What are some of your favorite electronic records from the 2010s?
I'd say some of my favorite records were Bonobo's Black Sands, You're Dead! By Flying Lotus and by Deadmau5 to name a few. I think there was something about the sound of these records that I really resonated with and it inspired so much of my work.
(•)> I have listen to every single record made by Nirvana a few times now, but I still haven't checked out those iconic Unplugged performances!!! If Bleach, Nevermind or In Utero masters were hanging off a cliff which one would you save?
Ooh that's a tricky one, I think I'd have to save Nevermind because of its cultural impact, but I'd definitely mourn for In Utero when it falls to its death!
(•)> I'm familiar with some works of Flying Lotus like Los Angeles, Cosmograma and Unitl The Quiet Comes! I'll add You're Dead to my waiting list!
Sich great records all of them - watching him live was magical and made such a huge impact on my taste in electronic music and how far I could push it.
(•)> I never got into Deadmau5. Where should I start?
Album title goes here is my favorite Deadmau5 album which is why it's up there with the rest of them. With features like Wolfgang Gartner and Inogen Heap there's just SO much range!
(•)> Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?
I use to mispronounce 'Jalapeño' until I was 13 (yes, I didn't know the 'j' was pronounced 'h')
(•)> Do you sing in the shower?
I go a step further, I also practice metal screams in the shower. I thank my stars my neighbour's don't mind (or maybe I just think that they don't).
INTERVIEW WITH DEL' NOIRE
(•)> Cru cru, what first got you into music?
My sisters were at their teens when I was born, so I was played a lot of rock music back then. It was the same thing at daycare; the boys of the family played rock music to me. So, I was into rock n’ roll before I could even read. Also, my parents used to sing a lot. As devoted members of choir. My grandparents also were choir members, and I had a chance to go to rehearsals with my granny. Which was not so rock n’ roll, but anyway…
(•)> Praising the lord is not very rock n' roll indeed aha What are some of your favorite rock records?
My favorite records are numerous. Just to mention few I used to listen time after time:
Motörhead: No sleep 'til Hammersmith
The Cult: Love
Ramones: It's alive
Gun Club: Las Vegas story
Prong: Rude awakening
Cannibal Corpse: Bleeding
Drab Majesty: The demonstration
Dead Can Dance: Within the realm of a dying sun
(•)> What genres of music do you enjoy listening to, besides rock of course?
Genres don't actually mean a thing to me. They are boring and binding. As long as music's good it's ok. It can be death metal, easy listening, disco, classical...whatever. I like to listen all possible genres. It makes no difference. Good music is good music.
(•)> As an eclectic music listener, I share the same feeling! I'm familiar with some works of Ramones, Cannibal Corpse and Motorhead, but I still have to check out bands like The Cult, Gun Club, Drab Majesty and Dead Can Dance. Should I start from those records thst you mentioned or those aren't the most accessible?
They are very good ones to start from! I love those albums.
(•)> Alright! I'll add them to my list, then!!! What inspire you the most when creating "Tyler Down"?
This song is actually a cover song, Del’Noire covering Matyascorvinus i.e. I’m covering myself. The original Tyler was released couple of years ago as a classical guitar piece. So, I decided to give it a different approach, which manifested itself as the song we are talking about right now.
When arranging the song and turning it into an electronica-piece I added meny elements and wrote a lot more stuff into it. So, it includes much more music than the original one, which is a very small and simple song. However, it includes a quite big theme which easily carries through the new Tyler Down. Actually writing process of this new version pretty much inspired itself.
(•)> I always found it interesting when artists revisit their work in a different light. What electronic records inspire you the most?
This is a tough one. One big influence is Depeche Mode, especially Black Celebration. I also love Violator. Imperative Reaction's As We Fall must be mentioned. God Lives Underwater is also one of my favorites; Empty is a very good album. Then, Filter's Short Bus...And yes! An album I totally love is Psykosonik's Unlearn.
(•)> I also love Depeche Mode! Some Great Reward, Black Celebration, Music For The Masses, Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion, Ultra... I'm a big big fan of that run! What's your favorite song from them? Have you ever seen them live?
Favorite DM songs are many, but Shake the disease is on the very top of the list.
Ambient drones and soundscapes with a melodic and cinematic feel, a retro-futuristic call back to the sci-fi film soundtracks of the 70s. Influenced by Vangelis, John Carpenter, Edward Artemiev, and others, it examines how we thought the future might sound half a century ago.
