Exploring New Soundscapes through Cutting-Edge Music Artists

Welcome to another edition of our column, Exploring, where we delve into the creative minds of contemporary music artists who are redefining the boundaries of sound. In this edition, we are excited to present interviews with five groundbreaking musicians: Meuko, Aisha Devi, Katarina Gryvul, Kloxii, and Yoniro. These artists represent a diverse array of genres and creative approaches, each contributing unique perspectives and innovations to the world of music.

From the grassroots inspirations rooted in Meuko’s homeland of Taiwan to Aisha Devi’s metaphysical explorations and Katarina Gryvul’s fusion of classical training with experimental electronics, our interviews offer a deep dive into the processes and philosophies that drive their art. Kloxii’s emotional resonance and harmonic structures and Yoniro’s mosaic of sounds and experiences further illustrate the rich tapestry of contemporary music creation.

These artists not only push the boundaries of traditional music genres but also integrate technology, personal experiences, and cultural influences to craft sounds that are both innovative and profoundly personal. Join us as we explore their journeys, creative processes, and the transformative power of music in this compelling series of interviews.

Kloxii: The Journey of Gentle Impermanence

Kloxii's music is heavily influenced by emotional resonance and harmonic structures, aiming to evoke deep feelings through her compositions. Her creative process is exploratory, often involving the creation of multiple versions of a song to capture the desired emotion. "This process is more about discovery than it is about creation," she says, emphasizing the iterative nature of her work. Kloxii's sound has evolved from a maximalist approach to a minimalist philosophy, focusing on stripping down compositions to their core elements.

Her debut album, "Gentle Impermanence," marked a significant turning point, symbolizing a period of self-compassion and acceptance. "Creating Gentle Impermanence was a cathartic process," she shares, highlighting the album's exploration of the transient nature of life. Kloxii's use of technology, particularly the Soma Pipe for vocal manipulation, adds a unique dimension to her music. "The Soma Pipe serves as the foundation for many of my performances," she notes, underscoring her preference for organic sounds.

Kloxii connects with her audience by offering a sense of belonging and understanding through her work. "My music speaks to those who find themselves in the in-between spaces," she explains, resonating with listeners navigating life's transitions. Her future aspirations include deepening her use of organic elements and exploring innovative storytelling methods. "I’m excited to shift towards more performance-based recordings," she says, hinting at a future rich with creative exploration and connection.

Aisha Devi: Exploring the Sublime and the Invisible

Aisha Devi's music is an exploration of the intangible and the sublime. Rooted in her discomfort with reality and her body, she channels meditation, physics, alchemy, and ancient scriptures into her work. "I wanted to work and manipulate the intangible, the sublime, and the magic," she says, aiming to create trance-inducing pieces that lead to an augmented state of consciousness. Her creative process involves using acoustic techniques to affect perception and produce brainwaves, making her performances feel anti-gravitational and space-time dissolving.

Devi's sound has evolved from a survival response to trauma to a medium for healing and transformation. Her latest album, "Death is Home," delves into metaphysical concepts through personal genesis, symbolized by the image of her father on the cover. "My bond to my father remained the same through life or death," she reflects, emphasizing the spiritual decolonization theme in her work. Technology plays a crucial role in her music-making process, with her DAW becoming an extension of her mind and body. "My DAW is a direct extension of my mind and body," she asserts, highlighting the seamless integration of technology in her creative workflow.

Devi's audience is a chosen family of exogenous creatures resonating with her signals. "My audience is my community, a chosen family," she states, emphasizing the deep connection she shares with her listeners. Looking forward, she is excited about her collaboration with Slikback and the formation of their band, AKA HEX, which will premiere at the Unsound festival. "I’m ecstatic to be sharing the stage with Slikback and featured guests," she shares, hinting at an exciting future filled with collaborative and transformative projects.

