Explore Vilsynth's musical voyage in this interview, delving into the nuances of his creative process. Learn how he shapes his unique soundscapes, blending personal introspection with collaborative inspiration. Join us as we uncover the evolution of his artistry, from the roots of his vocal tone discovery to the atmospheric depths of his compositions, offering a candid glimpse into his emotive and innovative world.
INTERVIEW
Your voice is both beautifully evocative and calming. How did you discover the unique qualities of your vocal tone, and how do you feel it complements the atmospheres you create in your music?
My friend Alex and I used to make meme rap/parody songs back in our middle school days. I noticed that I had somewhat of a natural alto/tenor vocal range when I sang, so when I started ‘vil’ I experimented with a lot of electronic & alternative sounds that I thought would compliment my voice and likings best.
I see my style of music to be very raw and emotional, so I always try to add somewhat of an ambience to my voice, whether that is drenching my vocals in reverb or low-compression to make a softer and more ethereal listening experience.
Your production quality and sound design are notable aspects of your music. Can you share some insights into your creative process, especially when crafting the intricate sonic landscapes that define your tracks?
Whether I am producing or collaborating with producers, I always try to go with my gut and what sounds catch my ear the most.
I’m big into texture within the world of sound; how different synths, drums, and vocals fill up the space in a track. I enjoy having a variety of things going on, but to an extent where it’s not overwhelming.
Collaborations seem to be a significant part of your musical journey. How do you approach working with other artists, and what do you value most in the collaborative process?
Most of the people I collaborate with have been good friends of mine for years, online and in person. Getting to know somebody and have a connection, personally and creatively, is what makes collaboration the most exciting.
I like to let things happen naturally and not at a set pace, which always has proved to be the most rewarding.
Your music often carries a cinematic quality. Are there specific visual or narrative elements that inspire your compositions, and how do you translate those influences into your soundscapes?
I love making visual listening experiences with my tracks. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, so sometimes I’ll go sit at my neighborhood park and jot down my surroundings and feelings.
A lot of the cinematic elements in my music have been inspired from Hans Zimmer, and his score for ‘Interstellar’ & ‘The Dark Knight’.
I sometimes find myself creating songs with the mindset of it being the score for a movie about my life, even if listeners don’t pick up on that. I’ve taken a liking to leaving my music and it’s elements up to interpretation.
In your song "greed," with xona, the balance between vulnerability and strength is palpable. Can you shed light on the emotional themes you explore in your music and how you navigate expressing personal experiences through your art?
Everything I make is based on my emotions. I’m a visual learner, so I write a lot of my feelings and song ideas in a journal.
Observing my thoughts and experiences in handwriting helps me visualize them so much better than just typing, because it feels more intimate and real. I try to dig deep and challenge my mind to articulate these thoughts into lyrics, and once they’re in front of me or spoken out loud, it’s like therapy.
As an artist, you've delved into various genres. How do you decide on the sonic direction of each project, and are there particular genres or styles that you find most inspiring or challenging to work within?
I try to study the fundamentals of certain genres that I want to make, which basically is just listening to a lot of music.
Recently, I’ve been very inspired by Paris Texas, and the Alternative Rap scene as a whole, and take heavy vocal influence from a variety of Folk/Americana music. Folk is very tedious to dive into because there are so many frequencies that can clash in the recording and mixing process.
I have so much admiration for the genre because it feels so ‘homey’ and authentic.
Listeners often describe your music as immersive. What atmosphere or emotions do you hope to evoke in your audience, and how important is it for you to create an immersive experience with each track?
I hope for my audience to relate or feel welcome with my music.
I make music for my own self-expression; to put my thoughts into an experience that comforts me. I hope that listeners can be able to put themselves into my shoes and share these experiences, or at the very least be able to take something good away from it.
The cover art for your releases often complements the mood of the music. How do you conceptualize the visual elements of your projects, and what role does visual art play in enhancing the overall experience for your audience?
Visual art is a very important aspect of my art. I always try to have a distinct color in each of my cover artworks that helps portray the overall mood and feeling of the song. I’ve tried to follow ‘aesthetics’ to make the overall visuals of my profiles on social media and streaming platforms, but I’ve always failed.
I love color and its ability to tell stories, so having a mix of different colors and editing styles in visuals represents my state of mind throughout each release.
One of our favorite tracks, "sticks & stones" with hovis, has received positive attention. Could you share some behind-the-scenes details about the making of this particular song, and what significance does it hold for you in your artistic journey?
This was the first song that I helped produce, with my good friend skylin. I approached this track with a storyteller’s perspective, trying to portray a character who is deeply in love, but is at wits end. It’s by far not my best work, but it’s a landmark in my discography for how far myself and hovis have come.
Looking forward, what creative goals and aspirations do you have for Vilsynth, and how do you envision your sound evolving as you continue to explore new facets of your musical expression?
I just want to keep learning and making whatever I feel. I hate keeping myself inside a box; I love experimenting.
I’ve grown so much as a person and artist throughout my musical journey, and I can only see myself progressing more and more.
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