1. Hey Ozz Gold, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hey Ozz Gold, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi! It’s super nice to chat with you too!
I first got into music in elementary school. A couple of my friends and I created a punk rock band and I’ve really been in love with music ever since. As far as house music goes, I remember first hearing EDM back in 2013/2014 and instantly falling in love with the progressive and tropical styles.
When I moved to Las Vegas in 2021, I went to watch my favorite artist, Kygo, perform at XS. After witnessing the atmosphere he created through his music, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do. And so in November 2021 I downloaded Abelton and started working everyday since!
2. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I think that my drive is my created strength as a musician. When I get hooked on something I become obsessive. When it comes to music I can work all day long and just get lost in it.
3. What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
I feel so passionate about music because of the joy it brings people. I hope to one day look out to thousands of smiling faces dancing and singing to my music.
4. What’s the best decade for music?
I think we live in a great decade for music at the moment. I think that artist now have the ability to push their music on their own which is truly special.
5. What’s your favorite 80’s artist?
Tina Turner! What’s Love Got to do With It is one of my favorite 80s tracks.
6. What’s your favorite song?
My favorite song at the moment is Freeze by Kygo!
7. What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years I would love to be producing and touring full time!
8. Will you tell us something embarrassing about you?
My first concert ever was a talent show in the 4th grade where I fell back while playing guitar. It was a funny moment, I’m glad I was able to keep playing on the floor LOL!|
9. Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Absolutely. I love singing sad songs in the shower. Many Lewsis Capaldi tracks like Someone You Loved and Before You Go
10. Do you usually agree with the Pigeon?
Absolutely! I think Pigeon does a great job in their reviews highlighting the best things about artists’ songs.
1. Hey Retrofitted, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Big Carlo initially brought the group together we all had a passion for rapping individually but never did much with it. Carlo changed that when he invited us to join him in the studio at first just to hang out but he encouraged us to join him on a few tracks. Little did we know those first few songs would spark a fire to the passions we had all along.
2. What is your creative process like?
With six artist underneath the title retrofitted it can be a challenge to organize a song. Luckily we are all pretty selfless and we work hard to make sure each person shines. Usually someone selects the beat we will use and either comes up with a hook or a verse depending on what they are feeling. Then they bring it to the group and we discuss who would be able to best fit the theme and vision of the song. Ultimately the group comes first so we have to be comfortable rewriting or subbing out on a song to ensure the final product is perfect. We all can't be on ever song but we trust in each other to make sure the spotlight is shared.
3. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
We would honestly still be working out regular 9-5 jobs getting wasted on the weekends and repeating the cycle. Music has given us a positive outlet to still have fun but create something larger than ourselves.
4. What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
The biggest challenge is coordinating the group. We are always eager to contribute to the groups projects but there may be a better person for the job. Additionally it can be hard to coordinate with each other's schedules.
5. What makes you different from others?We stand out because we are diverse each of us brings a unique taste and style to the table. We all come from different upbringings and places. The variety of experiences we have accumulated over the years ensures that we have something that is "Retrofitted" and relatable to a huge range of people.
6. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
The most memorable response to a song we made was on a song we made for Pax Armani's girlfriend. Her dad had recently passed so we made a song to help her through the tough times. Hearing that something you helped create has been a light in the darkness for even one person is beyond rewarding. At the end of the day if Retrofitted can make life enjoyable for one person that is enough to motivate us to continue making music.
7. Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
Our best performance was at the 2022 Phoenix Hip Hop Festival. It was amazing to conquer any fears we had of being on stage and bring energy to a crowd of strangers for the first time.
8. What’s your favorite discography?
Between the group Big Carlo loves Take care, Cevilian Good kid m.a.a.d. city OJ Stinz 808s and heartbreaks
9. What’s your favorite 70’s album?
A lonely man by the Chi - Lites and Off the wall by Micheal Jackson
10. Do you usually agree with the Pigeon?
Yes we usually agree with the Pigeon
1. Hey Clifford, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Great to chat with you too Pigeon!
What got me into music… if you don’t count my blue and white plastic electric guitar I got at 3 when I played ‘Spice Girls’ covers with my sister singing…it would have to be when I got my first drum kit at 10. Music has always been a part of my life. Although my parents were not musicians themselves, they encouraged it, so I can’t ever remember not exploring music.