Katarina Gryvul: The Perception of Sound and Technology

Katarina Gryvul's music begins with a single sound that she builds into a full composition. Her condition, prosopagnosia, influences her unique perception of sound, as she often remembers voices and gestures rather than faces. "I perceive everything through sound," she explains, likening her approach to mixing contrasting timbres to creating perfume or cooking. Her classical training and involvement in experimental electronics since 2019 have significantly shaped her musical journey.

Gryvul's work with technology, particularly in ambisonics, multichannel electronics and live electronics, has been pivotal in defining her style."If it weren't for technology, I wouldn't have found my style," she acknowledges. Her recent album, "Tysha," exemplifies her philosophy of perfection in imperfection, a theme she continues to explore in her music. Gryvul collaborates with visual artist Alex Guevara, enhancing her performances with a blend of music and visuals. "This collaboration has elevated my performance to a new level," she notes, highlighting the synergy between their artistic visions.

Looking ahead, Gryvul aspires to create unforgettable shows and elevate her music with the help of technology. Her upcoming projects include a presentation of her piece "Skvyrk" for the ensemble Modern, Buchla Easel and electronics, and a composition for voice, 14 strings and electronics supported by the National Museum in Warsaw. "I want to take my music to a new level with the help of technology," she declares, indicating a bright and innovative future for her career.

Yoniro: The Mosaic of Influences and Futuristic Visions

Yoniro's music is a mosaic of sounds and experiences, influenced by '90s dance rhythms, alternative rock, and experimental electronic music. Her creative process is driven by chaos and the need to immerse himself in various stimuli. "My creative process is ever-changing, driven by a constant dose of chaos," she explains, allowing him to create songs from sudden visions. Key moments in her career include his 2019 Italian project blending '80s icons with avant-garde influences and her experimental phase in Australia during 2020.

Technology has always fascinated Yoniro, shaping her art, especially in the visual realm. "In 1999, at five years old, my parents took me to see The Matrix, sparking my lifelong fascination with technology," she recalls, highlighting the impact of accelerationism on her work. Her latest release, "143," from her upcoming EP, explores quantum physics concepts through ethereal and sharp soundscapes. "This project aims to experience intense emotions beyond the material plane," she states, aiming to transcend conventional musical boundaries.

Yoniro's audience is evolving, with deep connections forming through his music rather than words. "My ideals once created deep connections with my followers," she reflects, emphasizing the importance of genuine interaction during performances. Looking forward, Yoniro aspires to create beautiful music without compromise, focusing on authentic self-representation. "I have grand aspirations but approach them without the toxic weight of hope," she declares, promising a future filled with artistic integrity and innovation.

Meuko! Meuko!: The Collective Faith of Taiwan and Live Performance

Meuko's music is deeply rooted in the collective faith and grassroots beliefs of her homeland, Taiwan. She describes her creative process as a blend of nostalgia and innovative technology, starting with her sampler and refining compositions on her computer. "Behind the stories of my creations, there lies a conviction," she says, highlighting how her homeland's collective faith profoundly inspires her. This inspiration manifests in her live performances, where she aims to capture the powerful emotions of the moment.

Her recent participation in Taipei's FINAL Taipei nightclub compilation with the track "Rebels of the Neon God" pays tribute to a friend and the club's pioneering spirit. "I aim to express the feeling that Taiwan's geographical position places it in a grey area," she explains, reflecting the hopeful yet uncertain future of Taipei's youth. Meuko's performances at international festivals like Launchmeat in Prague and Unsound in Poland have also shaped her career, with enthusiastic audience reactions fueling her creative drive. This year, she marks a significant milestone by participating in Canada's MUTEK FESTIVAL and venturing into film scoring, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. "I am very excited to participate in the 25th anniversary of Canada's MUTEK FESTIVAL," she shares, signaling a promising future for her music career.

Interviews by @danieleverse

Image Courtesy by @kloxii @aishadevi5d @katarinagryvul @yoniro__ @meuko_meuko

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