2. When did you fall in love with rock music?
Rock, rap, classical, R&B…I love all genres of music. That’s why being a genre bending artist works so well for me. What I love about rock music is the powerful, often times raw nature of it.
3. What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
For starters, having a sound mind/body/soul has always been especially important to me. Daily I work on voice strengthening skills and I find calisthenics for overall body strength really helps in my creative process, and life in general. Recently I’ve found collaboration a kind of relaxing experience, suddenly it’s not just all on you and that’s sort of comforting.
4. What is your creative process like?
My creative process is full of multiple sprints. When I have ideas I work on them for short periods of time. The last stages of mixing/mastering are more like marathons (or so they feel when I’m going through them haha).
5. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Stromae whose impact on me began at 20 when I lived in Brussels.
6. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Max Martin, because I really relate to his music making process.
7. What is one message you would give to your fans?
“Too Big Too Strong” was designed for walking with confidence. So walk tall, be strong, and be courageous.
8. Where is the best place in the world you’ve ever been to?
England, specifically London. I have family there and I always feel that “coming home” feeling whenever I go there.
9. What’s your favorite Youtube channel?
Haha! Any channel related to “Fun Edits”.
10. What's your all time favorite movie? And album?
Movie: John Wick and a close second “Destination Wedding”
Album: Parachutes by Coldplay
1. Hey guys, super nice to have the chance to chat with you! First and foremost what got you into music?
Hlib: One day, all of a sudden (for himself and for me), my classmate brought a guitar and gave it to me to try playing. This is where my journey as a musician began.
Danylo: Music captured me through movies. And my first instrument was the mouth harmonica. I bought it right after listening to soundtracks for the Cowboy Bebop animation. But out of love for Sci-Fi movies, I still had to buy a synthesizer.
Alexandr: My father was a musician and his closest friends too. I ran in these circles, but I never showed any interest in music. Nevertheless, when I was twenty, my friends led me into music, and my father set the first directives in terms of development.
2. Are you a music fan?
Hlib: I believe that a musician must be a music lover and fan in order to advance. For me, there are no "bad" styles of music, you can learn something interesting from each of them.
Danylo: It's like a laboratory process. We constantly need to learn new songs, deepen our understanding of old ones and sometimes look for inspiration in something we have never heard before.
Alexandr: Quite casual. Music is constantly in my headphones, of different directions and genres. But evenings with a vinyl record and a glass of Chianti are far from me.
3. Who inspired you to make music?
Hlib: In music, I love melody the most, so I am inspired by musicians such as A Perfect Circle, If These Trees Could Talk, Dead Letter Circus, Thornhill, Apashe and others. At the same time, everyone has their own understanding of melody. And for me they are an example of atmosphere and texture of sound, I try to introduce similar elements in my music.
Danylo: I was inspired by different musicians at different times. Since my journey began with the harmonica, the influence of the harmonica players did its thing. In particular, Ibrahim Maalouf. Later I became more interested in electronics and sampling and was inspired by Massive Attack, Unkle, Sofa Surfers, Moderat, Igorrr.
Alexandr: Yes, there are two fellows, who push new music to me all the time) “Have you heard the latest A Perfect Circle album? Apashe's beats are crazy! Unkle are simply geniuses, their entire discography deserves close examination!” Dudes, give me a day off!)
4. Have you ever taught or mentored another musician?
Hlib: I have never mentored in full, except to help buddy-musicians with technical issues and sound engineering.
Danylo: I used to give individual lessons on the harmonica, and sometimes people still find me. I also helped a few friends to learn Ableton, we are actively using this program in a band.
Alexandro: All the guys I tried to teach music ended up quitting it, and the girls “quitted” me))) Therefore, I conclude that my career as a music mentor did not work out.
5. What’s your favorite 90’s artist?
Hlib: I am torn between several, well, for sure I should mention Tool, System of a Down, Limp Bizkit. Linkin Park and Papa Roach were formed in the 90's, but released their best albums in the 00's.
Danylo: I will add Moby, Sting, The Prodigy to the list. We were children then and often watched Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys on TV.
Alexandro: My brother once gave me my first mp3 player. On 128MB of memory there were two albums in extra poor quality. Some of the Cypress Hill and Portishead albums - Roseland NYC live. Regarding the first one - I'm a very mediocre fan of rap, but the second album became the main one in my life.
6. What’s your favorite TV show?
Hlib: I haven't watched TV for many years. I love modern series from Netflix, HBO and other studios, they are far much better than most modern movies.
Danylo: I haven't watched TV for a long time. However, Japanese TV shows will probably always be able to surprise you.
Alexandro: All my favorite TV shows come from the broadcasting branch of Ukrainian television in the mid-late 90s. It is unlikely that their names will tell you something. The only time, when they started showing Sailor Moon was a real revelation for me at the age of 10))
7. What do you dislike about the art world?
Hlib: The most difficult thing in the field of modern music is to find a stable niche and a permanent audience, not to get lost in the flow of information. Especially with a rather niche style, like ours.
Danylo: Now the conditions of the game are changing faster than a good product is made. Therefore, there is a super-race, speed beats quality, music loses meaning and depth.
Alexandr: When it comes to social media (I'm probably old-fashioned), it's hard for me to communicate with people, especially on Instagram. There is no sincerity or sense of organicity in all of this.
8. What’s your scariest experience?
Hlib: I will speak about the musical experience, probably a question about it. During one performance, the settings in the project messed up and complete chaos began, and for a long time I could not understand what was going on. Fortunately, I quickly understood the reason. I will not say that it was really scary, but quite nervous.
Danylo: I will not say that it was an incredibly critical experience. But the top will be this: the USB hub for Mac burned out at the concert; I got “contusion” from a strong sound feedback at the concert; made a stream during an air alarm (missile threat).
Alexandr: I woke up in the morning because of an air alarm, and found out that war began in my country.
9. What makes you the happiest?
Hlib: In the field of music my favorite moment is the process of writing a song, while the ideas are still completely fresh, while they “capture” me strongly. I also like to perform, but only when I feel feedback from the audience.
Danylo: Just enjoying the process. When the flow of music merges with the process of thinking. It is relaxation when emotions turn into sound, and vice versa. It charges me in the long run, although it’s tiring in a few hours. As a sport is.
Alexandr: When you play in front of an audience and everything goes better than in rehearsals. And the most important thing when you feel it not only by yourself.
10. Do you often agree with The Pigeon?
Hlib: Is there another way?)))
Danylo: If Pigeon tells you you're crazy, it's true.
Alexandr: Never agree! And what's the question?)
1. Hey GrayBeat, super nice to have the chance to chat with you! First and foremost, what got you into music?
Hmmm. Dancing naked to kick drum heart beats? At a young age, Huey Luis sang to me through the stereo wires, and he said, “The heart of rock ‘n’ roll is the beatin’”. Then he ended with just a little guitar and a kick drum heart beat. I ended up scratching a lot of my Dad’s records when I was just barely out of diapers, due to all the dancing in the living room. I loved turning random knobs on his vintage stereo too :)
2. Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
I’ve played over eighty shows online over the last year and a half. It’s hard to nail one down, though I just played my first in-person shows as GrayBeat, so I’d probably have to go with that one. My most virtuoso performance would have come sometime in the last few decades when I performed with myriad groups and many genres as a drum set and percussion player.
3. What makes you different from others?
Probably the areas I excel in are really interpersonal areas, like empathy and self-awareness. Music helps get me in touch with the cool, calm and collected side of myself. It helps a ton in every aspect of what I do, which is all about connecting with people in new and innovative ways in order to improve their lives and self-worth.
4. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
At this point, I’ve developed a great sense of timing, dynamics, feel and arrangement from drumming all those years. Now, I’ve also been able to develop a keen ear for sonics as I’ve pursued my career in music production. It has really helped me to get in tune with frequencies, textures and emotions in audio.
5. How do you spend your time?
Making music and connecting with fans and other artists.
6. What is your creative process like?
Not giving into the “digital haze”. I’ve been involved with other budding producers in organized activities like collaborations and virtual online classes. It’s really helped me break free from distractions like social media in order to really bear down, focus and do what I love to do, which is produce records and perform. Once I’m in that zone, I have a very finely crafted methodology and efficient workflow that I’m always improving on. This means I’m also able to stay focused and keep making great art.
7. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
“It doesn’t matter.” To me, this means that sometimes you have to remind yourself not to get in your own way. Stress kills creativity. Don’t be distracted by what’s out of your control.
8. What’s your favorite movie?
Spaceballs
9. What’s your favorite 80’s album?
Def Leppard Hysteria
10. Do you often agree with The Pigeon?
Yes, with the disclaimer that I’m generally pretty agreeable :)
